Rookie Report

As promised here is the first annual ‘Rookie Report.’ I’m only commenting on guys that I think have a chance to be long term contributors in the NBA and that I feel I've seen play enough this season. I’ve listed the players in alphabetical order by team. Let’s get it started already!

D.J. Augustin (Charlotte) – Very quick but small. Good shooter from distance, can finish at the rim and create for others. Needs to bulk up and work on mid-range game. Could stand to improve his play making skills some.

Derrick Rose (Chicago) – Has all the skills to be the next Chris Paul. Lightning quick and strong, can get by anybody off the dribble. Needs to improve jumper and find proper balance between scoring and distributing. Defense also needs work, but he is a star in the making.

J.J. Hickson (Cleveland) – Raw offensively, but has a nice touch, good size and decent athleticism. A bit of a project right now, but the potential is there to be a legit PF in the NBA. Good rebounding instincts too.

Anthony Morrow (Golden State) – Outstanding 3-point shooter but doesn’t bring much else to the table. Still should have a nice career in the “designated shooter” role.

Anthony Randolph (Golden State) – Very long and versatile. Can put the ball on the floor, rebound and block shots. Needs to bulk up, improve jumper and decision making. Very similar to Lamar Odom.

Roy Hibbert (Indiana) – Big, lumbering and a bit mechanical. Has a nice touch around the basket, is a good post defender, rebounder and shot blocker. Looks like a decent backup center.

Brandon Rush (Indiana) – Has the size, strength and athleticism to be a defensive stopper…not sure about the desire though. Must learn to put the ball on the floor and improve consistency on jumper.

Eric Gordon (Clippers) – A bit of an undersized SG, but makes up for it with excellent strength for his size. A pure scorer that can get to the basket and hit from deep or mid-range alike. Shows no interest in defense though.

DeAndre Jordan (Clippers) – Good size and strength. Can rebound, block shots and score in the paint. He mostly overpowers people now, but if he can improve his footwork and develop some post moves he’ll be legit starting center in the league.

Marc Gasol (Memphis) – Not the most athletic guy, but uses his size and strength well to get where he needs to. Has a nice touch around the rim and a few moves down low, but his footwork could stand some more work. Solid rebounder, but must improve his defense both on and off the ball.

O.J. Mayo (Memphis) – Quick and strong with a scorer’s mentality. Can get to the rim and shoot it from distance. Very solid on ball defender already. Has the ability to create for others, but doesn’t look to very often.

Michael Beasley (Miami) – Has a lot of talent offensively, but prefers to float on the perimeter and hoist jumpers rather than mix it up down low. Not much of a rebounder, defender or play maker. Derrick Coleman reincarnated.

Mario Chalmers (Miami) – A solid defender who knows how to run a team. Not very athletic which limits him offensively. More of a backup PG unless he really improves his jump shot.

Joe Alexander (Milwaukee) – Superb athlete, but doesn’t know how to play the game. Not sure he does any one thing at an NBA level.

Luc Mbah a Moute (Milwaukee) – An excellent wing defender. Has the length, athleticism and desire to be a big time defensive stopper. Needs to develop a 3-point shot to keep the opposition honest.

Kevin Love (Minnesota) – A great rebounder with a true nose for the ball. Lacks the athleticism to finish in the paint. Not a great defender and needs to get in better shape. He’s destined to be a role player off the bench, but a consistent mid-range jumper might alter his upside.

Ryan Anderson (New Jersey) – A decent athlete for 6’10 he can put the ball on the floor some but prefers to shoot threes. While he does have a nice touch on his jumper, he’s not much of a defender and must bulk up.

Brook Lopez (New Jersey) – Very polished offensively on the low block with a solid mid-range jumper too. He’s active defensively both blocking shots and rebounding. Needs to improve his positioning on D and move his feet more. With a little added upper body strength and some counter moves down low we’re looking at a star here.

Danilio Gallinari (New York) – He’s been hampered by a serious back issue all season, but has shown a nice all around game when he’s played. It’s tough to judge his athleticism, but it seems above average. He can put the ball on the floor and shoot it from deep. He’s even a willing defender and decent playmaker. I’m interested to see him 100% healthy.

Kyle Weaver (Oklahoma City) – A defensive specialist who lacks confidence on offense. Reminds me of Quinton Ross.

Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City) – An explosive athlete with extreme length for a PG. An excellent rebounder for his position and an entertaining finisher at the rim. Tends to force things when he drives and gambles too much on defense. Needs to create more for his teammates and develop a consistent jump shot.

Courtney Lee (Orlando) – A good shooter from deep and a quality defender. He doesn’t wow you with anything, but he’s very solid, knows his role and doesn’t make mistakes. Earned the starting SG spot with his play.

Marreese Speights (Philadelphia) – Very good athleticism and length. Has a nose for scoring the ball down low. Not a great defender or passer and his focus tends to wane at times. He’s a willing rebounder who could really blossom with some work on his post moves.

Goran Dragic (Phoenix) – A pass first PG with a good handle. He’s been given a lot of minutes that I don’t think he’s earned. No jumper to speak of and can’t finish in traffic. Suspect defender and very weak with the ball.

Robin Lopez (Phoenix) – His upside is an energy guy that defends, rebounds and blocks shots. The problem is that he has no offensive game to speak of and isn’t very athletic. Must bulk up and develop a 15 foot J.

Nicolas Batum (Portland) – Very long and athletic but raw. Has potential to be a defensive stopper, but could also be a slasher. Needs to develop some type of offensive game whether it be putting in on the floor to drive or a jump shot.

Jerryd Bayless (Portland) – Very quick but small. Can get to the rim but has trouble finishing. Not much of a defender, playmaker or shooter. The typical undersized SG.

Rudy Fernandez (Portland) – A quality shooter from distance. Has a nice first step, but doesn’t utilize it enough. A pesky defender who gambles too much. Can handle the ball and make plays for others. Has the makings of a quality sixth man because of the energy he brings.

Greg Oden (Portland) – Very raw offensively, but has the potential to be dominant defensively. Will be a great rebounder and shot blocker in time. Underrated passer. His ceiling depends on how badly he wants to work on his low post moves. Too early to write him off.

Jason Thompson (Sacramento) – Has good size and a nice inside-outside game on offense. Sneaky athleticism and a good rebounder. Doesn’t back down from anyone but needs to play smarter on defense. With a little more seasoning we’re looking at a very solid pro here.

George Hill (San Antonio) – Wiry, quick and long he knows how to run a team. Looks for teammates off penetration but can finish as well. Solid defender too. Shaky jumper though and needs to hit the weights.

Roko Ukic (Toronto) – Another young pass first Euro PG. He’s a little more aggressive offensively than he should be. Can create for others but his jumper needs serious work. Not much of a defender either.

Kosta Koufos (Utah) – Has a nice jump shot and some post moves too. Not much of a defender or rebounder yet. He’s very young and has decent athleticism for his size. He should be a nice back up center at the very least.

JaVale McGee (Washington) – Has a few post moves, surprising athleticism and a nice touch around the basket. Can block a shot off the ball, but is too thin to defend his position right now. Oozes potential, but absolutely positively must bulk up this summer.