It takes some time for NBA rookies to make the transition from the college ranks to the professional game and while some players have already arrived, it will be important for teams to remain patient and committed when it comes to developing some of the other top picks. Previously, we had a look at the players in this year’s rookie class that have already emerged. Now let’s look at at four players who are not busts but have shown at least a glimmer to encourage their teams and fan bases down the line.
Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistions
8th Overall in 2015 NBA Draft
Shooting has always been a strength of Johnson but he has struggled at the NBA level and that has prevented him from arriving on the biggest stage as quickly as many NBA experts had predicted he would. Johnson has hit just 37-percent of his shots from the field – including just over 30-percent from beyond the arc. He has been held to just 7.9 points in 22.3 minutes per game in his rookie season, which is quite surprising considering that Johnson was one of the rookies that really shined in the Summer League action. Johnson has shown flashes of his ability, including a four-game stretch in December in which he hit nearly 48-percent of his shots from the field, but it will take some time for him to reach his potential at the NBA level and it’s important to keep in mind that he is still just 19-years-old and facing a ton of pressure as a top-10 pick in last year’s draft.
Frank Kaminsky, Charlotte Hornets
9th Overall in 2015 NBA Draft
The Hornets doubled down when they selected another big man in the first round of the NBA Draft in Kaminsky and while he has struggled with consistency throughout his rookie season he has shown enough to think that he could eventually become a star in Charlotte. Kaminsky is another young player that has struggled when it comes to finding his shot at the NBA level as he has shot just 38-percent from the field this season and he has averaged just 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds this season. Kaminsky will need to continue to develop his shot and grow more comfortable playing at the NBA level but he has all of the raw tools to succeed as a pro and a quick look at Cody Zeller’s improvement for the Hornets this season provides even more reason to think he can excel in the long run if they remain patient with him.
Trey Lyles, Utah Jazz
12th Overall in 2015 NBA Draft
Lyles has played some valuable minutes for Utah this season including when Derrick Favors was injured. While he has had his share of stumbles as a rookie, he has shown enough promise to think that he can excel for the Jazz in the long run. Lyles has averaged just 3.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game this season but we’ve seen his potential as he dropped a career-high 16 points on Wednesday night when Favors was scratched from the lineup. He has the raw tools to eventually become a quality starter in the NBA as long as he continues to work hard on his game and develop over the next couple of years.
Kelly Oubre Jr., Washington Wizards
15th Overall in 2015 NBA Draft
The Wizards are fairly deep, so it was no surprise when Oubre played only sparingly early on in the year. However, injuries have taken their toll on Washington’s roster and that has led to an increase in opportunity for him. Oubre has averaged 4.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in just 13.2 minutes per game but he is gaining some valuable experience playing on an NBA team in his rookie year. The Wizards are probably a little disappointed that he hasn’t shown more as he has had opportunities. The good news is that he’s shown a glimmer and maybe like Otto Porter Jr., Oubre will be slow to develop but will eventually be a quality contributor. As long as he continues to improve and work hard on his craft, he should eventually develop in to a legitimate NBA starter.
