Let’ s begin this article with a quick reference to someone who will not make an impact in the 2013-14 NBA season. His name is Anthony Bennett. He was the surprise first overall selection by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the June draft. New Cavs coach, Mike Brown will have a project on his hands, especially on defense and at 19 years of age and 1 year of college experience Bennett will take time to develop. He is already off to a slow start by missing the NBA summer league due to a shoulder injury although it’ s expected he’ ll be ready for training camp in October.
A player that has the definite possibility of helping his team this coming season is the Orlando Magic’ s Victor Oladipo. He was also a surprise as the drafts number 2 pick, but has already shown signs of being a potential difference maker in Disney World. While he may not supplant current point guard Jameer Nelson at shooting guard or Arron Afflalo on the point in the starting lineup, he should make a difference off the bench especially at the defensive end. His numbers for his 4 starts in the summer league, playing in front of many future hometown fans, were impressive at 19 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5 assists. He shot 54 % from beyond the arc. The 6’ 5” guard who played for the Indiana Hoosiers for 2 seasons did turn the ball over an average of 4.8 times a game, but that is not overly unusual for a rookie participating in this arena.
Sports Passion The Magazine | 10 August 2013 | Issue No. 1