NBA Rookies Who Will Surprise in 2015-16
We see under-the-radar rookies become regulars in NBA rotations every year. Jordan Clarkson, Jusuf Nurkic, Langston Galloway, Bojan Bogdanovic and K.J. McDaniels were just a few from last season.
These are prospects who've either slipped through the cracks or happened to have landed in ideal situations. A few are international players who've been stashed overseas to develop.
Based on projected roles, which are determined by NBA readiness and depth at their position, as well as performances in summer league and early preseason, the following rookies are bound to surprise and emerge as serviceable everyday contributors.
Jerian Grant, New York Knicks, PG
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The No. 19 pick in the draft could have one of the biggest rookie roles. Jerian Grant, who turns 23 years old October 9, gives the New York Knicks an NBA-ready body and an answer for limited backcourt depth.
It's his playmaking the Knicks value most—they finished last in the NBA in drives per game (17.0) and points per game off drives (10.2), per NBA.com. While Jose Calderon is more of a pocket passer, Grant's game revolves around setting the table for teammates off ball screens and penetration.
He can break down a defense from the point, but at 6'5" with the ability to create his own shot and threaten as a shooter, he also offers the versatility to play either guard position. President Phi Jackson told former assistant coach Charley Rosen, via ESPN.com, that Grant will compete with Langston Galloway (behind Arron Afflalo) for playing time.
The Knicks may even be inclined to eventually start Grant alongside Calderon in a small-ball lineup that features Carmelo Anthony at power forward. Regardless, look for Grant to average between four and five assists and beat out Galloway for minutes.
Justin Anderson, Dallas Mavericks, SG/SF
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With Wesley Matthews expected to miss time early and the Dallas Mavericks lacking depth on the wing, coach Rick Carlisle may have to turn to Justin Anderson right away.
Anderson is NBA-ready from a physical perspective—at 6'6", 225 pounds, his punch packs power and above-the-rim bounce.
Meanwhile, a monster showing in Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 17.5 points and 2.5 threes per game, has fueled encouragement regarding his level of preparation.
Though not overly skilled as a scorer or playmaker, his ability to spot up from deep and finish should translate to complementary production.
Even if his shot isn't falling, the defensive pressure and versatility he offers could still lead to regular minutes.
Anderson's ceiling isn't overly high, but as a three-and-D specialist, odds are he has something to offer in 2015-16.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brooklyn Nets, SF
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He might not offer much firepower, and chances are his stat lines won't jump off the box scores, but Rondae Hollis-Jefferson should emerge as a regular in the Brooklyn Nets' rotation.
For a team that finished No. 24 in the league in defensive efficiency, per ESPN.com, coach Lionel Hollins has incentive to find time for Hollis-Jefferson, who was voted best defender in the draft by the 2015 class, according to NBA.com's John Schuhmann.
At 6'7" with a 7'2" wingspan and lightning-quick feet, he's established a reputation for being a lockdown ball-stopper capable of sticking 1s, 2s, 3s and potentially small-ball 4s.
And though limited as a shot-creator and shooter, his athleticism holds extra value in Brooklyn, where the Nets dress below-the-rim wings such as Bojan Bogdanovic and Joe Johnson.
Defensive pressure and versatility, as well his ability to pick up easy buckets off cuts and transition opportunities, should be enough for Hollis-Jefferson to carve out a role with the Nets next season.
Joseph Young, Indiana Pacers, SG
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A 6'2" shooting guard already 23 years old, Joseph Young never generated much NBA draft buzz at Oregon. It wasn't a major shock to see him available at No. 43 overall.
But Young looks poised to surprise and emerge as a weapon for the Indiana Pacers, who could really use some additional firepower after ranking No. 24 in offensive efficiency last season.
Though streaky, Young can generate offense on demand, thanks to terrific ball skills, shot creativity and shooting range. He goes by Joey Buckets for a reason. We saw it in summer league, when he averaged 22.5 points on 45 percent shooting from deep.
Coach Frank Vogel has already expressed confidence in Young and 2015 lottery pick Myles Turner. "I intend to use them right away," he said, via Pacers reporter Scott Agness.
Consistency may be tough for Young to achieve, but his ability to score in bunches should translate in a role that asks him to ignite the second unit.
Raul Neto, Utah Jazz, PG
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Having taken a point guard with a top-10 pick in two of the past three drafts, it's going to surprise some when Raul Neto, who's been stashed overseas since 2013, emerges as the most effective facilitator for the Utah Jazz in 2015-16.
He's spent the past few years competing against pros in the Spanish ACB. And with Dante Exum on the shelf (torn ACL) and questions still swirling around Trey Burke, Neto will have a legitimate role during his first NBA season.
For what it's worth, he dished out six assists and racked up four steals in 20 minutes during the Jazz's preseason opener. A pass-first setup man, Neto has strong vision and playmaking instincts, and though he doesn't project as a big-time scorer, he's always been known as a pesky, active defender.
"I tried to do what coach say," Neto said following his NBA debut (via the Salt Lake Tribune's Aaron Falk, Tony Jones and Steve Luhm). "He said press the ball full court, make them uncomfortable. So I did that."
The argument could be made that Neto's strengths and skill set are better suited in the starting lineup, while Burke's ability to make shots may hold more value coming off the bench.
Either way, Neto could have a terrific opportunity this year in Utah, where he's bound to win over fans and coaches with dishing, defense and energy.
Nemanja Bjelica, Minnesota Timberwolves, SF/PF
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At 27 years old, Nemanja Bjelica isn't your ordinary rookie. Drafted back in 2010, he appears poised to make an immediate impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After earning Euroleague MVP honors, a terrific showing last month at FIBA EuroBasket—he averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 56.1 percent shooting and 37.5 percent from deep—Bjelica keeps raising expectations.
Bjelica's game ultimately screams versatility. At 6'10", he projects as a stretch 4 who can knock down threes or face up and attack slower bigs off the bounce.
“Very smart, moves the ball, can shoot the ball, just wants to play, unselfish to a fault,” coach Sam Mitchell told the Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda. “I like the way he plays. I’ve seen him on tape, but I like him a lot more in person."
Bjelica should see time at both forward positions behind Andrew Wiggins and Kevin Garnett. Look for him to give the Wolves a jack-of-all-trades role player off the bench.
