Missing in Action: The 2019 Rookie Draft Class

[Conroy]

It's been widely documented that incoming rookies are extremely raw talents with odd/unique skillsets. The 2019 class in particular was pretty highly regarded for how deep it was at the top. There were 8 players with blue potential that finally felt like they had skillsets that fit certain positions and roles. Unsurpisingly enough those 8 players with blue potential were the first 8 picks in the draft. These players were all drafted with excitement, and into different situations, some were pieces to a rebuild, the start of a rebuild, and the #1 pick even went to a contender. About 35 games now into the season one thing is certain...not very many players are producing in their innagural season.

There's different reasons as to why that is, so let's take a look at the top 8 picks in the draft and assess their current situation and production.

1. Erik Haynes has appeared in less than half of his teams games this season, averaging just under 2 points and 2 rebounds per game. Haynes was atop many teams draft boards and was a throwback to Centers who use to terroize the league. He was so talented the Kings GM traded two top 5 picks to move up and draft him. Most teams would want their star player and #1 overall pick to play more than 100 total minutes through 37 games, but most teams don't have Tani's patience. This isn't the first time a stud rookie has taken their time to develop in Sacramento and it looks like that strategy is paying dividends with Jeffrey Duren right now as we speak. Haynes is also in a near perfect situation he sits 3rd on the depth chart behind Spencer Hawes and Arthur Hardie, he's on one of the best teams in the league with a record of 26-11, and is transitioning into the pro game with the least amount of pressure possible.

2. Donovan Mitchell has been in and out of the Bucks starting lineup starting 21 of 34 games so far. He is averaging almost 26 mins per game but failing to score in double digits averaging only 8.3 ppg. The Bucks are in the beginning stages of their rebuild and Mitchell will be an integral piece, but for now the young shooting guard is struggling to find his shot. He is making just 25% of his 3 point attempts and a hair under 40% from the field. He's got the potential and athleticism to become an all-star caliber 2 way guard in this league, just like most recent rookies it will take time to develop.

3. Damion Williams was one of the more PBSL ready prospects in this years draft. He's getting some shots up with the 2nd unit for the Lakers and is averaing almost 10 points in 20 mins per game. He isn't the most efficient jump shooter so far making only 40% of his jump shots and 28% of his 3's, but can really finish at the rim making almost 70% of his inside shots and 94% of his free throw attempts. He has filled in the starting role for injured Gustave Lecroix the last 6 games and is averaging 19 points per game, so with a little more playing time it appears he is ready now to be a volume scorer.

4. J.R. Johnson has barely seen the court for the Jazz, one of the surprisingly successful teams out west. With the Jazz recently acquiring Iman Shumpert we can expect this season to essentially be a redshirt year for J.R. who also has former ROTY Joseph Kight and near ROTY last year James "Juicey G" Gebhart ahead of him on the depth chart as far as wing players go. It'll be interesting to see if any of these players gets put on the trade block if the Jazz want to add talent at other positions, or if Shumpert is there to help guide the young guys along the way.

5. Alvin Briseno is the first big off the bench for Lakers playing along side fellow rookie Damion Williams. He's having a decent enough rookie campaign averaging 8.3 points in almost 23 mins per game. The Lakers are currently GM-less, but have a lot of young talent with Briseno, Williams, Giannis, and Kevin Kowal. With a 14-26 record another lotto pick is looming while the team also waits for some steady leadership.

6. Jaylen Brown was the oldest of the blue potential players already 23 the day of the draft. He was ready to produce on day 1, but also had probably the lowest ceiling of these 8 players. The Celtics thought they were ready to compete and it felt like a perfect fit. Boston also wasn't shy proclaiming they would actively attempt to have back to back ROTY giving JB starters mins and the green light to shoot. He's one of only 4 rookies averaging at least 30 mpg and leads all rookies with 17 ppg. This is the 2nd year in a row the Celtics have gone against the grain and gave their rookies heavy mins and it's not exactly translating into wins as they are again a disappointing 13-23 so far this season.

7. Tua Tagovailoa has appeared in zero games this season. This is one I can't exactly figure out, the Warriors aren't going to win very many games and this may or may not be by design. But there isn't realy any tangible benefit for a tanking team to not play their rookies anymore. Might as well let him get some playing time and see what you have in the youngster.

8. Kristaps Porzingis is in a similiar situation as Brown and the Celtics...both teams are struggling, but not afraid to start and give their rookies minutes. Which again probably confirms these young guys are not ready to come in and contribute in an impactful way on a winning team. Kristaps has started in 60% of the Raps games this year and is averaging 9 pts in about 27 mins per game.

That's it for the top 8 picks of the draft last year all of which had blue potential. As far as the rest of the class goes there's only 2 other players that are averaging double digit points and thats Charles Royster for the Bucks who is putting up almost 13 points a game in 29 mins and Teddy Gotlieb who is scoring 12 points in 34.5 mins per game for the Spurs. Royster was the 15th pick in the draft and Gotlieb was 27th.

[NOLa.]

Great read Conroy! I've been easing Haynes into more time as the season goes but his rebounding is weak for a center. Hopefully next season I'll be more comfortable giving him more time.

[IamQuailman]

ROYSTER!!!!!!!

[ballsohard]

5 Points conman!