I previously talked about guys who should have an impact anytime from now until next year. Now we'll go into a few players who are projects with high upsides.
Spencer Dinwiddie (Point Guard, Detroit Pistons)
I really like Spencer Dinwiddie but he's still got a way to go. His size is phenominal for a point guard at 6'6" 200lbs and should result in many mismatches. He was drafted this year in the second round (38th overall) out of Colorado. This position could have been much higher as his final season of college ball was cut short by an ACL injury halfway through the season. Detroit took a chance that could pay big dividends. The Celtics made similar moves when Avery Bradley and Jared Sullinger were red flagged due to injury. The Pistons are hoping for the same outcome.
Dinwiddie was on track for a great season at Colorado before the injury and was able to put up 14.7pt 3.1rb 3.8ast and 1.5stl in 31.1 minutes a game. He was able to do this while shooting decent percentages, especially from the 3 point line (41.3% 3pt and 46.6% overall). His shooting should translate well especially in Detroit with their front line of Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, and Andre Drummond. His size should also present issues on defense for opposing point guards as he will be one of the biggest point guards in the league.
One of his main issues (other than the injury recovery) is his spot in the rotation. When drafted he was the last of four point guards on the roster that included Brandon Jennings, DJ Augustine, and Will Bynum. Bynum has since been traded to the Celtics making him the third string point guard, which still doesn't bode well for playing time this year. The Pistons will most likely send him to the D-League this season to see more floor time as he missed the entire second half of last season with injury. His only real shot at extended minutes in Detroit is if Augustine or Jennings are traded or hurt during the season. Keep him in mind for the future though. He should help score and facilitate with a healthy steal or two a game.
Lucas Nogueira (Center, Toronto Raptors)
Nogueira, nicknamed "Bebe," is the longest shot of the three I plan on talking about. He has plenty of height at 7' but his biggest knock coming into the league was his strength. Bebe has been criticized saying he needs to add weight and strength to what was his 210lbs frame which will help with his toughness and durability. He has worked to put on muscle and is now at 220lbs. At center, even in today's smaller game, he should need to put on probably another 10-15lbs minimal to deal with the rigors of interior play in the NBA. He is however a good athlete with a 28" vertical leap and 7'6" wingspan at his disposal.
His size as mentioned is one of his biggest strengths as it allows him to alter and block many shots. Bebe has shown a knack for getting to offensive rebounds and runs the floor very well for a big man. These allow him the opportunity for easy buckets which should also allows for a high shooting percentage.
I don't believe he will play much this year in the NBA but will see significant time in the D-League. However he is one injury away from a larger role with the team. It is easy to get excited about Bebe because of his size, and projected potential. He could become a double digit scorer with 6-8 rebounds and 1-2 blocks a game when all is said and done.
Bruno Cabolco (Small Forward, Toronto Raptors)
Bruno Cabolco is another highly touted young big man for Toronto who could be one of the center pieces of this team in a few years. Cabolco was Toronto's first round draft pick (20th overall) in the draft
this year. It made a lot of people scratch their heads and respond
"who?" After doing some research on him its easy to see what Masai
Ujiri saw in Cabolco.
He has great size and has been compared to Giannis Antetokounmpo as far as physical measurements go. The nineteen year old comes in at 6'9" 205lbs and a massive 7'7" wingspan. He differs from the Greek Freak in the fact that he is not as good at handling the ball and at this stage of his career he is more comparable to a stretch big man rather than a guard.
His stats are not glamorous and gaudy like you would expect from a first round pick, but there is an immense amount of potential that he could realistically reach. Last year with Pinheiros of the Brazilian league he registered 5.1pt 2.9rb and 0.7blk in a meager 13 minutes a game. They may not look at much but if extended to starter minutes the numbers would be of a solid starter or sixth man. Cabolco is very raw at this stage of his career but is also very young. Given a few years of experience I believe he could get in the range of 16pt 7rb 2ast 1stl 1blk a game. It's a gamble in that he could not pan out but then if his potential is met those numbers could all be low. He is definitely worth keeping an eye on as he is a potential starter and stud for Toronto.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Potential Sleeper Targets (Almost There)
I cut the last post short due to not having much time to post lately and not wanting to take too long of a break. Here's a couple more guys that should have an impact as soon as next year.
Donatas Motiejunas (Power Forward, Houston Rockets)
Donatas Montiejunas (D Mo) is another foreign player trying to make his mark on the league. He was highly regarded as an international prospect and was the 20th pick of the first round in 2011. He went three spots ahead of Nikola Mirotic, although I believe Mirotic will be the better of the two. D Mo should have a decent to good career despite this.
He has decent size at 7' 222lbs but could probably stand to gain 10 more pounds to help with the physical interior play that he'll encounter. D Mo was also able to learn from some pretty good guys who were ahead of him on the depth chart. Sharing a front court with Terrence Jones, Omer Asik, and Dwight Howard hurt his playing time last season but the knowledge gained could be very useful going forward. He put up 5.5pt 3.6rb 0.5ast in 15.4 minutes a game. They may not look like much on the surface but if you look at what they'd project to at starters minutes they look much better. Those numbers would jump to 11pt 7.2rb 1ast a game which are not eye popping, but still solid numbers. Time has opened as Omer Asik and Chandler Parsons both left this year which could open up a lot more minutes and opportunities for him.
CJ McCollum (Combo Guard, Portland Trailblazers)
CJ McCollum is another good young talent from a mid major university. The Lehigh standout was the 10th overall pick in last years draft. He has good size at 6'4 200lbs, which allows him to play both point and shooting guard.
