Post by FLCeltsFan on Nov 30, 2009 13:07:13 GMT -5
Rookie Watch: Let's give thanks
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Thorpe By David Thorpe
Scouts Inc.
Archive
Brandon JenningsGary Dineen/NBAE/Getty ImagesYou can be sure the Milwaukee Bucks are giving thanks for Brandon Jennings this holiday season.
Thanksgiving carries extra meaning to anyone involved in basketball. In high school, the holiday normally brought the season's first games, often in the form of a tournament. Players and coaches spent more time on Thanksgiving thinking about hoops than they did family. That tradition carried over to college, with national tournaments and two-a-day practices in between. The festive meal often took place at the home of the head coach, no doubt with film study mixed in.
In the NBA, however, it's business as usual. Four teams will be playing on Thanksgiving Day. And 12 teams will either be traveling to their Friday game or already be out on the road. The NBA is the ultimate stop in a basketball career -- and these players and coaches are fortunate to be part of it all -- but that does not mean it's not a grind.
So out of respect for them, I want to use this report to discuss what these rookies are doing to make us thankful.
NBA Rookie 50
Check out David Thorpe's 2009-10 rookie rankings. NBA Rookie 50
• Hollinger's stats: Rookie leaders Insider
The Top 10
1. Brandon Jennings, Bucks | Rookie card
There's much to love about Jennings' game -- and each week I'm sure we'll be covering more of his enormous gifts -- but what coach Scott Skiles and the Bucks' front office are most thankful for is Jennings' confidence. He wants the ball in his hands and, unlike with most rookies, the team is better off for it. Sure, he's supremely quick and skilled, but without confidence those gifts would lead to a lot of turnovers and missed shots.
Jennings' decision to play in Europe last season also required a lot of confidence, and it's that confidence that has helped get Jennings' NBA career off to a spectacular start.
Evans
Evans
2. Tyreke Evans, Kings | Rookie card
The Kings ended up with the No. 4 pick in the draft despite having the worst record last season. So getting a phenom like Evans at that spot was a big break. And he has lived up to early expectations.
He can get to the rim almost whenever he wants even though the entire building knows that's where he's going with the ball. He's getting better at finishing drives. And he's starting to really push the ball up the floor. Most importantly, the Kings are no longer pushovers in large part because of his ability: He has given the franchise hope again.
His only glaring weakness has been his outside shot, but after seeing him rain in shot after shot in Houston, maybe that will change soon.
Lawson
Lawson
3. Ty Lawson, Nuggets | Rookie card
At first glance, it might seem easy for a rookie point guard to step in and contribute immediately for a team as loaded as Denver. Especially with an offensive machine like Carmelo Anthony, who can basically score from anywhere on the court. But on a fast-paced team like the Nuggets, it's quite a tough task. Decisions have to be made quickly. And, on top of that, there is a tendency to rush shots in order to maintain the fast pace.
The Nuggets have to love the poise Lawson has shown so far, which is partly due to his four years playing a similar style at North Carolina. Denver is a top-5 offensive team (113 points per 100 possessions), but when Lawson is in the game, the Nuggets score 125 points per 100 possessions. That is an outstanding number for a rookie point guard coming off the bench; few veterans could match that production if they were in Lawson's position.
Harden
Harden
4. James Harden, Thunder | Rookie card
Thunder GM Sam Presti had the opportunity to draft Ricky Rubio or Tyreke Evans with the No. 3 pick. But Rubio had the buyout hanging over his head and wasn't a sure thing to come play in OKC. And Evans, who needs the ball in his hands a lot to be effective, would be a tough fit with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who have similar needs.
Harden, meanwhile, was the rare scorer who had terrific passing skills and could impact games without taking lots of shots or dribbles. And so far in his rookie season, he has been true to that evaluation. He has an assist rate that puts him in the top 10 of the class, making him the only non-point guard in that group. He's been a solid defender on a top-10 defensive team. And although his shooting numbers are down, he has the mechanics to get that back up soon.
Thornton
Thornton
5. Marcus Thornton, Hornets | Rookie card
Weeks before the NBA draft, I had dinner with ESPN.com's Chad Ford and one of my assistant coaches. We discussed the players in the draft, comparing what we had seen to what Chad was hearing from NBA execs and scouts. The player we most disagreed about was Thornton.
I saw Thornton as a confident scorer who was also an excellent all-around basketball player, which is a rare combination. Although he wasn't quite tall or athletic enough to be drafted as a starter, he looked like a classic energy guy off the bench who could score and be a bulldog of a defender. However, most of the people Chad talked to did not agree with that assessment.
