5 under-the-radar NBA rookies to watch this season
Watching the NBA debuts of highly touted rookies is among the more exciting aspects of a new season. This year is no different, with a star-studded draft class that features multiple franchise-altering talents.
While the lottery picks garner most of the attention, there are diamonds in the rough sprinkled throughout the draft. Whether it's a strong fit, an advanced physical profile, or simply an undervalued player, here are five under-the-radar rookies to watch this season.
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
Murphy was potentially going to redshirt after he transferred to Virginia from mid-major Rice last season. Instead, he contributed 11.3 points per game while shooting a ridiculous 50/43/93 split. While his numbers weren't enormous, his combination of hyper-efficient shot-making and defensive potential at a mobile 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan caused him to rise up draft boards.
If summer league was any indication, the New Orleans Pelicans got a steal with their 17th pick. Murphy shot an almost-identical 56/44/100 over his four games in Las Vegas while averaging 16 points, seven rebounds, and almost two steals per game.
More importantly, Murphy projects as a perfect fit alongside Pelicans star Zion Williamson. While Williamson commands constant attention near the rim, Murphy's ability to spread the floor and knock down jumpers at an elite rate will lead to difficult decisions for opposing defenders. Add in his length, which can make up for Zion's shorter stature at the forward position, and Murphy should be playing key minutes from Day 1.
Nashon 'Bones' Hyland, Denver Nuggets
Hyland is another player who showed his value in summer league. The former VCU star finished third among rookies in scoring at the competition, dropping 19.8 points per game while hitting 40% of his threes. Hyland wasn't shy from deep, launching almost nine attempts per contest, including some from a range even NBA veterans wouldn't try.
The Denver Nuggets smartly selected Hyland with their 26th pick in large part due to his fit next to reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Hyland's craftiness and shot-making ability from all spots on the floor should give the Nuggets an extra weapon to fit alongside Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray.
Hyland's thin 6-foot-3 frame makes him a liability on defense, but his offensive upside should get him key bench minutes. Look for several high-scoring games from him as Murray makes his way back from a torn ACL.
Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
Many expect Brooklyn Nets first-rounder Cameron Thomas to break out in his rookie season after he led the summer league in scoring and earned co-MVP. However, it's his teammate, Sharpe, who may fill a bigger need out of the gate.
Thomas' scoring ability won't be leaned on too heavily with Brooklyn's Big Three taking the bulk of the shots. Sharpe's value comes with his ability to do the little things: set good screens, hustle for offensive boards, and make the right passing reads. Older veterans LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap are formidable but might not be consistently dependable.
Sharpe is used to playing a complementary role. His high school team featured lottery picks Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Moses Moody, and he was seventh in minutes last year at North Carolina. The No. 29 pick doesn't need much playing time or many shots to be an effective piece of Brooklyn's rotation this season.
Miles McBride, New York Knicks
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is known for seeking players who hang their hats on the defensive end, so his team's selection of West Virginia guard McBride with the No. 36 pick made sense. McBride shows a ton of aggression and defensive ability and sports an almost 6-foot-9 wingspan despite standing 6-foot-2.
However, it was what McBride showed offensively during summer league that should have Knicks fans filled with anticipation. McBride shot 50% from deep on 36 attempts, showing an advanced offensive game to go along with his suffocating perimeter defense.
Thibodeau is known for restricting his rookies' minutes, but McBride could be an exception. His length, hustle, and shot-making could make him a major contributor off the bench this season. Should he carve out a role, McBride may become a rare second-rounder on an All-Rookie team.
Ishmail Wainright, Toronto Raptors
Wainright's path to the NBA is widely different than other rookies entering the league this year. The 27-year-old played multiple seasons in Europe and even signed with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.
The Toronto Raptors didn't give Wainwright a fully guaranteed contract, which makes him much more of a wild card. Still, playing meaningful minutes this season is a legitimate possibility.
Given Wainright's combination of NBA size and advanced age, there are no questions about his ability to compete physically. While his offensive game is a work in progress and may never reach a league-average level, his defensive intensity will be his calling card. With Toronto's clear emphasis on long, positionless defenders, Wainright should fit right in.