11月3日，据24直播网报道，前NBA球星理查德·杰弗森在《Club 520》播客访谈中分享了关于年度最佳新秀奖项的见解。
杰弗森认为，在勒布朗与甜瓜的那次对决中，最佳新秀的荣誉理应授予甜瓜。尽管两人场均得分均达到20分，但甜瓜作为一名新秀，却带领着一支由老将组成的队伍杀入了季后赛。尽管他的球队整体实力更胜一筹，但作为一个新人，能够在得分榜上领跑并带领球队晋级季后赛，实属不易。
During the 2003-2004 season, Carmelo Anthony delivered a robust performance with 21 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. His team, the Denver Nuggets, secured a 43-39 record, finishing eighth in the Western Conference and qualifying for the playoffs. Meanwhile, LeBron James averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, yet his Cleveland Cavaliers finished with a 35-47 mark and missed the postseason. In the race for the Rookie of the Year award, LeBron amassed an impressive 508 points, topping the list, while Anthony followed closely behind with 403 points, securing the second position.