In Vegas summer league, Thornton looked like the player I projected him to be. But when he got such little burn at the start of the season, I figured I might have been wrong (which wouldn't have been the first time). What a difference playing time makes. Thornton has been nothing short of terrific since Jeff Bower took over the coaching duties for the Hornets, who are clearly a better team when Thornton is on the floor. The only argument now is whether he's their starting shooting guard of the future or sixth man.
Collison
Collison
6. Darren Collison, Hornets | Rookie card
The Hornets have finally found a backup point guard who can initiate their offense, defend the ball and provide a spark off the bench with quickness and shooting. Ever since he's gotten playing time, he has shown he is ready to help the Hornets win games.
In July, I speculated that he and Thornton could be a dynamic duo off the bench during the season. I was only half right, as they're doing it as starters.
Flynn
Flynn
7. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves | Rookie card
Flynn likes to have the ball in his hands a great deal, reading the defense before attacking a crease with quickness and power, but Minnesota's triangle offense requires quick ball movement and excellent perimeter shooting from the guard positions. Thus, his inexperience running the triangle has hurt the Wolves' offensive attack -- he's the only starting rookie guard to have more turnovers than assists. And he's made just 9-of-30 3-pointers.
Still, Flynn has that competitive charisma that GMs, coaches and fans love. He battles, almost stubbornly, but does so with a smile and enthusiasm. He appears to be a good teammate, and his fire to win is evident at all times. Once Kevin Love returns, and as the team orients itself to the offense, Flynn's numbers should improve, especially if he moves the ball more. It's his charisma, though, that will help Minnesota survive these dark times.
Casspi
Casspi
8. Omri Casspi, Kings | Rookie card
After the Kings struggled last season, it was clear they were lacking in the toughness and energy department. Enter Casspi, whose efforts in the intangible areas are just what the Kings needed. Extremely competitive, he fights for every inch of court space and absorbs every elbow with an elbow right back; he loves contact and oftentimes initiates it despite his thin frame. He is also a racehorse in transition.
As an added bonus, he's been a big surprise in the shooting and scoring department, too.
Budinger
Budinger
9. Chase Budinger, Rockets | Rookie card
Ask a GM what he'd like his second-round pick to look like and he'll say "a first-rounder." Mission accomplished for Budinger. Watching him play, it would be easy to assume he was a late lottery pick. He can shoot, he's athletic with size and he does the little things: driving and finishing, and getting tips and deflections. Plus, he knows where to go on the floor.
The Rockets love the fact that he's shooting well from beyond the arc (35 percent) -- something he had to do to earn rotation minutes. But the energy he's brought to their rotation has been even better, which is something few people expected.
Hansbrough
Hansbrough
10. Tyler Hansbrough, Pacers | Rookie card
With their sights set on the playoffs, the Pacers needed their No. 13 pick to be able to come in and contribute immediately. Sure, it would be nice if he could become something special for them, but it's hard to find that kind of talent in the late lottery. What they got in Hansbrough, though, is exactly what they hoped to get -- a player who is ready right now and still has room to grow.
He is already a solid rebounder on both sides of the floor and has just six turnovers this season. Hansbrough's activity helps to keep rebounds alive for teammates to grab, and his fluid body enables him to change ends quickly, helping to either start a break or slow one down. And although he's struggling as a shooter -- his true shooting percentage is .471 -- he'll learn to be a much better shooter in time, giving the Pacers both a guy who can help them now and someone who will, without a doubt, be better later.
Other notables
Maynor
Maynor
Eric Maynor, Jazz | Rookie card
In Jerry Sloan's offense, players are asked to make simple basketball plays. They must read and react to both the matchups on the floor and the angles and spacing of the players. To be a point guard in this system puts even more pressure on the read-and-react part of the equation, which is exactly why Maynor is shining.
Sure, he can break down defenders with a crafty dribble move and get a bucket in the paint. But he can also deftly run a pick-and-roll, orchestrate a fast break and set up the Jazz's half-court offense. In short, he understands how to play. The Jazz have to be thrilled with Maynor and his nearly 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio (though I doubt we'll see evidence of it on Sloan's face).
Thabeet
Thabeet
Hasheem Thabeet, Grizzlies | Rookie card
It's hard to find something the Griz can be happy about here -- Thabeet has done so little for them on the court. But I watched him closely the other night and found something I'm sure they like: his attitude. And that's no small thing.
Getting Thabeet's motor to run hot is an enormous challenge. For it to happen, though, first requires a willingness on Thabeet's part, a recognition that growth must occur rather than a mindset of "I'm all right but all of you are not." Thabeet seems perfectly willing to listen, totally open to teaching and suggestion. The league is full of big men who started slow but ended up becoming important parts of their teams. That can happen for Thabeet, thanks to his good attitude.
