Numerous insiders were concerned with the 2020 NBA Draft class. Apparently, there wasn’t enough star power on the draft board. Numerous critics claimed that some players would take up to 3-5 years in order to fully develop. It would be understandable for these NBA rookies to not come out the gates swinging.
Due to the pandemic, some players may have not had the opportunity to fully train ahead of the season. With so many gyms and facilities shut down, it may have been nearly impossible to shoot a basketball for some. Also, the NBA season beginning a month and four days after the Draft didn’t make things better either.
The young rookies had to move fast after being selected by their organization. There was no time to reflect on the entire year as a whole. In the blink of an eye, these young players were making their NBA Debut with their respective teams.
Outside of the likes of LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman, there have been a few rookies that have flown under the radar. Some may not receive a lot of attention due to their teams currently rebuilding. But so far this season, they have put up tremendous numbers across the stat sheet and have made an impact on both ends of the floor. Let’s dive into three rookies who are playing better than their respective draft spots and maybe going unnoticed by many.
1. Tyrese Haliburton
Many believed Tyrese Haliburton would take up to a few years to develop. Although he did show tremendous skill, there were concerns with his quickness and movement. Luckily, Haliburton has started off this season playing at a very high level just like the other top NBA rookies. For a team like Sacramento who is still searching for answers, Halliburton may be the missing piece that can help this team get to the playoffs.
Through 17 games this season, Haliburton is averaging 11 points per game on 47% shooting from the floor. He has shown to be a solid playmaker by taking pressure off of De’Aaron Fox. Haliburton has displayed great chemistry with his teammates, finding them for high percentage shots.
Haliburton had one of the best performances among NBA rookies on Jan. 6 against the Chicago Bulls. For most of the time he was on the floor, Haliburton controlled the game with his ability to create and run the offense. He was able to come off screens and find penetration for shots close to the basket. Haliburton finished the contest with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Haliburton is in the process of proving the haters wrong. He displays true point guard instincts and can play anywhere on the floor. Sooner or later, we may see Haliburton receive more big minutes down the stretch for Sacramento.
2. Immanuel Quickley
Immanuel Quickley displays tremendous upside with his athleticism and basketball IQ. Quickley has shown great improvement from his time with the Kentucky Wildcats, and it looks like he's having fun playing in the Big Apple during his first season in the pros.
Quickley is averaging 11.6 points per game on 39% shooting. Many know what a sniper he can be from 3-point land. Apart from that, Quickley is a capable penetrator and table-setter for his teammates. Quickley has been an energizer for the Knicks, a role he is embracing as the team's sixth man. Although he's still in the early stages of his NBA career, he's already winning the trust of his teammates and head coach Tom Thibodeau as well, partly because of how he carries himself in crunch time.
One of Quickley’s best games is his 31-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 24. He was in attack from the moment he entered the game, looking to spark a run on each possession. The performance even impressed Blazers guard Damian Lillard after the game. Despite the loss, Quickley managed to strengthen his case as one of the best emerging young stars in the NBA.
3. Payton Pritchard
Payton Pritchard has become a fan favorite in Boston. His tenacity to play physical and make things difficult for the opposing player have allowed him to receive significant minutes in Brad Stevens’ rotation. Pritchard can become an excellent rotational player for the championship-contending Celtics if he continues what he's started.
Pritchard is averaging 7.7 points in 14 games played. He's a solid spot-up shooter while playing alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Pritchard is shooting 42% from 3-point land and forces the defense to pay the price by leaving him open. Also, on defense, he is active on the perimeter by forcing steals and deflections. Pritchard looks like a perfect fit for the defensive-oriented Celtics.
Pritchard turned a lot of heads when he unloaded 23 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 4 Pritchard showed great mobility and control with the basketball as he penetrated to the rim with ease. He also was a tremendous playmaker for the team by feeding open guys around the basket for easy opportunities. With many players sidelined due to health and safety protocols, Pritchard stepped up big and it resulted in a huge victory.
In conclusion, these three NBA rookies weren’t the biggest figures back on draft day. But so far, they have been garnering attention with their notable performances. The ceiling will only get higher for these three youngsters going forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe