Post by itnas123 on May 22, 2014 18:31:47 GMT
Rookies have different learning curves with some becoming instant stars on their teams, others becoming role players, and other still learning the way to integrate themselves into the speed of the NBA. We will be taking a look at the top 10 rookies thus far this season. How they have fared thus far? What are they doing well, and what can they improve? Without further ado let us begin.
TOP 5:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving PG
Irving was selected #2 in this years 2011 draft and has looked like the #1 pick many thought he was. As a previous article stated after the draft”Irving is arguably the best PG in the NCEA this season and this draft…...Irving has a good shot and has almost unlimited range. His handles are bar to none, he has counter moves upon counter moves and makes it difficult for defenders to stop him.” Well irving has definitely not disappointed thus far. Irving has demonstrated he can play at an elite level. The starter on a 8th seed Cavs team he has quickly became the #1 scoring option getting 21 points a game. A very efficient scorer who has been scoring 44% from the field, 78% from FT and 31% from 3-PT land. He can run the offense very well getting 6.4 assists a game while just 1.7 Turnovers a game. A well poised player that selects when to pass and when not to. He should try to pass the ball more but the efficacy is hard to ignore and as a rookie this is very promising. Good instincts in stealing the ball getting 1.4 steals a game but does look disinterested at times when defending other PGs.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Milan Macvan PF
Milan Macvan was not featured in this years draft article since he was picked 15th but from the the moment he joined the Bobcats franchise, from training camp to his first Nba game, he has show tremendous promise. He showed tremendous and a versatile game for his size. The Bobcats were hoping to integrate Macvan in the line-up next season and put him in the D-League with Bismack Biyombo. That was the plan but ultimately the Bobcats found themselves in the bottom 2 early in the season. In hopes of changing their name back to the Hornets a losing season could jeopardised them from doing so. As an act to try and salvage this season the Bobcats brought in Macvan. Now that Macvan has started on this team the Bobcats have jumped to the 10th spot in the East. Macvan has an excellent game in which he is very unpredictable and keeps the defense on their heels. He is scoring 17.9 points a game with an excellent 46 FG%, a good 3pt shooting big man at 34% but still needs to work on his FT % (65%). A great rebounder at 9 a game not a top 10 rebounder but is still one of the best rebounders among rookies. A good passer too with superb vision for a player his size getting 2 assists a game. A good defender with nearly 2 blocks a game and 1 steal a game. He has shown he is no slouch on the defensive end and really knows how to rotate defensively.
3. Charlotte Bobcats: Isaiah Thomas PG
As we all know by now Collison was essentially traded for Isaiah Thomas. Thomas struggled early in the season but found his niche more and more as this first half of the season progressed. Thomas is as previously stated in article written right after the draft “An excellent shooter and at his size it is really tough to stay in front of at times. Thomas is a great orchestrator in leading a team…..shows a good controlled game” he has showed a good shooting touch with 36% from three this is true. But Thomas could do better when he gets into the paint. He is shooting 42 FG% as a whole which is average at best. Thomas can certainly score well getting nearly 16 PPG which is no easy feat for a rookie. One of only three rookies thus far into this season has averaged 15+ points. I certainly thought Thomas was going to be a really good assist man and thus far he has done well but leaves much to be desired. He is a rookie and should learn to become a better passer and get more than 5.9 APG as his career progresses. An o.k defender he keeps other PGs to lower scoring at times. If he continues to improve look to him to become a really good player in the near future.
4. Utah Jazz: Nikola Mirotic C/PF/SF
Nikola Mirotic was selected #1 this draft and has not played like one thus far. It is evident he is a good player when slotted in the center or PF position. As of right now the Jazz has Mirotic at the SF position in which Mirotic is not as comfortable. Mirotic has looked a little slow but has shown to be a very good and versatile player. Eventhough he is playing out of position he is scoring well at 12 PPG for the Jazz and at only 26 minutes a game. A previous article written after the draft stated “Nikola Mirotic has been compared to to the one and only Dirk Nowitzki for his superb 3pt stroke…...This combination of outside and inside scoring has made him a dangerous offensive threat”. Well he is playing in the mold of a Nowitzki especially when we look at his percentages at 45 FG%, 43% from three and a decent 72% from the charity stripe. He is doing well but to really demonstrate his scoring ability he needs to have the ball in his hand more and slide back into the PF or Center position. At near 2 blocks a game he has really shown his defensive prowess. Has a good reaction time when players drive to the hoop. Mirotic could become an elite player just give him time.