Lester Hudson at 42... Moving on up....
Comment Email Print Share
Insider
Thorpe By David Thorpe
Scouts Inc.
Archive
Brandon JenningsGary Dineen/NBAE/Getty ImagesYou can be sure the Milwaukee Bucks are giving thanks for Brandon Jennings this holiday season.
Thanksgiving carries extra meaning to anyone involved in basketball. In high school, the holiday normally brought the season's first games, often in the form of a tournament. Players and coaches spent more time on Thanksgiving thinking about hoops than they did family. That tradition carried over to college, with national tournaments and two-a-day practices in between. The festive meal often took place at the home of the head coach, no doubt with film study mixed in.
In the NBA, however, it's business as usual. Four teams will be playing on Thanksgiving Day. And 12 teams will either be traveling to their Friday game or already be out on the road. The NBA is the ultimate stop in a basketball career -- and these players and coaches are fortunate to be part of it all -- but that does not mean it's not a grind.
So out of respect for them, I want to use this report to discuss what these rookies are doing to make us thankful.
NBA Rookie 50
Check out David Thorpe's 2009-10 rookie rankings. NBA Rookie 50
• Hollinger's stats: Rookie leaders Insider
The Top 10
1. Brandon Jennings, Bucks | Rookie card
There's much to love about Jennings' game -- and each week I'm sure we'll be covering more of his enormous gifts -- but what coach Scott Skiles and the Bucks' front office are most thankful for is Jennings' confidence. He wants the ball in his hands and, unlike with most rookies, the team is better off for it. Sure, he's supremely quick and skilled, but without confidence those gifts would lead to a lot of turnovers and missed shots.
Jennings' decision to play in Europe last season also required a lot of confidence, and it's that confidence that has helped get Jennings' NBA career off to a spectacular start.
Evans
Evans
2. Tyreke Evans, Kings | Rookie card
The Kings ended up with the No. 4 pick in the draft despite having the worst record last season. So getting a phenom like Evans at that spot was a big break. And he has lived up to early expectations.
He can get to the rim almost whenever he wants even though the entire building knows that's where he's going with the ball. He's getting better at finishing drives. And he's starting to really push the ball up the floor. Most importantly, the Kings are no longer pushovers in large part because of his ability: He has given the franchise hope again.
His only glaring weakness has been his outside shot, but after seeing him rain in shot after shot in Houston, maybe that will change soon.
Lawson
Lawson
3. Ty Lawson, Nuggets | Rookie card
At first glance, it might seem easy for a rookie point guard to step in and contribute immediately for a team as loaded as Denver. Especially with an offensive machine like Carmelo Anthony, who can basically score from anywhere on the court. But on a fast-paced team like the Nuggets, it's quite a tough task. Decisions have to be made quickly. And, on top of that, there is a tendency to rush shots in order to maintain the fast pace.
The Nuggets have to love the poise Lawson has shown so far, which is partly due to his four years playing a similar style at North Carolina. Denver is a top-5 offensive team (113 points per 100 possessions), but when Lawson is in the game, the Nuggets score 125 points per 100 possessions. That is an outstanding number for a rookie point guard coming off the bench; few veterans could match that production if they were in Lawson's position.
Harden
Harden
4. James Harden, Thunder | Rookie card
Thunder GM Sam Presti had the opportunity to draft Ricky Rubio or Tyreke Evans with the No. 3 pick. But Rubio had the buyout hanging over his head and wasn't a sure thing to come play in OKC. And Evans, who needs the ball in his hands a lot to be effective, would be a tough fit with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who have similar needs.
Harden, meanwhile, was the rare scorer who had terrific passing skills and could impact games without taking lots of shots or dribbles. And so far in his rookie season, he has been true to that evaluation. He has an assist rate that puts him in the top 10 of the class, making him the only non-point guard in that group. He's been a solid defender on a top-10 defensive team. And although his shooting numbers are down, he has the mechanics to get that back up soon.
Thornton
Thornton
5. Marcus Thornton, Hornets | Rookie card
Weeks before the NBA draft, I had dinner with ESPN.com's Chad Ford and one of my assistant coaches. We discussed the players in the draft, comparing what we had seen to what Chad was hearing from NBA execs and scouts. The player we most disagreed about was Thornton.
I saw Thornton as a confident scorer who was also an excellent all-around basketball player, which is a rare combination. Although he wasn't quite tall or athletic enough to be drafted as a starter, he looked like a classic energy guy off the bench who could score and be a bulldog of a defender. However, most of the people Chad talked to did not agree with that assessment.
