Fansided

Projecting the 2015-2016 NBA All-Rookie Team

By Brad Rowland

Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) is congratulated by teammates on the bench during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) is congratulated by teammates on the bench during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribble the ball during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribble the ball during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Guard – Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets

The NBA puts on a yearly summer league in Las Vegas and, usually, the basketball is somewhat brutal to consume. This year’s league was no different, but there was a shining beacon of basketball light in the form of Emmanuel Mudiay, and it was impossible to avoid becoming sold on his NBA future.

The 6-foot-5 point guard is already a tremendous pick-and-roll creator, and his passing was, at least at times, breath-taking in Las Vegas. He is quite strong and athletic, especially for a player of his age, and Mudiay’s ability to prod a defense will be valuable immediately. If there is a downside to his offense, it certainly comes as a shooter, but Denver can surround him with quality gunners (hello, Danilo Gallinari) in year one, and most rookies must improve their shooting before making a real leap.

Mudiay’s combination of length, strength and overall acumen is extremely exciting, and if I was convinced that the Nuggets would give him free reign, he might be my Rookie of the Year pick. Regardless, he is going to play a lot in year one, and the results should be just fine, especially when looking at his statistical impact. Casual fans may not be extremely familiar with Mudiay’s work due to his post-high school path to the NBA, but they will learn in a hurry as he breaks out as a budding star.

Next: D'Angelo Russell

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