NBA Draft 2012 Results: 5 First-Rounders Who Won't Sniff Playing Time in 2012-13
Just because a guy is drafted in the first round, it doesn't mean he's a lock to play an important role—especially not in his rookie year.
Some head coaches are hesitant to give rookies big minutes in the first place. In other instances, there just isn't a spot in the rotation quite yet.
Most often, though, the prospects who don't play just aren't ready.
In a draft that often takes upside and physical prowess into equal account with skill and a proven track record, there were some raw players taken in Thursday's first round. They may go on to have fantastic careers, but it won't be from the outset.
Evan Fournier, SG (Denver Nuggets)
The Nuggets are loaded on the wing with guys like Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Arron Afflalo, Corey Brewer and Jordan Hamilton. If Fournier comes to Denver right away rather than remaining in France for another year or two, he'd see limited action.
Fournier is already skilled enough to see some action in the NBA. It would just be an uphill task given the Nuggets' current depth. That could change any time if the organization finds itself involved with any trades—but until then, the smooth-shooting Fournier will probably have to wait in line.
Fab Melo, C (Boston Celtics)
If Boston holds on to Greg Stiemsma, it's hard to imagine Melo seeing the light of day early on. Even if Stiemsma is a goner, Melo may have precious few opportunities on the court as a rookie.
The seven-footer is easy one of the least-polished players in the first round, and his draft position has a lot more to do with his physical tools and upside than it does his ability to make an immediate impact in the NBA.
Given that we know almost nothing about how the Mavericks' roster will look next year, Cunningham could wind up the starting shooting guard for all we know.
Chances are that's not going to happen.
The undersized guard out of Oregon State can certainly score—he dropped a season-high 37 points on Texas. But, he's not especially well-rounded and a bit too turnover prone to see a lot of court time right away.
Tony Wroten, PG (Memphis Grizzlies)
Wroten was raw to begin with, but it will be even harder to see a ton of time for a team that already has its share of guards, including the increasingly impressive Mike Conley.
For now, the 6'5" point guard will also have to compete with Josh Shelby for minutes. That might not mean much of anything—the Grizzlies haven't seen much out of the guy just yet. But, it will be one more hurdle for Wroten to clear before he can create a steady role in the backcourt rotation.
His size and ability to get some playing time at the 2 won't hurt his cause, though.
Miles Plumlee, C (Indiana Pacers)
Plumlee didn't put up especially impressive numbers as Duke, but the draft combine revealed him to be one of the more athletic big men in the draft. He's got good size and certainly benefited from staying through his senior year at Duke.
Unfortunately, Roy Hibbert is not going to spare many minutes for a guy who still can't score.
We probably have yet to see the best of Plumlee. But, don't expect to see it in his rookie season either. He still needs some time.
