Superstar players don't always go in the top three picks of the NBA draft. Names like Kobe, Nash, and Wade, are prime examples of unexpected potential. Every year there is a batch of rookies who shock the NBA world and lay their path to stardom. Here's a list of players who could surprise in their rookie season.
Superstar players don't always go in the top three picks of the NBA
draft. Names like Kobe, Nash, and Wade, are prime examples of
unexpected potential. Every year there is a batch of rookies who shock
the NBA world and lay their path to stardom. Here's a list of players
who could surprise in their rookie season.
Toronto Raptors - Jonas Valančiūnas - C - 6'11, 231 - 5th overall (2011 Draft) The
Raptors believe they have found their long term solution at centre.
Valančiūnas is long, gritty and spends the majority of his time in the
paint. His offensive game will be defined by his pick-and-roll play and
offensive rebounds. And considering he shoots almost 80% from the free
throw line, Valančiūnas should immediately contribute in the NBA.
If he can keep his fouls under control, he'll be a key cog in the
Raptors' playoff hopes.
Portland Trailblazers - Damian Lillard - PG - 6'3, 195 - 6th overall At
22, Lillard is a seasoned player with four years of college under his
belt. He's a dynamic scorer, dropping 24.5 points per game for Weber
St. last year. With no other alternative at the point, he'll be handed
the reins to the team right away. As a natural shooter with guaranteed
minutes, Lillard should explode onto the NBA scene. Expect him to be in
contention for Rookie of the Year.
Portland Trailblazers- Meyers Leonard - C - 7'1, 245 - 11th overall A
super athletic 7 footer with a ridiculously high ceiling. Think Javale
McGee, but with the smarts to actually take advantage of his natural
gifts. With journeyman Dan Gadzuric as the only other centre on the
roster, Leonard should get plenty of playing time.
Houston Rockets - Royce White - F - 6'8, 260 - 16th overall Royce
White is unique. At 6'8, his ball handling, playmaking, and low post
offence makes him a complete matchup nightmare. However, questions
about his motor, conditioning, and highly publicized anxiety disorder
caused many teams to take pass until the Rockets took a leap of faith.
If White can put it all together (or just show up to training camp),
he'll be a tough player to stop.
Orlando Magic - Andrew Nicholson - PF/C - 6'9, 250 - 19th overall Nicholson
is a Canadian from Mississauga, Ontario. He was included in this list
because he provides a rare commodity in the NBA - low post scoring. He has a knack for scoring with his back to the basket and possesses a
soft touch. He may find himself overmatched at the NBA level, or might
just be the next Al Jefferson.
Oklahoma Thunder - Perry Jones - F - 6'11, 235 - 28th overall When
you're a good team, you can make a high risk pick late in the first
round. The Thunder nabbed a doozy. At one point, Jones was considered a
top 10 pick, but knee problems caused concern and he slid him all the
way down to 28th. A silky smooth player with great natural defensive
tools, Jones is an exciting talent with Lamar Odom-esque potential.
Chicago Bulls - Marquis Teague - PG - 6'2, 190 - 29th overall Amongst
all of the hoopla around the diverse Kentucky Wildcats, most people
forgot that freshman Marquis Teague, ran the point for the championship
team. He could not have landed in a better position than with the
Bulls. Derrick Rose will miss a good chunk of the season and plenty of
minutes will be available. Teague measured off the charts at the
combine and should make an immediate impact.
2ND ROUNDERS: Jae Crowder (DAL - 34th) - Energetic power forwards are always an easy bet. Crowder has a motor that few can match.
Tyshawn Taylor (BKN - 41st) - A long, athletic, defensive minded point guard, Taylor should benefit from the tutelage of Deron Williams.
Quincy Miller (DEN 38th) - Similar to Perry Jones, Quincy Miller is chalk full of potential. Easy bust material, but possible diamond in the rough.
Doron Lamb (MIL - 42nd) - A solid player at a thin position. Lamb has composure and talent.
Andy Phillips
The majority of Andy Phillips' time is spent watching basketball, consuming NBA news and reading NCAA scouting reports. He joined CBC Sports in 2011 as a Web Producer and still longs for days when handchecking was allowed and Detlef Schrempf donned a Sonics uniform.