Last year McCollum was similar to Montiejunas in that he didn't play a lot but still put up decent per 48 numbers. In 12.5 minutes he put up 5.3pt 1.3rb 0.7 ast and 0.4 stl while shooting .416% from the field and .375% from deep. Even if you just go by 37.5 minutes a game he's at 15.9pt 4.2rb 2.1ast and 1.2stl. Those are not all star numbers but still very serviceable. The shooting leaves something to be desired but I wouldnt get too caught up in that low number. He was a very good scorer in college and put Lehigh on his back multiple times. Low minutes can also make it tough to get in a scoring groove.
The biggest road block for McCollum is another young talent named Damian Lillard. Lillard was near the top of the league in minutes played last season. This provided very little time for McCollum to see the floor. However I feel the Blazers will reduce Lillard's work load down to 30-35 minutes a game. This should help give McCollum the opportunity to play 15-20 minutes a night. His field goal percentage and counting stats should rise with the extended time. He shouldn't see significant playing time, barring injury, until next season where he should be up to 20-25 minutes. Once that happens he'll be a very solid contributor from both guard spots.
Isaiah Canaan (Point Guard, Houston Rockets)
It wouldn't be right to talk about mid major talent without mentioning Isaiah Canaan. The second year guard (second round, 34th overall pick) out of Murray State torched his competition in college. His 21.8 points a game was good enough to be top 10 in the nation. Canaan also received accolades from Chris Paul before the 2013 draft saying "he wasted a year in college." Paul claimed he was good enough to come out after his junior year and should have made the jump a year sooner.
Last season wasn't exactly the greatest situation for Canaan in Houston. Minutes were sparse as he was buried behind Jeremy Lin and Patrick Beverly on the depth chart. He had too much potential to waste away on the bench so the Rockets sent him to Rio Grande to further develop in the D League. He proved he was worth the pick and could warrant playing time in Houston soon. All he did was make the D League All Star team.
Canaan's hard work may pay off this season. Lin has left for the Lakers, making Beverly the starter and Canaan the primary back up. This means an increase in playing time. Naturally his 4.6pt 1.1rb 1ast and 0.4stl in 11.5 minutes a game should all increase. He should see about 20-25 minutes a night as a compliment to Beverly. Beverly is a defensive minded guard while Canaan is a scoring point guard. I don't see him shooting for high percentages but he should see double figure scoring as early as this year. I can see him putting up similar numbers to McCollum next year, if not better at about 14pt 2rb 4ast 1stl a game. As I've said before these are not eye popping but definitely servicable numbers. Remember the name as it could pay off later.
Donatas Motiejunas (Power Forward, Houston Rockets)
Donatas Montiejunas (D Mo) is another foreign player trying to make his mark on the league. He was highly regarded as an international prospect and was the 20th pick of the first round in 2011. He went three spots ahead of Nikola Mirotic, although I believe Mirotic will be the better of the two. D Mo should have a decent to good career despite this.
He has decent size at 7' 222lbs but could probably stand to gain 10 more pounds to help with the physical interior play that he'll encounter. D Mo was also able to learn from some pretty good guys who were ahead of him on the depth chart. Sharing a front court with Terrence Jones, Omer Asik, and Dwight Howard hurt his playing time last season but the knowledge gained could be very useful going forward. He put up 5.5pt 3.6rb 0.5ast in 15.4 minutes a game. They may not look like much on the surface but if you look at what they'd project to at starters minutes they look much better. Those numbers would jump to 11pt 7.2rb 1ast a game which are not eye popping, but still solid numbers. Time has opened as Omer Asik and Chandler Parsons both left this year which could open up a lot more minutes and opportunities for him.
CJ McCollum (Combo Guard, Portland Trailblazers)
CJ McCollum is another good young talent from a mid major university. The Lehigh standout was the 10th overall pick in last years draft. He has good size at 6'4 200lbs, which allows him to play both point and shooting guard.
Last year McCollum was similar to Montiejunas in that he didn't play a lot but still put up decent per 48 numbers. In 12.5 minutes he put up 5.3pt 1.3rb 0.7 ast and 0.4 stl while shooting .416% from the field and .375% from deep. Even if you just go by 37.5 minutes a game he's at 15.9pt 4.2rb 2.1ast and 1.2stl. Those are not all star numbers but still very serviceable. The shooting leaves something to be desired but I wouldnt get too caught up in that low number. He was a very good scorer in college and put Lehigh on his back multiple times. Low minutes can also make it tough to get in a scoring groove.
The biggest road block for McCollum is another young talent named Damian Lillard. Lillard was near the top of the league in minutes played last season. This provided very little time for McCollum to see the floor. However I feel the Blazers will reduce Lillard's work load down to 30-35 minutes a game. This should help give McCollum the opportunity to play 15-20 minutes a night. His field goal percentage and counting stats should rise with the extended time. He shouldn't see significant playing time, barring injury, until next season where he should be up to 20-25 minutes. Once that happens he'll be a very solid contributor from both guard spots.
Isaiah Canaan (Point Guard, Houston Rockets)
It wouldn't be right to talk about mid major talent without mentioning Isaiah Canaan. The second year guard (second round, 34th overall pick) out of Murray State torched his competition in college. His 21.8 points a game was good enough to be top 10 in the nation. Canaan also received accolades from Chris Paul before the 2013 draft saying "he wasted a year in college." Paul claimed he was good enough to come out after his junior year and should have made the jump a year sooner.
Last season wasn't exactly the greatest situation for Canaan in Houston. Minutes were sparse as he was buried behind Jeremy Lin and Patrick Beverly on the depth chart. He had too much potential to waste away on the bench so the Rockets sent him to Rio Grande to further develop in the D League. He proved he was worth the pick and could warrant playing time in Houston soon. All he did was make the D League All Star team.
