Three needle-moving NBA defenders heading into the NBA season

This year’s draft was considered one of the least anticipated activities in recent years. The superstar’s apparent lack of talent sparked the interest of few fans. However, these freshmen have some skills, especially the ability to score with incoming products in the backcourt.

Here, we take a look at some of the rookies who have the opportunity to shine on the scoreboard in their NBA season debuts:

Reed Sheppard and the Houston Rockets

July 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) reacts after scoring a goal against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at the Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Sheppard established himself as one of the best scorers in this draft throughout the NBA Summer League. With an arsenal of ways to score points at his disposal, Sheppard’s versatility as an undersized defender in the league will serve him well – especially when combined with his overall awareness and intelligence as a playmaker, which he will use to his advantage.

With the Rockets this season and drafted third overall, the Kentucky product, along with several other young point guards, will provide him with significant opportunities as a scorer, ahead of Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green.

Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves

June 26, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Rob Dillingham arrives ahead of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory: Brad Penner-Imagn Paintings / Brad Penner-Imagn Paintings

Dillingham will be another first-year talent who will showcase his skills as an offensive producer and will be a great catalyst for improving the bottom line with Minnesota’s strengthened defense. A year ago, the Timberwolves were in the bottom half of teams in points per game throughout the regular season.

In the case of Dillingham, another Kentucky product, his production may be somewhat limited with the addition of Donte DiVincenzo and the relief of Karl-Anthony Towns, but his shooting and shot creation skills will give him plenty of scoring opportunities in this team’s offense This season, he wants to win the Western Conference.

Ron Holland in the Detroit Pistons

June 26, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Ron Holland arrives before the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory: Brad Penner-Imagn Paintings / Brad Penner-Imagn Paintings

Finally, Holland will be another defenseman who will have some scoring freedom and show promise in his first year in the league. The Pistons’ fifth pick, a strong G League and Summer League prospect, offers plenty of value offensively as a slasher.

In all likelihood, Holland’s second-team presence should do well as an rim and transition scorer, certainly knowing the offensive struggles this team has faced in recent years.

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