The O.C. – Early Impact NBA Rookies
The last few years of the NBA Draft have shown us that the players with the earliest and greatest impact on their franchises are not always the ones taken first overall. Steph Curry was drafted by Golden State at No.7 in 2009; Kawhi Leonard by the Spurs at 15th; and Damian Lillard went sixth last year to Portland. It’s not always the player and their draft position, more often than not it’s their landing spot.
So let’s look at those guys who could have an early impact in their NBA careers.
Michael Carter-Williams – Philadelphia 76ers
Philly took MCW with the 11th pick, just minutes after dealing away All-Star guard Jrue Holiday. Carter-Williams is long and plays even longer. A talented PG who should be able to get an instant opportunity to start. As a rookie, MCW will make his fair share of mistakes, but he has an extreme upside, learning through the baptism of fire that will be an NBA rookie PG will serve Carter-Williams well in the long run. If, and it’s a big if, he can become a solid long-range shooter, he could be scary good.
Trey Burke – Utah Jazz
The Jazz traded in their 14th and 21st selections to move up and grab Burke at No.9. It’s the perfect fit for both sides: The Jazz get a high character young talent in Burke, whose game as a floor leader translates nicely to the next level. Burke’s not an incredible athlete – but Utah will likely rely on him from the get-go. Mo Williams, Earl Watson and Jamaal Tinsley are all free agents, and likely on the way out. This will be Burke’s team from day one, and he has a real chance to shine.
Victor Oladipo – Orlando Magic
The former Indiana star is still a work in progress on the offensive end, but his high motor will make him garner immediate attention on the defensive side of the floor. He won’t blow people away at the offensive end of the floor, but he’ll do enough to keep the score board ticking over. The Magic front-office, including GM Rob Hennigan love him and he’ll be given every opportunity to succeed.
Shabazz Muhammad – Minnesota Timberwolves
I’ve never been a great fan of Shabazz Muhammad. He came out of high school as the number one player in the country, be didn’t do too much to justify it at college. He was taken in the correct spot for me, by a great organization in the Timberwolves at 14. The Wolves legitimately have two of the most essential assets needed in the Association. A true passer in Ricky Rubio, and a gifted and skilled big man in Kevin Love. Muhammad isn’t the greatest shooter, the combination of size and passing ability will get him some good open looks. His toughness and physicality on defense will see him garner extra minutes on the floor, and although he hasn’t lived up to the expectations he continues to be productive.
Alex Len – Phoenix Suns
Rookie general manager Ryan McDonough had some explaining to do when he opted for the 7′ 1″ Ukrainian over Nerlens Noel with the 5th pick. Len is a far superior player to Noel offensively, and will be given heavy time on the floor with the lack of talent on the suns roster. Len legitimately has a chance to be an NBA top 10 center by the end of his rookie deal.
