The first pick and the last pick in the 2011 NBA draft were named Rookies of the Month for February, the league announced Thursday.
Top overall pick Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers was the Eastern Conference winner for the second straight month. He averaged 19.3 points – most among rookies – and added 6.8 assists, 44 percent shooting from 3-point range and 95 percent from the foul line.
Sacramento Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas, the 60th and final pick in the draft, was the Western Conference winner. Thomas led all West rookies with 12.2 points per game and also averaged 4.4 assists. His numbers came despite starting just five games.
In a 93-92 home victory over the Kings on Feb. 19, Irving scored 23 points. Thomas had perhaps the best game of his brief career with 23 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.