Post by majic44 on Mar 12, 2024 8:22:10 GMT -6
The NBA has a rich history of impactful rookie seasons, and the class featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Terrell Brandon, Latrell Sprewell, Bob Boozer, Robert Horry, Christian Laettner, Richie Guerin, Jimmy Jackson, and Tom Gugliotta is no exception. In this article, we'll break down and rank each player's rookie campaign based on their year-end statistics and overall impact on their respective teams in their first year in the league. While we are not predicting future success, we will keep an eye on the future in our analysis.
1. Shaquille O'Neal - Grizzlies (C):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 32.4
Points per Game: 11.5
Rebounds per Game: 12.0
Assists per Game: 1.9
Steals per Game: 0.9
Blocks per Game: 3.0
Turnovers per Game: 2.0
Field Goal Percentage: 45.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 61.8%
Three-Point Percentage: 0.0%
Analysis: Shaquille O'Neal's impact was felt immediately. With a dominant inside presence, Shaq secured the top spot, leading in rebounds, blocks, and showcasing an impressive double-double average. The defense is already elite, the question next becomes can whether Shaq increase his scoring output from the 11.5ppg he had last year. The free throw % will likely never get there, but you have to think his inside will continue to grow and help in that area of his game.
2. Alonzo Mourning - Raptors (PF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 30.5
Points per Game: 11.7
Rebounds per Game: 9.7
Assists per Game: 1.1
Steals per Game: 0.7
Blocks per Game: 2.2
Turnovers per Game: 1.2
Field Goal Percentage: 43.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 66.8%
Three-Point Percentage: 33.3%
Analysis: Mourning's versatility and shot-blocking prowess make him a close second. His impact on both ends of the floor was crucial for the Raptors' success last year, but he is another guy that likely needs to see some growth on the offensive end to become elite. He has the looks of more of a defene and rebounding big, but that can be a vital piece to a championship roster.
3. Terrell Brandon - Suns (PG):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 22.4
Points per Game: 9.5
Rebounds per Game: 2.8
Assists per Game: 3.0
Steals per Game: 0.9
Blocks per Game: 0.1
Turnovers per Game: 1.0
Field Goal Percentage: 46.3%
Free Throw Percentage: 80.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 35.1%
Analysis: Brandon was the talk of the offseason as he was the centerpiece to a controversial trade. In year 1, Brandon showcased his playmaking ability, earning him the third spot. His efficient distribution and scoring from the point guard position were crucial for the Suns. Brandon was not placed in a primary role in this offense, but when he did get a chance to play he showed glimpses of what he could do. He appeared to have a solid TC with some growth in key areas and he may have the brightest future of this entire class.
4. Bob Boozer - Hornets (SF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 27.3
Points per Game: 11.7
Rebounds per Game: 5.6
Assists per Game: 1.6
Steals per Game: 0.6
Blocks per Game: 0.3
Turnovers per Game: 1.9
Field Goal Percentage: 45.6%
Free Throw Percentage: 77.3%
Three-Point Percentage: 19.0%
Analysis: There seems to be a little bit of a drop off at this stage of the draft and Boozer's well-rounded game places him in the fourth spot. His scoring and rebounding contributions were vital for the Hornets. Bob's best quality may have been his scoring efficiency, albeit in a limited role last year. One would like for his rebounding to be a bit better given his positional limitations, but he still offers some hope long term. Will the Hornets take the time to spend the necessary resources to upgrade him?
5. Jimmy Jackson - Nuggets (SF):
Games: 80
Minutes per Game: 32.2
Points per Game: 8.9
Rebounds per Game: 5.5
Assists per Game: 2.7
Steals per Game: 1.2
Blocks per Game: 0.1
Turnovers per Game: 1.7
Field Goal Percentage: 43.3%
Free Throw Percentage: 83.8%
Three-Point Percentage: 36.0%
Analysis: This is a player that the Blazers organization was excited about and Jackson's versatility earns him the fifth spot. Jackson got to play a lot of minutes in his rookie season and he had a steep learning curve. His scoring and rebounding numbers aren't where you might like them to be, but the underlying attributes are tantalizing. Boosting high jumpshot and having a keen 3 point shooting sense, there is alot of room to grow as he develops his game. The rebounding will likely never be elite, but in the right offense you could see him surge to the top of this class.
