7 2013-14 NBA Rookies with Major Weight on Their Shoulders
The 2013-14 NBA season will contain plenty of excitement, and some of it will center upon if certain rookies can handle the lofty expectations they are embracing.
Which rookies already have major weight on their shoulders?
In recent years, we have witnessed youngsters deal with this pressure successfully. Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard are prime examples of this. They have created intrigue for their respective franchises.
Which rookies are likely to follow after the emerging stars of Irving and Lillard? Conversely, who may not be ready to absorb such a weighty role?
This slideshow highlights these figures, while also analyzing which rooks will welcome this pressure with poise and maturity.
Cody Zeller, Charlotte Bobcats
1 of 7The Charlotte Bobcats need hope or else 50-year-old Michael Jordan might lace up the sneakers.
Hopefully their 7'0'' rookie Cody Zeller provides some direction.
Charlotte's offseason addition of Al Jefferson is noteworthy, but it should by no means ignite serious optimism. This is especially apparent when considering that Jefferson was the worst on the Utah Jazz during 2012-13 in plus/minus (-159) and defensive rating (1.11), per 82games.com.
Big Al is not exactly a franchise cornerstone.
Predicting Cody Zeller to be a franchise savior is premature, but he is definitely expected to be a significant piece to their future outlook. Selected fourth overall, he should anticipate logging quality minutes from the beginning, even playing alongside Jefferson.
This means there should be signs of promise amid Zeller's rookie campaign.
His strength is a concern, evidenced during his collegiate days at Indiana when he struggled battling big men of NBA-caliber athleticism.
He laid some of those worries to rest, though, in the Summer League. He averaged 16.3 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game while accumulating respectable percentages (52.0 percent from the field, 72.2 percent from the free-throw stripe).
Yes, it's Summer League, but it is still assuring. While Zeller likely lacks the physicality to ever become one of the game's premier frontcourt weapons, he does possess a stellar all-around skill set.
He runs the floor exceptionally well, he should develop a mid-range jumper due to his quality shooting form and he also exhibits a high understanding of the game. These assets should make him a productive big man for years.
We should anticipate this development occurring as the 2013-14 journey progresses. By the season's end, expect Zeller to have the NBA spectrum convinced that his future is bright.
If this transpires, then Zeller's off to a good start in dealing with the weight on his shoulders. He will have dispensed much-needed hope.
Predicted 2013-14 Averages: 13.7 PPG (50.3 percent, 73.5 percent from the free-throw line), 7.5 RPG, 1.0 blocks per game
Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
2 of 7Victor Oladipo, Zeller's college teammate, also greets large expectations.
As the No. 2 overall pick of the Orlando Magic, Oladipo should contribute in substantial fashion immediately, whether as a starter or coming off the bench.
His versatility was on display during the Summer League, where he filled up the stat sheet: 19.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.0 assists per game and 3.0 steals per game.
The downside? His ball control was suspect, as he coughed up 4.8 turnovers per outing.
The turnovers are especially concerning since the Magic are apparently planning to use Oladipo as a combo guard, according to their general manager Rob Hennigan.
Oladipo has the size and athleticism to play either guard spot, so the potential here is compelling. With his Russell Westbrook-like agility, he could specifically be a matchup nightmare as a floor general if he can learn it effectively.
Unfortunately, his ball-handling skills and decision-making are not ready to assume such a hefty role. He was more of a slasher during college, so plugging him in as a combo guard is questionable. He actually averaged more turnovers per game in college (2.3) than he did assists (2.1).
As a result, Oladipo could be shouldering a load he is not fit to carry, at least not at this point. The Magic could show greater wisdom in patiently expanding Oladipo's arsenal, allowing him to first find his niche as a slasher while slowly easing him into sets with the ball in his hands.
No matter what, Oladipo should become a solid guard, even if he's merely an active defender. If he can successfully add layers to his offensive game, then his upside is through the roof.
The Magic may be expecting too much too soon, though. It could be that Orlando must recalibrate their trajectory for him when they realize his offensive repertoire requires much maturity.
