The Rookie Class
When thinking of NBA rookies for the upcoming 2014 season, the one name that sticks out above the rest of the field is Victor Oladipo. Although he wasn’t taken as the overall number one player, due to the Cavs having Kyrie Irving, the former Indiana combo guard will soon become one of the stars of the league beginning this season. Along with being able to run an offense and always finding an open player in the process; Victor also has the ability to score highlighted by a consistent outside shot. If we could compare any player to Oladipo, it would be a younger version of Dwyane Wade before injuries. If you come across blowouts on the eye candy matches and have free time, definitely make sure to watch Orland Magic games this year.
One of the worst pieces of news this year is the Philadelphia 76er big Nerlens Noel being out the entire year due to lack of knee strength following an ACL tear. Noel has time to gain much needed weight and avoid being bullied in the paint when he returns next season. Ben McLemore was drafted by the Sacramento Kings at 7 and in our opinion will have the 2nd best rookie season this year behind Oladipo. The only thing that may plague his career is being stuck with the Kings, which hasn’t been favorable for young talents in recent years (see Tyreke Evans). Michael Carter-Williams, Trey Burke (not starting), Otto Porter, and Cody Zeller are great talents and have potential to have great careers; but this is a now league.
The number one draft pick, Anthony Bennett may not be the best player in the draft; but he fits the Cavs system being an athletic scoring bigman to pair up with one of the league’s best point guards in Kyrie Irving. The Cavs refused to draft another guard, already having a back-court for the future with Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. If you remember the skill-set of Chris Webber back in the day, Bennett is the only big man we’ve seen in recent years that has potential to poses those skills. With Kyrie handling the rock, we expect his game to flourish in Cleveland.