8 NBA Rookies Who Should Be Starters in 2015-16
Outside of the top few picks, it's rare for rookies to enter the NBA as starters. However, the 2015 draft class produced a handful of qualified candidates.
A number of them landed in spots with clear paths to the starting lineup.
In some cases, the prospect adds something specific that's needed in the first unit. On the other hand, there are a few rookies who went to a team that lacked depth at their particular position.
Based on individual talent, rosters and team needs, we identified eight first-year players who should either begin their careers as a starter or be a strong candidate to become one early on.
It's worth noting that we've decided Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein would be better suited coming off the bench, with Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins the potentially more effective small-ball 4-5 combo.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, PF/C
1 of 8
Minnesota Timberwolves Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Ricky Rubio
Shooting Guard: Kevin Martin
Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins
Power Forward: Kevin Garnett
Center: Karl-Anthony Towns
Having played just 21.1 minutes a game and seen limited touches in Kentucky's loaded offense, Karl-Anthony Towns needs the reps.
He only averaged 6.6 field-goal attempts as a one-and-done freshman. Not only should the Wolves start Towns, but they should look to frequently feature him with post-ups, pick-and-rolls, pick-and-pops and mid-range isolation.
The more touches and scoring opportunities he gets, the quicker he's likely to develop.
Towns needs the defensive reps as well, considering he averaged 5.6 fouls per 40 minutes in college and 6.2 per game in Las Vegas Summer League. He'll block plenty of shots, but Towns must familiarize himself with the NBA's officiating and versatile bigs.
And without any pressure to win in Minnesota, now is the time to let that happen. Towns' leash should ultimately be extra long during his rookie campaign.
Jerian Grant, New York Knicks, PG/SG
2 of 8
New York Knicks Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Jose Calderon
Shooting Guard: Jerian Grant
Small Forward: Arron Afflalo
Power Forward: Carmelo Anthony
Center: Robin Lopez
Having finished dead last in the NBA in both drives per game (17.0) and points per game off drives (10.2), per NBA.com, the New York Knicks need Jerian Grant's playmaking.
They aren't going to get much from Jose Calderon, who's more of a ball-mover at this stage in his career. And though the addition of Arron Afflalo will help, he's averaged just two assists per game in eight years as a pro.
Without Grant, the lineup lacks a player who can get into the paint, collapse the defense and make things happen off the dribble.
Already 22 years old, Grant should be ready to roll in year No. 1. Even in the starting lineup, he shouldn't have too much pressure on his shoulders, given the fact he'd be able to play to his strengths and just worry about setting the table for the bigs.
At 6'5", 205 pounds with the ability to create and make shots on the perimeter, Grant could even slide off the ball. That would allow Calderon to run the point with an athletic passer in Grant at the 2, while Afflalo can man the wing, Carmelo Anthony can play power forward and Robin Lopez can anchor the defense.
Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers, C
3 of 8
Philadelphia 76ers Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Tony Wroten Jr.
Shooting Guard: Nik Stauskas
Small Forward: Robert Covington
Power Forward: Nerlens Noel
Center: Jahlil Okafor
Jahlil Okafor just might be the team's top offensive weapon from opening night, and he'll start for that reason alone.
But the real focus should ultimately be on Okafor's fit alongside Nerlens Noel.
The pairing makes more sense on defense, where Noel thrives and Okafor tends to struggle. However, considering both players do most of their damage inside the paint, the spacing on offense may take some getting used to.
It's a situation management must monitor to see whether this is a duo that can thrive and work together.
Either way, Okafor represents the only player on the roster coach Brett Brown can feed and feature against a set half-court defense.
“I am ready,” Okafor told the Washington Post's Michael Lee. “I was the No. 1 player out of high school, so I always had a lot of attention and then I went to Duke University, one of the bigger schools in the country, won a national championship. So I’m used to it. I think I’ll handle it pretty fine.”
.png?w=256)
Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons, SF
4 of 8
Detroit Pistons Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Reggie Jackson
Shooting Guard: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Small Forward: Stanley Johnson
Power Forward: Ersan Ilyasova
Center: Andre Drummond
The Detroit Pistons could start Marcus Morris at the 3, but it's not a particularly high-upside move. In terms of talent, Morris is a bench player, while Stanley Johnson projects as the team's eventual lead wing.
There just isn't any need to delay the inevitable.
