[tuck243Participant]

 I understand it quickly went from "One of the most promising rookie classes" to "OMG, who hasn’t been injured" REAL QUICK.  Even with the injuries to top players in this class, who has shined so far this year in your eyes?  Has anyone?

Zach LaVine is better than expected, but not by much IMO.

Andrew Wiggins is improving month by month.   I can’t say it was really surprising to see his output though. 

Now the flops…

The Aussie Jordan is having a terrible season so far.  I no longer see flashes of brillance when I check out Jazz games and he’s often winded.  His defense is something to note, but he’s not a true PG (and to be honest he’s not a true SG either…he can’t score).  Yet, he’s still 19, he’s currently like a HS player that won’t reach his potential until his rookie contract is up…  Think: Jermaine O’Neal…   

Elfrid Payton defense isn’t what we were lead to believe.  Maybe he’s just not srong enough or quick enough, but he’s not the Glove at PG…  Offensively, he is what we thought he would be.

 

Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ebown5Participant]

I think that Wiggins is definitely the best rookie, but the Sixers have three rookies playing very well in Noel, McDaniels, and Grant.

I think that Exum has been better than expected as well considering how raw he was expected to be and how young he is. He isn’t playing as well today as he did two months ago, but he still has been pretty good.

Nurkic has been terrific for Denver.

It’s just a pity that we had all of the injuries to the top guys.

[Ebown5Participant]

I think that Wiggins is definitely the best rookie, but the Sixers have three rookies playing very well in Noel, McDaniels, and Grant.

I think that Exum has been better than expected as well considering how raw he was expected to be and how young he is. He isn’t playing as well today as he did two months ago, but he still has been pretty good.

Nurkic has been terrific for Denver.

It’s just a pity that we had all of the injuries to the top guys.

[EndlessknightParticipant]

The one (active) Sixers rookie who intriges me the most is Jakarr Sampson. He doesn’t get the press the other guys get but I think he might be the 2nd best after Noel. The guy is 6’9", he played PF in college and was the big east freshman of the year. The Sixers have converted him to a wing and he’s even started a couple games at the point. Now that’s versitility. 

Right now he’s the teams starting SG and if you compare him to the first pure SG drafted last year, Stauskas, he blow’s him away in just about every category. He’s outscoring Stauskas despite playing slightly fewer minutes. He’s even shooting the 3 better than Stauskas, which I find amazing. 

I think he’ll eventually settle at SF and I’m going to go out on the limb and say he’ll have a better career than Doug McDermott, a guy who was a lottery pick.

People can knock the Sixers plan all they want but ont thing this team can do is spot and develop talent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

The one (active) Sixers rookie who intriges me the most is Jakarr Sampson. He doesn’t get the press the other guys get but I think he might be the 2nd best after Noel. The guy is 6’9", he played PF in college and was the big east freshman of the year. The Sixers have converted him to a wing and he’s even started a couple games at the point. Now that’s versitility. 

Right now he’s the teams starting SG and if you compare him to the first pure SG drafted last year, Stauskas, he blow’s him away in just about every category. He’s outscoring Stauskas despite playing slightly fewer minutes. He’s even shooting the 3 better than Stauskas, which I find amazing. 

I think he’ll eventually settle at SF and I’m going to go out on the limb and say he’ll have a better career than Doug McDermott, a guy who was a lottery pick.

People can knock the Sixers plan all they want but ont thing this team can do is spot and develop talent. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mgreener_34Participant]

To me the rookies that have stood out the most have been Wiggins and Smart. The reason for this is because both of them seemed to improve dramatically on what scouts said their biggest weaknesses were. Both needed to work on their jumpshot, and both are shooting respectable from deep. Wiggins at 37% from deep, and Smart almost 36% on about 4 attempts per game. Both have also shown that they will be near elite defenders at their respective positions. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

To me the rookies that have stood out the most have been Wiggins and Smart. The reason for this is because both of them seemed to improve dramatically on what scouts said their biggest weaknesses were. Both needed to work on their jumpshot, and both are shooting respectable from deep. Wiggins at 37% from deep, and Smart almost 36% on about 4 attempts per game. Both have also shown that they will be near elite defenders at their respective positions. 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

How has Smart stood out more than Noel? Noel leads all rookies in rebounds, blocks and steals and he’s even out scoring Smart. 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

How has Smart stood out more than Noel? Noel leads all rookies in rebounds, blocks and steals and he’s even out scoring Smart. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

Because everyone expected that from Noel. No one expected Smart to be a good shooter, and that’s why he’s stood out to me. Noel isn’t doing anything I haven’t seen him do already. Smart taking and making threes is something that I though he wasn’t capable of doing. He’s also playing phenomonal defense for the Celtics. Steals and Blocks aren’t the only indicator of good defense. Smart just locks guys up some games

[HaleParticipant]

 Luckily for Smart he started making his 3’s because the fact that they comprise 2/3 of his shots is absurd.