Predicted 2013-14 Averages: 13.1 PPG (45.8 percent from the field), 4.0 RPG, 3.2 APG (2.4 turnovers per game), 1.6 SPG
Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
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The Philadelphia 76ers pulled a shocker this offseason by trading Jrue Holiday for raw rookie prospect Nerlens Noel. Holiday was an All-Star last season as a 22-year-old.
Trading a young All-Star is perplexing to say the least. His replacement better fill the void adequately. Rookie point guard Michael Carter-Williams, chosen 11th overall, is thus facing grand expectations.
Carter-Williams had his shining moments at Syracuse, and his 6'6'' frame bodes well for the NBA. However, his efficiency is a distinct concern.
In 2012-13 with the Orange, he averaged an eye-opening 11.9 PPG, 7.3 APG, 4.9 RPG and 2.8 SPG. The problem is that he shot under 40 percent from the field (39.3), under 30 percent from long range (29.2) and turned it over 3.4 times per outing.
Compare this with Trey Burke's (rookie with the Utah Jazz) numbers from 2012-13 with Michigan: 46.3 percent from the field, 38.4 percent from distance and just 2.2 turnovers per game.
Furthermore, Carter-Williams looked unfit for the NBA level during the Summer League.
While he notched 13.6 PPG and 6.8 APG, inefficiency was once again an issue: 27.1 percent from the field, 15.8 percent from three-point land and 4.8 turnovers per outing.
This does not appear to be a youngster poised to take the reins of an NBA franchise, especially when he is replacing one of the league's budding stars.
Carter-Williams certainly could evolve into a prominent all-around playmaker. His size and passing abilities enable his contributions to surface in a bevy of ways.
Unfortunately, he is way too comparable to Shaun Livingston, and it's doubtful that the load he'll soon carry with Philly is appropriate.
Predicted 2013-14 Averages: 7.3 PPG (38.5 percent from the field), 4.1 RPG, 5.1 APG (3.1 TPG), 1.2 SPG
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Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
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Ben McLemore enters his rookie season as the likely starting shooting guard for the Sacramento Kings. In the backcourt, he is paired with savvy distributor Greivis Vasquez and defensive-minded Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
This means McLemore will welcome the majority of the perimeter scoring burden as a rookie. Can he succeed in this endeavor?
Yes, we should forecast this, but it shouldn't result in an unexpected playoff push from the Kings. McLemore should simply raise eyebrows throughout 2013-14 with his smooth shooting stroke and elite athleticism.
Despite being the seventh pick, McLemore could have the greatest upside in the 2013 draft. He poured in 15.9 PPG with excellent percentages (49.5 percent from the field, 42.0 percent from distance and 87.0 percent from the free-throw line) as a freshman with Kansas.
Once he establishes confidence, he should become a premier shooting guard. The Kings ultimately hope he can restore interest to their franchise, which has not made a playoff appearance since 2006.
Sacramento desires a new franchise savior. Tyreke Evans, despite winning the Rookie of the Year in 2009-10, didn't take his game to new levels in ensuing seasons. He is now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans.
DeMarcus Cousins is a fantasy hoops monster, but his undisciplined defense and unchecked attitude are lingering worries. His abysmal defensive rating (1.13) and atrocious plus/minus (-305) from 2012-13, per 82games.com, verify that "Boogie" is not in the mold of being a franchise cornerstone.
On the other hand, McLemore could adopt such an identity. He should undertake the challenge of turning the page that this suffering organization has been stuck on for awhile.
There should be signs that he's capable of this in 2013-14.
Predicted 2013-14 Averages: 16.9 PPG (44.5 percent from the field, 37.6 percent from three-point range), 4.4 RPG, 2.8 APG
Trey Burke, Utah Jazz
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Trey Burke showcased his talents throughout his two-year collegiate tenure with Michigan, and he now snags the starting point guard gig with the Jazz in an ideal situation.
It's a perfect fit because the Jazz have desperately needed a floor general since they traded Deron Williams. Moreover, Utah is ripe with promising young talent at other positions in Enes Kanter, Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward.
Give this team a few years, and they could be among the contenders in the Western Conference.
