5 NBA Rookies Exceeding Expectations During 2014-15 Preseason
Through the first few weeks of NBA preseason action, a handful of unsung rookies have exceeded expectations with productive outings or impressive trends.
Some newcomers are turning heads due to surprisingly proficient skills, and others are gaining value by outworking opponents.
In the Western Conference, a pair of low-post anchors have owned the glass, while a new face in Miami aims to keep the Heat near the top of the East.
Which rookies are pleasantly surprising as the preseason unfolds? Let's take a look at the players who are more productive and more instrumental than anticipated.
James Ennis, Miami Heat SF
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Drafted: No. 50 (in 2013, selected by Atlanta Hawks)
Predicted Regular-Season Role: Key Role Player
As Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat work to form an optimal rotation for the post-LeBron era, 6'7" forward James Ennis has stepped up as a productive weapon to give the team wing depth.
His preseason barrage includes a pair of 17-point outings and a 14-point, five-assist effort against the Orlando Magic.
The rangy small forward is more than just an open-floor slasher and a shooter. He has frequently created off the bounce the past couple of weeks. He's also flying around on the boards and on defense.
Ennis spent the 2013-14 season as a dominant scorer in Australia, and he's now ready to successfully break into the NBA. He's doing a little bit of everything to contribute for Miami, and he spoke with Couper Moorhead of Heat.com about getting back to his unselfish playing style.
"Growing up, everybody used to tell me to be more aggressive,” Ennis said. “I was a pass-first – if I see a guy open that’s where I’m throwing it – that’s just the kind of player that I am. I like watching point guards pass the ball and I try to imitate that."
Don't confuse Ennis for a brilliant playmaker who's going to continually befuddle opponents. He's still got some polishing to do. However, Heat fans should be excited to see him impacting the game in so many ways.
Jusuf Nurkic, Denver Nuggets PF/C
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Drafted: No. 16 in 2014 (selected by Chicago)
Predicted Regular-Season Role: Back end of rotation
Denver Nuggets rookie Jusuf Nurkic has plenty of shortcomings to address before he's a truly dependable NBA big man. The 20-year-old Bosnian import must gain a greater feel for NBA defense, become more disciplined and know when to pick his spots offensively.
Despite his rawness, he's turned heads in October with his assertiveness in the paint and ability to compete and control the glass.
Nurkic gobbled up more than a dozen rebounds in back-to-back games, including 15 rebounds in just 18 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nuggets coach Brian Shaw expressed his delight in the center's bruising impact (per Nate Timmons of Denver Stiffs): "Pretty impressive for him, they were clobbering him. That kind of physicality is what we need."
Less than a week later, he notched 15 points against the Chicago Bulls, scoring capably against the likes of Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic. Nurkic also fouled out in that short span, so he's clearly still a work in progress.
Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives as Denver grooms him for the future.
Joe Harris, Cleveland Cavaliers SG
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Drafted: No. 33 in 2014
Predicted Regular-Season Role: Bench role player
After the midsummer transformation of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was unclear how much second-round pick Joe Harris would contribute to the new-look franchise. Would he be buried on the bench behind a slew of veterans?
His preseason exploits indicate he's capable of mixing in as a legitimate part of the rotation.
We knew Harris could shoot, and he's done a healthy amount of it this preseason. He notched back-to-back double-digit scoring nights to start exhibition play. But he's also connecting with his teammates, including four assists against the Miami Heat and a couple more dimes against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com sees Harris' minutes and contributions as a sign he'll give the older wings a run for their money: "Joe Harris (is) getting minutes ahead of James Jones. Logjam at the wing could lead to Jones fighting for a roster spot."
Don't sleep on him chipping in for the Cavs' season-long quest for a title.
Shayne Whittington, Indiana Pacers PF
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Drafted: Undrafted in 2014
Predicted Regular-Season Role: Third-string Center
Shayne Whittington's strong showing during preseason won't give him a significant role on the Indiana Pacers. But it does make him a viable insurance asset, and it shows that he could carve out a place in the league.
It was hard for anyone to gauge how he would fare in the preseason since he comes from a mid-major program at Western Michigan and broke his fibula in May.
Not only did he recover faster than expected, but he kicked off the preseason with a superb shooting display.
The 6'11" forward went 5-of-5 shooting from the field against the Minnesota Timberwolves, exhibiting the kind of inside-out scoring versatility that could make him an efficient reserve in the future. Whittington followed that up with a 2-of-4 shooting effort in 15 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks.
Fellow Pacers rookie Damjan Rudez said Whittington has turned heads during training camp.
“Shayne is really impressive sometimes in practice,” Rudez told Mark Montieth of Pacers.com. “He's really versatile. He can post up and he has a great shot, so he can be used in a lot of ways.”
Don't be surprised if the undrafted signee latches on in Indiana and eventually finds a meaningful role in the NBA.
Tarik Black, Houston Rockets C
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Drafted: Undrafted in 2014
Predicted Regular-Season Role: Backup Center
Throughout 2013-14, Tarik Black was overshadowed at Kansas by the enigmatic Joel Embiid. The rock-solid upperclassman has a lower ceiling than the young prodigy, and every team passed on him in June.
After going undrafted, he latched onto the Houston Rockets for Summer League. He transferred his physicality and intensity from Orlando and Las Vegas right into the preseason.
Black has thrown his 250-pound frame all over the floor, and he's imposed his will near the basket whenever Kevin McHale gives him substantial playing time.
He helped dismantle the Memphis Grizzles with a 10-point, 15-rebound outing, and he then did a little bit of everything in 25 minutes against the Phoenix Suns: eight points, seven assists, two blocks and one assist.
"Tarik Black is doing anything and everything that he can possibly do to make this roster," said Rockets play-by-play announcer Craig Ackerman. "Infectious energy and hustle plays."
If he can continue the energy and execute simple plays for Houston, he'll solidify his place in the league and perhaps make a bid for the backup center spot.
Dan O'Brien covers the NBA and NBA Draft for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter: @DanielO_BR