5. Charlotte Bobcats: Chandler Parsons SF
Parsons has demonstrated early this season to be an excellent scorer. He has slowed down a bit the last month but is still doing a good job. When given the ball Parsons can get points in bunches. As of late he has been pushed to the 4th option on offense and has not done as well. Parsons has scored a near 13 points a game while shooting 43 FG%, 76 FT %, and a decent 39% from 3. A really efficient scorer who can do really well on the offense when given the chance. As an article has previously stated after the draft “Parsons is a good shooter and has excellent inside finish and mid-range game…..Parsons does well getting rebounds, crashing from the perimeter” this is evident when you see Parsons play. A very aggressive player who likes to sneak in a dunk or two every so often and is unpredictable at times. Parsons has collected a good amount of boards with 5 a game. Parsons needs to be a third option if he wants his scoring to jump again.
BOTTOM 5:
6. New Jersey Nets: Enes Kanter C
Now for the big man Enes Kanter, who has surprised many with his solid play. Kanter does not have any exceptionally exciting stats of any kind but has been very solid and has played his role. Kanter is right now playing 25 minutes a game and scoring a 9 points a game. A previous article stated after the draft”If Kanter does start it might look a little ugly due to the fact of how raw his scoring and defensive awareness show. Kanter looks to only be able to score from very close range, good on the pick and roll and good at putbacks but that looks to about it. …..has potential to be good but he has to put in a lot of work to become much better.... ” This looks to be spot on but it has not been too ugly. Kanter is shooting 42% and 57% from the FT has show he is not the most finesse player around the rim but is more of a physical player. Battling many players down low and still has managed to win nearly all rebounds that have come his way. He has become the Jazz’s garbage man now getting a near 9 rebounds a game. This a tremendous stat especially for only playing 25 minutes a game.
7. Charlotte Bobcats: Kenneth Faried PF/C
Faried was traded to the Bobcats later in the season and has become a pace changer and one of the , main scorers for the bench unit. Just like a previous article has stated after the draft” Faried looks to be primed to be a sparkplug and a change of pace type player off the bench this season. Faried has shown tremendous motor and at first glance at his stats might not seem spectacular. ” This was exactly what Faried has become. Faried injects an energy when he plays. He elevates the bench unit and his whole team when he is playing. Fans simply love his smash-mouth type of play. Faried is scoring 8 points a game and collecting 8 rebounds a game. A near double -double player off the bench shows great promise. Faried who does need to become a better inside score and improve his bad 41% FG and his 60% Free Throws to really see results and grow as a player. A good Defender off the bench getting 1 block a game. Faried can quickly change a games tone with a thunderous dunk or a detrimental block.
8. Boston Celtics: Brandon Knight SG
Knight has been designated the 6th man spot playing at SG and PG for the Celtics. Knight is now the second units main scorer. Looking back at an article written after the draft “ Knight was one of the most efficient 3pt shooters in the NCEA…... Knight was one of the most efficient 3pt shooters in the NCEA.” This looks to continue to run true. Knight has shot very well with a great 42% from three. He is also shooting a great 86% FT. That is why there have been games in which he played the 4th quarter due to that FT %. 20 minutes a game and scoring 8.2 is great if he is given more minutes he could do even more but the Celtics are doing great as a team so for him coining of the bench is perfect for the Celtics team. The celtics have no true need to put him as a starter…... just yet.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
9. Cleveland Cavaliers: Klay Thompson SG
Klay Thompson was playing behind Eric Gordon who was traded several weeks before to the Bobcats. Since trading Gordon Klay Thompson has been given more minutes and is now starting at the SG position. A previous article stated after the draft “This combination of outside and inside scoring has made him a dangerous offensive threat.” This is true but Klay has not been given a big scoring role as of yet. Klay is a good shooter but is a little streaky he should become for efficient as the season progresses. Klay is playing 29 minutes a game and is scoring just 7.6 points a game and shooting decent percentages. 43% from the field, 79% from the freethrow and 36% from three. A very versatile player who could play better once he improves his shooters touch even more.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
10. Denver Nuggets: Kemba Walker PG
Kemba Walker was not featured in the draft article due to the fact he was selected 11th in this years draft. Kemba showed tremendous speed and scoring instinct as a NCEA player and he is now demonstrating it in a Nuggets uniform. Kemba was playing minutes at the PG spot but is soon to be thrown into the third string for the Nuggets who still have a lot of PGs on their team. Kemba has been playing 23 minutes a game for the Nuggets and has performed well in limited time. Kemba is scoring 7 points a game while shooting 41% from the field, 81% from the FT, and 38% from three. He is a good free throw shooter though. Not exceptionally great in everything else shooting wise but decent for a rookie. Kemba’s shooting should improve later in his career if he continues to work hard. Kemba does as much as he can controlling this teams second unit but he has struggled getting 3 assists a game but also 2 Turnovers which is not very efficient for a PG. Look for Kemba to work on his T/O to passing ratio and his shooting as he has slided to the 3rd string and may possibly be out of the top 10 by the end of the season.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
These are the mid-season top 10 rookies of the 2011 season.