6. Richie Guerin - Raptors (SG):
Games: 78
Minutes per Game: 28.7
Points per Game: 10.2
Rebounds per Game: 5.1
Assists per Game: 2.4
Steals per Game: 1.2
Blocks per Game: 0.2
Turnovers per Game: 1.6
Field Goal Percentage: 47.0%
Free Throw Percentage: 72.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 31.3%
Analysis: Guerin's all-around skills secure him the sixth spot. His scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions made a good impact as a role player last year. Again, another guy who's raw numbers arent all that exciting, but when digging deeper into this player you can just see the potential. The biggest thing that jumps out from his rookie year is the rebounding numbers. He very well could end up being one of the more elite rebounding SG's in the league if things break right.
7. Christian Laettner - Rockets (PF):
Games: 76
Minutes per Game: 22.9
Points per Game: 10.3
Rebounds per Game: 6.7
Assists per Game: 1.0
Steals per Game: 0.7
Blocks per Game: 1.1
Turnovers per Game: 1.2
Field Goal Percentage: 40.4%
Free Throw Percentage: 70.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 33.3%
Analysis: Laettner's scoring and rebounding skills earn him the seventh spot. His overall impact on the Rockets was notable despite some shooting inefficiencies. I tend to think Laettner's rookie year is an indication of what he will be moving forward. He doesnt have one really strong quality but does alot of the important things well enough. He seems to be a high floor, low ceiling type of player.
8. Robert Horry - Wizards (PF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 28.1
Points per Game: 4.3
Rebounds per Game: 6.6
Assists per Game: 0.8
Steals per Game: 0.9
Blocks per Game: 1.0
Turnovers per Game: 0.9
Field Goal Percentage: 45.3%
Free Throw Percentage: 78.4%
Three-Point Percentage: 28.8%
Analysis: Here is where we see another drop off from the top 10, but Horry's defensive prowess and versatility place him in the eighth spot. Horry had little impact when he was on the court, although he did chip in with some solid rebounding when needed. Overall, I do not think his offense is salvageable so the hope is that his defensive abilities continue to grow.
9. Tom Gugliotta - Cavs (PF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 21.0
Points per Game: 6.7
Rebounds per Game: 5.7
Assists per Game: 1.0
Steals per Game: 0.6
Blocks per Game: 0.3
Turnovers per Game: 0.9
Field Goal Percentage: 46.8%
Free Throw Percentage: 81.9%
Three-Point Percentage: 57.6%
Analysis: Gugliotta's efficiency and scoring ability earn him the ninth spot. His contributions, particularly from beyond the arc, were valuable for the Cavs. I do not know if that type of shooting is sustainable for Gugliotta, but you have to love the one season sample size. Offense will be his calling card if he is to stick in the league long term.
10. Latrell Sprewell - Bucks (SG):
Games: 80
Minutes per Game: 5.4
Points per Game: 1.5
Rebounds per Game: 0.9
Assists per Game: 0.3
Steals per Game: 0.2
Blocks per Game: 0.0
Turnovers per Game: 0.2
Field Goal Percentage: 41.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 79.4%
Three-Point Percentage: 24.0%
Analysis: Sprewell, limited in playing time, lands in the tenth spot. We dont really know much at all about Sprewell at this point, and this is why he lands so low on the list. His underlying attributes look pretty enticing however, and we hope to see him get a chance to shine this year.
