Rookies Make Day-One Impact

While the draft itself was difficult to project, we may have a better shot at predicting which rookies will have the biggest impact this upcoming season.

If Hield can knock down the open shots that his teammates will generate for him while playing solid perimeter defense, he has a good shot of establishing himself as one of the most impactful rookies in the upcoming season.

However, he has been playing overseas for the last two seasons so this upcoming campaign will count as his rookie year.

Saric occupies a crowded frontcourt, which includes top pick Ben Simmons (who may play more point forward), Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid among others.

It’s tough to truly project what kind of player he can be until we see some live game action from him, but after two years of working within the 76ers’ program under head coach Brett Brown and his staff, there is reason to believe he could be a significant contributor this upcoming season.

After playing four years of college basketball at Providence, Dunn enters the upcoming season as one of the most experienced top prospects in the draft.

The problem for Dunn this upcoming season is that the Timberwolves already have veteran point guard Ricky Rubio slotted as the starting floor general.

Despite the obvious concern over playing time, Dunn will get an opportunity to prove himself as a viable contributor this upcoming season.

With plenty of college experience and the ability to play both ends of the court effectively, Dunn has the chance to make a big impact throughout next season.

If Simmons does that, while maintaining his creativity with the ball and ability to rebound from the forward position, he should be well-positioned to take the Rookie of the Year award next season.