2021-22 NBA Rookie Thread (part 6) - with ROY poll

[DaddyCool19]

looks like a much more well rounded young giannas.

he’s gotta be pushing 7ft tall now, handles the ball/transition like a pg, infectious defence, all that.

future mvp.

What. Did he grew 4-5 inches in 8 months?

[kwajo]

He's not as fast or explosive as Giannis. In fact without a running start he looks down right slow at times. Same thing can be said for his vertical, barely gets up when standing still.

However he's been able to compensate all this by his brute strength. He'll drive to the rim, not completely blowing by the defender, then turn and back his defender down with ease. Most times he just over powers them for either a right or left hook.

Not much of a consistent shot right now, but anytime he's close to the net he loves the floater/push shot which has been pretty consistent. He will hit some 3's here and there.

He's also very patient and smart for a rookie. Great court vision, I can tell he loves passing as he always adds some flair to his passes with no looks etc.

Gives effort most times on d, although not perfect. But the desire is there.

No idea what his ceiling is, or who he plays like. He actually reminds me of Paul Pierce, but much longer. Can't shoot like Paul of course, but the way he moves, relies on his body mass, plays at a slower pace at times but still gets to his spots at his speed.

This is a really good, fair analysis. I hadn't thought of the Pierce comparison but I can definitely see it now that you brought it up, or Pierce crossed with Pippen in terms of style. I would also say he has a big of 'Big Dog' Glenn Robinson in his game, lots of skill combined with a bit of bully ball, although Scottie is much taller and longer than Big Dog was.

[Raptors_Dynasty]

ROY is a tossup I really don't know who will win

Cade gets the most effortless buckets, and will be the strongest shot maker in the group

Barnes does a little bit of everything, jack of all trades

Mobley plays like a vet and a shot-blocking mobile big with a decent shot is extremely valuable.

Great draft class

[TravisScott55]

He looks like a future star. Once he tightens the handle more and improves that mid range he will be a really great player.

[Tor_Raps]

Thank god someone created this thread who isn't a Raptors fan because we definitely finna talk about it!

Did I use that word right or is it supposed to be fitta? Lol

[mpoo_sin]

Pleasantly surprised by his play since the ASG - he's been a lot more consistent (only two "bad" games in the last 10). If he can develop a consistent 3 point threat, he's gonna be a problem in the near future.

Raptors fans chime in - what are your expectations of him over the next 2-3 years?

Got him on my fantasy-team! He was my ROY candidate before the season. Love his play.

[djsunyc]

the poise that barnes, mobley, cade and (to a lesser extenet) giddey play with is insane for rookies. they play well beyond their years mentally. once their games improve and round into form, you are looking at perennial all stars.

[Klayforspicy]

He should be averaging a lot more than 3 apg, the team cant keep up with his read skills

[cupcakesnake]

Last night was maybe his best game of the season. The Raptors gave him the paint all night and let him go to work as the primary decision-maker in crunch time. He rewarded them with 25 points, 10 assists (to 1 turnover), 8 boards, 2 steals, 1 block. His game is all about having a big strong body and a really good brain. He doesn't have much of a scoring arsenal yet, especially not coming from his skill set. Everything he gets he does by being scrappy and smart. He has nice touch. I wish he'd draw more fouls. I think his best case scenario is a poor man's Magic on offense: I don't mean being the best passer in the league, just being a guy who can use the physical threat of his scoring and combine it with good passing to help always put the offense at an advantage. Defensively he's going to be an all-defense candidate every year.

[Tor_Raps]

He should be averaging a lot more than 3 apg, the team cant keep up with his read skills

That and the fact we have had near the worst collection of shooters in the NBA. Add some shooters and a center that can finish around the rim, his assist numbers would easily be 5 per game.

[SA37]

It'll be really interesting to see what the Raptors do in the offseason. They have a really nice set of core pieces in their prime (Siakam, and VanVleet) and two really nice young pieces (Barnes, Anunoby, and Trent Jr). Achiuwa has slowly come around after struggling for most of the 1st half of the season. He is probably 2 years away from becoming a regular contributor, but he is a guy that the Raptors will likely be able to count on for a productive ~20 minutes per game off the bench next year.

[BigDan245]

It's entertaining watching Raptors games..A lot of their fans think their players stink and their coach is overrated and can't make adjustments...All in all I'd say being 37-30 with all of that is pretty impressive.

[djsunyc]

It'll be really interesting to see what the Raptors do in the offseason. They have a really nice set of core pieces in their prime (Siakam, and VanVleet) and two really nice young pieces (Barnes, Anunoby, and Trent Jr). Achiuwa has slowly come around after struggling for most of the 1st half of the season. He is probably 2 years away from becoming a regular contributor, but he is a guy that the Raptors will likely be able to count on for a productive ~20 minutes per game off the bench next year.

just keep adding legit talent while developing internally.

we only have 3 players remaining from the chip team and replaced everyone with basically young guys. i mean in a 5 month span, masai got gary trent, barnes and precious. and chip/contending teams need legit vets in the 30 and older group. that will be filled by siakam and fred b/c in 3 years, they'll be 30.

i think the siakam/barnes combo next year may end up being what hill/tmac was going to be.

[Bologna Smasher]

Move over Pippen, we got a new Scottie in town!

Seriously though, he reminds me a lot of Pippen. Can't wait to see what he can do as a full-time first or second option.

[bisme37]

He's really impressive. A guy any team would want since he's so big, tough, versatile and skilled. Going to have a great career.

[Duffman100]

Really wasn’t expecting a post game like this… he’s bullying veterans in the paint.

[nikster]

I think he was struggling with fatigue in January so the rest from the all star break helped him alot. OG being out and Fred missing games have allowed him to take a bigger role

[Jadoogar]

Legit can't remember a rookie class that was doing this well overall...

When's the last time a draft class legitimately had 3 guys competing for ROTY?!? With potentially multiple franchise talents?!?

I guess ofc there's 03' but then you still have a bunch of guys that could also end up being borderline to actual all-stars at some point ie/ Green, Giddey, Wagner, Kuminga, Sengun etc...and you still have very good rotational pieces like Ayo, Bones, Thomas, Duarte, Mitchell, Jones. Every night there's been at least a couple rookies that put on a show. Really what a draft class..

2018 has some really good talent as well. Ayton, Luka, Trae, JJJ, SGA, both Bridges, Michael porter jr.

This class could definitely be up there with 2018

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[Madvillainy2004]

I think he was struggling with fatigue in January so the rest from the all star break helped him alot. OG being out and Fred missing games have allowed him to take a bigger role

He had knee tendinitis around late December to early January which zapped his explosiveness for a bit. He seems as springy as ever the past few weeks since the all star break.

[Joshuan3]

What's the best player comparison for Scottie? Giannis Lite/Lamar Odom?