Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

2016 NBA Rookie Rankings: Where did Mario Hezonja Finish?

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 11
Next
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Patrick Patterson, Toronto Raptors
Apr 16, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) goes up to make a basket as Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) defends during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Myles Turner

Previous Rank: 5

Myles Turner has had a rough time in the postseason this year. He was moved to the bench in Game Two of the Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors, but he has averaged nine points and three rebounds in 21 minutes per game nevertheless. Turner is also shooting 9 for 14 (64.2 percent) from the field. He battled foul trouble in both games, but he brings a lot more to the table than Lavoy Allen, so it is possible the Indiana Pacers moves him back into a starting role.

What puts Turner this high on the rankings obviously is that he is starting on a playoff team as a rookie. He appeared in 60 games this season while averaging 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

Turner established himself as a guy who can protect the rim, but he will have to work at staying out of foul trouble. His 4.5 fouls per game in this playoff series are a bit troubling, but Turner can learn better discipline and avoid reaching. His natural gifts cannot be taught, and there are plenty of them. Turner can function really well in pick-and-pop plays, and at 6-foot-11 he could easily transition to being a center as he adds more muscle.

Turner had a stellar rookie season, and most knew he was a far better player than he displayed in his one season at Texas. Turner is still only 20 years old, so the Pacers should have a pretty good one on their hands in a few seasons.

Next: Lefty lessons