The NBA draft lottery is typically filled with the most talented from the crop. Despite that notion, there are many players who can help their teams rather quickly. I will highlight three post-lottery rookies who can help their teams as rookie role players.
Mark Williams (Charlotte Hornets)
Draft pick: 15th
Mark Williams was the first pick after the lottery. At 7’2”, he is a force at the rim on both ends, but defense is where his presence will be required. Williams averaged 2.8 BPG on less than 24 MPG. He is going to be playing a lot of drop coverage against P&R and will defend the drive excellently as he has impressive instincts as a shot-blocker. Last year, the Hornets had Mason Plumlee start every game for them, despite averaging only 0.7 BPG. The Hornets ranked 23rd in defensive rating. This included getting embarrassed in both of their play-in games, allowing 132 points to the Hawks and 144 points to the Pacers. I could see the Hornets starting Williams eventually because he could clean up mistakes, and that’s what the Hornets need. With all the scoring and playmaking between their perimeter talent, the Hornets needed some help on the interior, and Williams looks to fill that hole as a rookie role player.
Tari Eason (Houston Rockets)
Draft pick: 17th
The former SEC 6th man of the year was incredibly impressive this summer. Tari Eason was a part of the All-Summer League 1st Team with averages of 17.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, and 1.8 SPG. He showed off his ability to score around the rim, whether off the bounce, in transition, or as a roll man. He also plays with a great motor where effort will never be questioned. His activity defensively was impressive as well. His versatility will allow him to guard five positions legitimately. He is making it easy for us to project his fit as a rookie role player. Much like the Hornets with their woes at center, the Rockets have experimented with many power forwards. Eason gives them a rare combination of slashing, defense, length, and motor. Expect Tari to play “starter minutes” rather quickly.
Jake LaRavia (Memphis Grizzlies)
Draft pick: 19th
Many may be shocked with his placement on this list after a “disappointing” summer league, but don’t let that fool you. Before Wake Forest, Jake LaRavia spent two seasons with Indiana State, where he averaged 12.3 PPG. Those are fairly pedestrian numbers, but he passed the eye test. He was more accurate once he transferred to Wake Forest when he was surrounded by more talent. In Summer League, LaRavia’s defense was as good as advertised, using angles to his advantage to guard more athletic players. LaRavia showed off play-making, finding teammates with the extra pass, off of cuts, and transition. Then his shooting did hurt in the Las Vegas Summer League, but I expect him to put up better percentages in the NBA. The Grizzlies also lost Kyle Anderson, so they needed a glue guy at the small forward position.
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