TOP 5:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving PG
Irving was selected #2 in this years 2011 draft and has looked like the #1 pick many thought he was. As a previous article stated after the draft”Irving is arguably the best PG in the NCEA this season and this draft…...Irving has a good shot and has almost unlimited range. His handles are bar to none, he has counter moves upon counter moves and makes it difficult for defenders to stop him.” Well irving has definitely not disappointed thus far. Irving has demonstrated he can play at an elite level. The starter on a 8th seed Cavs team he has quickly became the #1 scoring option getting 21 points a game. A very efficient scorer who has been scoring 44% from the field, 78% from FT and 31% from 3-PT land. He can run the offense very well getting 6.4 assists a game while just 1.7 Turnovers a game. A well poised player that selects when to pass and when not to. He should try to pass the ball more but the efficacy is hard to ignore and as a rookie this is very promising. Good instincts in stealing the ball getting 1.4 steals a game but does look disinterested at times when defending other PGs.
Big Game stat lines for Kyrie Irving:
1. Day 29: 36 Points, 5 Assists, 8 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 1 TO
2. Day 58: 30 Points, 9 Assists, 1 Rebound, 1 Steal, 4 TO
3. Day 53: 28 Points, 6 Assists, 8 Rebounds, 1 Steal, 3 TO
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Milan Macvan PF
Milan Macvan was not featured in this years draft article since he was picked 15th but from the the moment he joined the Bobcats franchise, from training camp to his first Nba game, he has show tremendous promise. He showed tremendous and a versatile game for his size. The Bobcats were hoping to integrate Macvan in the line-up next season and put him in the D-League with Bismack Biyombo. That was the plan but ultimately the Bobcats found themselves in the bottom 2 early in the season. In hopes of changing their name back to the Hornets a losing season could jeopardised them from doing so. As an act to try and salvage this season the Bobcats brought in Macvan. Now that Macvan has started on this team the Bobcats have jumped to the 10th spot in the East. Macvan has an excellent game in which he is very unpredictable and keeps the defense on their heels. He is scoring 17.9 points a game with an excellent 46 FG%, a good 3pt shooting big man at 34% but still needs to work on his FT % (65%). A great rebounder at 9 a game not a top 10 rebounder but is still one of the best rebounders among rookies. A good passer too with superb vision for a player his size getting 2 assists a game. A good defender with nearly 2 blocks a game and 1 steal a game. He has shown he is no slouch on the defensive end and really knows how to rotate defensively.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 57: 37 Points, 3 Assists, 14 Rebounds, 1 Block, 3 TO
2. Day 52: 30 Points, 4 Assists, 11 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 1 TO,
3. Day 49: 29 Points, 0 Assists, 10 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 2 TO, 1 Steal
3. Charlotte Bobcats: Isaiah Thomas PG
As we all know by now Collison was essentially traded for Isaiah Thomas. Thomas struggled early in the season but found his niche more and more as this first half of the season progressed. Thomas is as previously stated in article written right after the draft “An excellent shooter and at his size it is really tough to stay in front of at times. Thomas is a great orchestrator in leading a team…..shows a good controlled game” he has showed a good shooting touch with 36% from three this is true. But Thomas could do better when he gets into the paint. He is shooting 42 FG% as a whole which is average at best. Thomas can certainly score well getting nearly 16 PPG which is no easy feat for a rookie. One of only three rookies thus far into this season has averaged 15+ points. I certainly thought Thomas was going to be a really good assist man and thus far he has done well but leaves much to be desired. He is a rookie and should learn to become a better passer and get more than 5.9 APG as his career progresses. An o.k defender he keeps other PGs to lower scoring at times. If he continues to improve look to him to become a really good player in the near future.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 49: 25 Points, 10 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 0 Steals, 0 TO
2. Day 14: 25 Points, 7 Assists, 3 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 3 TO
