The NBA is finally back and it’s personally one of my favorite times of the year: the preseason. This is the time when many NBA hopefuls who are unheard of have a chance to sign a training camp deal with an NBA roster in hopes of showing enough to make the final roster. Years of training and endless sacrifice are intended to prepare for just this opportunity so here’s a look at a handful of hopefuls I think have a chance to finally catch their break in the pros.
Willie Reed, Center, Brooklyn Nets- The Nets have the maximum number of roster spots filled but something about Willie Reed screams NBA ready to me. I watched him this summer when he played summer league ball with the Indiana Pacers and he was a man amongst boys. At 6’10, 220 lbs, he needs to bulk up some more for sure but his offensive game is surprisingly polished in the post. On top of that, he is relentless on the glass and with oft-injured bigs Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez on the Nets roster, they could stand to have some more young legs in the front court. He has the chance to beat out 2014 draftee Cory Jefferson and guard Jorge Gutierrez for a coveted roster spot and I think he just may capitalize on that opportunity.
Aaron Craft, Guard, Golden State Warriors- Craft was a stand out defensive player in college and I think he has a chance to find a niche on the Warriors roster. He does nothing that stands out but to make up for that he is always the first to dive on the floor for loose balls and has an extremely high basketball IQ. Also a respectable outside shooter, I think he’s just the type of player Steve Kerr would love to coach and though he didn’t get drafted, I think he could have a very long NBA career as a guard that’s willing to scrap for a victory.
Jared Cunningham, Guard, Los Angeles Clippers- He’s never gotten much of a chance to show it in his short NBA career thus far but Jared Cunningham is an absolutely freakish athlete. He seems like the ideal bench guard for lob city and his defensive peskiness is something a playoff team like the Clippers, who happen to have a roster spot open for him, would love.
Jason Maxiell, Forward, Charlotte Hornets- Maxiell’s been in this position before and he always seems to make the opening day roster because his high energy on the glass and intensity are too much to pass up– there’s no doubt in my mind the Hornets will keep him to start the season as he is a valuable piece as the team tries to move forward towards another playoff berth.
Tyler Johnson, Guard, Miami Heat- Though he’s just 6’5, in the Heat’s summer league season Johnson played as if he was six inches taller. He has a knack for elevating to grab boards on both offense and defense and though his skill set needs some honing, the work ethic is certainly there for Johnson. I’m confident he will get a very good look in Miami and if he shows the same potential he did in the summer league he’ll be on the opening day roster.
Daniel Orton, Center, Washington Wizards- For whatever reason, it has never worked out for Daniel Orton in the NBA despite his solid low post game and knack for boxing out down low. This year, I think that will all change– he has the chance to team up with former Kentucky Wildcat teammate John Wall and I think he’ll reap the benefits as a much needed insurance center in Washington.
Lance Thomas, Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder- The former Duke product has always shown potential to be a rock solid rotational player and he had that role in New Orleans a couple of years back. Now that Kevin Durant is out, the Thunder will be giving forwards an especially close look and as the most experienced training camp invite, Thomas’s chances look bright.
The beauty about the NBA is that I could be completely wrong with every one of these predictions– these players could perform miserably in the preseason or a fellow competitor could out work them. But every NBA fan likes to try to look into a crystal ball and predict the future and I’m just playing my part.
