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NBA: 5 under-the-radar players to watch in 2017-18

By Morgan Dunn

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Stephen Zimmerman #36 of the Milwaukee Bucks guards Skal Labissiere #3 the Sacramento Kings during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sacramento won 69-65. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Stephen Zimmerman #36 of the Milwaukee Bucks guards Skal Labissiere #3 the Sacramento Kings during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sacramento won 69-65. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 07: Henry Ellenson #8 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the 2016 NBA Rookie Photoshoot at Madison Square Garden Training Center on August 7, 2016 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 07: Henry Ellenson #8 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during the 2016 NBA Rookie Photoshoot at Madison Square Garden Training Center on August 7, 2016 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /

Henry Ellenson, Detroit Pistons

Ellenson was expected by some to be a Top 10 selection in the 2016 NBA Draft, and many were surprised to see him slide all the way to the 18th pick. The Pistons seemed happy to scoop up the Marquette product, but he saw minimal playing time as a rookie, averaging less than eight minutes per contest in just 19 appearances. Still, 6-foot-11 guys with significant shooting potential don’t grow on trees.

Ellenson was inefficient offensively last year, but his per-36 averages of 14.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game were encouraging. He also posted averages of 17.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game during 21 starts in the D-League (now the G-League). However, even in the D-League, Ellenson’s efficiency was his biggest issue.

Efficiency was not a problem for the big man this summer in the Orlando Summer League, where he averaged 20 points per game on 48 percent shooting. He showcased his vast offensive potential against Charlotte when he dropped 29 points on 12 of 20 shooting and a 50 percent mark from deep. He’s a bit reminiscent of a less-talented Kevin Love, and let’s not forget the offensive maven that Love was pre-LeBron.

At just 20 years old, Ellenson looks capable of becoming a very effective stretch-4, a position that continues to be the rave of the modern NBA. He certainly needs to make strides on the defensive end, but don’t be surprised to see him garnering praise this season for his offensive development.

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