At 6'7", 245 pounds, Johnson can already match up physically with the majority of NBA small forwards. Compared to Morris, his skill set is better suited for the position. He's a threat to attack as well as create and make shots in the mid-range with pull-ups and floaters. And Johnson hit 37.1 percent of his threes at Arizona and 41.7 percent of them in summer league.
Johnson also has strong defensive tools capable of guarding multiple positions.
Detroit's lineup may actually be tougher with Johnson's two-way presence in the middle. Either way, the Pistons should make Johnson a priority and let him run with the first unit right away.
Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets, PG
5 of 8
Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Emmanuel Mudiay
Shooting Guard: Randy Foye
Small Forward: Danilo Gallinari
Power Forward: Kenneth Faried
Center: Jusuf Nurkic
Having just sent Ty Lawson to the Houston Rockets, the Denver Nuggets created a clear path for Emmanuel Mudiay to grab a starting position.
At 6'5", 195 pounds with sound ball skills and dangerous playmaking ability, Mudiay is ready, both physically and fundamentally, to hold his own in a lead guard role.
And though he's bound to run into trouble with decision-making, turnovers and shooting, slowly bringing him along off the bench won't help. The Nuggets must accept that Mudiay will likely struggle with inefficiency. The quicker he goes through all the trial and error, the quicker he's likely to improve and make adjustments.
If given enough freedom from coaches, Mudiay just may be the best bet to win 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year. Expect big numbers, as well as low percentages, from Denver's new primary ball-handler.
D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers, PG/SG
6 of 8
Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: D'Angelo Russell
Shooting Guard: Jordan Clarkson
Small Forward: Kobe Bryant
Power Forward: Julius Randle
Center: Roy Hibbert
There isn't any sense in bringing D'Angelo Russell along slowly. If general manager Mitch Kupchak believes Russell and Jordan Clarkson represent the team's backcourt of the future, they might as well start building that chemistry right away—especially with Kobe Bryant willing to play small forward.
Besides, after a rough summer league, it looks like Russell may have some kinks to work out. Coming off the bench in a lesser role would only prolong the trial-and-error process.
Russell needs the minutes and reps to figure out what works versus what doesn't. And the Lakers must determine whether he's better suited at the point or the off-guard slot.
Though L.A. will be better than last year, wins in 2015-16 aren't as important as the development of the team's young players. Now is the time to let Russell make his mistakes and consequent adjustments.
Frank Kaminsky, Charlotte Hornets, PF
7 of 8
Charlotte Hornets Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: Kemba Walker
Shooting Guard: Nicolas Batum
Small Forward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Power Forward: Frank Kaminsky
Center: Al Jefferson
In a frontcourt with Al Jefferson, who operates mostly in the paint, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who isn't a three-point shooter, Frank Kaminsky's ability to stretch the floor should hold immediate value to Charlotte.
Kaminsky has range, having hit 41.6 percent of his threes as a senior and 38.9 percent of them in summer league. Even if his inside game fails to translate, the threat alone he poses from deep should help improve spacing and balance.
And it's not as if the Hornets have any other can't-miss options at power forward. Marvin Williams isn't a true 4 or a particularly exciting talent, and Cody Zeller just hasn't been able to take the next step in terms of his development.
Kaminsky is coming off four years at Wisconsin, back-to-back Final Fours and National Player of the Year honors. His skills and basketball IQ are sharp, and at 22 years old, he's no baby.
After the Hornets took him No. 9 overall, it makes sense for them to start Kaminsky, who can fill an immediate need for a team that finished last in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage (31.8 percent) last year.
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, C
8 of 8
Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard: George Hill
Shooting Guard: Monta Ellis
Small Forward: Paul George
Power Forward: Jordan Hill
Center: Myles Turner
Myles Turner isn't quite ready to start producing consistent results, but given the alternatives behind him combined with the departure of Roy Hibbert, the Indiana Pacers coaching staff might as well get the learning process going.
Turner could use the reps. He was somewhat limited in Texas' offense and often forced out of position and away from the basket. Early touches in Indiana could be good for Turner's confidence and eventual comfort level.
Even if he hasn't fully grown into his body, Turner (6'11", 243 lbs) happens to be highly skilled for a projected center. Meanwhile, his ability to improve spacing as a shooting threat should help create wider driving lanes for Monta Ellis and Paul George.
For what it's worth, Turner was terrific in summer league, where he averaged 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks on 60.5 percent shooting.
The Pacers just don't have much to lose by letting Turner loose and starting him at center.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")