Big-name rookies like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant are living up to the expectations. Had the National Basketball Association (NBA) not been indefinitely halted 2 weeks ago, we would have been seeing more first-year players starting to bank in their values for their respective teams. The league hibernated like every other league around the world. Once the season resumes, we hope these following rookies at their growing peak can maintain their momentums.
CODY and CALEB MARTIN – Like the Lopez twins
of Milwaukee, they are Charlotte’s version of the brother act. Both can play
the 2-and 3-spot. They started slow but bloomed prior to the league’s
suspension. Caleb went undrafted last June. However, when he became part of the
rotation, he transformed into a good scoring option off the bench with his
strong moves to the basket and a dependable shooting touch from long range. Cody,
on the other hand, was the Hornets’ 36th pick in the NBA Draft. As more of a
facilitator than a scorer, he’s better on passing and defense.
KEVIN PORTER, JR. – Cleveland could be having one
of its franchise futures in Porter Jr. to build on. He’s a streak-shooting guard
with good one-on-one plays and had executed those moves in the Cavs’ final
games. He can defend and distribute the ball, but his downside is his lack of
game maturity. He has the potential to be an all-around player with his passing
and defense.
RJ BARRETT – He could be the light for the richest
franchise in the league that was lost many years ago in the darkness. New York
has a gem in the 19-year-old Barrett. The No.3 draft pick after Zion and Morant,
I hope New York won’t be mishandling him like what it does sometimes to second-year
small forward Kevin Knox. Another slow starter, the Canadian thrives in pull-up
and spot-up jumpers. He could also be a clutch shooter. Barrett shows some
passing creativity, which is an attribute he can improve on.
CAM REDDISH – Like Zion and Barrett, Reddish is one
of the three Duke players in the 2019 NBA Draft. A 2 and 3 player, he has slowly developed his
confidence, which compliments well with second-year All-Star guard Trae Young.
He has the ability to anticipate passes, make spectacular plays on the break
and if the lane is open, Reddish finishes drives to the basket with a slam. Like
Barrett, he’s good in pull-up jumpers, too.
COBY WHITE – Chicago Bulls’ starting point guard
could be the man they are looking to be their long-term playmaker. He has the
ball-handling skills and the explosive pace around the perimeter that make him
create space and drop defenders. White can score but is sometimes hasty in his decision
making, which results to turnovers.
When the season resumes, hopefully these guys can pick up where they left off./PN
