NBA Rookie Report: 2021-22

[Hassan Darkside]

Creating a new thread for keeping track of all the rookies this year. This is one of the deepest and most talented drafts we've had in a while. It's time to answer some of the questions we've been debating over the past few months:

• Is Cade Cunningham more like Luka or a sped up Kyle Anderson?
• Is Evan Mobley a cross between Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis defensively?
• Will Luka Garza show flashes of being the most dominant Luka in the NBA?
• Did Toronto make the right choice choosing Scottie Barnes over Jalen Suggs?
• How long will Jalen Green pretend to be offended at not being drafted by a team he didn't want to play for?

So who are y'all tracking this year? Who's surprising you? Who's disappointing you?

[jeebs9]

https://youtu.be/df2lhYxqSkQ

That's my report . But I could post so much lol.

The players getting time that has kind of surprised me was Zaire Williams. He hasn't put up any crazy amazing numbers. It's the fact that he's getting minutes. Unless it's because Brooks is hurt right now. But I didn't expect he'd even play in any games this early. I guess more of a project from everything I saw from him. But he's been solid.

https://youtu.be/JYYDtOVmtuA
https://youtu.be/sBlNrOgJbEE

Spoiler

Professional Scorer right here
https://youtu.be/u2_7lNGnG5E

[jeebs9]

I forgot to mention Josh Giddey
https://youtu.be/kxeCz_VqPjU

I think most of us thought he was a reach. But man oh man were we wrong. The problem is he plays for the Thunder .

[mvpstax]

I've been impressed by Jalen Suggs. Dude is much more athletic than I thought. Gonzaga guys seem to have a certain stigma in my mind maybe, but he's related to Terrell Suggs and Eddie Jones, so he's got some good genes lol.

Smart, tough player. I think he'll be a multiple All Star. Haven't watched Barnes play yet.

[mvpstax]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeebs9

I forgot to mention Josh Giddey https://youtu.be/kxeCz_VqPjU I think most of us thought he was a reach. But man oh man were we wrong. The problem is he plays for the Thunder .

Couldn't tell if I was watching highlights from 1960s or not. His game is old school.

[jeebs9]

Quote: Originally Posted by mvpstax

Couldn't tell if I was watching highlights from 1960s or not. His game is old school.

Talking about coming out of no way.... https://youtu.be/-ODpav97dp4

Like he's been playing in the league for 2 years already

It's one thing I like about getting these "older" players. I get wanting the newest and hottest thing on the block. But if your team needs help ASAP. These older players don't hurt you at all. Obviously development wise your not going to see any kind of "late boomers". Which to me is super rare. But your getting a player who can defend right out of the box and isn't a hard fit to team culture.

[ojandpizza]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeebs9

Talking about coming out of no way.... https://youtu.be/-ODpav97dp4 Like he's been playing in the league for 2 years already It's one thing I like about getting these "older" players. I get wanting the newest and hottest thing on the block. But if your team needs help ASAP. These older players don't hurt you at all. Obviously development wise your not going to see any kind of "late boomers". Which to me is super rare. But your getting a player who can defend right out of the box and isn't a hard fit to team culture.

He literally does everything. He plays both ends, handles/passes like a very strong secondary guard, he can score at all 3 levels and is an elite shooter. He's yet to miss a free-throw and was a day 1 starter playing 38minutes and averaging 20 a game through his first 4 games. He's got to finish a bit better around the rim, convert those mid-range shots at a bit of a higher clip, he does that and he's already looking like an All-Star.

Regardless incredibly polished as an all around guy. Giving me those Grant Hill, Tim Duncan vibes. Obviously he doesn't likely have that star power type of ceiling, he's not a freak athlete or 7 feet tall lol. But he's already so polished and smart in terms of instincts. Indiana has to be super pleased with that pick. You look at how versatile all of Brogdon, Duarte, LeVert, and Sabonis are and Indiana feels like a team with a very bright future.

[bigeastbumrush]

I’m really impressed by Scottie Barnes. I think once he figures out what type of player he wants to be, he’s going to be a serious problem for the league.

His frame is huge. He can push the ball. Can work on his outside shot.

I just see nothing but upside for him.