NBA Rookies 2014: TJ Warren Perfect Fit For Phoenix! Former ACC Player Of The Year Can Win Top Rookie Honors In NBA!
The NBA Rookies 2014 have played with their respective teams in Summer League. While that is miles away from actual competition level, some rookies have already stood out.
T.J. Warren was not one of the heralded draft prospects in the draft despite his solid credentials. He beat Jabari Parker for ACC Player of the Year honors with the highest scoring average in the conference. His stats of Warren averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals (Basketball Insiders) are impressive in the college game.
He was the last lottery selection at 14th overall, taken by the young and hungry Phoenix Suns. It appears to be a perfect fit.
Basketball Insiders had a full special on the rookie's Summer League experience:
"I was nervous in the beginning. But kind of relaxed a little bit. I had the Morris twins giving me confidence, just giving me advice, as well as the coaching staff."
Some observations: "Warren has a unique offensive skill-set and is able to score efficiently off an array of moves at the basket and floaters. While Warren isn't a knock-down shooter from distance, his ability to hit shots from different areas of the floor (he's an excellent midrange scorer) and his ability to work off the ball will make the high-octane Phoenix offense even harder to stop."
The 6-8 forward was not a highlight reel staple as he is not as athletic or explosive as the heralded rookies. However, a sharp-eyed coach will appreciate his hard work ethic and his ability to work within a team's system. Jeff Hornacek, last year's runner-up for NBA Coach of the Year was quick to notice:
"He's such a great scorer, he's not going to have to rely on the three-point shot. He'll be able to move without the ball and catch it on the move. When he moves, he's very slick and he knows when to get the ball up or take an extra dribble and take it up. He has a great feel for the game offensively."
While individual awards are far from his mind, it is already speculated that Warren might be a dark horse for Rookie of the Year. The Suns' offense will pad his statistics and he is assured of a solid rotation spot (since Phoenix didn't land the top free agents they targeted). Compared to other rookies who might have too much of a burden to carry or those who have to play behind veterans, Warren is at the right place with the right team.The NBA Rookies 2014 have played with their respective teams in Summer League. While that is miles away from actual competition level, some rookies have already stood out.
T.J. Warren was not one of the heralded draft prospects in the draft despite his solid credentials. He beat Jabari Parker for ACC Player of the Year honors with the highest scoring average in the conference. His stats of Warren averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals (Basketball Insiders) are impressive in the college game.
He was the last lottery selection at 14th overall, taken by the young and hungry Phoenix Suns. It appears to be a perfect fit.
Basketball Insiders had a full special on the rookie's Summer League experience:
"I was nervous in the beginning. But kind of relaxed a little bit. I had the Morris twins giving me confidence, just giving me advice, as well as the coaching staff."
Some observations: "Warren has a unique offensive skill-set and is able to score efficiently off an array of moves at the basket and floaters. While Warren isn't a knock-down shooter from distance, his ability to hit shots from different areas of the floor (he's an excellent midrange scorer) and his ability to work off the ball will make the high-octane Phoenix offense even harder to stop."
The 6-8 forward was not a highlight reel staple as he is not as athletic or explosive as the heralded rookies. However, a sharp-eyed coach will appreciate his hard work ethic and his ability to work within a team's system. Jeff Hornacek, last year's runner-up for NBA Coach of the Year was quick to notice:
"He's such a great scorer, he's not going to have to rely on the three-point shot. He'll be able to move without the ball and catch it on the move. When he moves, he's very slick and he knows when to get the ball up or take an extra dribble and take it up. He has a great feel for the game offensively."
While individual awards are far from his mind, it is already speculated that Warren might be a dark horse for Rookie of the Year. The Suns' offense will pad his statistics and he is assured of a solid rotation spot (since Phoenix didn't land the top free agents they targeted). Compared to other rookies who might have too much of a burden to carry or those who have to play behind veterans, Warren is the right kind of player with the right team.