Who ever said the “experts” knew what they were talking about?
After getting drafted behind the likes of Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, Cody Zeller, Ben McLemore, Trey Burke and C.J. McCollum, Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Michael Carter-Williams was an afterthought when projecting the top rookies in the 2013 NBA draft class.
However, after opening the 2013-14 NBA season with a cool 22 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds in a four-point victory over the two-time defending NBA champion Miami Heat, he put the so-called experts on notice.
Playing on a depleted roster for a rebuilding franchise provided him the perfect canvas with which to paint his well-rounded NBA game during his rookie season—finishing with just under 17 points, six assists and six rebounds per game. He etched his name in history as only the third player to lead all rookies in scoring, assists and rebounds for the entire season. He joins the great Hall of Fame legend Oscar Robertson and 1976 Rookie of the Year Alvan Adams in reaching said achievement.
Monday morning, the Sixers’ rookie was rewarded for his tremendous effort with the 2013-14 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Philadelphia 76ers managing owner Josh Harris had high praise for Carter-Williams’ accomplishment today:
Michael made an immediate impact on the court this season, but his dedication, professionalism and contributions to both the organization and the Philadelphia community make him all the more deserving of this 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year award. This is an incredibly proud moment for the 76ers and one we are thrilled to share with him, the city and our fans.”
ICYMI… @MCW1 of the @Sixers received the 2013-14 #KiaROY today: http://t.co/UNY1AqQReQ pic.twitter.com/fv93q6zq78
— NBA (@NBA) May 5, 2014
.@MCW1 poses with the newest addition to his mantle. #ROY pic.twitter.com/3BWvKJNvGC
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) May 5, 2014
Some of his teammates and other players around the league offered their congratulations for his great achievement.
Congrats to my young bro @MCW1 on winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Definitely watching a star in the making.
— Jason Richardson (@jrich23) May 5, 2014
Congrats to @MCW1 for winning Rookie of The Year. We’ll deserved. More to come for him
— Lloyd Pierce (@LloydPierceLP) May 5, 2014
Congrats to @MCW1 on the ROY award!!
— James Anderson (@JA_Five) May 5, 2014
Already knew what time it was. Congrats to my bro @MCW1 for winning ROY. #Whop
— Tony Wroten (@TWroten_LOE) May 5, 2014
Already knew what was written for the boy… Congrats to my brother! pic.twitter.com/Au4Ei4jRjL
— Nerlens Noel (@NerlensNoel3) May 5, 2014
Congrats to the lil bro for winning rookie of the year! Well deserved @MJCWilliams http://t.co/Dte4Dya5Jk
— evan turner (@thekidet) May 5, 2014
Congrats to @MCW1 on getting the Kia ROY award, mad respect…
— Tim Hardaway Jr (@T_HardJR) May 5, 2014
Being the modest young man that he is, he offered thanks for all of the support received throughout the day.
Thank you to everyone who congratulated me for winning rookie of the year. It is greatly appreciated!
— Michael Carter-Willi (@MCW1) May 5, 2014
After such a bright start to a promising career, one can only hope that there is more to follow in the years to come for Carter-Williams.
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Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin