With no clear-cut No. 1 pick, the Cleveland Cavaliers took Anthony Bennett. The forward’s struggles are already well documented, but other rookies have fared much better so far this season.
Leading the class after the first week or so of the season is a pair of guards in Philadelphia 76ers' Michael Carter- Williams and Orlando Magic's Victor Oladipo. Not only are they helping their rebuilding teams to decent starts, but they are putting up solid fantasy basketball numbers as well.
The biggest surprise by far this season has been the play of Carter-Williams. The point guard from Syracuse had plenty of doubters coming out of college, mainly because he was a non-shooter who had some man-to-man defensive issues.
While he still might be learning, he also has been able to utilize his strengths. Averaging 19.8 points, 7.6 assists, five rebounds and three steals per game has made him one of the best fantasy basketball point guards in the entire NBA.
Oladipo was the much safer pick for the Orlando Magic at No. 2, but when they announced that he would play some point guard this season, people became a little worried. So far, things are looking good for the combo guard out of Indiana.
Everyone knew about his intelligence and outstanding athleticism, and so far his shooting woes have not reared its ugly head yet either. His averages of 13.2 points, 3.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds are not nearly as impressive as Carter-Williams, but Oladipo is not getting the chance to play a huge chunk of minutes just yet. Expect that to change sooner rather than later if he continues to be efficient.
Obviously, it is super early in the regular season, but these two are becoming steals in fantasy basketball drafts and Rookie of the Year candidates.
As the 76ers and Magic rebuild, look for both of these guys to continue helping.
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