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3 NBA rookies who have disappointed so far this season

By Dallin Duffy

Dec 10, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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3 NBA rookies who have disappointed so far this season
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 29: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic reacts following an injury during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center on November 29, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

3 NBA rookies who have disappointed so far this season – Jalen Suggs

Has Jalen Suggs been terrible? No. Has Jalen Suggs been good? No. Has he lived up to the production of a top-five pick that was mocked as high as the No. 2 pick? No.

Suggs has shown signs of greatness early in his Orlando career, but those have been few and far between, masked by terrible efficiency and clueless plays.

Through his first 25 appearances, the former Gonzaga guard shot a shockingly-low 25.7 percent from beyond the arc. Yet, he kept firing and firing and firing. His 4.5 long-range tries per night rank fifth among rookies.

Perhaps more concerning from the ball-in-hand guard are his turnovers. He’s logging nearly as many giveaways (3.3) as he is assists (3.7). Mix that with some bad injury luck and you have a recipe for a rough rookie season.

Suggs’ rough start, along with Cole Anthony’s rise to a borderline All-Star, makes you wonder if he’s even the best young guard on the Magic. There’s room to improve and he’s far too talented to be considered a bust yet, but the early returns have not been great for someone who was a popular preseason pick for Rookie of the Year.