Miami Heat rookie, Precious Achiuwa, has been a top two rookie big man thus far
5. Aleksej Pokusevski
Pokusevski is getting the time and opportunity, he just isn’t maximizing it, yet. With his skillset and size though, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks out, right?
At seven feet tall, he has the skills of a guy that plays along the perimeter but the size to defend the paint. Though he isn’t shooting it awfully well this season yet, just 18 percent from outside, he looks to eventually be able to become a consistent outside shooter.
He can be good without that part of the game, but if he can lock that shot down, he could be special. He’s still good enough to be the fifth best big men taken in the top 20 of last year’s draft.
6. Onyeka Okongwu
Onyeka Okongwu is a victim of circumstances more than anything. Stepping onto a team with an established stretch four or two and one that plays really guard heavy, it was bound to be an uphill battle for him.
It’s still so early and with no real acclamation activities or play for rookies and other younger players this offseason, it was even harder. He should be a good player, but he hasn’t began to show anything that special yet.
7. Jalen Smith
Much of the same stands for Jalen Smith that stood for Okongwu. He simply hasn’t had the opportunity that he might want to get because of those in front of him and how his team plays.
He should only get better with more minutes but hasn’t seen them come his way yet. He is a guy that many wanted for Miami, but I am honestly glad we got the guy we got.
Perhaps it’s Smith’s frame and build, but he seems to lean more finesse for me, whereas Precious Achiuwa is a rugged, broad shouldered, dude that’s just looking for contact. That’s more in line with the Miami Heat.
We got a good one at 20 in this past draft. As stated, he’s been the second best rookie big man from the top 20 and likely the whole draft in that case.
He does need to become more aggressive offensively, but that’s only because I believe he can do more. We look forward to seeing him continue upon an excellent rookie year.