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The hype around the 2017-18 NBA season was unreal. All the talks surrounding the start of the season were about whether the rookies would live up to expectations and would Kristaps Porzingis be able to bring what the Knicks haven't seen happen in a long long time? Will Kyrie settle into the Celtic's squad and lead to Eastern Conference glory? Have the Lakers bet on the right rookie by drafting in Ball? Will Kyle Kuzma be one of best late draft picks in a long time?
There is so much to cover, but we can cover only so much in this edition so let's focus on the exciting and deep class of the 2017 Draft. As of now, one month is under wraps are done and here's an early analysis as to who has been true to the hype and whose bubble has been burst:
Lonzo Ball - Los Angeles Lakers
The hype was real. Everyone had huge expectations from the #2 pick for the LA Lakers. His father, LaVar Ball was never far from telling everyone how good Lonzo is, even stating that he was better than the legendary Steve Nash. But has he lived up to his expectations?
The answer probably so far is a firm NO. Apart from averaging just 9.7 points per game and shooting just over 30% from the field, Ball is also shooting just 25.0% from beyond the arc. But it's too early to call him a dud. His natural ball movement and vision is the best we have seen in a while and surprisingly, he is averaging at least 6.6 rebounds per game. Still, he hasn't really shown up to what everyone expected from him.
BUST: 4/10
Markelle Fultz - Philadelphia 76ers
The #1 draft pick for 2017-18 has started his NBA career in horrid fashion. It was evident during the Las Vegas Summer League that something was wrong with Fultz. He was never a great free throw shooter, averaging just under 65% from the charity line. But at the summer league, he had a whole different shooting action which was bizarre.
Fultz finally came out with a statement, a shoulder injury that will keep him out indefinitely. Nevertheless, in the 4 games he played, he averaged just 6 points per game, under 2 assists a game and just 50% from the line. It is too early to say if he was a bust since he was injured, but he has not shown himself worthy of being the #1 draft pick this season.
BUST: 2/10
De'Aaron Fox - Sacramento Kings
Fox has been a revelation since Game 1, averaging above 12 points per game and 5.2 assists a game, which is a great stat line for any rookie. He is also getting great support from the Kings backroom, starting over George Hill at times and averaging more minutes than the veteran guard, which shows the faith they have in him.
The only thing that is not up to scratch is his FG% from beyond the arc, which is at under 20% (17.6%), his overall FG% is just over 40%. He would a real candidate for Rookie of the Year if he improves his shooting.
HYPE: 7/10
Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics gave up the chance to sign Markelle Fultz by trading down to #3 pick but boy have they come across a gem in Jayson Tatum. He has made most of the injury to Gordon Hayward and made the starting spot his own. He is averaging 13.5 points per game and at least 6 rebounds. His shooting is at around 50% from both ahead and beyond the arc. The only way for him is upwards and onwards and he might just be in for Rookie of the Year.
HYPE: 8/10
Kyle Kuzma - Los Angeles Lakers
Kyle Kuzma has taken the NBA by storm. Drafted by the Lakers as the overall #27 pick, nobody really expected much from the young power forward. But in the Summer League, he proved everyone wrong, showing it was he who was the new star at Lakers and winning the MVP.
He averaged 20+ points per game and around 51% field goal percentage. He seems to be carrying it to the NBA, averaging just above 15 points per game and just under 52% FG. He also has a neat 6.5 rebounds per game. He seems to be a huge steal for the Lakers if he stays consistent.
HYPE: 8/10
Ben Simmons - Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons, widely regarded as the next LeBron James, is finally playing in the NBA after his year-long injury lay-off last season. He is the favorite to take the Rookie of the Year award and the hype surrounding him before the season began was immense. After his performances this season, there is no doubt that he is the real deal. Averaging almost a triple-double - just under 18 points per game, landing 9.0 rebounds per game and getting almost 8 assists a game.
He stands at 6 foot 10 inches with a 7-foot wingspan, playing at the Point Guard position, makes him almost unstoppable. His speed, ball handling skills and aggression to the rim is second to none, maybe LeBron himself. The hype refuses to die down and hopefully, he continues this form throughout the season.
HYPE: 10/10
Guess the Lakers players!
