NBA: Top 3 Rookies To Watch For 2013-14
The preseason is under way, which means teams get to evaluate their rosters and rookies get exposed to what being a professional basketball player is like. Here’s a look at three rookies who will be under watch the most this season.
1. VICTOR OLADIPO, Orlando Magic
Oladipo brings a lot of excitement to the city of Orlando.
The second overall pick is expected to have a big role with the Magic this season, offensively and defensively. Oladipo will get playing time at both guard spots as the franchise is keen on having a bigger point guard. Jameer Nelson is only 6′ and it is likely the veteran’s last season with the franchise. At 6’4″, Oladipo has displayed good playmaking ability in the preseason, setting up his teammates and finishing with nine assists against New Orleans. Defensively, he is always active, using his long arms to play passing lanes and create turnover opportunities. The Oklahoma City Thunder rebuild model is in full effect in Orlando, as general manager Rob Hennigan envisions Oladipo as another version of Russell Westbrook.
2. ANTHONY BENNETT, Cleveland Cavaliers
In a draft class that does not have many projected franchise players, the Cavaliers took Bennett, who is a versatile forward. He was the top pick in the draft, so of course his game is going to be in the spotlight regardless of where he plays. Bennett is a bit of a tweener, listed at 6’8″, so defending bigger forwards could be an issue for him. Earl Clark was signed as a free agent, so Bennett will have to battle for playing time between Clark and Tristan Thompson. Against the Magic last week, Bennett scored 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, showcasing his shooting ability as well by knocking down two 3-pointers. The Cavaliers have a shot to make the playoffs this season led by rising star Kyrie Irving, so expect Bennett to earn his way into the rotation while coach Mike Brown determines which position is most effective for him.
3. TREY BURKE, Utah Jazz
It’s an unfortunate setback for Burke, who reportedly has a fractured finger and will be out indefinitely. He’s projected to be Utah’s starting point guard, with John Lucas III and Jerel McNeal backing him up. Burke is a bit undersized compared to other point guards in the league, but as we saw in college, he is a prolific scorer who averaged close to 19 points a game. A favorable comparison for Burke would be Kemba Walker: undersized, good quickness, body control, the ability to create his own shot and shoot from anywhere on the court. In the NCAA tournament, Burke proved to NBA scouts that he was a winner, hitting big time shots down the stretch of Michigan’s Final Four run. When the season is said and done, the point guard should be one of the finalists for Rookie of the Year and is a favorite to lead all rookies in scoring as well.
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