Jae'Sean Tate named in NBA All-Rookie First Team

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings would like to congratulate former King Jae’Sean Tate on today being named in the 2021 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

A fan favourite in Sydney, Tate averaged 16.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Kings last season as well as taking out the Club’s MVP honours and being named to the NBL All-First Team.

The 25-year-old joined the Houston Rockets in November alongside former Kings Head Coach Will Weaver and has played an integral role for the Club in just his first season in the NBA. He was also named in the team with fellow NBL star, Lamelo Ball.

Tate appeared in 70 games for the Rockets with 58 starts this season, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.21 steals while shooting 50.6% from the floor. Following the All-Star break, he was one of just 10 players to have averaged at least 12.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg and 1.50 spg.

Dating back to 2000-01, Tate is one of 12 NBA rookies to have averaged at least 11.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg and 1.00 spg and joins Australian star Ben Simmons as the only ones to have done so over that span while shooting 50.0% or better.

Tate totalled 794 points, 374 rebounds, 178 assists, 85 steals, 36 blocks and 60 3-pointers made, becoming the first NBA rookie to post those numbers within the first 70 games played of a career; Paul Pierce did so over a span of two seasons having played 48 games as a rookie.

It’s a proud day for the Kings organisation, as it highlights the ongoing commitment the Club has made to provide a legitimate pathway for its athletes to develop and take their careers to the highest level. Didi Louzada is the most recent King to join the NBA ranks after being called up to the New Orleans Pelicans in April this year.

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass applauded Tate on the work he has done this season.

“Congratulations to Jae’Sean on his selection into the NBA All-Rookie First Team after an unbelievable rookie campaign”.

“Following a remarkable 19-20 season with us, we are so proud of what JT has been able to achieve in such a short amount of time. His on-court success is driven by his determination to always be better and outworking everyone else in the gym – this is the first of many accolades he will achieve in the NBA” Pongrass shared.