[HaleParticipant]

 Luckily for Smart he started making his 3’s because the fact that they comprise 2/3 of his shots is absurd.

[mgreener_34Participant]

Because everyone expected that from Noel. No one expected Smart to be a good shooter, and that’s why he’s stood out to me. Noel isn’t doing anything I haven’t seen him do already. Smart taking and making threes is something that I though he wasn’t capable of doing. He’s also playing phenomonal defense for the Celtics. Steals and Blocks aren’t the only indicator of good defense. Smart just locks guys up some games

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Not impressed with Elfrid Payton at all… Napier would have been a better fit for Orlando

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Not impressed with Elfrid Payton at all… Napier would have been a better fit for Orlando

[arowsky205Participant]

I think Stauskas has got to be the most disappointing rookie so far. He hasn’t even been able to capitalize on the best part of his game, as he’s shooting 26% from 3. Exum has also been super disappointing in that he has shown no signs of improvement as the season has progressed. We all knew he’d be raw coming in, but you’d expect him to be better halfway through the season than at the beginning of the season. I also want to mention Adreian Payne. I thought he’d be a lock to contribute right away for an NBA team. He’s on arguably the best team in the league, but he still shouldn’t be stuck in the D-League. 

[arowsky205Participant]

I think Stauskas has got to be the most disappointing rookie so far. He hasn’t even been able to capitalize on the best part of his game, as he’s shooting 26% from 3. Exum has also been super disappointing in that he has shown no signs of improvement as the season has progressed. We all knew he’d be raw coming in, but you’d expect him to be better halfway through the season than at the beginning of the season. I also want to mention Adreian Payne. I thought he’d be a lock to contribute right away for an NBA team. He’s on arguably the best team in the league, but he still shouldn’t be stuck in the D-League. 

[rich.homie.mitchParticipant]

 I agree on your comments about Stauskas, but Exum is still 19 years old! Australian HS Basketball is so much different than the NBA. Also he pretty much skipped college, so if you look at it this is like his college year. Yes he’s very out of shape but I’d expect that to change by next season. Also he’s in Snyders offense that revolves around ball movement and cuts rather than ISO plays and driving. He’s already a good defensive player and he’s not that bad of a shooter. Also it’s not like the PG position is easy to come in and learn in your first year. If you watched some Jazz games you would see that he has a really quick first step and his strides are very long. I also think it’s all of a confidence thing too. Dante also does not shoot the ball a lot at all. He’s only had 13 games where he has shot the ball more than 5x, and he’s played in 51 games. 6/13 games he took more than 5 and played bad but he’s played 7 good games when he shot more than 5x.

I couldn’t call Dante a dissapointment when coming in he was seen as raw and a project. 

[rich.homie.mitchParticipant]

 I agree on your comments about Stauskas, but Exum is still 19 years old! Australian HS Basketball is so much different than the NBA. Also he pretty much skipped college, so if you look at it this is like his college year. Yes he’s very out of shape but I’d expect that to change by next season. Also he’s in Snyders offense that revolves around ball movement and cuts rather than ISO plays and driving. He’s already a good defensive player and he’s not that bad of a shooter. Also it’s not like the PG position is easy to come in and learn in your first year. If you watched some Jazz games you would see that he has a really quick first step and his strides are very long. I also think it’s all of a confidence thing too. Dante also does not shoot the ball a lot at all. He’s only had 13 games where he has shot the ball more than 5x, and he’s played in 51 games. 6/13 games he took more than 5 and played bad but he’s played 7 good games when he shot more than 5x.

I couldn’t call Dante a dissapointment when coming in he was seen as raw and a project. 

