Next Year/Almost There Player Check In

Each month I'll try to check in with the progress of previously mentioned players.  Today we'll talk about some of the guys with smaller or expanding roles who are almost there.  Their impact may be seen this season but is more likely to take that next step next year.

Next Year

Dennis Schroder

I initially projected that this lightning quick point guard would put up 11-3-6 by next year.  He has not seen a significant increase in minutes this year as he is only averaging 1.5 minutes more a game.  Schroder has been more effective on the court and has been a valuable source of scoring.  His 9pt 1.8rb 1.6ast/stl and outrageous .652fg% are all on pace for career highs.  I don't see him being able to sustain such a high shooting percentage as better scouting reports are developed. Expect a drop there but the counting stats should remain similar as he plays his way into a larger role.

Rudy Gobert

I believe Gobert's situation can be most closely related to Gorgui Dieng's in Minnesota.  He is the 3rd big man that specializes in blocking shots and rebounding.  Also like Dieng I mentioned that minutes could be all he needs to showcase his talents.  Minutes have not been high for him seeing he is the backup but he has managed to produce solid per 48 numbers.  So far in 16 minutes a game he's managed 4.6pt 4.5rb 0.8ast 0.4stl and 1.3blk while shooting .591 from the field.  If he can get another 8-10 minutes a game he could consistently flirt with a double double with elite block numbers.

Almost There

Donatas Motiejunas

D Mo has been given the opportunity to start a few games this year due to the injury of Terrence Jones.  The disappointing part was that he did not seize the opportunity and lost the temporary starting job to Kostas Papanikolaou.  He seems to have responded better to coming off the bench as his best game of the young season came directly after the demotion.  D Mo's line so far is 4.9pt 4.7rb 1ast and 0.4stl in 19.3 minutes a game.  He may still be a year away from being a significant contributor to Houston's front line.

CJ McCollum

McCollum has the distinct disadvantage of playing behind a young, all-star caliber player in Damian Lillard.  It will help his development in practices but results in limited game opportunities.  He's actually seen slightly less floor time this year than in his rookie year.  He is averaging 3.7pt 0.6rb and 1.3ast in a meager 10.7 minutes a night.  His average points may not be high but he has shot at a great clip from the line (100%) and deep (.462).  McCollum should be able to take off once out from Lillard's shadow whether it be by injury or trade.

Isaiah Canaan

This year Canaan has done the most of anyone on today's list.  An injury to Patrick Beverley thrust Canaan into the starting role.  He's averaging 9.1pt 2rb 1.4ast and 0.9stl in 23.1 minutes but is highlighted by a 21 point effort against Golden State.  I know I said he's done the most of today's list but his numbers are very similar to Schroder's.  The main difference in the two is that a lot of Schroder's work has been against second units while Canaan has done the majority of his work against starters.  Beverley should be back to 100% soon so Canaan's numbers should drop with the lesser role.  He should continue to receive extended time as a backup though.