The NBA preseason can typically be a mirage — a fleeting glimpse of potential greatness or a misleading smokescreen concealing a participant’s true talents.
Nonetheless, it can also supply priceless insights right into a rookie’s progress since his Summer season League debut. Has a participant refined his abilities, adjusted to the NBA’s tempo and physicality or secured a spot within the rotation?
Let’s dive into our first NBA rookie rating of the season.
1. Guard Dalton Knecht | Los Angeles Lakers
Knecht stormed by way of the preseason, leading all rookies with an impressive 18 points per game. He showcased a refined offensive arsenal, that includes a easy midrange pull-up recreation, robust finishes on the rim and a high-release three-pointer that he can persistently knock down off the dribble or in tight areas. Not like a lot of his fellow rookies, Knecht wasn’t assured a spot within the Lakers’ opening-day rotation. Nonetheless, his stellar preseason has seemingly earned him a major function off the bench to start out the season.
2. Ahead Zaccharie Risacher | Atlanta Hawks
Regardless of showing in simply two of 4 preseason video games, Risacher performed properly. He led all rookies with a 124.5 offensive rating (minimal quarter-hour per recreation), showcasing the scoring prowess that made him such an attractive No. 1 decide. Risacher has thrived in transition, expertly navigated pick-and-rolls and confidently knocked down jumpers off the dribble from midrange and past the arc.
3. Heart Donovan Clingan | Portland Path Blazers
Whereas some could have neglected Clingan this preseason, his affect was simple. In 4 video games, he dominated the glass, averaging 11.5 rebounds — second solely to Andre Drummond — and proved to be a formidable rim protector, rating fourth with two blocks per recreation. Clingan’s mix of dimension (7-foot-2 and 280 kilos), rebounding and shot-blocking suggests he may turn into a direct defensive pressure for the Blazers within the common season.
4. Guard Stephon Fortress | San Antonio Spurs
Fortress has persistently proven the flexibility to penetrate the paint, blowing previous defenders and ending with ease on the rim. The nationwide champion at UConn averaged 11 factors in the course of the preseason in 5 video games. “I actually loved Blake [Wesley] and Steph Fortress enjoying ‘D’ on the market, getting after folks,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said during the preseason, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Specific-Information. “They’ve an awesome mentality that method.”
5. Ahead Ryan Dunn | Phoenix Suns
Dunn, like fellow rookie Knecht, exceeded expectations in the course of the preseason, successfully securing a spot within the rotation. At 6-foot-6 and 215 kilos, Dunn has excellent dimension and energy to defend greater wings similar to Jayson Tatum, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. His offense was spectacular in the course of the preseason. After struggling along with his three-point shot in school at Virginia, he linked at a 43.3% clip from past the arc on six makes an attempt per recreation, giving Phoenix the hope that he can become the three-and-D weapon it desperately wants.
6. Heart Zach Edey | Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s preseason supplied a combined bag. At instances, he seemed unstoppable within the publish, utilizing his dimension (7-foot-4 and 299 kilos) and energy to overpower defenders. Nonetheless, his general effectivity (50% effective field-goal percentage) and restricted playmaking (one help per recreation) are regarding. Edey’s offensive recreation typically lacked circulate, and he had a bent to pressure pictures within the paint. On protection, his rim safety was strong, however his means to defend in area stays a query.
7. Ahead Alexandre Sarr | Washington Wizards
Within the preseason, Sarr tantalized along with his three-point shot, making 53.8% of his makes an attempt from past the arc. Nonetheless, Sarr made 50 % of his free throws, casting doubt on whether or not his sizzling capturing will translate to the common season. Moreover, his team-worst -13.3 plus/minus rating signifies that his general affect on the sport wants additional growth.
8. Ahead Jaylen Wells | Memphis Grizzlies
With minor accidents sidelining Ja Morant and Marcus Good, Wells took full benefit of his preseason alternatives, averaging 14.4 factors on 44.4% capturing and showcasing strong perimeter protection. The Grizzlies are well-stocked on the guard and big-man positions, however they lack prolonged small forwards able to defending the league’s prime offensive wings. This opens up a possible function for the 6-foot-7, 206-pounder to crack the rotation and make a direct affect.
9. Guard Rob Dillingham | Minnesota Timberwolves
Dillingham began the preseason with a bang, dropping 21 factors in opposition to the Lakers and confidently sinking step-back threes and demonstrating strong decision-making within the pick-and-roll. Nonetheless, in his subsequent 4 video games, his capturing contact vanished, as he managed to attach on only 19.8% of his shots and at instances appeared misplaced on the court docket.
10. Ahead Matas Buzelis | Chicago Bulls
Buzelis had his moments within the preseason, together with a formidable exhibiting in opposition to the Bucks by which he scored 15 factors and attacked the rim fearlessly in opposition to Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of many league’s premier defenders. Nonetheless, his capturing stays a priority, as he linked on simply 35.3% of his pictures from the ground general. Regardless of the inconsistency, he did sufficient to edge Houston’s Reed Sheppard for the ultimate spot in these rankings.
