NBA SCIC Roundtable: 2015-16 Rookie Update Edition
What rookie that is currently not playing much is most worthy of more playing time?
Jason Coldiron: Mario Hezonja has so much potential it’s insane. He needs more minutes to show what he is and what he can do.
Clevis Murray: Bobby Portis
Evan Caulfield: Bulls big man Bobby Portis is definitely worthy of more playing time. During the preseason, he averaged 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game. Unfortunately, his playing time has been cut in half, due to the fact that he’s been stuck behind Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Paul Gasol and Nikola Mirotic in the rotation. If one of those guys goes down with an injury, look for Portis to post decent numbers off the bench. Otherwise, he will likely remain a reserve for most of the season.
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John Armstrong: I think I want to see more Mario Hezonja in Orlando. I like that he can shoot, and he plays with a swagger. Fortunately for him, Magic coach Scott Skiles isn’t dedicated to a specific lineup and will bench a player who’s not performing well. That means, if any players slip in their production, Hezonja may begin to see more court time.
Brandon Osborne: Justin Anderson: the rookie from UVa has showed in limited minutes that the Mavericks selected the right guy. He defends well, shoots a solid outside shot and most importantly he brings energy and hustle every play.
Nicholas Hughes: Stanley Johnson. Stan Van Gundy has made his intentions with the former Arizona swingman well known. SVG plans on bringing him along rather slowly, in the hopes of him being very effective for the Pistons a few years down the road. Now though, in limited minutes off of the pine, Johnson has been solid.
He can score at a fair clip and even defends others wings pretty well. He is stuck behind Marcus Morris, who is in the early stages of what appears to be a career year. Shaky play from KCP is inevitable it seems, and running Johnson with the starting lineup could help Detroit regain the momentum that they had at the start of the season.
Next: Rookie on the Move