Mort's Rookie Notebook: v3
Disclaimer: This list consists of random observations that puts an emphasis on where a player is now. Any strengths or weaknesses presented are not necessarily going to follow these players as they develop.
Dalen Terry
The Bulls rookie should see a minutes increase in the final stages of a regular season and not solely for developmental purposes. Terry has earned a chance off his own production, when given extended minutes.
He's extremely aggressive on the glass, especially offensively, he gets the ball out in transition either off his own dribble or effective outlet passes, and he overall brings a level of energy not matched by the current veterans outside of perhaps Patrick Beverley.
Terry's positional fluidity is another argument for playing him. He can swing between at least three positions, and the Bulls do need to have more players in the second unit who can offer some level of flexibility, and plug holes. Terry does that, even if his long jumper remains spotty, and he remains too thin to absorb contact.
As for the stats, don't bother. He's been given too many mop-up duties for his numbers to reflect... well, anything. It's all about the eyeballs right now, and the eyeballs reveal both a rookie who does make mistakes, but also a player who offers the ability to read angles, execute plays, and a level of enthusiasm.
Just play him, Billy.
Mark Williams
I'll get off this point eventually, but today is not that day: You had this guy on the roster and decided to not play him for over half the year?
Unless this was some galaxy-brained mastermind plan of optimizing draft position, there's zero justification for failing to recognize the talent you had in hand all those months.
Honestly, are we absolutely sure Williams isn't the second-most influential player on that Hornets team right now? Sure, you could point to both Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier, but let's not mince words here: Neither changes as many shots defensively as Williams, nor are either as impactful rebounders.
And now with Williams sporting a mid-range pop that could open up his entire game, it isn't out the realm of possibility that Williams' footprint on a game is already at a level where opponents have to plan around him more than anyone else not named LaMelo Ball, who's out for the season.
Perhaps it's just me, but whenever you have a 7-foot-1 behemoth, who's displaying proper touch (63.7% from the field and 73.6% from the line), a high defensive impact (13.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes), and an ability to foul out by the middle of the third quarter, you've got something special.
At least Williams is playing now, so let's rejoice at seeing him get that opportunity.
Chet Holmgren
Wait, what? Chet Holmgren, who's missed all year? Yeah, let's talk about him.
The stage is set for him next year to come out and match his fellow draft class. The 7-footer is coming up on a whole season having observed activities on the sideline, now knowing which players stand out, which do not, while simultaneously having taken mental preparation notes.
Holmgren remains the most intriguing 2022 selection - yes, even over Paolo Banchero - and for him to experience the NBA from the bench and the inside for a full year before he actually takes the court could work as a huge benefit for him.
The center position in today's NBA has undergone a drastic makeover in recent years, and Holmgren projects to be a part of this new wave of do-it-all big men, who can post up, shoot from the outside, initiate plays, and function as passing hubs.
Holmgren already was viewed as a player with significant basketball IQ, and those also improve over time, especially via watching video and being with teammates every day.
The 2022 class has been a good one, but we may still have the best to come.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.