Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

NBA Rookie Report – Top rookie performers through January 1, 2017

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Tier 2: Consistency and Playoff Seeded Rooks

Number 4 – Pascal Siakam

Although still starting, Siakam ‘s minutes had been cut back, but the recent injury to Patterson led to an uptick in his playing time.  Steady and reliable the youngster is adept at processing lessons quickly, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.  That fact may prove beneficial come April.

One thing is clear,  I guarantee you he’ll work hard in the postseason and by his sophomore year there will be palpable improvements.  I could wax poetic about Siakam’s upside all day. Instead, I’ll point to the Cameroonian’s quality of character which is on constant display, both on and off the court.

Number 5 – Buddy Hield :

Several prospects from this rookie class have underachieved original expectations. Hield who was earmarked to bring ‘Buddy Ball’ immediately to the pro courts, arguably tops the underachiever list.  So, it’s no coincidence Hield’s rise up the ladder is coinciding with the Pelicans improvement.

In the month of December Hield put up 10.6 points, 1.4 assists, and most notably shot 48% from deep. Keep a close eye on Hield to determine if this was simply a small breakthrough, or ‘Buddy Ball’ is here to stay.

Number 6 – Jamal Murray:

He’s slipped lately both in terms of production and Malone’s usage rate of him. Denver on a whole is in a weird situation. Of all teams with young talent, the Nuggets have the most productive veteran players. Moreover the squad hasn’t been bad enough to give up the fight for the eighth playoff rung.

Nor have they been good enough to encourage management not to search out trade partners to propel them into the postseason. More than any other squad the Nuggets have youth and veteran depth at every position, so it does feel like Murray’s role can’t be clearly delineated until there is roster resolution.

In the interim, Murray deals with nagging injuries and trying to rediscover his November shooting prowess. Denver is one of the very few NBA franchises without a D-League affiliate. That fact alone limits how the team can develop their youth . I wonder how different Murray’s learning curve would be if Malone had the advantage of utilizing a team specific affiliate. For now, Murray remains in my top 5, but his hold on this position is precarious at best.

Number 7 –  Andrew Harrison

Also slipping in production is Harrison, but his Grizzlies continue to defy the odds by winning in spite of injuries to core players. Like Murray, Harrison’s productivity has slipped, although he continues to produce in areas other than scoring.  And like Siakam, he garners higher placement because he’s contributing to a currently seeded playoff team.

Number 8 – Isaiah Whitehead

Unlike some of the rookies on the list Whitehead is in a position to play through mistakes without concerns of it affecting the teams’ record. Without that type of pressure on his shoulders Whitehead has shown steady progress and is making a case to move up my ladder.

Number 9 – Domantas Sabonis

There have been snippets of spectacular from the Thunder’s starting power forward. However, his lack of rebounding and slow uptake on defense are issues making many wonder if starting him is asking for too much, too soon.

The irony is any other year Sabonis would have spent time between the D-League affiliate and garnering reserve minutes. His inconsistency holds him near the bottom of my list, but his occasional scoring outbursts and the teams record keep him in my top 10.

Number 10 – Alex Abrines:

Yep, I know he’s not on any of the pundits’ list and with the frightening January road-heavy schedule ahead this may be a cameo appearance.  That said, his ability to shoot and display of growth (albeit in limited doses) has me thinking if Abrines was playing for a lottery team he’d be a weekly fixture on all the pundits’ lists. Prior to sustaining an injury on New Year’s Eve, he had a stretch of positive contributions on both ends of the floor.

RELATED STORY: What to expect from Alex Abrines

From my perspective, I’d like to see Abrines minutes increased coupled with decreasing Sabonis’ minutes or moving him to the bench where he can recognize success facing other reserves.

Home/Thunder News