Notes on six players who have shined during 2023 NBA preseason.
- Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro hasn’t been fully healthy during the last two postseasons, so being 100% for the 2024 playoffs is what matters most.
- Golden State Warriors third year players Jonathan Kuminga & Moses Moody look ready to take the next step in their careers. I just hope they don’t feel overwhelmed in important moments due to lack of playing time in the past.
- San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama makes plays that even non-basketball fans can appreciate. The 19-year-old has a skillset/presence that could grow NBA viewership to higher levels.
- Houston Rockets sophomore Jabari Smith Jr. got stronger and improved his shot selection, as his body/overall game have clearly developed quite a bit.
- Denver Nuggets rookie Julian Strawther could become a legit scoring threat right away. The former Gonzaga Bulldog’s 3-point shooting, midrange feel, and cutting ability are fantastic.
Preseason stats so far
Herro: 26.0 PPG/4.0 RPG/4.5 APG/48.8% FG/42.9% 3-PT/85.7% FT/2 games played
Kuminga: 26.0 PPG/5.7 RPG/2.7 APG/1.0 SPG/54.5% FG/47.1% 3-PT/75.9% FT/3 games played
Moody: 15.3 PPG/3.7 RPG/1.0 APG/50.0% FG/50.0% 3-PT/85.7% FT/3 games played
Wembanyama: 21.5 PPG/4.5 RPG/2.0 APG/1.0 SPG/2.0 BPG/64.3% FG/80.0% FT/2 games played
Smith: 15.0 PPG/8.3 RPG/1.7 APG/55.2% FG/66.7% 3-PT/77.8% FT/3 games played
Strawther: 19.7 PPG/2.0 RPG/1.0 APG/58.3% FG/50.0% 3-PT/83.3% FT/3 games played
