Being an NBA rookie is tough. These young adults go through their entire pre-NBA career being head and shoulders above their peers. Then, they enter the NBA and have everything to prove. Their bodies aren’t used to the travelling, the physical impact or the pressure that comes with the job. It’s a learning curve for everyone.
Prior to the season, a lot of rookies are tipped to make a big splash in the league. Victor Oladipo seems to be the name everyone is talking about, for example. But here’s five rookies that may have slipped under the radar, for one reason or another.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Gorgui Dieng
Gorgui Dieng is going to ensure that the Timberwolves do not lose much, both offensively and defensively, on the floor when Nikola Pekovic takes to the pine. On the way to the national championship, he anchored the Louisville defense brilliantly. He’s very athletic, super long; can block shots, and his offensive game is coming along nicely. If Dieng’s mid-range jumper can continue to improve, he’ll be a nice pick-and-pop option from the bench.
Could Archie Goodwin be the steal of the draft?
(Photo by A.C. Dixon/Wikimedia Commons)
Archie Goodwin: Phoenix Suns
The 29th pick in the NBA Draft could see a lot of game time this season, what with the Suns aiming to pip the Philadelphia 76ers in the Winless-for-Wiggins campaign. Goodwin is a freak athlete, but couldn’t adjust to the college game in his freshman campaign, as the Kentucky Wildcats failed miserably. Goodwin’s draft stock dropped dramatically and the Suns picked up a potential steal in Goodwin. Even if he never becomes a productive NBA player, he’ll be so much fun to watch, night in and night out.
Tim Hardaway Jr.: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks drafting Tim Hardaway Jr was a sneakily good move for the franchise. The oldest team in the NBA last season finally have another young prospect to pair with Iman Shumpert. Hardaway Jr.’s game suits New York down to a tee: He can help spread the floor; won’t be scared to chuck 3’s and can slash to the bucket with his explosive athleticism. Sure, his defense will take some work, but most rookies come into the league in the same boat. If he sees the floor, he’ll make an impact. The only problem could be getting the gametime.
Otto Porter: Washington Wizards
Otto Porter may not have the flashiest of games, but he’s going to come in and contribute straight away. Playing next to John Wall and Bradley Beal will create good looks for him, and it’s up to him to knock them down. He showed he can do that in college, (he shot 42% from three-point range last season) and if he can get close to that mark, him and the Wizards will both be happy they passed on Nerlens Noel.
Mason Plumlee: Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets made a series of moves to shunt themselves into immediate contention for an NBA title. The move that has been severely underrated is the pick of Mason Plumlee from Duke. Being a four-year guy means he’ll be a mature enough player. Plumlee will come in and contribute. Learning under one of the best ever defensive players in Kevin Garnett will undoubtedly help his understanding of NBA offenses. Plumlee can really get up-and-down the floor quickly and will provide the Nets with some real energy off the bench. And they will need it; what with Garnett being 102 years of age and Brook Lopez’ injury history.
Honoroable Mention:
Livio Jean-Charles, San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs drafted him. That’s all we need to know.