The 2024-25 Rookies

[DCZards]

PIF…there are things that a bball player does on the court to impact winning that don’t show up in the box score. You obviously don’t believe that…but I’m gonna keep saying it.

BTW, I probably watch all or part of 300 NBA games every season…and I see a ton of significant plays and decisions by players that I know won’t show up in that game’s box scores. Something as simple as forcing a shot clock violation with their defense, for example.

[dobrojim]

Castle will be ROY. He’s the heavy Las Vegas favorite.
Especially with Wendy out, he’ll have big role.

If this wasn't already true, it may be now. Even though SAN eventually lost,
Castle was really good on a nationally televised game against a premier team.
It would take a number of extraordinary events for him not to win now.

[penbeast0]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

[dckingsfan]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

I would trade any of them for future picks.

I know, not the question you asked. So, no. I would want assets for Bub or George not other rookies from this underwhelming draft class.

[bsilver]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

They’ve shown a lot more than Sheppard, but not enough to believe they will be anything special. Since Sheppard hasn’t been given much opportunity, it’s too early to decide who will be the best player. I wonder if Houston management would make those trades.

[DCZards]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

I would trade any of them for future picks.

I know, not the question you asked. So, no. I would want assets for Bub or George not other rookies from this underwhelming draft class.

I think it's a mistake to base a player's potential on their draft class...or to expect that you'll get better players in a future draft. Sometimes it's smarter to be patient and develop the talent you have...especially when they're only 19, 20 & 21 yrs old.

[payitforward]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

I would trade any of them for future picks....

This seems meaningless to me.

How many players are there in the league which their team would NOT trade "for future picks?" Are there 3? Maybe 4?
It all depends how many future picks & of what kind.

...I would want assets for Bub or George not other rookies from this underwhelming draft class.

Since there are no rookies from this class you would want for one or both of two rookies from this class, I guess you must think we did a great job drafting from this class. Is that right?

[payitforward]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

They’ve shown a lot more than Sheppard, but not enough to believe they will be anything special....

How to poison the wells...
Neither guy has had the time to show that he "will be anything special." Or that he will not.

...Sheppard hasn’t been given much opportunity....

Nobody "gives" anyone opportunity to play.

I wonder if Houston management would make those trades.

Of course not! That would be to admit you'd made a big mistake only a few months ago....

[dckingsfan]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

I would trade any of them for future picks....

This seems meaningless to me.

How many players are there in the league which their team would NOT trade "for future picks?" Are there 3? Maybe 4?
It all depends how many future picks & of what kind.

...I would want assets for Bub or George not other rookies from this underwhelming draft class.

Since there are no rookies from this class you would want for one or both of two rookies from this class, I guess you must think we did a great job drafting from this class. Is that right?

Meh. I would have traded out of this draft class to another. So, there is that...

And yes, most players would be available for picks. It would just be the quantity of picks. And I think the number is higher than 3 or 4 or let's put it another way. If you are in the thick of competing, you are probably not moving your important assets for picks until you think you can't compete.

Let me put it another way. Until we hit on a 1/2 we should continue trading any asset we have for future assets. We shouldn't get attached to anyone drafted in '24 (IMO). As soon as we can get assets and kick it down the road, we should do it (again, IMO).

[payitforward]

...Let me put it another way. Until we hit on a 1/2 we should continue trading any asset we have for future assets. We shouldn't get attached to anyone drafted in '24 (IMO). As soon as we can get assets and kick it down the road, we should do it (again, IMO).

I understand the POV, but I doubt that it's practical. That it can be put into effect. That said, I agree that we should maximize our number of picks in every draft.

[doclinkin]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

They’ve shown a lot more than Sheppard, but not enough to believe they will be anything special. Since Sheppard hasn’t been given much opportunity, it’s too early to decide who will be the best player.

I'd agree it's too early to make a definitive judgement. These are very young players.

In my thin-slice read of his play I think Bub has shown some pretty standout numbers for a teenager in the NBA. Asst/TO ratio is stellar. Excellent rebounding from the PG position. Hitting better than 50% on his pull-up jumpers inside the line. Minimal fouls. Better 3fg% than he hit in college. And aside from November he has hit over 90% from the FT line. These are numbers where rookies and especially super young rookies tend to struggle. Adjusting to the NBA line, defense/fouls against bigger faster players, and making floor reads from the PG position. FT% tends to forecast 3FG% and if a rookie is better than they were in college that's often a really good sign of continued improvement. The younger a player shows that they know what they are doing, the higher their upside tends to be. As a baby NBAer Bub shows up well against other teenagers who have jumped to the league.

