Your Former USC Trojan-NBA Preseason Guide
1. O.J Mayo , Memphis Grizzles
He’s the most talented Trojan to enter the NBA since Harold Miner did in 1992. Can he live up to the hype? O.J. landed in a treasure chest at Memphis with an array of other young talent such as Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, and Marc Gasol. A very young team that will need to bond real quick if they’re going to make any noise in the wild-wild-west. As for O.J skills, he should have a decent first year for a rookie and enters the NBA very raw, but has promising potential if he works on his offensive game. He’s a one dimension offensive player who tends to rely too much on his jump shot rather than taking it to the house. If he becomes a legitimate threat to the hole; his defender will have to give him space which will allow for clearer looks for his jump shots. As for O.J defense, it’s very underrated and he should get a steal or two every game.
Prediction: O.J. Mayo will average 15.0 points and 3 boards per game in his rookie season and finish second in ROY honors to Greg Oden.
2. Nick Young , Washington Wizards
He didn’t get too much playing time last season, but he stands in front of a golden opportunity to prove himself since Gilbert Arenas is out with an injured knee. Everybody seen Nick Young highlight dunks on ESPN, but nobody seems to see anything else. He needs to work on his defense and produce less turnovers than a Pillsbury factory. The Wizards are the Dr.Jerkyll and Mr.Hyde of the NBA. If they bring their A game, they’re tough to beat, but it remains to be seen since Arenas and Haywood are both injured.
Prediction: Nick Young will improve, but he’s needs a couple of years more experience to have any real impact for the Wizards.
3.Gabe Pruitt , Boston Celtic
Last year Gabe Pruitt was in the observation and bench role like Nick Young, adjusting to the speed and skill of the NBA except for one small detail, he received a NBA ring in the process. I was going to say not much was expected of Gabe Pruitt due to Rajon Rondo’s development as a future NBA star. With Rondo’s injured in the preseason, Gabe had a opportunity to provide himself and made a great impression with coach Doc Rivers. "I’ve been happy with Gabe," said coach Doc Rivers. "The biggest improvement he’s made has been defensively. He stays in front of players but he needs to play a little stronger. If they push him, he backs off. You can see other teams are doing that to him. He gives ground and he needs to stand his ground. And he’ll get that." Gabe looks to be in a good position that can benefit his NBA development and be able to provide Boston with another quality bench player.
Prediction: Gabe is not going to put up huge numbers, but he can add to Boston’s spark of repeating as NBA champions.
4. Desmon Farmer , San Antonio Spurs
After several years of bouncing around from Europe to the NBA development league, he’ll finally get his well deserved shot in the NBA. The Spurs could use his services since every year they get close and close to being renamed to team AARP. With almost every west team being an offensive machine; he could be the Spurs X-Factor on the offensive end, but he’s a defensive liability. If the Spurs end up in a winning slump, Farmer could expect playing time.
Prediction: Farmer season depends on how good or bad the Spurs do this season. If they’re a top west team through out the season expect little or no role for him. On the other hand, if they struggle against division rivals New Orleans, Dallas or Houston expect Farmer to get more playing time.
5. Brian Scalabrine, Boston Celtics
Like Gabe Pruitt, he didn’t get a lot of playing time last year. KG, and Leon Powe are the 1-2 punch for Boston at power forward. The only way Scalabrine might play if a roll of injuries hit Boston’s front court. If not, don’t expect much from him from the floor.
Prediction : Scalabrine could be a key player from the bench if Boston get hits with several injuries to their key starters.
Fight On, USC Trojans!
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