Through a few games for each NBA team, several rookies are already beginning to show their impact.
Most notable is Houston’s Tari Eason, who has been a revelation for the Rockets so far. A sophomore outside LSU, Eason was drafted 17th overall in 2022, but proves why many hailed him as a potential steal after the draft.
In two games, Eason is averaging 22.5 points on 60 percent shooting, nine rebounds and two steals.
Third overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. had 21 points while shooting 5-for-8 from three in an impressive preseason opener.
Scoring-wise, Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin had an instant impact. In two games, he is averaging 17.0 points in just 18 minutes per game.
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Eason leads all rookies, followed by Smith Jr., Mathurin, then undrafted Grizzlies forward Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Other notables in the scoring department include Sacramento’s Keegan Murray, who had 16 points in his only game with the Kings and Detroit’s Jaden Ivey, who averaged 15 points in two games alongside star Cade Cunningham. .
Defensively, several rookies have already shown their worth.
The New Orleans hybrid Dyson Daniels has already had eight interceptions and a pair of blocks in two games.
The NBA preseason slate continues with six games on Sunday night as we inch ever closer to the 2022-23 NBA regular season.
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