NBA Preseason 2016: Schedule and Predictions for Under-the-Radar Rookies
With about a week remaining in the 2016 NBA preseason, it's time to assess whether any of the trends we've seen so far will carry over to games that count.
Let's start quickly: Yes, the Golden State Warriors will be good at basketball. Controversial opinion, I'm sure, but I stand by it. No, Enes Kanter will not lead the NBA in scoring. Odds are, though, he's going to produce at the highest level of his career.
Other takeaways: Joel Embiid might already be the Philadelphia 76ers' best player; James Harden should be the preseason MVP favorite; Frank Vogel ain't fixing that weird Orlando Magic roster; oh, and Russell Westbrook might break the sport and create a new one all of his own this season.
Of equal importance, though, are some rookies who have stood out as potential contributors. Since we're likely not getting Ben Simmons this season, let's shift the focus downward toward some guys who might have gone under the radar in a shaky class.
Under-the-Radar Rookies
Taurean Prince, F, Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks envisioned Taurean Prince as something of a DeMarre Carroll replacement, and he has done a decent enough job of filling that role so far. He's averaging more than 20 minutes per game, grabbed two or more steals in every contest and scored in double digits twice—even if his three has been a little off.
"You see a lot of guys that were power forwards in college, and they have a lot of ground to cover to get to that small forward spot. I would just say that Taurean is significantly ahead of that (pace)," Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer said, per KL Chouinard of the Hawks' official website. "He has got a comfort level. He has got ball-handling skills and shooting skills, and he sees the court."
Prince has been getting as much playing time as Thabo Sefolosha this preseason, which likely doesn't mean much but could be a promising sign. He and Sefolosha are the likeliest primary backups behind starter Kent Bazemore, and Prince might get some time as a stretch 4 in small-ball lineups.
Prince was never a star capable of carrying a team at Baylor, and he won't be expected to do that in Atlanta. But as a mid-rotation player who can come in, defend the wing and hit shots, he might be more effective than expected as a rookie.
Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder seem fully committed to giving Domantas Sabonis minutes, with the rookie big man recording 60 minutes in OKC's two games in Spain. It was a promising two-game spell, with Sabonis hitting six of his nine shots—including a 3-of-4 rate beyond the arc. He also added seven assists while flashing a heady passing ability from the high post.
Thunder head coach Billy Donovan seemed pleased with how Sabonis is acclimating to the NBA game, per Fred Katz of the Norman Transcript:
"The biggest thing for me with him right now is just his discipline. That’s the biggest part. He’s gonna get better in terms of figuring out offenses, the speed, the length, the size, the quickness of the game. But in terms of defensively where he’s supposed to be, remembering plays, doing his job, being in the right spots, the right positions, a competitive guy, he’s reliable.
"
The Thunder have five big men who are deserving of rotation minutes. Ersan Ilyasova could get some stretch 4 minutes in the spot formerly occupied by Serge Ibaka, Kanter and Steven Adams are set for 30 minutes a night, and Joffrey Lauvergne looked solid in his first two years in Denver.
Sabonis was the main haul in the Ibaka trade, so the Thunder are banking a lot on him contributing right away. So far, so good.
Kay Felder, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
What the Cleveland Cavaliers' Kay Felder lacks in size, he makes up for in nearly every category. The 5'9" spark plug can leap out of the gym, create for himself and others off the bounce and has a fearless streak that makes him a potential difference-maker off the bench.
He's scored in double digits twice in three preseason games, including a 15-point, six-assist performance against the Hawks on Monday. With the defending champs understandably resting their stars—Kyrie Irving has played just 19 minutes all preseason—stats for Felder and others have been a bit inflated.
Still, there's a real chance Felder winds up seeing extended minutes during the regular season. He and Toney Douglas are the only other primary point guards on the roster. Mo Williams retired, Matthew Dellevedova is off making millions in Milwaukee, and the Cavs, for whatever reason, made little effort to fill their depth chart.
As J.R. Smith sits still unsigned with the regular season rapidly approaching, Cleveland may have no choice but to give Felder extended time.
"To throw a rookie into the fire of a championship team and all the scrutiny that surrounds this team and the pressure of winning, I just don't want to do that to him," Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue recently told reporters. "But he's a great player and we know that, so we're going to bring him along slow and I think he'll be fine."
At the very least, Felder is the favorite for the backup point guard job with Douglas playing on a non-guaranteed contract. That's a lot of responsibility for a second-round pick who played mid-major college ball. But if he winds up following in the footsteps of Isaiah Thomas and a few other little guys who sneaked through the cracks, Felder might be a steal.
Notable Preseason Games
| Oct. 13 | Memphis | Oklahoma City | 8 p.m. |
| Oct. 14 | Cleveland | Chicago | 8 p.m. |
| Oct. 15 | Boston | New York | 7:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 17 | L.A. Clippers | Utah | 9 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | Washington | Cleveland | 7 p.m. |
| Oct. 19 | Portland | Utah | 9 p.m. |
| Oct. 20 | New York | Brooklyn | 7:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 21 | Portland | Golden St. | 10:30 p.m. |
Full schedule available at NBA.com.