In Vegas summer league, Thornton looked like the player I projected him to be. But when he got such little burn at the start of the season, I figured I might have been wrong (which wouldn't have been the first time). What a difference playing time makes. Thornton has been nothing short of terrific since Jeff Bower took over the coaching duties for the Hornets, who are clearly a better team when Thornton is on the floor. The only argument now is whether he's their starting shooting guard of the future or sixth man.
Collison
Collison
6. Darren Collison, Hornets | Rookie card
The Hornets have finally found a backup point guard who can initiate their offense, defend the ball and provide a spark off the bench with quickness and shooting. Ever since he's gotten playing time, he has shown he is ready to help the Hornets win games.
In July, I speculated that he and Thornton could be a dynamic duo off the bench during the season. I was only half right, as they're doing it as starters.
Flynn
Flynn
7. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves | Rookie card
Flynn likes to have the ball in his hands a great deal, reading the defense before attacking a crease with quickness and power, but Minnesota's triangle offense requires quick ball movement and excellent perimeter shooting from the guard positions. Thus, his inexperience running the triangle has hurt the Wolves' offensive attack -- he's the only starting rookie guard to have more turnovers than assists. And he's made just 9-of-30 3-pointers.
Still, Flynn has that competitive charisma that GMs, coaches and fans love. He battles, almost stubbornly, but does so with a smile and enthusiasm. He appears to be a good teammate, and his fire to win is evident at all times. Once Kevin Love returns, and as the team orients itself to the offense, Flynn's numbers should improve, especially if he moves the ball more. It's his charisma, though, that will help Minnesota survive these dark times.
Casspi
Casspi
8. Omri Casspi, Kings | Rookie card
After the Kings struggled last season, it was clear they were lacking in the toughness and energy department. Enter Casspi, whose efforts in the intangible areas are just what the Kings needed. Extremely competitive, he fights for every inch of court space and absorbs every elbow with an elbow right back; he loves contact and oftentimes initiates it despite his thin frame. He is also a racehorse in transition.
As an added bonus, he's been a big surprise in the shooting and scoring department, too.
Budinger
Budinger
9. Chase Budinger, Rockets | Rookie card
Ask a GM what he'd like his second-round pick to look like and he'll say "a first-rounder." Mission accomplished for Budinger. Watching him play, it would be easy to assume he was a late lottery pick. He can shoot, he's athletic with size and he does the little things: driving and finishing, and getting tips and deflections. Plus, he knows where to go on the floor.
The Rockets love the fact that he's shooting well from beyond the arc (35 percent) -- something he had to do to earn rotation minutes. But the energy he's brought to their rotation has been even better, which is something few people expected.
Hansbrough
Hansbrough
10. Tyler Hansbrough, Pacers | Rookie card
With their sights set on the playoffs, the Pacers needed their No. 13 pick to be able to come in and contribute immediately. Sure, it would be nice if he could become something special for them, but it's hard to find that kind of talent in the late lottery. What they got in Hansbrough, though, is exactly what they hoped to get -- a player who is ready right now and still has room to grow.
He is already a solid rebounder on both sides of the floor and has just six turnovers this season. Hansbrough's activity helps to keep rebounds alive for teammates to grab, and his fluid body enables him to change ends quickly, helping to either start a break or slow one down. And although he's struggling as a shooter -- his true shooting percentage is .471 -- he'll learn to be a much better shooter in time, giving the Pacers both a guy who can help them now and someone who will, without a doubt, be better later.
Other notables
Maynor
Maynor
Eric Maynor, Jazz | Rookie card
In Jerry Sloan's offense, players are asked to make simple basketball plays. They must read and react to both the matchups on the floor and the angles and spacing of the players. To be a point guard in this system puts even more pressure on the read-and-react part of the equation, which is exactly why Maynor is shining.
Sure, he can break down defenders with a crafty dribble move and get a bucket in the paint. But he can also deftly run a pick-and-roll, orchestrate a fast break and set up the Jazz's half-court offense. In short, he understands how to play. The Jazz have to be thrilled with Maynor and his nearly 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio (though I doubt we'll see evidence of it on Sloan's face).
Thabeet
Thabeet
Hasheem Thabeet, Grizzlies | Rookie card
It's hard to find something the Griz can be happy about here -- Thabeet has done so little for them on the court. But I watched him closely the other night and found something I'm sure they like: his attitude. And that's no small thing.
Getting Thabeet's motor to run hot is an enormous challenge. For it to happen, though, first requires a willingness on Thabeet's part, a recognition that growth must occur rather than a mindset of "I'm all right but all of you are not." Thabeet seems perfectly willing to listen, totally open to teaching and suggestion. The league is full of big men who started slow but ended up becoming important parts of their teams. That can happen for Thabeet, thanks to his good attitude.
Lester Hudson at 42... Moving on up....