In conclusion, this rookie class had varying degrees of success in their rookie year, with Shaquille O'Neal leading the way. Each player's unique skills contributed to their teams' success, setting the stage for promising careers in the league. While some of these guys have alot of ground to make up, others are bursting with potential. It will be fun to look back in a few years and see how this class is viewed against their peers.
1. Shaquille O'Neal - Grizzlies (C):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 32.4
Points per Game: 11.5
Rebounds per Game: 12.0
Assists per Game: 1.9
Steals per Game: 0.9
Blocks per Game: 3.0
Turnovers per Game: 2.0
Field Goal Percentage: 45.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 61.8%
Three-Point Percentage: 0.0%
Analysis: Shaquille O'Neal's impact was felt immediately. With a dominant inside presence, Shaq secured the top spot, leading in rebounds, blocks, and showcasing an impressive double-double average. The defense is already elite, the question next becomes can whether Shaq increase his scoring output from the 11.5ppg he had last year. The free throw % will likely never get there, but you have to think his inside will continue to grow and help in that area of his game.
2. Alonzo Mourning - Raptors (PF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 30.5
Points per Game: 11.7
Rebounds per Game: 9.7
Assists per Game: 1.1
Steals per Game: 0.7
Blocks per Game: 2.2
Turnovers per Game: 1.2
Field Goal Percentage: 43.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 66.8%
Three-Point Percentage: 33.3%
Analysis: Mourning's versatility and shot-blocking prowess make him a close second. His impact on both ends of the floor was crucial for the Raptors' success last year, but he is another guy that likely needs to see some growth on the offensive end to become elite. He has the looks of more of a defene and rebounding big, but that can be a vital piece to a championship roster.
3. Terrell Brandon - Suns (PG):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 22.4
Points per Game: 9.5
Rebounds per Game: 2.8
Assists per Game: 3.0
Steals per Game: 0.9
Blocks per Game: 0.1
Turnovers per Game: 1.0
Field Goal Percentage: 46.3%
Free Throw Percentage: 80.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 35.1%
Analysis: Brandon was the talk of the offseason as he was the centerpiece to a controversial trade. In year 1, Brandon showcased his playmaking ability, earning him the third spot. His efficient distribution and scoring from the point guard position were crucial for the Suns. Brandon was not placed in a primary role in this offense, but when he did get a chance to play he showed glimpses of what he could do. He appeared to have a solid TC with some growth in key areas and he may have the brightest future of this entire class.
4. Bob Boozer - Hornets (SF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 27.3
Points per Game: 11.7
Rebounds per Game: 5.6
Assists per Game: 1.6
Steals per Game: 0.6
Blocks per Game: 0.3
Turnovers per Game: 1.9
Field Goal Percentage: 45.6%
Free Throw Percentage: 77.3%
Three-Point Percentage: 19.0%
Analysis: There seems to be a little bit of a drop off at this stage of the draft and Boozer's well-rounded game places him in the fourth spot. His scoring and rebounding contributions were vital for the Hornets. Bob's best quality may have been his scoring efficiency, albeit in a limited role last year. One would like for his rebounding to be a bit better given his positional limitations, but he still offers some hope long term. Will the Hornets take the time to spend the necessary resources to upgrade him?
5. Jimmy Jackson - Nuggets (SF):
Games: 80
Minutes per Game: 32.2
Points per Game: 8.9
Rebounds per Game: 5.5
Assists per Game: 2.7
Steals per Game: 1.2
Blocks per Game: 0.1
Turnovers per Game: 1.7
Field Goal Percentage: 43.3%
Free Throw Percentage: 83.8%
Three-Point Percentage: 36.0%
Analysis: This is a player that the Blazers organization was excited about and Jackson's versatility earns him the fifth spot. Jackson got to play a lot of minutes in his rookie season and he had a steep learning curve. His scoring and rebounding numbers aren't where you might like them to be, but the underlying attributes are tantalizing. Boosting high jumpshot and having a keen 3 point shooting sense, there is alot of room to grow as he develops his game. The rebounding will likely never be elite, but in the right offense you could see him surge to the top of this class.
