All the teams have played a game or two in the preseason. This seems like as good a time as any to see how the first-round draft picks are performing at the pro level. We'll take a look at the available stats after the jump.
I pulled the data for all 30 first-rounders from NBA.com, mainly because they were the only reliable source for preseason numbers. Unfortunately, they didn't have raw scoring numbers (FG, FGA, 3P, 3PA, FT, FTA), only percentages. I think I'll run this worksheet several times throughout the season, so once the games start to count, we'll get better data and possibly run the numbers through more meaningful formulas (WS, WP, WP48, etc).
For this worksheet, I've normalized scoring, rebounding, assist, steal, block and foul numbers to 36 minutes for all the players. (Click on the image below to view a larger version.)
I'm not a big fan of google docs for spreadsheets. I'm not crazy about their behavior, so for this season, I think I'll just upload my Excel Spreadsheets to a folder and you guys can download if you're interested.
Click here to download the First-Round Watch spreadsheet.
It's probably a little early for any deep thoughts on these guys. I will say that I'm shocked Thabeet hasn't been atrocious. He's nowhere near a top-two talent, but if he can stay on the floor, rebound the ball and block shots, he could carve out a decent career. Curry's shooting numbers are disappointing, but it looks like he's going to have a large role for the Warriors, he's leading all rookies in minutes so far.
Jrue and Ty Lawson are tied for the lead in three-point percentage, at 100%. I fully expect both guys to drop to at least 80% in the regular season from distance.
The most impressive rookie so far isn't on this list, DeJaun Blair is tearing it up for the Spurs. Maybe I'll include a couple second rounders in the next version.
Again, limited stats are available, these guys have only played a few games (4 at the most) in preseason, so there's nothing definitive to be read into any of this. I was curious as to how the draftees were looking, so I put the list together. As the season goes on, we may be able to pull some meaning from it.
I did, in fact, make it to the open practice on Saturday, but as some of you know, traveling with toddlers can be adventurous, to say the least. We made it through the doors at 11:05. The practice was already underway. I didn't see Eddie Jordan there, it was being run by O'Koren, Ayers and Lynum. They ran through drills for about 45 minutes, which I always find fascinating. Most of the drills were defense-oriented. Limited shooting, some layup/dunk lines (Willie actually put on a good show for the crowd).
To me, Brand looked skinny. From a distance, I actually mistook him for Stromile Swift, so that will hopefully help his agility. Iguodala looked slimmed down as well, but it could just be the aftereffects of training camp. There wasn't much to be gleaned from the players' performance. They were there because they had to be for the fans, they weren't there for a hard practice. Not after the game they played the night before. There was no scrimmage. If there was anything to take away from the practice, it was the coaching staff's attention to detail on the defensive end. They were stopping drills in the middle to make sure everyone was rotating properly. On offense, they worked on motion, spacing, dribble handoffs, etc. The fundamentals of the PO.
All told, it wasn't a wasted trip, but it wasn't essential either. I'm dying to see these guys in a real game, so any little scrap of action is worth it for me. The kids had a good time, it didn't last that long, so my wife was happy-ish. I'd definitely do it again, but there's really not much to report. If anyone else was there, what did you guys think?
Brian, 2 guys I liked, Douglas and T.Williams seem to be doing well. The Williams/ Iggy dual was fun to watch at Friday!s game, he is some athlete.Blair has found the perfect destination, he can play limited minutes [Duncan,Mcdyess] and get nights off when necessary if needed for his knees.The p.g. debate will rage on all season with Flynn probably getting the biggest oppurtunity to succeed.Brian, funny asside at the practice; a guy was 10 rows in front of me, looked like you but afterward I approached and he wasn!t, did look for you though.At the practice Kapono didn!t miss but J.Smith!s shot looked terrible, wonder if all the weight lifting is affecting it.
I was actually on the opposite side of the floor when they split the court into 4 on 4/motion on one end, shooting on the other. From the shooting I did see, Lou's jumper looked sweet, EB and Iguodala seemed off among the starters, and Sammy was stroking baseline J's from about 15 feet.
Kapono can't miss, you're absolutely right. Don't remember much about Smith, although he looked active in the defensive rotations.
I think I was in section 202, we took off right after the player introductions after the practice was over.
I was opposit the bench side and Jrue at one point hit 3 jumpers in a row from the corner. In Friday!s game he finished a 3 pt. play strong going up with his left hand, a good thing.L.Will. looks like a different player so far, lets hope it lasts.
Enjoyed the practice, was very surprised how crowded it was! Got my Thad jersey afterwards which made it worth the trip.
Thought the practice was more for show than practice but did like how the coaches stayed on them.
Btw, coach Jordan was with his mom for her 80th birthday.
I was at the practice on Saturday. I was actually impressed by...I'm surprised too...Dalembert's shooting touch from inside 18 feet. After Kapono, he was hitting as many shots in the drills as anyone. Willie took Speights to school in their mini-slam dunk contest. Willie was impressive. Thad on the other hand was exceedingly unimpressive. I know it was just a practice for the fans, but I really believe if your shooting touch follows you wherever you go, and Thad's shot was flat, with no lift from his legs. Even if he was just being lazy, McKie should have been all over him for dogging it and practicing bad habits. It was a fun practice. Chatted with Stefanski for a minute afterwards. Brian, I think I was on the same side as you.