NBA Rookies Off To A Fast Start

Heading into the 2011 NBA Draft there was a lot of talk about how weak the draft class was. I voiced my opinion on Twitter and elsewhere, saying that the 2011 draft class was stronger than most people were giving it credit for.  After nearly three weeks of this young NBA season I feel even more strongly that his rookie class is filled with talented players who should have long, successful NBA careers.

Here's a look at some of the rookies who have gotten their careers off to a fast start:

Kyrie Irving - The #1 overall pick has had some ups and downs but is showing flashes of being an all world point guard and every bit worthy of being the first player selected. He is averaging over 14 points, 5 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game and has helped his team to a .500 record.  He's shooting better than 40% from thee point land and 85% from the line. Most importantly, he has given new hope to the beleaguered Cavs franchise.

Tristan Thompson is another young Cav who is having an immediate impact. His numbers aren't off the charts but he has shown a world of potential as a defender, rebounder and interior scorer. In only 20 minutes a game he is averaging 1.7 blocks and 4.8 rebounds. He is an active and aggressive player who runs the court as well as any big man in the league.  With these two rookies the future looks bright in Cleveland.

MarShon Brooks fell to the 25th pick in the draft but has already picked up where he left off in college, scoring in bunches and draining perimeter jumpers. He is averaging better than 14 points a game and hitting about 46 percent of this shots.  The Nets got themselves a keeper.

Markieff Morris surprised some people by getting picked ahead of his brother but he is off to a fast start and showing that the Suns made a wise selection. He has really expanded his game over the past few seasons and has started his NBA career with a legit three point shot and deadly mid range jumper. He is rebounding well at about 5.3 rebounds per game and has hit on 46% of his three point shots.

Other rookies who have played well in the early going are: Norris Cole of Miami, Iman Shumpert of New York, Chandler Parsons of Houston and Isaiah Thomas, the last pick in the draft, for Sacramento.

Other rookies who have flashed a lot of promise are: Derrick Williams (Wolves), Enes Kanter (Jazz), Brandon Knight (Pistons), Nikola Vucevic (76ers), Klay Thompson (Warriors) and Kemba Walker (Bobcats).

Overall I have been impressed with the play of the rookies and think there is a lot more talent in this class than it gets credit for.

Isaiah Austin Scouting Report

2013 NBA Draft Prospect:

Isaiah Austin - Center - HS (Baylor)

Austin is a lanky 7 footer with a world of upside.  The future Baylor Bear should be a force in college ball and could be a one and done player.

Pros

Has tremendous height and unbelievable length.  A legit 7 feet tall with long arms.  Is quick up and down the floor and very agile. Handles the ball well for a 7 footer and has good overall skill level. A former guard who had a major growth spurt and still needs to grow into his body but has kept a lot of the skills of a wing player. Should be able to fill out and become a legit center. Comes from a tall family with his dad being 6,8 and grandfather 6,11.

Austin has a nice looking jump shot with range beyond 18 feet. Has an incredibly high release point making his shot difficult to block. Has a good dribble drive and fairly advanced face up game.

Is a great shot blocker with excellent timing. Has the hops and length to alter a ton of shots and elevates higher than most opponents have ever seen.  Is a very good rebounder due to his height but will have to improve his toughness at the college level and beyond. A very willing passer, defender and rebounder who understands the game well.

Cons

Very skinny and could get pushed around early in his NBA career. Will have to work extremely hard to put on weight and add strength. Is built like Tyson Chandler was in High School and could take just as long to develop in the NBA. Not yet a true back to the basket player although he has the potential to become one.

Projection: Top 5 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft

Jabari Parker Scouting Report

NBA Draft Prospect:

Jabari Parker - Small Forward - HS

At 6,8 and 220 pounds Parker is a load to handle on the wing.  Only 16 years old, Parker could continue to grow and will only improve his game over the next few years leading up to the 2014 draft. The Chicago native has schools from all over the country vying for his commitment.

Pros

Can do a little bit of everything on the basketball court and has a very high skill level on offense. Handles the ball well and can play point forward. Has excellent form on his jumper with a high release point.  Is a really consistant outside shooter for a young player. Very good slasher and has great power for a small forward. Good leaper who can play above the rim and is a great dunker.

A very willing passer with a good feel for the game and good court vision. Has potential to be a good defender with his long arms and quick feet. Has great overall length which allows him to block shots, rebound the ball and score in the lane. Very fluid athlete who looks like a natural on the basketball court. Has a good crossover dribble and shake and bake moves on the perimeter. Unlimited upside.

Cons

Needs to add strength, work on his left hand and show a commitment to playing defense.

Projection: Top 3 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft

Mitch McGary Scouting Report

NBA Draft Prospect Mitch McGary

6,10 - Power Forward - Michigan

Mitch McGary will be joining the Michigan program next year as the highest recruit to sign with the wolverines in many years.  Michigan fans are hoping he can help restore the program to national prominence.

Pros

Built like a bull, McGary can have his way in the paint on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.  Has good mobility and is very quick on the spin move. A back to the basket scorer who draws the double team consistently and knows how to pass out for the open shot.

Has a great handle for a big power forward and can bring the ball up the court if needed. Uses his size well in the paint and can rebound as well as any power forward prospect.  Decent shot blocker and help defender.

Cons

Not the quickest runner and might have trouble keeping up with NBA power forwards.  Can be beat on the dribble drive and is better suited for playing in the paint.  Needs to get into top shape to reach his potential.

Projection: Lottery pick in either the 2013 or 2014 NBA Draft