Canaan's hard work may pay off this season. Lin has left for the Lakers, making Beverly the starter and Canaan the primary back up. This means an increase in playing time. Naturally his 4.6pt 1.1rb 1ast and 0.4stl in 11.5 minutes a game should all increase. He should see about 20-25 minutes a night as a compliment to Beverly. Beverly is a defensive minded guard while Canaan is a scoring point guard. I don't see him shooting for high percentages but he should see double figure scoring as early as this year. I can see him putting up similar numbers to McCollum next year, if not better at about 14pt 2rb 4ast 1stl a game. As I've said before these are not eye popping but definitely servicable numbers. Remember the name as it could pay off later.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Potential Sleeper Targets (Next Year)
Yesterday I started this segment on potential sleepers or under valued players at this point in their careers. Today I will continue the talk on some players with an outside shot at making a significant impact this season but project to be contributors next year. Keep in mind this is all barring health and no moves blocking player development.
Dennis Schroder (Point Guard, Atlanta Hawks)
Dennis Schroder is a young German point guard who was drafted last season by the Atlanta Hawks. He received some pre-draft buzz due to his physical make up, drawing comparisons to the Celtics Rajon Rondo. The comparison is primarily due to his quickness and lanky, long frame. Schroder checks in at 6'2" 168 lbs with a wingspan just under 6'8". Physically he resembles Rondo, but the comparisons stop there. He had a rough rookie season with limited playing time, where Rondo when healthy is a triple double threat. I wouldn't get caught up in his rookie season though as there is a good chance he can turn it around.
As I said his rookie season was not one to write home about with low numbers across the board. The rookie averaged 3.7pts 1.2rb 1.9ast in just 13.1 minutes a game. He should give better numbers this year as he has more experience under his belt. The fact that Lou Williams is no longer a Hawk will definitely help Schroder's cause as Williams departure moved him to a backup role from third string. The should result in more minutes and valuable experience this year. His numbers shouldn't blow anyone away this year but I can see him improving to the tune of 8pt 3rb 4ast a game as a primary backup.
I'm expecting him to improve each of the next two seasons seeing he is a young 21 year old point guard. It is the toughest position to come into as a young player. The two years experience should allow him to grow and develop better leadership and fundamentals. His numbers should increase the third season as well. I believe he will be around 11pt 3rb 6ast a game by his third season. Schroder should be a player to keep an eye on as he harnesses his ability and should be a player that uses his speed and length to improve the players around him.
Rudy Gobert (Center, Utah Jazz)
Rudy Gobert is another foreign second year player looking to make a jump. He is one of the tweeners as he could possibly make an impact this season. He is lauded for his immense size and length which will help him continue to protect the paint.
Gobert is an imposing physical presence. He stands at 7'2" 238lbs with a 7'8" wingspan. His massive reach has already allowed him to be a destructive force as a rookie, albeit in limited action. He has also shown strides this summer as evidenced by a 20 rebound game. The offense may lag behind the defense but his rebound and block numbers could be tantalizing.
His main issue is that he's strictly a center on the Jazz and stuck behind Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter on the depth chart. Kanter has shown the ability to rebound but has lacked consistency. That inconsistency has lead to questions about his future in Utah. If he leaves Gobert could get a great opportunity at a starting job as Favors can also play power forward. Minutes could be all Gobert needs for his skills to come together and really take off. I believe if the minutes are there the production will follow.
This is the only two for now. I will add three more players for this category in the next day or two.
Dennis Schroder (Point Guard, Atlanta Hawks)
Dennis Schroder is a young German point guard who was drafted last season by the Atlanta Hawks. He received some pre-draft buzz due to his physical make up, drawing comparisons to the Celtics Rajon Rondo. The comparison is primarily due to his quickness and lanky, long frame. Schroder checks in at 6'2" 168 lbs with a wingspan just under 6'8". Physically he resembles Rondo, but the comparisons stop there. He had a rough rookie season with limited playing time, where Rondo when healthy is a triple double threat. I wouldn't get caught up in his rookie season though as there is a good chance he can turn it around.
As I said his rookie season was not one to write home about with low numbers across the board. The rookie averaged 3.7pts 1.2rb 1.9ast in just 13.1 minutes a game. He should give better numbers this year as he has more experience under his belt. The fact that Lou Williams is no longer a Hawk will definitely help Schroder's cause as Williams departure moved him to a backup role from third string. The should result in more minutes and valuable experience this year. His numbers shouldn't blow anyone away this year but I can see him improving to the tune of 8pt 3rb 4ast a game as a primary backup.
I'm expecting him to improve each of the next two seasons seeing he is a young 21 year old point guard. It is the toughest position to come into as a young player. The two years experience should allow him to grow and develop better leadership and fundamentals. His numbers should increase the third season as well. I believe he will be around 11pt 3rb 6ast a game by his third season. Schroder should be a player to keep an eye on as he harnesses his ability and should be a player that uses his speed and length to improve the players around him.
Rudy Gobert (Center, Utah Jazz)
Rudy Gobert is another foreign second year player looking to make a jump. He is one of the tweeners as he could possibly make an impact this season. He is lauded for his immense size and length which will help him continue to protect the paint.
Gobert is an imposing physical presence. He stands at 7'2" 238lbs with a 7'8" wingspan. His massive reach has already allowed him to be a destructive force as a rookie, albeit in limited action. He has also shown strides this summer as evidenced by a 20 rebound game. The offense may lag behind the defense but his rebound and block numbers could be tantalizing.
His main issue is that he's strictly a center on the Jazz and stuck behind Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter on the depth chart. Kanter has shown the ability to rebound but has lacked consistency. That inconsistency has lead to questions about his future in Utah. If he leaves Gobert could get a great opportunity at a starting job as Favors can also play power forward. Minutes could be all Gobert needs for his skills to come together and really take off. I believe if the minutes are there the production will follow.
