Rodney McGruder flying onto NBA radars after stellar season
The Sioux Falls Skyforce have enjoyed a historic season setting the all-time wins record with 40 in the regular season, and their dominance has continued into the playoffs as they are a perfect 5-0 heading into Game 2 of the Finals tonight.
One of the key cogs to their success has been guard Rodney McGruder, who they acquired late last season via the player pool after he was waived by the Maine Red Claws. The now 24-year-old wing played sparingly with the Skyforce last season but propelled himself into the starting lineup early on in 2015-16 and his play on both ends has been vital for this epic season. Teams are constantly on the hunt for 3-and-D wings and McGruder has cemented himself as one of those options for NBA scouts this offseason.
Teams have seen him play in the past as he played summer league with Orlando, Golden State and Miami and was with Oklahoma City and Boston for training camp in consecutive years, however the improvements this season are vast and will prove to be beneficial next season.
His trajectory is similar to that of this season’s breakout D-League player Jonathon Simmons for the San Antonio Spurs. While they aren’t similar players in style — Simmons is an attack based player and McGruder is more of a shooter — their mutual growth leads one to believe the latter could achieve similar success in The Association.
The eyes tend to focus on the increase in production individually but make sure to take a look at that last column, because in the end a player’s impact on winning is their greatest asset. Stats are great indicators of individual growth but there are many times when a player could do less and actually help his team even more. In McGruder’s case, his usage rate actually dipped slightly but his efficiency was so great that all of his numbers went up by leaps and bounds — every last one.
Sioux Falls did not achieve a 40-10 record solely on the back of their energetic, defensive-minded wing player but ask around the league and opponents will tell you he’s absolutely been their x-factor this season. Players like Jarnell Stokes (league MVP), DeAndre Liggins (DPOY) and Briante Weber (signed with Miami Heat) earn most of the praise — rightfully so — but Rodney has been the quiet storm for Dan Craig this season, and he’s done it on both ends.
The playoffs have seen McGruder take his game to an even higher level as through five games he’s averaging 26.2 points and 6.4 rebounds on 55 percent shooting and 42 percent from long range. Yes, the sample size is small, but he’s clearly taken on the added challenge of being the team’s leading scorer while continuing to smother opponents on the other end of the court.
Prior to this breakout offensive season, McGruder was known as a defensive stopper and now with the addition of being an offensive threat it’s high time he gets another chance to impress NBA brass. Next month the D-League will hold an Elite Mini Camp in Chicago, IL May 8th-10th and McGruder was invited, however his agent tells Upside & Motor that he has other obligations and will not be able to attend.
The Sioux Falls Skyforce look to put the cherry on top of their historic season tonight as they face the Los Angeles D-Fenders in Game 2 of the D-League Finals. They lead the three-game series 1-0 and if they win tonight they will earn the first D-League Championship in team history (they won two championships in the CBA in 1999 and 2005). McGruder will be saddled with trying to slow the offensive attack of Vander Blue, Josh Magette and Andre Ingram on the other end as the D-Fenders fight to stay alive.
Look for McGruder to keep his hot streak going as he’s scored 30+ points in three of the five playoff games so far after performing the same feat just twice in 48 regular season games. Opportunity is knocking and Rodney is definitely answering the bell.