It was an interesting season for rookies in terms of fantasy production. We’re going to be running through all of the first rounders and doing a review of their performances, so let’s get started with the five guys drafted at the back end of the first
30. Kyle Anderson, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have done an excellent job of keeping their veteran big three intact while plugging in young pieces around them, including Kyle Anderson. They have to be thrilled about the fact they drafted a player that appeared in 33 games for them this season with the 30th overall pick. Anderson averaged just 2.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 10.8 minutes per game but considering his skill set, the impressive coaching staff in San Antonio and his room to grow as a player on a talented team. We’ll have to see the Danny Green situation this offseason but if he departs via free agency, Anderson would have increased fantasy relevancy next season. This was a grooming season for him.
29. Josh Huestis, Oklahoma City Thunder
Nobody really saw it coming when the Thunder selected Huestis with the 29th overall pick but the team had already agreed with him that they would make the selection as a stashed domestic pick and that he wouldn’t sign his guaranteed rookie contract. Huestis was expected to spend another year with Oklahoma City’s D-League affiliate but general manager Sam Presti came out and said that he could be on the roster early next season.
He had a productive D-League campaign where he averaged 10.3 points per game, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 44 appearances. Still, there’s no reason to keep him on your fantasy radar right now. The small forward would have a very limited role with the big club if he did in fact get the call.
28. C.J. Wilcox, Los Angeles Clippers
At 24 years old, Wilcox was one of the older rookies but even so, he wasn’t ready to contribute right away. The Washington product gained some valuable experience on the Clippers’ bench this season but he only appeared in 21 games. Another shooting guard drafted with the idea of him developing within the organization, Wilcox averaged only 4.8 minutes per game this season. The Clippers have a team option on Jamal Crawford at $5.68 million, which they are expected to exercise, so don’t expect a huge jump in playing time. But the Clippers do have Austin Rivers coming off the books as well as Nate Robinson, so maybe Wilcox gets a bigger look than he got this year.
27. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers (Traded From Phoenix Suns)
The 27th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft was traded from the Suns to the Pacers, but never played a game for either team as he spent the season playing for Fenerbahce Ulker in the Turkish Basketball League. Bogdanovic has the potential to be a very good player and he’ll obviously be compared to his brother Bojan, who had a strong season, averaging 11.6 points per game, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 threes and 1.1 assists for the Nets. The challenge with Bogdan is there are no immediate plans in place for Indiana to bring him to the NBA next year.
26. P.J. Hairston, Charlotte Hornets (Traded From Miami Heat)
Hairston was drafted 26th overall by Miami but then traded to the Hornets in exchange for Shabazz Napier. The athletic shooting guard from North Carolina never got much of a chance to showcase his talents early on. When he did get a chance, he was quite inconsistent, which is understandable for a rookie. But he did have a few big games, including a 16-point effort in February where he also produced four three-pointers and a pair of rebounds. That gives you an idea of what he’s capable of. The Hornets are a bit of a volatile situation in terms of direction and playing time, but Hairston could be an important piece going forward. Keep an eye on him in summer leagues to see if he can continue to grow. Otherwise, avoid him.
