Zion Williamson insisted he is not worried about pipping Ja Morant to the Rookie of the Year award as his chief concern is helping the New Orleans Pelicans reach the playoffs.
A knee injury delayed Williamson's much-anticipated debut in the NBA regular season by three months, during which time Morant assumed the role of the league's outstanding rookie.
Morant, picked second, directly behind Williamson in the 2019 NBA Draft, has led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 28-26 record and the eighth seed in the Western Conference at the All-Star break.
And it is a top-eight finish with the 11th-placed Pels that is motivating Williamson, who delivered back-to-back 30-point games prior to the interval to enhance his own Rookie of the Year case.
"Honestly, it's not even up to me," Williamson told ESPN of the Rookie of the Year race.
"I'm just playing and trying to get a playoff spot for my team.
"If I win it, it's nice, but if not, it's fine. It just comes with the game.
"I do want it but if I don't get it I'm not worried because I did miss half the season.
"Ja's been playing incredible so he has earned it."
Williamson's outstanding performances in high school and college meant he was the most hyped prospect to enter the league since LeBron James in 2003.
Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin tried to temper expectations back in June when he said New Orleans were "Jrue Holiday's team" and Williamson must not be considered "the saviour of this franchise".
Yet Williamson has quickly established himself as the centrepiece of New Orleans' team, a fact that has taken him aback too.
"I think the thing that has surprised me the most is how much my team-mates look to me to try and make an impact," the 19-year-old added.
"I'm a rookie and I thought they would let me feel the game out before they started giving me the ball but, no, they trust in me."