3. Day 59: 26 Points, 5 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 0 Steals, 2 TO
4. Utah Jazz: Nikola Mirotic C/PF/SF
Nikola Mirotic was selected #1 this draft and has not played like one thus far. It is evident he is a good player when slotted in the center or PF position. As of right now the Jazz has Mirotic at the SF position in which Mirotic is not as comfortable. Mirotic has looked a little slow but has shown to be a very good and versatile player. Eventhough he is playing out of position he is scoring well at 12 PPG for the Jazz and at only 26 minutes a game. A previous article written after the draft stated “Nikola Mirotic has been compared to to the one and only Dirk Nowitzki for his superb 3pt stroke…...This combination of outside and inside scoring has made him a dangerous offensive threat”. Well he is playing in the mold of a Nowitzki especially when we look at his percentages at 45 FG%, 43% from three and a decent 72% from the charity stripe. He is doing well but to really demonstrate his scoring ability he needs to have the ball in his hand more and slide back into the PF or Center position. At near 2 blocks a game he has really shown his defensive prowess. Has a good reaction time when players drive to the hoop. Mirotic could become an elite player just give him time.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 6: 26 Points, 0 Assists, 9 Rebounds, 2 Blocks, 3 TO
2. Day 16: 19 Points, 6 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 3 Blocks, 3 TO
3. Day 10: 19 Points, 3 Assists, 9 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 4 TO, 1 Steal
5. Charlotte Bobcats: Chandler Parsons SF
Parsons has demonstrated early this season to be an excellent scorer. He has slowed down a bit the last month but is still doing a good job. When given the ball Parsons can get points in bunches. As of late he has been pushed to the 4th option on offense and has not done as well. Parsons has scored a near 13 points a game while shooting 43 FG%, 76 FT %, and a decent 39% from 3. A really efficient scorer who can do really well on the offense when given the chance. As an article has previously stated after the draft “Parsons is a good shooter and has excellent inside finish and mid-range game…..Parsons does well getting rebounds, crashing from the perimeter” this is evident when you see Parsons play. A very aggressive player who likes to sneak in a dunk or two every so often and is unpredictable at times. Parsons has collected a good amount of boards with 5 a game. Parsons needs to be a third option if he wants his scoring to jump again.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 7: 33 Points, 2 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 0 TO, 0 Steals
2. Day 29: 21 Points, 2 Assists, 10 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 0 TO, 0 Steals
3. Day 14: 24 Points, 4 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 4 TO, 1 Steal
BOTTOM 5:
6. New Jersey Nets: Enes Kanter C
Now for the big man Enes Kanter, who has surprised many with his solid play. Kanter does not have any exceptionally exciting stats of any kind but has been very solid and has played his role. Kanter is right now playing 25 minutes a game and scoring a 9 points a game. A previous article stated after the draft”If Kanter does start it might look a little ugly due to the fact of how raw his scoring and defensive awareness show. Kanter looks to only be able to score from very close range, good on the pick and roll and good at putbacks but that looks to about it. …..has potential to be good but he has to put in a lot of work to become much better.... ” This looks to be spot on but it has not been too ugly. Kanter is shooting 42% and 57% from the FT has show he is not the most finesse player around the rim but is more of a physical player. Battling many players down low and still has managed to win nearly all rebounds that have come his way. He has become the Jazz’s garbage man now getting a near 9 rebounds a game. This a tremendous stat especially for only playing 25 minutes a game.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 44: 25 Points, 3 Assists, 10 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 1 TO
2. Day 58: 16 Points, 1 Assist, 9 Rebounds, 0 Blocks, 1 TO
3. Day 1: 9 Points, 3 Assists, 20 Rebounds, 1 Block, 3 TO
7. Charlotte Bobcats: Kenneth Faried PF/C
