Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley edge Marco Jones has scheduled four official visits…
Rating the NBA’s top rookies
With the NBA regular season wrapped up, we’ve ranked this year’s standout rookies and traced their journeys back to high school.
As the NBA regular season concludes and the play-in tournament gets underway, it’s time to reflect on the 2022 draft class and how they performed in their rookie campaigns. But we’re not just evaluating the top rookies; we’re also examining their trajectories, including their high school rankings and draft positions.
This approach gives us a broader understanding of their development and offers insights into the qualities that translate to success at the highest level of the game.
So, here are the top 14 rookies from the 2022-23 season, in line with the number of lottery picks:
1. PAOLO BANCHERO, ORLANDO MAGIC
Paolo Banchero has been a top prospect since his high school days, maintaining his status as a standout through college at Duke. Selected number one by the Orlando Magic, he left no doubt about his Rookie of the Year candidacy, consistently delivering impressive performances, though he still has areas to improve, particularly his three-point shooting.
2. JALEN WILLIAMS, OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Jalen Williams wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, but he’s emerged as one of the NBA’s top rookies with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His versatility and impact on both ends of the floor have been remarkable, making him a key contributor to the team’s improved performance this season.
3. WALKER KESSLER, UTAH JAZZ
Walker Kessler’s journey from being doubted at North Carolina to becoming a defensive force in the NBA is impressive. His shot-blocking ability and defensive presence have been crucial for the Utah Jazz, making him one of the steals of the draft.
4. JADEN IVEY, DETROIT PISTONS
Despite the Detroit Pistons’ struggles, Jaden Ivey has been a bright spot, showcasing steady improvement throughout the season. His scoring and playmaking have been particularly impressive, demonstrating his potential as a cornerstone for the team’s future.
5. KEEGAN MURRAY, SACRAMENTO KINGS
Keegan Murray’s rapid rise from prep school to college standout to NBA starter has been remarkable. He’s been a key player for the Sacramento Kings, setting records for rookie three-point shooting while proving to be durable and efficient.
6. BENNEDICT MATHURIN, INDIANA PACERS
Bennedict Mathurin’s transition from Arizona to the NBA has been smooth, despite some fluctuations in his shooting. He’s set franchise records and showcased scoring prowess, making him a valuable asset for the Indiana Pacers.
7. JABARI SMITH JR, HOUSTON ROCKETS
Jabari Smith Jr.’s adjustment to the NBA has had its ups and downs, but his defensive contributions and potential are evident. He’s shown improvement in shooting and defense, suggesting a bright future ahead.
8. SHAEDON SHARPE, PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Shaedon Sharpe’s late-season surge with the Portland Trail Blazers turned heads, highlighting his scoring ability and potential. While the team struggled, Sharpe’s performance offered a glimpse of his talent.
9. JALEN DUREN, DETROIT PISTONS
Jalen Duren’s youth hasn’t held him back in the NBA, where he’s been a consistent double-double threat for the Pistons. His physicality and productivity bode well for his future in the league.
10. TARI EASON, HOUSTON ROCKETS
Tari Eason’s impact off the bench for the Houston Rockets has been significant, showcasing his defensive prowess and versatility. His durability and ability to impact the game on both ends make him a valuable asset for the team.
11. ANDREW NEMBHARD, INDIANA PACERS
Andrew Nembhard’s transition from college to the NBA has been seamless, with his playmaking and scoring abilities shining for the Indiana Pacers. His consistency and leadership make him a promising prospect for the future.
12. JEREMY SOCHAN, SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Jeremy Sochan’s rookie season was interrupted by injury, but his versatility and basketball IQ were evident before his setback. With improvements in shooting, he could become a key contributor for the San Antonio Spurs.
13. AJ GRIFFIN, ATLANTA HAWKS
AJ Griffin’s shooting potential has been a highlight of his rookie campaign with the Atlanta Hawks, showing glimpses of elite scoring ability. With further development, he could exceed expectations.
14. MARK WILLIAMS, CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Mark Williams’ growth throughout his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets has been impressive, culminating in impactful performances down the stretch. His development as a starter bodes well for his future in the league.
Rich Paul explains his split with Marcus Morris
As you may know, Marcus Morris is now with the New York Knicks.
Initially set to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, Morris backed out of the deal, opting instead for a one-year contract with the Knicks. Rich Paul, Morris’s former agent, explained the decision to part ways, citing no hard feelings and describing it as a common occurrence in business.
Morris’s choice to join the Knicks over the Spurs was influenced by factors such as proximity to home. Despite their split, Paul and Morris maintain a mutual understanding.
NBA legend Tim Duncan joins Spurs coaching staff
Tim Duncan is making a return to the San Antonio Spurs as a coaching assistant, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. After a legendary playing career with the Spurs, Duncan brings his wealth of experience to the coaching staff.
While Gregg Popovich remains the head coach, Duncan’s presence signals a potential succession plan. With his familiarity with the organization and mentoring of younger players, Duncan could be a key figure in the team’s future, along with Becky Hammon, another highly regarded coaching assistant.