This is the only two for now. I will add three more players for this category in the next day or two.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Potential Sleeper Talent (Immediate Impact)
It's about that time of year again and my favorite season starts in just two short weeks! The NBA is in the middle of preseason play and officially tip off the season on October 28. I thought this would be a good time to talk about some under the radar players. They've been separated into three groups: Immediate Impact, Next Year, and Couple Years Out. There could be a little overlap depending on quickness in development or if they are moved into a bigger role due to injury or trade. Either way keep an eye out for these guys as they could potentially become household names in the future.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Milwaukee Bucks)
This guy known as the "Greek Freak" is probably the most well known player of the segment. He's become more well known after is work last season and moreso from the FIBA Games this past summer. Antetokounmpo is a second year player for the Milwaukee Bucks and splits time between small forward and shooting guard. The nickname comes from his outrageous size as he's now 6'11" 217lbs with a 7'5" wingspan. His size creates mismatches on either end of the floor. He's able to create off the dribble and run the pick n roll which makes it extremely tough for bigger players to defend. His size also makes it tough for smaller guards to try to defend him as he's able to shoot over the top.
He is a player that will give you some of everything on the court. Last season he played 24.6mpg and put up 6.8ppg 4.4rb 1.9ast with 0.8stl and blk. He only knocked down 0.5 three pointers a game but it was at .347% showing he's more than capable of making more. He should be in line for more playing time this season and Coach Jason Kidd has even toyed with putting him at point guard during some stretches. Antetokounmpo actually played this position in their last preseason game. This should help him increase both his points and assists per game. Added size (he was 6'9" 200lbs last season) will help his ability to grab rebounds and defend. There should be increases across the board.
I'll admit I had no clue who he was until the draft last year. Once I saw him play I did some research and absolutely love what his game can become. I viewed him as being on the same track as Paul George in terms of how he develops. Last year was about experience, this year's his coming out, and next year he'll be a star. Absolutely check him out because Jabari Parker is not the only Buck worth talking about.
Nikola Mirotic (Power Forward, Chicago Bulls)
Nikola Mirotic is another high level foreign talent who will be playing power forward for the Chicago Bulls this year. He has gained some exposure through ESPN, but it died off a bit when Pau Gasoline was brought to town. This kid coming to the NBA is the reason the Bulls were able to get rid of Carlos Boozer. He stands at 6'10" 225lbs will fight for playing time in a loaded front court. His impact won't be as immediate as Antetokounmpo's but Chicago didn't wait on him a couple years so he could ride the pine. His presence will be felt as a stretch four as soon as extended playing time opens, whether it be from injury or outperforming one of the incumbents.
Mirotic was drafted back in 2011 but has been playing overseas since. His strength is his shooting ability for his size. Last year for Real Madrid CF he averaged 12.4pts 4.6rb 1.2ast and 1stl a game while shooting .508% from the field and .461% from three point land. I expect similar numbers if he can get 20-25 minutes a night. Derrick Rose should be wicked excited to play with a big that can step out to clear the lane while also posing a serious threat as a shooter.
He should be a big weapon for this team going forward. Not only does he help make up one of the deepest front courts in the league but also fills a big role that can have a major impact. He should be the best jump shooting big man on the team. If I had to compare him to another player I'd say probably Ryan Anderson as they are both power forwards that are deadly from deep and will also haul in a few rebounds. Keep a watchful eye on Mirotic as his numbers should increase with his playing time.
Gorgui Dieng (Center, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Gorgui Dieng is a second year center out of Louisville who stands in at 6'11" 238lbs. He did receive some fanfare (not nearly enough) last year when he filled in for starter Nikola Pekovic. Dieng was seen more of a defensive player who was very limited offensively coming out of college. That held true to a point during his rookie season where he only averaged 4.8pts 5rb and 0.8blk a game on 49.8% shooting. I realize the overall numbers are far from gaudy but don't let them fool you.
As I said Nikola Pekovic went down last season with injury and missed some significant time down the stretch. Dieng was called upon for an extended role and filled in admirably as the starting center. Admirably may be an understatement as he was like a man possessed on the boards. He almost instantly became a walking double double good for about 12.2pt 12rb 0.9stl and 1.7blk a game in fifteen starts. He's also played very well wo far this preseason and shown he's ready to be called upon again.
Dieng should once again start the year behind Pekovic but should be alotted more minutes. The departure of Kevin Love left a gaping hole in their front court and I'd be willing to bet Dieng takes a good chunk of those extra minutes. His value may be tied to his minutes but he should be in line for a bump up in time. If the minutes are there he should wreck havoc on the glass while being disruptive in the paint. Look for him to be a double double machine again soon.
Nikola Vucevic (Center, Orlando Magic)
I have no clue how this guy has been under the radar for fans. He was a big part of the Dwight Howard/Andrew Bynum deal that sent him from Philly to Orlando. All he has done is quietly produce at the center position. He is 7' 240lbs and has been the starter in Orlando since his arrival. Injuries have limited him a little causing missed time but when he's available he's been great. Last year he quietly put up 14.2pt 11rb 1.8ast 0.8blk and 1.1stl a game to go along with .507% shooting from the field. All were career highs except blocks (0.9) were career highs despite only playing 57 games due to injury.
There will always be injury concerns with anyone in sports but I wouldn't be as concerned with Vucevic. He should at minimum put up similar numbers to last season. A full season of health could only help his cause even more allowing him to settle into a rhythm throughout the course of the year. If your looking for a low key center that will give you a little of everything including a nightly double double then look no further. He should continue to be an inside force for years to come.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Milwaukee Bucks)
This guy known as the "Greek Freak" is probably the most well known player of the segment. He's become more well known after is work last season and moreso from the FIBA Games this past summer. Antetokounmpo is a second year player for the Milwaukee Bucks and splits time between small forward and shooting guard. The nickname comes from his outrageous size as he's now 6'11" 217lbs with a 7'5" wingspan. His size creates mismatches on either end of the floor. He's able to create off the dribble and run the pick n roll which makes it extremely tough for bigger players to defend. His size also makes it tough for smaller guards to try to defend him as he's able to shoot over the top.
