NBA Week 13 Rewind: Warriors put Cavaliers in their place
By Tom West
Weekly Rookie Watch
Devin Booker has now added a couple of big performances to what has generally been a promising rookie season so far. When he’s received significant playing time he’s been using his aggressive sharpshooting to make a difference for the hopeless Phoenix Suns, and last week he went even further. 11 points to start the week in a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves wasn’t too thrilling, but in his next game he went off for a new career-high 32 points and six three-pointers in a narrow 97-94 loss to the Indiana Pacers. He shot 9-of-16 from the floor overall, stayed confident, and can serve as a catch-and-shoot option or create when coming off screens.
Following that performance, he added 24 more points against the Spurs, before going cold and hitting just 6-of-19 shots in a 98-95 win over the Atlanta Hawks. As is the case for all rookies, there will be ups and downs with Booker’s shooting, but last week was a great insight into his potential. He’s a lone bright spot in Phoenix right now.
Myles Turner is healthy again and he’s starting to look like an incredible pick for someone who only went 11th overall in this year’s NBA draft. He’s 6’11”, athletic, runs the floor, an agile defender and a strong rim protector. And now that he’s back after missing 20 games, he’s settled into his newly increased minutes off the bench even better than the Pacers could have hoped for.
His mid-range game is another asset that helps make him a diverse center, as few players Turner’s size can take 39.4 percent of all their shots from 16-24 feet and make them at a 50 percent rate.
Averaging 20.5 points on 64.8 percent shooting with 3.3 blocks over his last four games pretty much sums up how much of an impact Turner can make at both ends of the floor. To add a real statement to the week, he scored a career-high 31 points against none other than the Warriors on January 22.
Boban Marjanovic, with his shot swatting and stare down dunking ways, is a new fan favorite for the dominant Spurs. From the fact that he’s 7’3″ and has monstrously big hands to how difficult it is for opponents to contest his shot on the low block, it’s no wonder that fans around the NBA love him. It’s just scary that he makes everyone look small in a league that features a collection of giants. He even has a surprisingly soft touch on his hook shots and occasional jumpers, too.
Yes, there’s a limited sample size, but he plays with confidence, intelligence and makes an impact at both ends when he’s on the floor. In fact, his per 36 minute averages are absurd: 24.5 points, 14.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.2 blocks. Seriously, his averages are that good, and no matter the sample size, it’s clear that Boban’s big presence is worth some attention.
To add to a deep frontcourt that already features the likes of David West and Boris Diaw on the bench, Marjanovic adds even more depth in a small role when he gets on the floor.
Fear Boban the giant.
Next: Under-the-radar Players to Watch Next Week