The draft is an exciting time for any true fan as they sit back and dream about what the new blood can mean for their team. It’s especially alluring for fans of small market teams who watch the talent of their squad get recycled so quickly from year to year, and who know that even if a big name free agent comes into town, he probably won’t stick around long enough to make a difference before a team in a stronger market and with a bigger budget comes in and scoops him up.
This year’s NBA draft was reportedly loaded with talent, and left fans guessing up until the last moment which highly touted player would be scooped up by their team, and labeled as the next savior. I see a potential boost for a few of the lower level teams, and even some who we are used to hearing as potential contenders. I believe a few of this year’s rookies will have an immediate impact, but for most it will be one that plays out and leaves a great mark on the future of the league.
2014 NBA Draftees set to have the Biggest Immediate Impact
1) Jabari Parker- Not only was the nineteen-year old forward from Duke heralded as the most NBA ready of all the players in this year’s draft, but he seems to be a ready-made addition to a very young Bucks squad who is bursting with talent and awaiting a leader to point this team in the right direction. Parker not only has the makings of a great scorer, but he also has maturity far beyond his years. If you are a Milwaukee Bucks Fan you may not see an immediate change in the standings, but be prepared to see a drastic change in the quality of your teams play with this kid on the floor.
2) Andrew Wiggins– The original outcome of this draft was that the number one pick had landed in Cleveland, where he would develop his talents under the shadow and tutelage of one of the league’s most recognizable stars. As fate would have it he is now going to have the opportunity and the challenge to shine on his own on a team desperately looking for a face for their developing franchise. The Timberwolves already seem to be putting a few of the pieces in the right places, and although they are still very raw, if they can rally around this potential superstar, the future could be very bright for all parties involved.
3) Julius Randle- On the surface this young power forward may look like more of a tweener, and may have fallen a few spots further in the draft than he may have liked, but in the end he seems to have landed in the perfect spot for his talents. Not only did Randle get picked by the team he cheered for growing up, but now he gets to play next to Kobe Bryant, the superstar he idolized for many years as a child. He has already proven that he is a winner, and has the moxie to play bigger than his 6’9” frame, and to be a terror as an offense rebounder. He might spend a ton of time coming off the bench in the early going, but I have a feeling his impact on this team, that already has a few pieces in place to contend, is going to be felt early and often.
Rookies who will have the Biggest Impact in the Future
1) Joel Embiid- The Sixers seem to be working overtime to build the team of tomorrow, and they just may have added their cornerstone piece by picking a big man who had been the consensus number one overall pick until it was discovered he would need surgery that would keep him off the floor for his whole first season. The mobile seven foot center, who is very intelligent, is an explosive athlete, good rebounder, great shot blocker, and has the potential to score from inside and out, has only been playing basketball for four years after spending most of his youth playing soccer and volleyball in his native Cameroon. He has drawn a comparison to his idol Hakeem Olajuwon and could spend many years giving fits to opposing teams and players as he carves out his niche in the post.
2) Spencer Dinwiddie- The Pistons only had one pick in this year’s draft and it came in the second round at number thirty eight. Before he suffered an ACL injury 17 games into the season last year, the young combo guard was considered by many to be a first round talent, but may have found himself fortunate to have landed on a team desperately needing scoring help from the guard position. He has a career mark of 38.6 percent from behind the three port arc, and as long as he can continue to heal, he could make a big difference for a team looking to take some pressure off of its current scoring leaders.
3) Dante Exum- The Jazz landed the wild card point guard from Australia who many considered to be one of the top prospects in this year’s draft. His rookie season might be a rough one since he seems to have all of the necessary skills to be a great player, but is still gaining experience. Although doubt is still looming about his current production, it seems like the future is bright for Exum and the Jazz as the team hopes it has filled the point guard position for many years to come.
The Summary
As the season unfolds we are all left to wonder what impact the new players with have on our favorite teams and the league. Who will win Rookie of the Year? Which player will be that missing piece his team needs to make the playoffs?
I can tell you that there will be many players who excite and thrill us as we move forward. The one thing we can all be sure of, is that only time will tell which players will be great and which ones will leave us wanting, but the fact remains. This year’s draft will impact how we view the league from here on out, and future of the NBA is here.
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