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NBA freshmen favor Zion to win ROY, Reddish to have best career

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Former Duke teammates Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish are entering the NBA with the respect of their peers.

In the annual Rookie Survey compiled by NBA.com's John Schuhmann, Williamson - who was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans - was predicted to be named Rookie of the Year by 35 percent of his fellow freshmen. Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant ran second at 27 percent, while Reddish and another former Duke player, RJ Barrett, tied for third at 5 percent apiece.

It's worth noting that the Rookie Survey hasn't correctly predicted the Rookie of the Year winner since Kevin Durant in 2007-08.

Williamson was also overwhelming chosen as the most athletic rookie, with 87 percent of the vote.

Reddish, meanwhile, got a ton of love when it comes to long-term success. The Atlanta Hawks forward received the most votes (19 percent) for the question titled, "Which rookie will have the best career?" Morant (16 percent) and Hawks teammate De'Andre Hunter (11 percent) followed, with Williamson garnering just 5 percent.

Other notable categories are below:

Biggest draft steal Votes
Bol Bol to Nuggets 19%
Kevin Porter Jr. to Cavs 19%
5 others 5%
Best rookie shooter Votes
Tyler Herro/Heat 33%
Kyle Guy/Kings 29%
Cameron Johnson/Suns 13%

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