Faried was traded to the Bobcats later in the season and has become a pace changer and one of the , main scorers for the bench unit. Just like a previous article has stated after the draft” Faried looks to be primed to be a sparkplug and a change of pace type player off the bench this season. Faried has shown tremendous motor and at first glance at his stats might not seem spectacular. ” This was exactly what Faried has become. Faried injects an energy when he plays. He elevates the bench unit and his whole team when he is playing. Fans simply love his smash-mouth type of play. Faried is scoring 8 points a game and collecting 8 rebounds a game. A near double -double player off the bench shows great promise. Faried who does need to become a better inside score and improve his bad 41% FG and his 60% Free Throws to really see results and grow as a player. A good Defender off the bench getting 1 block a game. Faried can quickly change a games tone with a thunderous dunk or a detrimental block.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1.Day 59: 12 Points, 2 Assists, 13 Rebounds, 5 Blocks, 1 TO, 1 Steal
2. Day 34: 14 Points, 0 Assists, 12 Rebounds, 1 Block, 2 TO
3. Day 49: 13 Points, 2 Assists, 9 Rebounds, 1 Block, 1 TO
8. Boston Celtics: Brandon Knight SG
Knight has been designated the 6th man spot playing at SG and PG for the Celtics. Knight is now the second units main scorer. Looking back at an article written after the draft “ Knight was one of the most efficient 3pt shooters in the NCEA…... Knight was one of the most efficient 3pt shooters in the NCEA.” This looks to continue to run true. Knight has shot very well with a great 42% from three. He is also shooting a great 86% FT. That is why there have been games in which he played the 4th quarter due to that FT %. 20 minutes a game and scoring 8.2 is great if he is given more minutes he could do even more but the Celtics are doing great as a team so for him coining of the bench is perfect for the Celtics team. The celtics have no true need to put him as a starter…... just yet.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 9: 23 Points, 1 Assist, 0 Rebounds, 0 Steal, 0 TO
2. Day 47: 18 Points, 3 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 4 Steal, 1 TO
3. Day 53: 19 Points, 2 Assists, 2 Rebounds, 1 Steal, 0 TO, 1 Block
9. Cleveland Cavaliers: Klay Thompson SG
Klay Thompson was playing behind Eric Gordon who was traded several weeks before to the Bobcats. Since trading Gordon Klay Thompson has been given more minutes and is now starting at the SG position. A previous article stated after the draft “This combination of outside and inside scoring has made him a dangerous offensive threat.” This is true but Klay has not been given a big scoring role as of yet. Klay is a good shooter but is a little streaky he should become for efficient as the season progresses. Klay is playing 29 minutes a game and is scoring just 7.6 points a game and shooting decent percentages. 43% from the field, 79% from the freethrow and 36% from three. A very versatile player who could play better once he improves his shooters touch even more.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 13: 21 Points, 3 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 1 TO
2. Day 8: 14 Points, 3 Assists, 7 Rebounds, 1 Steal, 2 TO
3. Day 48: 11 Points, 1 Assist, 2 Rebounds, 0 Steals, 0 TO
10. Denver Nuggets: Kemba Walker PG
Kemba Walker was not featured in the draft article due to the fact he was selected 11th in this years draft. Kemba showed tremendous speed and scoring instinct as a NCEA player and he is now demonstrating it in a Nuggets uniform. Kemba was playing minutes at the PG spot but is soon to be thrown into the third string for the Nuggets who still have a lot of PGs on their team. Kemba has been playing 23 minutes a game for the Nuggets and has performed well in limited time. Kemba is scoring 7 points a game while shooting 41% from the field, 81% from the FT, and 38% from three. He is a good free throw shooter though. Not exceptionally great in everything else shooting wise but decent for a rookie. Kemba’s shooting should improve later in his career if he continues to work hard. Kemba does as much as he can controlling this teams second unit but he has struggled getting 3 assists a game but also 2 Turnovers which is not very efficient for a PG. Look for Kemba to work on his T/O to passing ratio and his shooting as he has slided to the 3rd string and may possibly be out of the top 10 by the end of the season.
Big Game stat lines for these rookies:
1. Day 14: 22 Points, 4 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 1 Steal, 2 TO
2. Day 18: 16 Points, 6 Assists, 1 Rebound, 2 Steals, 5 TO
3. Day 34: 8 Points, 7 Assists, 3 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 5 TO
These are the mid-season top 10 rookies of the 2011 season.
