Indiana Pacers rookie wing Chris Duarte made a name for himself this season. NBA stars such as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and LeBron James threw praise at the youngster during the 2021-22 campaign, and Duarte’s play led to him being named one of the NBA’s rising stars at All-Star weekend in February.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Westbrook said of Duarte. “[He’s] going to be a big-time scorer in this league,” he added. The Pacers rookie scored 17 points against Westbrook’s Lakers prior to those comments, including a three-pointer that tied the game late and sent it to overtime.
Duarte’s scoring was what made him pop as a rookie — he finished sixth among 2021 rookies with 13.1 points per game and was eighth in three-point percentage at 36.9%. The Oregon product found ways to make tough shots from all over the court in his first season, and that made him a valuable weapon for the blue and gold.
His overall game was impressive, too, as he often had tough defensive assignments and improved as a ball handler. These skills, all combined, made Duarte one of the most impactful rookies in the association this year. He finished the season with averages of 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Now, Duarte is being honored for his strong season. The NBA announced the 2021-22 All-Rookie teams earlier this week, and Duarte was a member of the squads — he was named to the second team.
The 24-year old wing received 52 out of a possible 100 votes, and they were all second-team nominations. Duarte beat out Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga by five votes for the final spot on the All-Rookie teams.
“I feel bad when I take days off,” Duarte said during the season. He loves working on his game and improving his craft. “I don’t like it. I feel like somebody [else] is working and is getting better.”
That mentality led to growth and success for the Pacers’ first-round pick this season, and now it has been rewarded with a spot on an All-Rookie team. His inclusion on the squad is a win for the blue and gold, who picked Duarte 13th overall in the 2021 draft. Even with a late lottery pick, the front office was able to grab a player who looks like he will be a part of the team’s core going forward.
It was the best draft pick made by Indiana decision makers across the last half decade, at least, and they will hope to replicate that success with the sixth overall pick this summer. The stage is set for growth and improvement in Indiana.
The last Pacer to be named to an NBA All-Rookie team prior to Duarte was center Myles Turner, who has now spent seven successful seasons with Indiana. The Pacers will hope that Duarte, and his improvement-based mentality, follows a similar path as the franchise attempts to recapture their form as a playoff mainstay.
Follow me on Twitter. Check out my website.