Player of the Week:
Fanbo Zeng, G League Ignite
The G-League Ignite have started their “tour” 1-6, and the team seems to be outmatched in almost every game they have played and continues to struggle to put it all together from both a team and individual standpoint. With that being said, Fanbo Zeng} has finally carved out some minutes in the lineup and he has a chance to keep those minutes going forward with consistent play. During both the Showcase and regular season Zeng has been the odd man out in this season’s class of rookies. An international player that has shown potential during his time with China, Zeng hasn’t seemed comfortable enough to play extended minutes. However, with [Player: Scoot Henderson in health and safety protocols he has finally been given a chance to prove himself and gain essential development minutes. In game one, Zeng put up only 10 points and 2 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from behind the arc. At 6-11, his ability to step out and shoot will help him acclimate to game in both the G-League and NBA. While Zeng’s statline isn’t the flashiest it is an important step in the right direction for both his development and stock. In his second game, he put up 6 points and 6 rebounds on 37.5% from the field. Zeng did not connect on a three pointer during the game and did end with four fouls. It is clear that he did struggle more so than in his first game but with such little court time under his belt he will need to get the feel of the game. Expect Zeng to be back with the Ignite or a development team next year, even though he won’t be as highly touted as Hardy, Daniels Beauchamp or Foster it is important he still finds value in playing with the team. Hopefully he will be able to carve out a bench role even when Henderson returns from health and safety protocol.
Who’s Hot
Delaware Blue Coats: After a slow start to the regular season the Blue Coats have finally had the opportunity to let their roster find consistency and rhythm, winning five in a row. With the Covid surge former G-League MVP Paul Reed has been away with the main roster however, with his return the Blue Coats look to pick up where they left off. Winning the Winter Showcase was a testament to both the player development and coaching staff within the 76ers organization. Reed, the star of the team currently averaging 22 and 12 over the fifteen games he has played, is only with the team because of the 76ers crowded front court. In his first two seasons in the organization he has grown to become much more than a high energy player. A leader on and off the court for the Blue Coats, he has found a way to dominate the lower league and also get his teammates involved. Their surge in the win column should continue as the 76ers get healthy. Even though the Blue Coats seem to be a complete team as of right now, rookie Jaden Springer should rejoin the team at some point in the coming weeks along with Myles Powell. Springer and Powell are both currently on the main roster due to injury issues. Powell is on a two way deal with the team and it makes more sense to send him to Delaware rather than guarantee his contract this season. Overall, it feels like five in a row is just a small stepping stone for this team. Their goal is much greater than their win streak and after last season’s championship loss they are looking to finish the job.
Daishen Nix: Nix is one of the current NBA/G-League rookies featured on the inaugural Ignite roster. During his season with the Ignite, Nix worked to find his footing and became a real contributor later in the season. Ultimately he was not selected in the draft but signed with the Rockets as an undrafted free agent on a two-way deal. It isn’t exactly clear what Houston can get from Nix on the main roster but he is forcing them to find out. Currently averaging 27.3/6.4/7.9 over seven games this season, the Vipers star guard has shown he remembers each team that passed on him. As he continues to develop in the G-League, expect the rebuilding Rockets to call him up permanently after the all-star break. Ideally he will be able to carve out minutes off the bench and become a mainstay on their main roster. If not, the Vipers are going to have a real chance to compete for a championship with Nix leading the way.
Who’s Cold
Cleveland Charge: Success usually trickles down but this does not seem to be the case in Cleveland. While the Cavaliers find themselves in the hunt for the top seed in the East halfway through the season, a position no one thought they would be in, and their G-League affiliate is looking for their second win. The Charge find themselves 1-6 on the season, dropping their last four games. The team has the scoring ability but they just can’t seem to buy their second win. Giving up 130 points to the Wisconsin Herd in their last game, the Charge need to stop this slide before it spirals further. Even though they are still in contention for the playoffs their team isn’t getting any better than their current version. RJ Nembhard has returned from his time with the main roster and is currently averaging 26.3 point a game alongside Justin James who is putting in 23.8 points a game. In any other scenario a back court with these numbers would be winning games. It just feels like it hasn’t been bouncing their way, be it from defense, missed shots, turnovers the Charge can’t get over the hump. Going forward their staff should hope for consistency within their rotations and lean on their scorers to produce. If they can’t find a way to win soon their season could be over before it starts.
Top 5 Shot Blockers
#5 Keon Johnson
The rookie guard out of Tennessee has been one of, if not, the best shot blocking guard in the G-League. One of his greatest strengths during his evaluation process was his leaping ability and it has shown during the first portion of the season. Averaging 1.4 blocks per game, the 6-4 guard is getting up on a consistent basis to contest shots at the rim and is helping deter defenders from driving to the rim through his individual and team defense. While the Clippers rotation at guard is crowded, if Johnson can keep up his defensive performance and increase his offensive output slightly, you could see him with the main roster before the end of the season.
#4 EJ Onu
A four year player from Shawnee State, undrafted, has found himself playing in the G-League as a bottom of the rotation player. How could he be the fourth best shot blocking rookie? To start, he is currently averaging 1.8 blocks per game in six contests. He is also only committing 1 foul per game so he has been able to contest without fouling and is doing it in very limited minutes. As an impact player that is only on the floor for about five minutes a game, Onu is fourth on this list because of the potential that comes with his ability to block shots. He isn’t going to become a NBA rim protector but his ability to contest and send back shots without fouling has gotten him on a G-League roster. Don’t be surprised if he finds a way to carve out real rotation minutes with the Memphis Hustle going forward.
Rachal gets the nod at number three because unlike Onu he has already found minutes within the Long Island Nets rotation. In 28 minutes a game the rookie from Tulsa is averaging 1.9 blocks while also adding 8.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 17.1 points. A more complete player, he has shown that he can play around the rim and deter defenders for an entire game. Rachal is another casualty of quality in the NBA right now. He has proven that he can play at a high level and protect the rim as one of the best in the G-League. Usually rookies would be able to find their way onto the back of a roster but unless you are Cameron Thomas, who kicked down the door to the Nets facility, it is going to be difficult to get a look at the main roster. Expect Rachal to compete for a two way deal next year.
#2 Moses Wright
The former Georgia Tech stand out has picked his game up right where he left off after departing for the NBA. Wright is currently averaging 2.4 blocks per game and paired with his teammate Keon Johnson is the other shot blocker on the Clippers G-League team. Currently ranked fourth in the league and second among rookies Wright only has the potential and ability to raise his game around the rim. The front court for LA seems a bit more open on the main roster than the back court does and if Wright can continue to show why he is valuable in every other aspect of the game, his shot blocking prowess may give him a chance at the next level.
#1 Jay Huff
Think twice before you come into the paint when playing against Huff. Standing at 7’1” the Virginia forward has shown to be the premier shot blocker in the G-League. In 25 minutes over five games, Huff is averaging 4 blocks per game while only committing 2.2 personal fouls. Playing straight up and being able to move to his spot on defense even with his size is going to put the rest of the league on notice. Ranked number one in the league out of all players at his current pace it doesn’t seem like anyone will be overtaking him in this category. While the league is always expanding the game, every team needs a solid rim protector and Huff may just be the answer.