He is a player that will give you some of everything on the court. Last season he played 24.6mpg and put up 6.8ppg 4.4rb 1.9ast with 0.8stl and blk. He only knocked down 0.5 three pointers a game but it was at .347% showing he's more than capable of making more. He should be in line for more playing time this season and Coach Jason Kidd has even toyed with putting him at point guard during some stretches. Antetokounmpo actually played this position in their last preseason game. This should help him increase both his points and assists per game. Added size (he was 6'9" 200lbs last season) will help his ability to grab rebounds and defend. There should be increases across the board.
I'll admit I had no clue who he was until the draft last year. Once I saw him play I did some research and absolutely love what his game can become. I viewed him as being on the same track as Paul George in terms of how he develops. Last year was about experience, this year's his coming out, and next year he'll be a star. Absolutely check him out because Jabari Parker is not the only Buck worth talking about.
Nikola Mirotic (Power Forward, Chicago Bulls)
Nikola Mirotic is another high level foreign talent who will be playing power forward for the Chicago Bulls this year. He has gained some exposure through ESPN, but it died off a bit when Pau Gasoline was brought to town. This kid coming to the NBA is the reason the Bulls were able to get rid of Carlos Boozer. He stands at 6'10" 225lbs will fight for playing time in a loaded front court. His impact won't be as immediate as Antetokounmpo's but Chicago didn't wait on him a couple years so he could ride the pine. His presence will be felt as a stretch four as soon as extended playing time opens, whether it be from injury or outperforming one of the incumbents.
Mirotic was drafted back in 2011 but has been playing overseas since. His strength is his shooting ability for his size. Last year for Real Madrid CF he averaged 12.4pts 4.6rb 1.2ast and 1stl a game while shooting .508% from the field and .461% from three point land. I expect similar numbers if he can get 20-25 minutes a night. Derrick Rose should be wicked excited to play with a big that can step out to clear the lane while also posing a serious threat as a shooter.
He should be a big weapon for this team going forward. Not only does he help make up one of the deepest front courts in the league but also fills a big role that can have a major impact. He should be the best jump shooting big man on the team. If I had to compare him to another player I'd say probably Ryan Anderson as they are both power forwards that are deadly from deep and will also haul in a few rebounds. Keep a watchful eye on Mirotic as his numbers should increase with his playing time.
Gorgui Dieng (Center, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Gorgui Dieng is a second year center out of Louisville who stands in at 6'11" 238lbs. He did receive some fanfare (not nearly enough) last year when he filled in for starter Nikola Pekovic. Dieng was seen more of a defensive player who was very limited offensively coming out of college. That held true to a point during his rookie season where he only averaged 4.8pts 5rb and 0.8blk a game on 49.8% shooting. I realize the overall numbers are far from gaudy but don't let them fool you.
As I said Nikola Pekovic went down last season with injury and missed some significant time down the stretch. Dieng was called upon for an extended role and filled in admirably as the starting center. Admirably may be an understatement as he was like a man possessed on the boards. He almost instantly became a walking double double good for about 12.2pt 12rb 0.9stl and 1.7blk a game in fifteen starts. He's also played very well wo far this preseason and shown he's ready to be called upon again.
Dieng should once again start the year behind Pekovic but should be alotted more minutes. The departure of Kevin Love left a gaping hole in their front court and I'd be willing to bet Dieng takes a good chunk of those extra minutes. His value may be tied to his minutes but he should be in line for a bump up in time. If the minutes are there he should wreck havoc on the glass while being disruptive in the paint. Look for him to be a double double machine again soon.
Nikola Vucevic (Center, Orlando Magic)
I have no clue how this guy has been under the radar for fans. He was a big part of the Dwight Howard/Andrew Bynum deal that sent him from Philly to Orlando. All he has done is quietly produce at the center position. He is 7' 240lbs and has been the starter in Orlando since his arrival. Injuries have limited him a little causing missed time but when he's available he's been great. Last year he quietly put up 14.2pt 11rb 1.8ast 0.8blk and 1.1stl a game to go along with .507% shooting from the field. All were career highs except blocks (0.9) were career highs despite only playing 57 games due to injury.
There will always be injury concerns with anyone in sports but I wouldn't be as concerned with Vucevic. He should at minimum put up similar numbers to last season. A full season of health could only help his cause even more allowing him to settle into a rhythm throughout the course of the year. If your looking for a low key center that will give you a little of everything including a nightly double double then look no further. He should continue to be an inside force for years to come.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Fan Dance Off
There's nothing like going to a game and seeing an over excited fan. You know who I'm talking about; that guy or girl that gets up and starts dancing like there's no tomorrow. Some stay by their seats while others roam the arenas. The best is when other people join in on the fun.
I was actually just tagged (Thank you Chris Bookter) in a video that fits this post to a T. This has been by far my favorite dancing fan clip and comes from a place near and dear to my heart...the TD Garden in Boston.
Check it out and tell me how this ranks for you. If it doesn't work check it out here: Boston Celtics Dancer. If you have one you like better share it as a comment and tell where it is. Let the dance off begin!
I was actually just tagged (Thank you Chris Bookter) in a video that fits this post to a T. This has been by far my favorite dancing fan clip and comes from a place near and dear to my heart...the TD Garden in Boston.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Increased Wattage
I'm not going to lie. I like the NFL but I'm not nearly as knowledgable there as with basketball or baseball. With that said I can't help but make a post about JJ Watt. He is an absolute monster and has become must see tv. What he is able to do week in and week out is amazing.
