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      Projecting and Ranking Best NBA Rookies in 2014‑15


      8y
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      1 / 10#10 Julius Randle Josh Cohen’s Analysis: A mysterious foot injury combined with subpar preseason performances has left some wondering how productive Randle will be in his rookie year. Randle was a beast in his one season at Kentucky – often compared to Zach Randolph because of his relentless rebounding and efficiency around the rim. He is expected to play behind Carlos Boozer in L.A. and it remains to be seen how willing the Lakers are to highlight a first-year prodigy with Kobe Bryant hungry to return to the playoffs. Note: The contents of this feature have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by Josh Cohen are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

      thumbnail-image: #10 Julius Randle Josh Cohen’s Analysis: A mysterious foot injury combined with subpar preseason performances has left some wondering how productive Randle will be in his rookie year. Randle was a beast in his one season at Kentucky – often compared to Zach Randolph because of his relentless rebounding and efficiency around the rim. He is expected to play behind Carlos Boozer in L.A. and it remains to be seen how willing the Lakers are to highlight a first-year prodigy with Kobe Bryant hungry to return to the playoffs. Note: The contents of this feature have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by Josh Cohen are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.
      thumbnail-image: #9 P.J. Hairston Cohen’s Analysis: A college suspension forced Hairston to get some transitory professional experience. Formerly a star at UNC, Hairston played for the Texas Legends in the D-League last year and was impressive overall. Excellent in catch-and-shoot situations and insistent inside because of his size and strength, Hairston hopes to have an immediate impact playing alongside budding players such as Kemba Walker, Lance Stephenson and Cody Zeller.
      thumbnail-image: #8 Marcus Smart Cohen’s Analysis: The injury to Rajon Rondo – though he is expected back shortly – along with all his impending trade speculation should give Smart plenty of opportunity to showcase his skills. A bulldog because of his aggressiveness and tenacity, Smart is expected to make an immediate defensive impact. However, his unreliable shooting ability and dubious playmaking may diminish his production as a rookie.
      thumbnail-image: #7 T.J. Warren Cohen’s Analysis: He has athletic deficiencies and doesn’t really have a natural position, but Warren has tremendous instincts and is expected to be a trustworthy scorer in Phoenix. Though the backcourt is clogged after adding Isaiah Thomas and re-signing Eric Bledsoe, there should be plenty of opportunity for Warren to get time at the small forward spot and be productive in a reserve role for a blossoming Suns team.
      thumbnail-image: #6 Nerlens Noel Cohen’s Analysis: Staying healthy is an undeniable concern for Noel, who missed all of last season recovering from a torn ACL. Noel showed positive signs in Summer League – not only as a rim protector and superior athlete – but also with his refined offensive repertoire. Philadelphia is not likely to win many games, but Noel being on the court is enough to give the city some added excitement.
      thumbnail-image: #5 Aaron Gordon Cohen’s Analysis: Gordon’s limitations are evident. His jumper is inconsistent and he doesn’t have a smooth face-up game. However, Gordon is extraordinarily athletic and a first-class defender who can guard multiple positions. The high-flyer will gobble up baskets off dunks, tip-ins and put-backs. He also will sometimes be responsible for defending opposing team’s elite wing players like he has done in the preseason (ex. Luol Deng, Josh Smith).
      thumbnail-image: #4 Doug McDermott Cohen’s Analysis: The Bulls were lacking perimeter shooting the last few years and they hope McDermott will provide that attribute on a nightly basis. Considered one of the best collegiate 3-point shooters of his generation, McDermott should fit in playing alongside two of the game’s elite interior passers, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol. He also will be the beneficiary of Derrick Rose’s explosive drives, which will force defenses to collapse in the paint and give McDermott open space beyond the 3-point line.
      thumbnail-image: #3 Elfrid Payton Cohen’s Analysis: The Magic hope Payton will transform into a triple-double machine. His versatility allows him to dabble in different statistical categories and his defensive competency and commitment will be a nightmare for opponents to deal with. Payton’s unreliable jumper is a work in progress and he needs to be careful with turnovers. However, Payton will definitely turn some heads with his explosiveness, craftiness and tenacity.
      thumbnail-image: #2 Andrew Wiggins Cohen’s Analysis: The trade to Minnesota was exactly what Wiggins needed. Rather than be LeBron James’ trainee, Wiggins can be the main attraction on a rebuilding team with lowered expectations. Already a superlative athlete and terrific wing defender, Wiggins is starting to expand his offensive arsenal. His jumper is improving and his ball handling is a major focus in practice. With all the tools to eventually be a league superstar, it would be shocking if Wiggins didn’t have a quality rookie season.
      thumbnail-image: #1 Jabari Parker Cohen’s Analysis: All those comparisons to Carmelo Anthony seem legit. Parker is an unrelenting scorer. He can play either the three or four and abuse defenders at both positions. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Parker will be one of the best rookie scorers this season, but will his defensive limitations prohibit him from becoming a top 10 player in the league?
      Lightbox-image: #10 Julius Randle Josh Cohen’s Analysis: A mysterious foot injury combined with subpar preseason performances has left some wondering how productiv...
      Lightbox-image: #9 P.J. Hairston Cohen’s Analysis: A college suspension forced Hairston to get some transitory professional experience. Formerly a star at UNC, Hai...
      Lightbox-image: #8 Marcus Smart Cohen’s Analysis: The injury to Rajon Rondo – though he is expected back shortly – along with all his impending trade speculation s...
      Lightbox-image: #7 T.J. Warren Cohen’s Analysis: He has athletic deficiencies and doesn’t really have a natural position, but Warren has tremendous instincts and i...
      Lightbox-image: #6 Nerlens Noel Cohen’s Analysis: Staying healthy is an undeniable concern for Noel, who missed all of last season recovering from a torn ACL. Noel...
      Lightbox-image: #5 Aaron Gordon Cohen’s Analysis: Gordon’s limitations are evident. His jumper is inconsistent and he doesn’t have a smooth face-up game. However, ...
      Lightbox-image: #4 Doug McDermott Cohen’s Analysis: The Bulls were lacking perimeter shooting the last few years and they hope McDermott will provide that attribut...
      Lightbox-image: #3 Elfrid Payton Cohen’s Analysis: The Magic hope Payton will transform into a triple-double machine. His versatility allows him to dabble in diffe...
      Lightbox-image: #2 Andrew Wiggins Cohen’s Analysis: The trade to Minnesota was exactly what Wiggins needed. Rather than be LeBron James’ trainee, Wiggins can be th...
      Lightbox-image: #1 Jabari Parker Cohen’s Analysis: All those comparisons to Carmelo Anthony seem legit. Parker is an unrelenting scorer. He can play either the thr...

      1 / 10#10 Julius Randle Josh Cohen’s Analysis: A mysterious foot injury combined with subpar preseason performances has left some wondering how productive Randle will be in his rookie year. Randle was a beast in his one season at Kentucky – often compared to Zach Randolph because of his relentless rebounding and efficiency around the rim. He is expected to play behind Carlos Boozer in L.A. and it remains to be seen how willing the Lakers are to highlight a first-year prodigy with Kobe Bryant hungry to return to the playoffs. Note: The contents of this feature have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by Josh Cohen are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

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