The 2013 NBA Draft was always considered a poor crop when compared to recent ones. With studs like Nerlens Noel and Anthony Bennett either injured or struggling, there was no clear player to win the Rookie Of The Year award before the start of the season.

However, the eyes of The Association posed on Michael Carter-Williams after the first game of the campaign and for good reasons. The former Syracuse standout started their pro career with a triple-double against the Miami Heat on the season opener and in reality, never looked back from there.

Carter-Williams looked a building block for the Philadelphia 76ers for the majority of the season, being able to score and dish on an equal basis for a struggling squad that finished in one of the last places (19-63) in the Eastern Conference. The award is expected to be announced during next week.

Carter-Williams averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds this season, compiling one of the best rookie seasons in Sixers' history. The former 11th overall pick looked like a stud from start to finish during this season and if previous winners are any indication – Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving and Blake Griffin were the last three to take home the award – then the Sixers could have a real star to build around in their hands.

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About the author
Juan Pablo Aravena
26-year-old Chilean sports journalist with three years of experience in different websites and platforms. Covering all four major sports for VAVEL USA, international soccer for VAVEL UK and Latin American Soccer for VAVEL LatAm.