How many guys can be elite at every position on the defensive line? You can like Watt up anywhere and he's just as disruptive. He's not just a one trick pony with it either. Some players are primarily run stoppers or pash rushers. This man does it all whether it's stuffing the run, sacking the quarterback, forcing fumbles, or even picking off passes.
What he does on the defensive side of the ball is amazing but there's more to him. In a recent interview he told ESPN that he just tries to become the best athlete possible so his coach can use him where he sees fit. Notice he said "athlete" not defensive lineman. This focus has been more apparent this season as he's been utilized in other facets of the game. A couple games ago the Texans brought in their best defensive player on offense as a tight end. What does he do as a response to the move? Only gets a receiving touchdown, which I have a feeling will not be his last. I wouldn't be surprised if going forward he's used in goal line situations like Bill Belichek did with Mike Vrabel in New England.
His exploits this season has put him in rare territory. We're not even halfway through the season and Watt has scored touchdowns on an interception return, fumble recovery, and a reception; a trio that hasn't been accomplished since 1961. His three defensive touchdowns are just two off the record of five for a season. Another amazing fact about this is that thus far he has scored more touchdowns than some of the top offensive weapons: JJ Watt 3 Calvin Johnson 2 AJ Green 2 Lesean McCoy 1. This will not stand over the course of the year but is immensely impressive.
The scary part is that I have a feeling the best has yet to come. The majority of this season has been played without number one overall pick Jadeveon Clowney due to injury. Once he returns he will command attention from the offensive line which should open a little more breathing room for Watt. If you have not seen him play yet then make sure you check him out. You're sure to see a show regardless of what team they play.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Frustration leading to Hope (Growing Cubs)
Previously I talked about the frustration for Red Sox nation due to high expectations and a lackluster performance. Today I'll talk about a team who's been in far worse shape and has been the mark of futility for years. The Chicago Cubs have consistently been toward the bottom of the standings. Each year seems to have a new hope but doesn't come to fruition. A curse with a goat has taken some blame for this as the Bambino did the Sox. However a light may have come into sight this year with the end of the tunnel to follow.
This past season was another trying season for a club trying to pull itself out of a hole. It was not without hope and had some positives to build on. The Cubs had arguably the best farm system in the league this year which became stronger after the Samardzija/Hammel trade that netted them Addison Russell. Russell along with fellow prospects Kris Bryant (3b) and Javier Baez (ss/2b) all ended the season near the top of the prospect ranks. They were not alone on the top 100 as Jorge Soler (of), Arismendy Alcantara (ss/2b/of), Alberto Almora (of), and CJ Edwards (sp) were also on the list.
The season may not have provided the win totals to call home about they were able to bring some of these highly touted kids up to gain experience. Alcantara led the way as the first one of them to get the call this summer. He was then followed by Baez and Soler, who will probably have starting roles next season. I'm expecting them to give Bryant a chance to earn the starting third base job out of camp as I thought he was the most deserving player in all the minors to get a shot. Almora, Edwards, and Russell may get promoted up sometime next summer as well, if not then next year.
I realize that for a lot of you these are just idle names and means nothing to you. Their skills are undeniable and should make Chicago baseball entertaining once again. I'll do the same as I did with the Sox and go into detail about a few of these players to give you a better idea of what the excitement is about.
We'll start the conversation with Alcantara who had quite the eventful summer. He came up through the minors as a short stop but was blocked at the pros by another young player, Starlin Castro. However there was a need at second so Alcantara was moved to a new position. A month or two later another top short stop prospect (Baez) was called up. They decided to move Alcantara to the outfield and play Baez at second. So in a matter of a couple months he got promoted, learned two new positions, and played three in Wrigley. His numbers were not eye popping but had some solid play despite all the changes. He has a decent power/speed combo allowing him the potential should to put up 15-20hr with similar steals while maintaining a solid batting average. The glove should also be just fine regardless of playing second or outfield. While he may not stand out at anything, he should be able to do a little of everything.
Next up was Javier Baez who was also a short stop in the minors. He was expected to make a move to third base upon his arrival to Wrigley but the Cubs opted to play him at second and move Alcantara to the outfield. Baez was one of the top 10 prospects in all the minors and a very intriguing case. His hands are ridiculously quick and has been compared to Gary Sheffield with regards to his bat speed. The power has also never been questioned as he was one of the top power hitters in the minors. He has the potential to hit 30hrs a year while at second base and could quickly top the second base ranks in that department. The problem however is his hit tool. While his power is near the top of the ranks, his ability to make consistent contact is lagging behind. Strike outs were a big issue during his first cup of tea in he show and he fanned more than once every three at bats. This inability to make contact resulted in a poor batting average that hovered around .200 for a while. Baez is still young and has ample time and opportunity to figure it out and get on track. If he can solve his contact woes he has the potential to be one of the top power hitters in the league. I view him as a .240 hitter with 30-35hrs a year. It may take a year or two but he should have a significant impact soon.
The final player I'll go into detail about is the one I'm most excited about seeing. Kris Bryant ended the season ranked as the #3 prospect and could possibly start next season as #1 overall. He is older than both Baez and Alcantara but his road to Wrigley should be shorter. The third baseman just finished his first full season in the minors hitting a blistering .325 with 43hr and 110rbi between AA and AAA. What sweetens the pot even more is that he's not all bat and no speed. Bryant also reached double digits in steals which is a very welcomed bonus coming from third base. I firmly believe that he is the real deal and for the most part his numbers will carry over to the majors. A drop in batting average would be no surprise but the power is legit and should result in 35-40hr yearly. He should be given every opportunity to earn the starting job out of camp and be a serious contender for rookie of the year. He has the potential to be a perennial all star.
