The NBA expects Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor to become the featured player of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively, but lesser-discussed prospects provide the most interesting storylines.
Each division has a fresh face set to contribute in the 2015-16 campaign, and the eventual impacts of the following six rookies are intriguing narratives to follow this year.
Atlantic Division
Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks: Thanks to Knicks president Phil Jackson, Porzingis’ rookie campaign is already off to a bizarre start. According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Jackson said the 7-foot-1 athlete might be too tall for the NBA. The weird comment came about two months after New York selected the Latvian fourth overall. It’s safe to say the Knicks will be interesting this year—even if they don’t win.
Central Division
Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons: Johnson won’t be the featured player of the Pistons offense, but the Arizona product will be a fixture in the lineup throughout the season—especially since Brandon Jennings told Comcast Sports Net he’s fine with being a sixth man. Johnson’s best trait is his defense, but if the swingman can carve out a consistent offensive role, he might wiggle his way into the Rookie of the Year discussion.
Southeast Division
Justise Winslow, Miami Heat: Somehow, some way, Miami managed to grab Winslow at No. 10. He’s a perfect fit for a Heat squad that desperately needed a three-and-D weapon. At Duke last season, Winslow drilled 41.8 percent of his three-pointers while posting a 115.2 offensive rating and stellar 92.8 defensive mark. It should be an absolute treat to see Winslow develop under Erik Spoelstra, one of the best coaching minds in the NBA.
Northwest Division
Cameron Payne, Oklahoma City Thunder: While Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook won’t willingly allow Payne into the spotlight, how often can the crafty left-hander demand attention anyway? Andre Roberson isn’t much of a scorer, and D.J. Augustin isn’t much of a defender. Payne, on the other hand, is an efficient shooter and a pest on the other end of the floor. The Murray State product should be able to establish a key role in the second unit during his rookie campaign.
Pacific Division
D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers: How Russell fits on the 2015-16 Lakers is perhaps the most fascinating question of the upcoming season. Los Angeles employs a trio of shoot-first guards—Kobe Bryant, Louis Williams and Nick Young—so along with Jordan Clarkson, where does that leave Russell? The rookie out of Ohio State is a better all-around talent than Williams and Young, but Russell’s playing time and exact role remain unknown. For better or worse, the Lakers will be captivating to watch.
Southwest Division
Justin Anderson, Dallas Mavericks: Dallas wasn’t going to enter a bidding war for Monta Ellis, so the Mavericks picked up Anderson in the draft. Then, Al-Farouq Aminu then bolted in free agency, which officially forced Anderson into the rotation. The Virginia product connected on 45.2 percent of his triples, racked up a 123.5 offensive rating and sported an 89.4 defensive clip. Is Anderson ready for the division that sent all five franchises to the postseason last year? We can’t wait to find out.