Analyzing the Philadelphia 76ers’ Rookies

Every time a solid NBA rookie takes the floor against the 76ers )i.e. the Wolves Andrew Wiggins), it is an opportunity for the 76ers to showcase and juxtapose their talent no matter what tier they’re in.

JaKarr Sampson

Now a starter, he has played every position on the floor this year except point guard. Sampson gets his chances in guarding undersized bigs and Bob Cooney has reported that the No. 1 overall pick [was held to] 15 points on 7-for-17 shooting.

"NBA.com reports that Sampson has “started the past four games after not starting since at Golden State on 12/30 and is averaging 8.0 points on 63.2% shooting in 18.0 minutes per game over that span… has 4 3FGM over the past four games and 15 this season (shot 1-of-13 in two seasons in college).”"

Jerami Grant

He along with Sampson is also getting his chance as Brett Brown allows him opportunities to guard small forwards who are smaller than their listed size.  His defense is improving and his fundamental offensive skill set is expanding.

"NBA.com reports that, “over the past six games, [Grant is] averaging 11.5 points on 56.4 percent shooting… shooting 8-of-11 from 3-point range over the past three games and 55.6 percent over the past 14 games (19.0 percent first 20 games played)… shot 6-of-20 from behind-the-arc in two seasons at Syracuse.”"

K.J. McDaniels

He is just better coming off the bench. 76ers head coach Brett Brown seems to think that McDaniels can match up with nearly anyone at anytime. It certainly seems that way, as the 6’6″ guard can cover perimeter players and block shots. He plays tough and much larger than his size. K.J. has scored in double-figures 23 times this season and this is third among rookies with 9.2 ppg. 

Nerlens Noel

While having an up and down year offensively, his ability to pass and deflect the ball and disrupt half court offense has been superb. Noel has steady improvement written all over him as he continues with effort plays, while filling the stat sheet.

"NBA.com continues to say that, “over his past 15 games played, averaging 9.0 points on 50.4 percent shooting after averaging 6.8 ppg on 33.6 percent shooting the 13 games prior… has recorded at least 2 blocks in each of the past five games and ranks 10th in the NBA with 1.71 bpg this season."

Reasons for the Rookies Success:

1) Confidence – the Sixer rookies do not see themselves as a group of lesser players. They see the opposition as “peers.”

2) Motivation – players like Andrew Wiggins, who at times get labelled Rookie of the Year before the fact, irk the likes of Nerlens Noel and this brings his game to a higher level.

3) Defense – All of the Sixers rookies have intangibles, the will to defend – aside from their sheer size and ability to obstruct passing lanes and vision.

For instance, Cooney also reports that “after a practice a couple of days back, Brown called over Grant and asked him to get down in a defensive stance. He then asked the 6’8″ swingman to show his wingspan while bent at the knees, butt low to the ground and back perfectly straight. ‘Look at that,’ said Brown with a smile.”

4) Chemistry – These rookies play well together and Brett Brown is allowing them to complement each other. With these rookies pieces, the Sixers have interchangeable parts and relatively equal in  size components that can switch, pre-switch and guard multiple situations. With their length and wing-span (part of a Hinkie draft selection profile) they can fly-out at shooters late in the possession and still guard the lane up until the last second.

Go Sixers!