The Cubs may have been experiencing some harsh times over the last decade or two but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. The majority of prospects mentioned should play important roles this coming season with the others to join within a year or two max. The young hitters are arriving. They just need the pitching to come through and they should be able to crawl out of their familiar spot in the basement. There is much hope surrounding these kids and very good reason for it.
This past season was another trying season for a club trying to pull itself out of a hole. It was not without hope and had some positives to build on. The Cubs had arguably the best farm system in the league this year which became stronger after the Samardzija/Hammel trade that netted them Addison Russell. Russell along with fellow prospects Kris Bryant (3b) and Javier Baez (ss/2b) all ended the season near the top of the prospect ranks. They were not alone on the top 100 as Jorge Soler (of), Arismendy Alcantara (ss/2b/of), Alberto Almora (of), and CJ Edwards (sp) were also on the list.
The season may not have provided the win totals to call home about they were able to bring some of these highly touted kids up to gain experience. Alcantara led the way as the first one of them to get the call this summer. He was then followed by Baez and Soler, who will probably have starting roles next season. I'm expecting them to give Bryant a chance to earn the starting third base job out of camp as I thought he was the most deserving player in all the minors to get a shot. Almora, Edwards, and Russell may get promoted up sometime next summer as well, if not then next year.
I realize that for a lot of you these are just idle names and means nothing to you. Their skills are undeniable and should make Chicago baseball entertaining once again. I'll do the same as I did with the Sox and go into detail about a few of these players to give you a better idea of what the excitement is about.
We'll start the conversation with Alcantara who had quite the eventful summer. He came up through the minors as a short stop but was blocked at the pros by another young player, Starlin Castro. However there was a need at second so Alcantara was moved to a new position. A month or two later another top short stop prospect (Baez) was called up. They decided to move Alcantara to the outfield and play Baez at second. So in a matter of a couple months he got promoted, learned two new positions, and played three in Wrigley. His numbers were not eye popping but had some solid play despite all the changes. He has a decent power/speed combo allowing him the potential should to put up 15-20hr with similar steals while maintaining a solid batting average. The glove should also be just fine regardless of playing second or outfield. While he may not stand out at anything, he should be able to do a little of everything.
Next up was Javier Baez who was also a short stop in the minors. He was expected to make a move to third base upon his arrival to Wrigley but the Cubs opted to play him at second and move Alcantara to the outfield. Baez was one of the top 10 prospects in all the minors and a very intriguing case. His hands are ridiculously quick and has been compared to Gary Sheffield with regards to his bat speed. The power has also never been questioned as he was one of the top power hitters in the minors. He has the potential to hit 30hrs a year while at second base and could quickly top the second base ranks in that department. The problem however is his hit tool. While his power is near the top of the ranks, his ability to make consistent contact is lagging behind. Strike outs were a big issue during his first cup of tea in he show and he fanned more than once every three at bats. This inability to make contact resulted in a poor batting average that hovered around .200 for a while. Baez is still young and has ample time and opportunity to figure it out and get on track. If he can solve his contact woes he has the potential to be one of the top power hitters in the league. I view him as a .240 hitter with 30-35hrs a year. It may take a year or two but he should have a significant impact soon.
The final player I'll go into detail about is the one I'm most excited about seeing. Kris Bryant ended the season ranked as the #3 prospect and could possibly start next season as #1 overall. He is older than both Baez and Alcantara but his road to Wrigley should be shorter. The third baseman just finished his first full season in the minors hitting a blistering .325 with 43hr and 110rbi between AA and AAA. What sweetens the pot even more is that he's not all bat and no speed. Bryant also reached double digits in steals which is a very welcomed bonus coming from third base. I firmly believe that he is the real deal and for the most part his numbers will carry over to the majors. A drop in batting average would be no surprise but the power is legit and should result in 35-40hr yearly. He should be given every opportunity to earn the starting job out of camp and be a serious contender for rookie of the year. He has the potential to be a perennial all star.
The Cubs may have been experiencing some harsh times over the last decade or two but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. The majority of prospects mentioned should play important roles this coming season with the others to join within a year or two max. The young hitters are arriving. They just need the pitching to come through and they should be able to crawl out of their familiar spot in the basement. There is much hope surrounding these kids and very good reason for it.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Frustration leading to Hope (New and Young Sox)
First off I want to apologize about my last post. I was having some technical issues and it was getting late. I realize not everyone is a Sox fan, although I believe you should, so I'll go into a little more detail about a few of these newer faces.
I'll start with Mookie Betts (who is quickly becoming my favorite player) who started the year in the minors as a 2B before switching positions and learning how to play the outfield. By doing so he was able to get out from the Pedroia roadblock and allowed himself to play his way into Fenway. He was able to give a spark to the offense in his short time in the bigs with line of .291ba/5hr/18rbi. He also flashed some speed with 7 steals in 10 attempts. This was all done as a 21 year old. I believe that these numbers are real as he has produced well across every level.
The next kid got his debut last year at short stop and was the youngest world series starter for the Sox since Babe Ruth. For those of you who don't know, I'm talking about Xander Bogaerts. Like most rookies he endured an up and down season while splitting time between third and short. The overall numbers (.240ba/12hr/46rbi) are nothing to write home about but he did end the season on a high note hitting over .300 for the final month. He has potential to develop into a 15-20 homer 10 steal guy with an average around .280-.290. Add in the fact that he's only 22 years old while having played a key role on a championship team and it's easy to see why people are excited about him.
