Jake LaRavia: C+
21.4 MPG, 8.8 PPG (39.3% FG, 20% 3PT, 69.2% FT), 2.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.8 TOV
Jake LaRavia has shown that he is ready for a spot in the rotation while Jaren Jackson Jr. is out. His shots from beyond the arch weren’t falling, but the form is there, and teams can not leave him open. This will create tons of space on the floor, especially if he is playing the four. He’s impressed me the most defensively, as he has been great at creating turnovers and has not been bothered by a fast pace game.
David Roddy: C+
19.8 MPG, 8.8 PPG (37.1% FG, 26.3% FG, 92.9% FT), 2.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 0.8 TOV
David Roddy was another rookie that looked NBA-ready. His stat line through the preseason looked similar to Jake LaRavia’s. In Roddy’s case, I was more impressed with his abilities on the offensive end. He shot the ball with confidence, attacked the rim hard, and even showed some shot-creation ability. Defensively, however, he appeared to struggle on the ball, especially against faster players on the perimeter.
Xavier Tillman Sr: C-
14.0 MPG, 4.3 PPG (62.5% FG, 50% FT), 2.3 RPG, 0.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 1.0 TOV
Xavier Tillman did not get much of an opportunity to play this preseason, hinting that he probably won’t in the regular season either. He showed signs of being active defensively and will be a good big to have off of the bench in case there is another injury to the front court.