6. Richie Guerin - Raptors (SG):
Games: 78
Minutes per Game: 28.7
Points per Game: 10.2
Rebounds per Game: 5.1
Assists per Game: 2.4
Steals per Game: 1.2
Blocks per Game: 0.2
Turnovers per Game: 1.6
Field Goal Percentage: 47.0%
Free Throw Percentage: 72.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 31.3%
Analysis: Guerin's all-around skills secure him the sixth spot. His scoring, playmaking, and defensive contributions made a good impact as a role player last year. Again, another guy who's raw numbers arent all that exciting, but when digging deeper into this player you can just see the potential. The biggest thing that jumps out from his rookie year is the rebounding numbers. He very well could end up being one of the more elite rebounding SG's in the league if things break right.
7. Christian Laettner - Rockets (PF):
Games: 76
Minutes per Game: 22.9
Points per Game: 10.3
Rebounds per Game: 6.7
Assists per Game: 1.0
Steals per Game: 0.7
Blocks per Game: 1.1
Turnovers per Game: 1.2
Field Goal Percentage: 40.4%
Free Throw Percentage: 70.0%
Three-Point Percentage: 33.3%
Analysis: Laettner's scoring and rebounding skills earn him the seventh spot. His overall impact on the Rockets was notable despite some shooting inefficiencies. I tend to think Laettner's rookie year is an indication of what he will be moving forward. He doesnt have one really strong quality but does alot of the important things well enough. He seems to be a high floor, low ceiling type of player.
8. Robert Horry - Wizards (PF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 28.1
Points per Game: 4.3
Rebounds per Game: 6.6
Assists per Game: 0.8
Steals per Game: 0.9
Blocks per Game: 1.0
Turnovers per Game: 0.9
Field Goal Percentage: 45.3%
Free Throw Percentage: 78.4%
Three-Point Percentage: 28.8%
Analysis: Here is where we see another drop off from the top 10, but Horry's defensive prowess and versatility place him in the eighth spot. Horry had little impact when he was on the court, although he did chip in with some solid rebounding when needed. Overall, I do not think his offense is salvageable so the hope is that his defensive abilities continue to grow.
9. Tom Gugliotta - Cavs (PF):
Games: 82
Minutes per Game: 21.0
Points per Game: 6.7
Rebounds per Game: 5.7
Assists per Game: 1.0
Steals per Game: 0.6
Blocks per Game: 0.3
Turnovers per Game: 0.9
Field Goal Percentage: 46.8%
Free Throw Percentage: 81.9%
Three-Point Percentage: 57.6%
Analysis: Gugliotta's efficiency and scoring ability earn him the ninth spot. His contributions, particularly from beyond the arc, were valuable for the Cavs. I do not know if that type of shooting is sustainable for Gugliotta, but you have to love the one season sample size. Offense will be his calling card if he is to stick in the league long term.
10. Latrell Sprewell - Bucks (SG):
Games: 80
Minutes per Game: 5.4
Points per Game: 1.5
Rebounds per Game: 0.9
Assists per Game: 0.3
Steals per Game: 0.2
Blocks per Game: 0.0
Turnovers per Game: 0.2
Field Goal Percentage: 41.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 79.4%
Three-Point Percentage: 24.0%
Analysis: Sprewell, limited in playing time, lands in the tenth spot. We dont really know much at all about Sprewell at this point, and this is why he lands so low on the list. His underlying attributes look pretty enticing however, and we hope to see him get a chance to shine this year.
In conclusion, this rookie class had varying degrees of success in their rookie year, with Shaquille O'Neal leading the way. Each player's unique skills contributed to their teams' success, setting the stage for promising careers in the league. While some of these guys have alot of ground to make up, others are bursting with potential. It will be fun to look back in a few years and see how this class is viewed against their peers.