The final player I'll go into detail about is probably the least known player in their starting unit. Rusney Castillo (cf) came over from Cuba this summer and made his debut in September. He was one of the bigger international signings and was sought after by many teams. Castillo is very skilled like his other countrymen: Jose Abreu and Yasiel Puig. He may not have the prolific power of Abreu but has very good speed and has an aggressive style of play. It's not out of the question that he could hit .290 while being a 20-20 guy with above average defense in centerfield. Boston signed him to a big contract and it looks like they have found a very capable replacement for Jacoby Ellsbury.
Betts, Bogaerts, and Castillo are the three I'm most excited about seeing next season. They should play a major role in the immediate rebuild back into contender status. Other young players to keep in mind are Blake Swihart (c), Henry Owens (sp), Garin Ceccini (3b), and Raphael Devers (3b).
Be sure to check back tommorow as we look at another team that has high hopes of picking themselves up out of the cellar within the next few years.
I'll start with Mookie Betts (who is quickly becoming my favorite player) who started the year in the minors as a 2B before switching positions and learning how to play the outfield. By doing so he was able to get out from the Pedroia roadblock and allowed himself to play his way into Fenway. He was able to give a spark to the offense in his short time in the bigs with line of .291ba/5hr/18rbi. He also flashed some speed with 7 steals in 10 attempts. This was all done as a 21 year old. I believe that these numbers are real as he has produced well across every level.
The next kid got his debut last year at short stop and was the youngest world series starter for the Sox since Babe Ruth. For those of you who don't know, I'm talking about Xander Bogaerts. Like most rookies he endured an up and down season while splitting time between third and short. The overall numbers (.240ba/12hr/46rbi) are nothing to write home about but he did end the season on a high note hitting over .300 for the final month. He has potential to develop into a 15-20 homer 10 steal guy with an average around .280-.290. Add in the fact that he's only 22 years old while having played a key role on a championship team and it's easy to see why people are excited about him.
The final player I'll go into detail about is probably the least known player in their starting unit. Rusney Castillo (cf) came over from Cuba this summer and made his debut in September. He was one of the bigger international signings and was sought after by many teams. Castillo is very skilled like his other countrymen: Jose Abreu and Yasiel Puig. He may not have the prolific power of Abreu but has very good speed and has an aggressive style of play. It's not out of the question that he could hit .290 while being a 20-20 guy with above average defense in centerfield. Boston signed him to a big contract and it looks like they have found a very capable replacement for Jacoby Ellsbury.
Betts, Bogaerts, and Castillo are the three I'm most excited about seeing next season. They should play a major role in the immediate rebuild back into contender status. Other young players to keep in mind are Blake Swihart (c), Henry Owens (sp), Garin Ceccini (3b), and Raphael Devers (3b).
Be sure to check back tommorow as we look at another team that has high hopes of picking themselves up out of the cellar within the next few years.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Frustration leading to Hope Part 1
As we all know baseball has come to an end for all but a select few teams. This season has been a frustrating one for some cities and a revival for others. My focus today will be on two teams in a similar situation but with very different expectations. One has been in the dregs of the league for years while the other is the reigning champs. Even with the rough stetch/es there is high optimism for the near future.
Boston as we know went from the bottom of the AL East to winning the World Series the following year. Being from New England, I like many others expected them to compete for another title this year. Oh how wrong we were! Not only did they not make the playoffs but finished near the bottom of the entire league. The record wasn't bad enough. Management conducted a fire sale disbanding much of the rotation and some position players. It sounds like an awful situation with more to come.
There is much hope for these Sox starting as soon as next year. All the struggles have caused people to overlook what is to come. Six rookies started at least 60 games this year, not to mention the three rookies in the starting rotation. These young kids were allowed to gain valuable experience and a few should have large roles in the coming seasons. Think about it. Mookie Betts (2b/of), Xander Bogaerts (ss), Christian Vazquez (c), Brock Holt (ss/3b/of), Joe Kelly (sp), Rubby de la Rosa (sp). All six should have a big impact next season whether it be production based or as trade bait. Add in the following top prospects who should be ready for Boston next season: Garin Ceccini (3b), Blake Swihart (c), and Henry Owens (sp). A potential line up of Betts (rf) Holt (3b) Pedroia (2b) Ortiz (dh) Cespedes (lf) Napoli (1b) Castillo (cf) Bogaerts (ss) Vasquez (c). Include some deep pockets to spend on pitching in the offseason and its easy to see why there's excitement and hope for next year.
Check back tomorrow for Part 2 where I finish my talk about the Red Sox. I will then move on to the Cubs in a third installment.
Boston as we know went from the bottom of the AL East to winning the World Series the following year. Being from New England, I like many others expected them to compete for another title this year. Oh how wrong we were! Not only did they not make the playoffs but finished near the bottom of the entire league. The record wasn't bad enough. Management conducted a fire sale disbanding much of the rotation and some position players. It sounds like an awful situation with more to come.
There is much hope for these Sox starting as soon as next year. All the struggles have caused people to overlook what is to come. Six rookies started at least 60 games this year, not to mention the three rookies in the starting rotation. These young kids were allowed to gain valuable experience and a few should have large roles in the coming seasons. Think about it. Mookie Betts (2b/of), Xander Bogaerts (ss), Christian Vazquez (c), Brock Holt (ss/3b/of), Joe Kelly (sp), Rubby de la Rosa (sp). All six should have a big impact next season whether it be production based or as trade bait. Add in the following top prospects who should be ready for Boston next season: Garin Ceccini (3b), Blake Swihart (c), and Henry Owens (sp). A potential line up of Betts (rf) Holt (3b) Pedroia (2b) Ortiz (dh) Cespedes (lf) Napoli (1b) Castillo (cf) Bogaerts (ss) Vasquez (c). Include some deep pockets to spend on pitching in the offseason and its easy to see why there's excitement and hope for next year.
Check back tomorrow for Part 2 where I finish my talk about the Red Sox. I will then move on to the Cubs in a third installment.
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