NBA: Projecting Top 2015-16 Rookie Of The Year Threats

3 of 6

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Emmanuel Mudiay (China) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. PG Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets

2014-15 China Stats: 18.0 ppg. 6.3 rpg. 5.9 apg. 47.8% FG 34.2% 3PFG

2015-16 Projected NBA Stats: 13.4 ppg. 4.0 rpg. 5.3 apg. 46% FG 30% 3PFG

This ranking stems from Ty Lawson‘s possibly eminent departure from the Mile High City, which would open up the lead guard spot for Mudiay. Nonetheless, Denver’s ideal draft has the Prime Prep product salivating at the chance to warrant serious consideration as a top rookie after dropping to No. 7 in the draft.

Many view Mudiay as a project, but Denver finished second in the NBA in shots per game last season per SportVU. He’ll have a plethora amounts of looks at the point from all over the floor and to set up teammates. Newly minted head coach Mike Malone generally ran a slower pace of basketball last season at Sacramento, but Mudiay’s tools should play into any style of offense.

He’s been quoted to want to play more up-tempo and utilize the altitude to his advantage in Denver in an interview with SI’s Chris Mannix. Malone also believes Mudiay’s game should translate despite having limited film:

"“Again, I trust our front office, and they were excited about him. And if you can get a guard that has the size and strength and physicality that Emmanuel has, his playmaking and vision, and obviously know that he has to become a better shooter, and we all know that, but we really fell that will get better with a lot of time and repetition.”"

Temper expectations as comparisons to John Wall have been made, but Mudiay’s two-way versatility as a floor general should entice fans his rookie season. Recent turmoil within the organization when it comes to talent shouldn’t deter Mudiay’s stock as a solid Rookie of the Year candidate.

Next: Banking on Upside While Getting Early Returns