ISAIAHWATCH: Isaiah Thomas' Rookie Year By The Numbers

It was quite a rookie year for .

The South Sound native and former star began the year unheralded, being selected by the Sacramento Kings with the last pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. He wasn't even considered the top rookie on his own team to start the year.

Fastfoward to now, however, and Thomas has become one of the top storylines for the Kings, along with the team's ongoing arena struggles that could ultimately result in its departure from Sacramento.

But that's for later. For now, we can talk about how Thomas has become one of the NBA's top rookies and has a chance - albeit slim - of earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

Let's take a look at the numbers behind Thomas' remarkable NBA rookie year:

65

Games played. Despite a lockout-shortened season, Thomas saw action in all but one game of the campaign.

37

Games started. On Feb. 17, Thomas moved into the Kings' starting five and never looked back.

25.5

Minutes per game.

11.5

Points per game. It was good for sixth among NBA rooks.

15

Points per game as a starter. Like I said, he never looked back.

4.1

Assists per game. Thomas showed doubters why his value is about more than scoring.

5.2

Assists per game as a start. See above comment.

83

Free-throw percentage. Thomas was clutch from the line.

1.6

Turnovers per game. All that offensive-focalpoint stuff and he still lacked a propensity for giving the ball away.

2

NBA Rookie of the Month Awards. In Thomas had become the best rookie in the Western Conference.