NBA Preseason tipped off on Friday and players seemed excited to be back. The first day consisted of some impressive outings by players who worked hard in the off-season.
Dwayne Bacon: After playing his first few years in Charlotte without a defined role, Bacon was able to start last night for the Magic. He shot lights out and definitely helped himself earn minutes for the season. 14 points, 2 steals
Chuma Okeke: Okeke was a 1st round pick in 2019, but missed the entire season due to injury. His potential is high, as he’s hoping to earn quality minutes for Orlando. 9 points, 2 3’s
De’Andre Hunter: Second year Hawk who is looking to build on a solid rookie season. Knocked down two 3’s and went 6-8 from the free throw line. 18 points, 3 rebounds
Cam Reddish: Reddish learned a lot last season on both ends as a rookie. Getting a year under his belt will help his improvement for 2021. 13 points, 8 rebounds
Bruno Fernando: The big man was able to gain some solid experience as a rookie, starting in 13 games. He looks in better shape and can give the Hawks good minutes when needed. 8 points, 9 rebounds
Nerlens Noel: Noel started at center last night and looked great. Still very young at 26, his rim protection is like few in the NBA. 10 points, 8 rebounds
Obi Toppin: The rookie proved quite a bit last night. Showed powerful strength on drives. 11 points, 7 rebounds
Saddiq Bey: A 3&D threat out of Villanova who knows his game. Spotted up last night for some good looks on 3’s. 14 points, 3 3’s
Svi Mykhailiuk: Mykhailiuk proved he can be a reliable shooter off the bench last season. He shot 40% from three point land and started in 27 games. 14 points, 4 3’s
Bruno Caboclo: Caboclo hasn’t been given a real chance since Memphis, where he played well. The 25-year-old is hoping he can find solid minutes for the Rockets. 17 points, 5 3’s
Gerald Green: Green missed all of 2019-2020, but you wouldn’t have thought that last night. He showed great signs that his bounce and shooting are clearly back. 16 points, 3 3’s
Coby White: White had a very nice rookie season last year. He’s only getting better in every area of the game. 15 points, 6 assists
Patrick Williams: The 19-year-old had some nice moments last night on both ends. The shooting and defense are certainly there. 12 points, 3 rebounds
Noah Vonleh: Vonleh is a guy you can always depend on to play as hard as possible. He only played 11 minutes last night, but almost had a double-double. 12 points, 8 rebounds
Talen Horton-Tucker: Horton-Tucker’s dribbling skills and pace of play are very impressive for a young player. It’s no wonder guys like Lebron rave about the kid. 19 points, 9 rebounds
Devontae Cacok: Cacok shows signs of former Laker Thomas Bryant. The big man provides non-stop energy and rebounding. 8 points, 6 rebounds
Terance Mann: Mann was one assist shy of a triple-double for LA in their last regular season game in August. Can make plays with the ball quite nicely. 6 points, 6 rebounds
Mfiondu Kabengele: The Clippers selected Kabengele as their 1st round pick last year. The former Florida State Seminole can shoot the three and hold his own down low. 7 points, 5 rebounds
Harry Giles: Giles seemed very motivated to play his former team. It’s still very early to say, but the Kings may have made a mistake not keeping him for the future. 18 points, 14 rebounds
Derrick Jones Jr: Jones started for Portland and didn’t miss a shot. Expect Blazer guards to throw him many lobs for electrifying dunks this season. 15 points, 5 rebounds
Gary Trent Jr: A spot opened in the bubble for Trent and he took full advantage. He shot the ball extremely well in Orlando and is only getting better. 18 points, 3 3’s
Glenn Robinson III: After a nice run with Golden State, Robinson was traded to Philly. He now has a better opportunity to play quality minutes with the Kings this season. 9 points, 4 rebounds
Tyrese Haliburton: The rookie already has NBA ready playmaking skills. If his shot is consistent he can have a nice season in 2021. 5 points, 3 rebounds
Jahmi’us Ramsey: The 2nd round pick only played 5 minutes on Friday, but showed his skills in small pieces. He’s only 19-years-old and has potential for the Kings future. 5 points, 1 assist