Burke takes on the weight of making this happen. The Jazz probably won't make the playoffs in 2013-14 due to a deep conference. But, if Burke merely reveals his skills and understanding of how to govern this unit, he will be well on his way towards fulfilling expectations.
His size (6'0'', 190 pounds) is a question mark, but his well-rounded game should overcome his physical limitations. He has extended range on his jumper (remember this?), is an adept passer and boasts top-notch decision-making abilities. Most importantly, he is a fearless competitor.
The Jazz have a quality strategy in place. Their blossoming big men, Kanter and Favors, both have All-Star potential written all over them. They just need a point guard to take them to such heights.
Burke has the responsibility of not only doing this, but also proving that the Jazz will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. He should take some lumps early on, but once his swagger arrives, he should have this bunch on the fast track towards contention.
Predicted 2013-14 Averages: 15.7 PPG (43.7 percent from the field, 35.8 percent from distance), 3.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.2 SPG
Shabazz Muhammad, Minnesota Timberwolves
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Shabazz Muhammad does not meet excessive pressure from the Minnesota Timberwolves (at least initially), but he does face heaviness because he already has a growing list of doubters.
This was apparent when he fell down the draft board to the No. 14 pick, after many believed he would be a top selection after a decorated ascent up the basketball ranks (he was the No. 1 overall recruit in 2012, according to Rivals.com).
Muhammad thus has weight on his shoulders to prove people wrong, that he is not following a path of unrealized potential like Michael Beasley.
A point of trouble here is where Muhammad landed. The Timberwolves have lacked vision and structure since Kevin Garnett departed. Numerous high draft picks, such as Jonny Flynn (No. 5 overall in 2009), Wesley Johnson (No. 4 overall in 2010) and Derrick Williams (No. 2 overall in 2011), have not panned out as anticipated.
Kevin Love is the obvious exception, but the growing trend is that Minnesota is not a place where youngsters really develop.
A player of Muhammad's talent and mental framework would've been better off settling somewhere with a visible plan, such as the Boston Celtics or Oklahoma City Thunder (two squads near where he was taken). He would've had a better support system in such destinations.
Since the support he'll have is iffy, and so is his leadership and drive, it's easy to question if Muhammad will silence his skeptics.
This is all the more worrisome when considering how the T'Wolves have an array of veterans on the wing (Kevin Martin, Chase Budinger, Corey Brewer). Truthfully, it may be difficult for Muhammad to even earn regular playing time.
It wouldn't be shocking if Muhammad's career putters along and never really gains the traction necessary for him to become a superstar.
Predicted 2013-14 Averages: 6.4 PPG (40.8 percent from the field), 2.1 RPG, 1.4 APG
Anthony Bennett, Cleveland Cavaliers
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The obvious reason why No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett carries major weight on his shoulders is because that's what happens to No. 1 selections.
But there is much more to analyze here.
LeBron James' looming free agency next summer is involved in this. The Cavaliers should already be an intriguing option for James because of Kyrie Irving, a proven superstar who is entering his prime.
Further, if Andrew Bynum is healthy and can regain his old form, then LeBron should be compelled at the thought of playing with a stud point guard and center.
What could make Cleveland's pitch to LeBron all the more alluring is if Bennett appears destined for superstardom. If Bennett busts onto the scene and is in the running for Rookie of the Year, then how could LeBron not be interested in teaming with a squad laden with such talent and youth?
This is the chief reason why Bennett is hauling a wide load as a rook. If he underperforms or battles injuries (he recently resumed five-on-five basketball, according to CBS Sports), LeBron may question if Cleveland has the complete roster necessary to compete for a championship.
On the other hand, if Bennett generates a buzz with beastly play at either forward position, James may bolt South Beach and return to his former stomping grounds.
There are surely a bevy of factors in LeBron's decision, but Bennett could bolster Cleveland's offer in a big way.
Bennett starts his NBA journey in a rather unique place. There are the natural expectations that come with being the top pick, but there is added pressure because of what could happen next summer.
As a result, he may very well be bearing more weight than any rookie.
Predicted 2013-14 Averages: 14.2 PPG (50.1 percent from the field), 7.2 RPG, 0.7 BPG
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