5 NBA Rookies who have exceeded expectations so far in the 2019-20 season

Rookies are always fun to watch and every year, several of them put the league on notice with their performances. The rookie season gives these youngsters the chance to understand how different the NBA is when compared to college or high school basketball.

Like every other year, a whole bunch of rookies made their debut in the NBA this season and some have already shown that they have the talent to become future stars.

The #1 overall pick Zion Williamson is yet to make his highly anticipated NBA debut as he is still recovering from a knee injury. With Zion on the sidelines, several other rookies have managed to feature on the highlight reels on a regular basis.

On that note, let us look at five rookies who have exceeded expectations so far this season.

---

#5 Tyler Herro, Miami Heat

Tyler Herro is known for his ability to shoot the ball from long range

The 13th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft was voted by his fellow rookies as the best shooter in the draft class. In his NBA debut against the Memphis Grizzlies, Herro scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to help the Miami Heat begin their season with a win.

His best performance of the season thus far came against the Atlanta Hawks on October 29, when he scored a career-high 29 points (7-of-9 shooting), including 19 in the second quarter.

He started the first three games of the season but then lost his spot to Duncan Robinson. Eight games into the season, the 19-year-old is averaging 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, on an impressive 43.3% shooting.

#4 Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards

Rui Hachimura is the second Japanese-born player to be drafted into the NBA

Rui Hachimura was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 9th overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft. The Gonzaga product made his debut against the Dallas Mavericks and put together a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

His breakout game came against the Houston Rockets where he scored 23 points and grabbed 5 boards in a one-point loss. However, his performance against the Indiana Pacers was one to forget as he was held scoreless in 21 minutes.

Hachimura is expected to see a good number of minutes this season and he will be given plenty of opportunities considering the fact that the Wizards are still missing their best player in John Wall.

---

#3 Eric Paschall, Golden State Warriors

Eric Paschall's emergence is a huge positive for the Warriors this season

The Golden State Warriors' roster is plagued by injuries and they are all but certain to miss out on the playoffs. Despite Golden State's struggles, fans do have something to be proud about: the emergence of Eric Paschall.

The 41st overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, Paschall has been playing at a high level this season. He scored 20 points in the Warriors' loss against the Phoenix Suns last week in a performance that showed that he belongs in the NBA.

However, it was his display against the Portland Trail Blazers that caught everyone's attention. Paschall erupted for a career-high 34 points and 13 rebounds on 11-19 shooting, and led the Dubs to just their second win of the season.

#2 P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets

P.J. Washington hit 7 three-pointers in the game against the Chicago Bulls

The 12th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, P.J. Washington has already put the league on notice. In his debut against the Chicago Bulls, Washington hit 7 three-pointers, the most by a player on debut, and finished the night with 27 points to help the Charlotte Hornets to a one-point win.

After a few less-than-impressive performances, he once again showed up for the Hornets against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 23 points on the road. Two weeks into the season, Washington is averaging 13.8 points and 6.4 rebounds (2nd among rookies) on 52.6% shooting.

---

#1 Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat

Kendrick Nunn went undrafted in 2018

After going undrafted in 2018, Kendrick Nunn spent his time in the G-League playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.3 blocks in 29 minutes of action per game.

He was then signed by the Miami Heat in April 2019 and made his NBA debut this season against the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 24 points and chipping in 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in their 120-101 victory. In their road game against the Atlanta Hawks, he registered a career-high 28 points and led the Heat to victory.

Nunn has been one of the main reasons for the Heat's early success although it remains to be seen whether he can maintain such a high level of play in the coming weeks.