[tuck243Participant]

I think one of the reasons the Jazz production is slow low because of the backcourt play..  His jumper is worse than MCW and that’s a broke shot…  

I do agree that he was looked as a raw project coming in (people with common sense), but so far he’s been underwhelming…  For the record, the PG position in the NBA has been the most "ready to play" position in the league…   PG’s tend to have early success if given the opportunity to play.   He’s now starting, but I’ve seen some games where he would miss an open lay up…  Most of this might be nerves and confidence like you said.   I remember when Goran Dragic first got into the league, he couldn’t bring the ball up the court because he was so nervous.   I thought he was trash, but look at him now..    So I’ll refrain from calling the same type of thing for Exum..  I hope he gets "it"… 

  

[tuck243Participant]

I think one of the reasons the Jazz production is slow low because of the backcourt play..  His jumper is worse than MCW and that’s a broke shot…  

I do agree that he was looked as a raw project coming in (people with common sense), but so far he’s been underwhelming…  For the record, the PG position in the NBA has been the most "ready to play" position in the league…   PG’s tend to have early success if given the opportunity to play.   He’s now starting, but I’ve seen some games where he would miss an open lay up…  Most of this might be nerves and confidence like you said.   I remember when Goran Dragic first got into the league, he couldn’t bring the ball up the court because he was so nervous.   I thought he was trash, but look at him now..    So I’ll refrain from calling the same type of thing for Exum..  I hope he gets "it"… 

  

[ChoppyParticipant]

He’s hit the rookie wall. It happens to pretty much every rookie at some point or other. And who calls him the Aussie Jordan? Not anyone I’ve ever heard. Sorry Tuck, you’re wrong. He is a true PG. 

FYI, the "Aussie Jordan" would have been Andrew Gaze. Best pure scorer Australia has ever produced. 

[tuck243Participant]

Often times Joe Ingles directs the play…  Even when Trey Burke comes in Trey takes the lead position.  That’s not something you see from "true PG’s"…  It might be the system, idk, but it’s still something to note.  

 

For the record, Fran Fraschilla said this kid reminds him of Jordan…  Just because YOU haven’t heard it doesn’t mean it wasn’t said…   

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/michael-jordan-comparison-for-australian-rising-star-dante-exum-20140305-346km.html

 

  

[tuck243Participant]

Often times Joe Ingles directs the play…  Even when Trey Burke comes in Trey takes the lead position.  That’s not something you see from "true PG’s"…  It might be the system, idk, but it’s still something to note.  

 

For the record, Fran Fraschilla said this kid reminds him of Jordan…  Just because YOU haven’t heard it doesn’t mean it wasn’t said…   

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/michael-jordan-comparison-for-australian-rising-star-dante-exum-20140305-346km.html

 

  

[ChoppyParticipant]

 I must admit that I can’t read every bit of basketball information and I missed that one. High praise from Fraschilla then. 

My reasoning for terming him a "true PG" is that he has instincts that only a true PG has. He tries to get his teammates involved and has great vision and a high basketball IQ. Snyder, IMO, is just trying to let him play without giving him too much responsibility. So Ingles and Burke run the point at times. Again, that’s just my opinion, but one many share. 

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 I must admit that I can’t read every bit of basketball information and I missed that one. High praise from Fraschilla then. 

My reasoning for terming him a "true PG" is that he has instincts that only a true PG has. He tries to get his teammates involved and has great vision and a high basketball IQ. Snyder, IMO, is just trying to let him play without giving him too much responsibility. So Ingles and Burke run the point at times. Again, that’s just my opinion, but one many share. 

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

He’s hit the rookie wall. It happens to pretty much every rookie at some point or other. And who calls him the Aussie Jordan? Not anyone I’ve ever heard. Sorry Tuck, you’re wrong. He is a true PG. 

FYI, the "Aussie Jordan" would have been Andrew Gaze. Best pure scorer Australia has ever produced. 

[r377Participant]

Stauskas has not done much but I am going to defend him as I liked him coming out of college and can think he can turn it around.

What would be the worst organization to go to ? Yep the Kings with black holes in Cousins and Gay. Also doesn’t help when they have Mclemore who plays the same position. It is hard when you are not given regular minutes.

If Stauskas went to the Spurs playing behind Manu and Danny Green, how much better do you reckon his career would get ?

[r377Participant]

Stauskas has not done much but I am going to defend him as I liked him coming out of college and can think he can turn it around.

What would be the worst organization to go to ? Yep the Kings with black holes in Cousins and Gay. Also doesn’t help when they have Mclemore who plays the same position. It is hard when you are not given regular minutes.

If Stauskas went to the Spurs playing behind Manu and Danny Green, how much better do you reckon his career would get ?

[sitlbitoParticipant]

Just to state a funny thing,Rudy Gobert was invited in the “tony parker show” on a French radio,where Parker invites some of his friends every week,and often some nba players,and when asked about Dante Exum Rudy said “I like him,he likes to play for his teammates….unlike some american players”. I don’t know why he said that,if it was about Trey Burke or alec burcs,but it’s funny to see that Utah doesn’t seem worse with Exum on the floor rather than Burke. Now about the other rookies,it’s weird to see that the 4 year players have a hard time contributing. Every year we hear the 4 year players are ready to contribute right away,Napier,Payne and Mcdermott are struggling right now. I don’t know if it’s because of the situation … or just that the NCAA is sooo different from th nba that when you’re used to play in a certain confort against teenagers,you have a hard time adjusting. On the other end,the one and dones don’t get used to college ball.

