Paolo Banchero named NBA Rookie of the Month in Eastern Conference / News - Basketnews.com

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray have been named the Kia Rookies of the Month for December.

Credit: AP – Scanpix Credit AP – Scanpix

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray have been named the Kia Rookies of the Month for December.

Sacramento Kings / Schedule

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Banchero has continued to shine during his rookie season with averages of 19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in December.

Banchero becomes the ninth player in franchise history to be named the league's Rookie of the Month, joining Dennis Scott, Shaquille O'Neal (four times), Anfernee Hardaway (twice), Mike Miller (twice), Victor Oladipo (twice), Elfrid Payton, R.J. Hampton, and Franz Wagner.

The 6-foot-10 forward is averaging 20.9 points (1st among rookies), 6.7 rebounds (3rd), and 3.9 assists (2nd).

Meanwhile, Murray has found a rhythm after a slow start to the season. Murray averaged 12.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 28.6 minutes during December.

The versatile forward has quickly become a key piece to Sacramento's success as the team looks to make the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

This season Murray averages 11.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists.

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