NBA: 5 rookies who are starting to figure it out

Luke Kennard, Detroit Pistons 

The 12th overall pick is starting to play well enough, that the Pistons are starting him and moved on from Avery Bradley. Kennard is already flashing the offensive prowess that made him such a good college player. I know 6.9 points, and 1.3 assists per game on 43 percent shooting doesn’t exactly jump out on you, but Kennard is coming. In the last ten games, he is averaging 9.4 points per game in more stable minutes. Kennard’s biggest asset right now is his 3-point shooting. He is making 3’s at a 43 percent clip on 2.5 attempts per game. A small sample size, but a very encouraging one.

Kennard’s shooting has become extremely valuable for the Pistons, well because they don’t have a lot of other players that can make them. That is why Kennard leads the team in offensive rating and is second in net rating. Kennard is at his best spotting up. He ranks in the 96th percentile on spot ups with an astounding 48.6 percent score frequency according to Synergy Sports.

That is what he should stick too for now on offense, and it will be his role alongside new teammate Blake Griffin and Reggie Jackson once he gets back from injury. He is not ready to be a primary pick and roll ball handler. Luke only ranks in the 31st percentile in that department.

Two things here. One he cant finish at the rim like at all. He shoots 48 percent at the rim, a terrible mark. Second, his passing is slightly below average. His assist percentage is an average 9.9 percent. Combine that with a 13.2 turnover percentage and its clear Kennard is best served off the ball.

This will be the next facets of his game. He must get stronger to take contact at the rim. It will do him wonders as he is already an excellent foul shooter. Don’t expect too much more playmaking from him, as Blake will take some of that away.

The one other area of Kennard’s offensive game that has some promise is his midrange game. He is getting better at attacking closeouts and pulling up for jumpers or soft floaters. Kennard shoots 42 percent in the mid-range, a solid mark.

Now to defense, which was the concern on Kennard going into the draft. Well, Kennard has been far better than advertised on that end. He ranks in the 81st percentile overall on defense. Regarding individual defense, he is above average in every facet of the game. Kennard plays hard and is smart; he knows where to be.

A good sign for him is he does not foul a lot, which is tough as a rookie. He also doesn’t foul, while posting average steal and block rates. Kennard doesn’t gamble a lot, another great sign from a rookie. Add it up, and Kennard is fifth on the team in defensive rating. His 10.1 percent defensive rebound rate is slightly below average for his position, but that is nitpicking.

Kennard has promise as a 3-and-D guy, and he can be something more once he develops the other facts of his game. I’m high on Kennard as being a reliable two guard for years to come.