[tuck243Participant]

because their not afforded the opportunity to mess up…  All 3 players you named are on playoff contending teams.  They’re coming from a situation where they can take any shot they want…  Now they have to be super efficient without getting the touches and feel for the game like what they’re accustomed to in college…    Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook had chances to play through their struggles (Russell lead the league in turnovers as a rookie).  Most players don’t get that chance, regardless of what year they come out of college… 

[tuck243Participant]

because their not afforded the opportunity to mess up…  All 3 players you named are on playoff contending teams.  They’re coming from a situation where they can take any shot they want…  Now they have to be super efficient without getting the touches and feel for the game like what they’re accustomed to in college…    Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook had chances to play through their struggles (Russell lead the league in turnovers as a rookie).  Most players don’t get that chance, regardless of what year they come out of college… 

[sitlbitoParticipant]

100% rue for Payne,almost 100% true for DMD. Not for Napier he’s been starting,he led the rookies in 4th quarter minutes at some point. He had his chances,he ‘s just not that good at the moment,and I was very impressed with him at the final four. But man he was guarded by the harrisons…

[tuck243Participant]

always been inefficient.   Even in college.   I’m starting to see a trend with small guys like him after a number of these guys not being too good in the league.   Kemba, Jonny Flynn, and now Napier.   I look at them as Chris Paul type players, but I forgot just how efficent Chris was in college.     That translated to the league and Kemba & Co. have struggle dramatically.  Also add that Chris hustles on defense which is why his transition to the NBA even though he’s small, he had tremendous success.  

[tuck243Participant]

always been inefficient.   Even in college.   I’m starting to see a trend with small guys like him after a number of these guys not being too good in the league.   Kemba, Jonny Flynn, and now Napier.   I look at them as Chris Paul type players, but I forgot just how efficent Chris was in college.     That translated to the league and Kemba & Co. have struggle dramatically.  Also add that Chris hustles on defense which is why his transition to the NBA even though he’s small, he had tremendous success.  

[sitlbitoParticipant]

But I think he’ll be happy if he has a Kemba Walker like career…He’s not even there yet.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

But I think he’ll be happy if he has a Kemba Walker like career…He’s not even there yet.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

100% rue for Payne,almost 100% true for DMD. Not for Napier he’s been starting,he led the rookies in 4th quarter minutes at some point. He had his chances,he ‘s just not that good at the moment,and I was very impressed with him at the final four. But man he was guarded by the harrisons…

[sitlbitoParticipant]

Just to state a funny thing,Rudy Gobert was invited in the “tony parker show” on a French radio,where Parker invites some of his friends every week,and often some nba players,and when asked about Dante Exum Rudy said “I like him,he likes to play for his teammates….unlike some american players”. I don’t know why he said that,if it was about Trey Burke or alec burcs,but it’s funny to see that Utah doesn’t seem worse with Exum on the floor rather than Burke. Now about the other rookies,it’s weird to see that the 4 year players have a hard time contributing. Every year we hear the 4 year players are ready to contribute right away,Napier,Payne and Mcdermott are struggling right now. I don’t know if it’s because of the situation … or just that the NCAA is sooo different from th nba that when you’re used to play in a certain confort against teenagers,you have a hard time adjusting. On the other end,the one and dones don’t get used to college ball.

[Rip255]

 I watch Jazz games and Exum is out of shape, a poor shooter and lacking confidence to attack the rim.

But he is a very smart player. Utah is better off with him on the floor and hes going to be very good at pick and rolls and defense. Rudy Goberts comments are 100% correct. The nba is a selfish league compared to Europe but obviously the talent levels and athleticism is way higher. 

[Rip255]

 I watch Jazz games and Exum is out of shape, a poor shooter and lacking confidence to attack the rim.

But he is a very smart player. Utah is better off with him on the floor and hes going to be very good at pick and rolls and defense. Rudy Goberts comments are 100% correct. The nba is a selfish league compared to Europe but obviously the talent levels and athleticism is way higher. 

[prophetmeirParticipant]

I like KJ competes everyday could see him develp in a jimmy butler type role. Want to see more of jordan adams

[prophetmeirParticipant]

I like KJ competes everyday could see him develp in a jimmy butler type role. Want to see more of jordan adams

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