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.
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