Hell he is hitting a better 2pt FG% & FT% than rookie Kobe Bryant

https://stathead.com/tiny/9mLEe

[doclinkin]

Castle will be ROY. He’s the heavy Las Vegas favorite.
Especially with Wendy out, he’ll have big role.

If this wasn't already true, it may be now. Even though SAN eventually lost,
Castle was really good on a nationally televised game against a premier team.
It would take a number of extraordinary events for him not to win now.

Castle has shown a tendency to show up big in the biggest games. Stat heads will tell you there is no such thing as clutch and it doesn't matter when your points are scored. NBA players and HOFers vehemently disagree. I'm gonna lean towards the side of those who have won at the highest level.

[J-Ves]

All days are tough days to be a Wiz fan but today was extra sucky: Shep with 25, Risacher with 27 and 5 stocks and Castle scoring 78 points over his last 3 games

For the Wiz? Blown layups

[nate33]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

I’d probably trade Sarr for Sheppard. I’m not sure about Carrington and George.

[DCZards]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

I probably wouldn’t trade Sarr for Sheppard…but I might trade him for Castle.

[daoneandonly]

Would you trade Bub Carrington or Kyshawn George for Reed Sheppard right now? They've both shown more in their NBA time but they've had a lot more opportunity and, of course, Sheppard showed more at the college level.

I might not trade Sarr for Sheppard…but I’d probably trade him for Castle.

That would be a no brainer for the Wiz, but doubt SA will do it. Unless Wemby says get my countryman here

[gambitx777]

I think Castle is ok but I think he has some problems.

Sent from my SM-S926U1 using RealGM mobile app

[penbeast0]

I still think Sarr has the highest ceiling (and the most bust potential) out of the group, Bub the second highest potential and the highest floor. I'd trade George for Sheppard, I'd think about trading Carrington, I wouldn't trade Sarr as of yet.

[DCZards]

I still think Sarr has the highest ceiling (and the most bust potential) out of the group, Bub the second highest potential and the highest floor. I'd trade George for Sheppard, I'd think about trading Carrington, I wouldn't trade Sarr as of yet.

I wanted the Zards to take Sarr with the #2 pick and I'm still fine with the pick because the more and more I watch Evan Mobley the more I see Sarr having a similar potential. That's a good thing.

I was on the Bub bandwagon before he was drafted. He has a lot of room for improvement but also has a lot of upside.

However, the rookie that has impressed me the most is George. He’s such an instinctive player. Kyshawn’s the son of a former professional bball player from Canada and you can see the DNA and lessons passed on to him in his bball IQ.

George is tall, long, and a MUCH better defender than I anticipated. He's also a good passer and playmaker. And, lately, he's been shooting the 3 ball much better.

Kyshawn has the potential to be a taller version of Derrick White.

[daoneandonly]

I still think Sarr has the highest ceiling (and the most bust potential) out of the group, Bub the second highest potential and the highest floor. I'd trade George for Sheppard, I'd think about trading Carrington, I wouldn't trade Sarr as of yet.

I wanted the Zards to take Sarr with the #2 pick and I'm still fine with the pick because the more and more I watch Evan Mobley the more I see Sarr having a similar potential. That's a good thing.

I was on the Bub bandwagon before he was drafted. He has a lot of room for improvement but also has a lot of upside.

However, the rookie that has impressed me the most is George. He’s such an instinctive player. Kyshawn’s the son of a former professional bball player from Canada and you can see the DNA and lessons passed on to him in his bball IQ.

George is tall, long, and a MUCH better defender than I anticipated. He's also a good passer and playmaker. And, lately, he's been shooting the 3 ball much better.

Kyshawn has the potential to be a taller version of Derrick White.

I like George more than any of the other 3 young guns (Sarr, Bub, or Bilal). I'd be more than willing to trade any of those other guys, and even this year's pick if we don't get #1 for upgrades.