NBA Rookies with the Most Disappointing 2014 Preseason Performances
Although the 2014-15 NBA rookie class is an exciting crop stuffed with potential, a handful of prospects have turned in disappointing preseasons.
We've seen lackluster execution and production from some talented newcomers, which will hurt their chances of establishing a role this season.
But it's not just the youngsters who have struggled in the early going. Even upperclassman graduates and seasoned European imports are having trouble making shots and adjusting to the NBA stage.
Which rookies had the most disappointing performances? Let's take a look at the players who fell short of expectations and put up the ugliest numbers in October.
Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves SG
1 of 5
Preseason Stats: 16.1 MPG, 5.6 PPG, 1.0 APG, 41% FG, 22% 3FG
Biggest Disappointment: Lack of playmaking
As exciting as he is above the rim, Zach LaVine is facing a tough transition to the Association below it.
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders summed up the LaVine roller coaster with this candid quote, via Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press: "We love him and we hate him, sometimes on the same play."
It's disappointing that LaVine can't regularly execute on both ends or generate dynamic offense. But it's not shocking.
Let's not forget, he wasn't even ready for big-time college basketball last year at UCLA, as he looked the part of a raw freshman who couldn't handle huge chunks of minutes. He showed lots of potential as a slasher and shooter, but in reality, he's a long way from handling all the duties of a true combo guard.
It looks like he still has a lot of maturing to do as he tries to sneak into Minnesota's regular-season rotation.
Gary Harris, Denver Nuggets SG
2 of 5
Preseason Stats: 19.3 MPG, 5.7 PPG, 0.9 AST, 34% FG, 32% 3FG
Biggest Disappointment: One-dimensional
Although some considered him a possible steal at No. 19, Denver Nuggets rookie Gary Harris didn't look like a top-shelf prospect in October.
He showed flashes of three-point shooting, but that's about it.
Inside the arc, the 6'4" shooting guard had a tough time creating separation and making plays in Denver's offense. On all two-point field-goal attempts, he shot 8-of-22 (36 percent), which is a bit unnerving. He also tossed just six assists over seven games, as he's not yet comfortable attacking and exploiting creases in the defense.
Right now, he looks somewhat one-dimensional. As B/R's Jonathan Wasserman wrote, "It gives Harris little margin for error. If his jumper isn't on, chances are neither is his game. Harris isn't much of a playmaker or presence on the glass...."
With Arron Afflalo and Randy Foye ahead of him in the depth chart, minutes will be hard to come by for the rookie. Preseason would have been a superb opportunity to prove he deserves some run, but he hurt his chances with relatively uninspiring performances.
Damjan Rudez, Indiana Pacers F
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Preseason Stats: 20.9 MPG, 4.4 PPG, 30% FG, 23% 3FG
Biggest Disappointment: Shooting struggles
Damjan Rudez's lackluster preseason for the Indiana Pacers isn't anything to be alarmed about from a big-picture standpoint. He's simply struggling from the NBA three-point arc thus far.
The 6'10" Croatian earned his keep over the past decade as a sharpshooter all over Europe, but he's clearly still adjusting stateside. From three-point range, he's 6-of-26 (23 percent), and he's shooting just 30 percent from the field.
"There's really no secret to it, it's just an adjustment to the newer line," Rudez told Candace Buckner of The Indianapolis Star. "It's farther than what I'm used to shooting my whole life, so nothing much to do but just get shots up, shoot in practice and get adjusted to it."
The Pacers are still trying to figure out their optimal bench rotation, so Rudez has time to shoot his way into the picture. He's not your average rookie, as he's 28 years old with a boatload of professional basketball experience.
The sooner he finds a groove from NBA distance, the sooner he'll become a legitimate factor in Indy's playoff hunt.
Adreian Payne, Atlanta Hawks PF
4 of 5
Preseason Stats: 14.0 MPG, 2.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 29% FG, 17% 3FG
Biggest Disappointment: Inefficient inside and out
On an Atlanta Hawks roster where he'll have to scrap to get playing time, Adreian Payne delivered a rather unsightly audition during the preseason.
He had trouble effectively operating inside against NBA big men, and he couldn't find his touch from the perimeter.
The size and speed of the Association also got the better of him on the other end, where he racked up five fouls in 20 minutes or less two different times.
His inside-out proficiency was a pleasure to watch last year at Michigan State, as Payne looked primed to jump right into an NBA rotation and contribute. Unfortunately for him, he landed on a team with a talented frontcourt, and then he laid an egg in October.
The Hawks certainly will keep an eye on him and won't give up on his development. For now, it's tough to trust him with any kind of role as the season tips off.
Bojan Bogdanovic, Brooklyn Nets SG/SF
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Preseason Stats: 27.5 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 35% FG, 23% 3FG
Biggest Disappointment: Shooting struggles
Much like fellow European newcomer Damjan Rudez, Bojan Bogdanovic of the Brooklyn Nets is having trouble putting the orange sphere through the hoop. His woeful shooting percentage speaks to those trials.
And much like Rudez, it's probably something that will eventually work itself out. In fact, he's got an inside track to crack the starting lineup, according to Roderick Boone of Newsday.
The Croatian was a highly effective scorer in European play, but he spent much of this autumn adjusting to the different nuances of the NBA. Boone detailed some of the obstacles, including the new offense:
"He admittedly struggled...getting used to the difference between the NBA's ball and the one he played with overseas, the three-point arc being farther from the basket, the NBA's larger court and more set plays than he was accustomed to.
"
He played at least 26 minutes in all six exhibition tilts, but he only reached double figures once. As long as he looks comfortable alongside his new teammates, there's not much to fret about.
If those shooting woes continue into November and December, it's a different story.
Dan O'Brien covers the NBA and NBA draft for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter: @DanielO_BR
