Stephon Castle
In just 15 games, Stephon Castle has seemingly adjusted to the NBA. Averaging nearly six points in the Spurs’ first five matchups, the guard flipped the script in November. Accumulating 12 points a night, the rookie is cashing in 40.8% of his tries from the field. Struggling from the three-point line, Castle has made slightly under 30% of his shots. Considering his time at UConn, this comes as no surprise, as the guard similarly did not shoot the triple as efficiently as inside the perimeter.
Producing a career-high 23 points against the Utah Jazz a couple of weeks ago, the stage is set for a rematch on Thursday, Nov. 21. Sitting as the eighth-highest scorer for the San Antonio Spurs, per ESPN, the rookie is just beginning his career and has much time to grow.
Donovan Clingan
Starting the season off, Donovan Clingan saw about 12.5 minutes per match. Earning his role on the team, he has averaged 22 minutes in the Portland Trail Blazers’ last five contests. Gaining an edge with his height, the 7-foot-2 center is rebounding a little less than six balls a game. In addition, “Cling Kong” is leading his team in blocks, smacking away 2.1 a night. In their second meeting of the two-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Clingan put on a show. Firing a career-high 17 points, eight blocks and 12 rebounds, the future is looking bright for the 20-year-old.
Tristen Newton
Unlike Castle and Clingan, Tristen Newton is beginning his NBA career in the G League after appearing in the Indiana Pacers’ season opener. Despite the demotion, Newton is thriving with the Indiana Mad Ants. Scoring about 15 points per clash, snatching nearly six boards and assisting four shots, the rookie is making a name for himself.
Andre Jackson Jr.
From averaging 10 minutes a game in his rookie season to nearly doubling his time, Andre Jackson Jr. is earning more opportunities. The guard is racking up a little under four points per contest. Last Saturday, The NCAA champion scored a career-high14 points against the Charlotte Hornets. Appearing in every clash so far, Jackson Jr. is continuing to fight to make an impact for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Adama Sanogo
With a .03% chance of getting selected by an NBA team, playing with the pros is nearly impossible. Leaving college for the NBA draft after the 2022-2023 season, Adama Sanogo went undrafted. Picked up by the Chicago Bulls as an undrafted free agent, the center is in and out of the G League. Sanogo has participated in two regular season matches this year, seeing slightly under five minutes and averaging two points per game. Contributing nearly 18 baskets with the Windy City Bulls, the 22-year-old is rebounding 11.8 buckets. The second-year player has plenty of time to improve and adjust.
Jordan Hawkins
Coming into the league, Jordan Hawkins immediately impacted the New Orleans Pelicans’ roster. Seeing about 17 minutes of play last season, Hawkins is doubling his time on the court. In addition, within eight contests, the guard averages 16.3 points a game. Backing up Brandon Boston Jr., the sophomore is putting on a show for the fans. Dealing with a back injury, whether we see No. 24 on the court against the Golden State Warriors on Friday is a game-time decision.
Cam Spencer
With the 53rd pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons selected Cam Spencer. Later that night, the Memphis Grizzlies traded for the sharpshooter and signed a one-year, two-way $578,577 contract. Spencer had a stellar showing in the NBA Summer League. Averaging a little under 27 minutes a match, the rookie made 50% from the field and from three. Midway through the summer matchups, the rookie suffered a minor ankle sprain, forcing him to the bench. Spencer remained a limited participant throughout training camp and did not see any preseason action. In the team’s recent contest against the Philadelphia 76ers, the 24-year-old made his debut. Seeing nine minutes on the court, Spencer attempted two buckets but failed to get any points. In addition, the guard blocked one ball, assisted two shots and got a rebound.
Joey Calcaterra
Having a similar experience to Sanogo, Joey Calcaterra went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft. Instead of signing with a team, the guard joined the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League team, the South Bay Lakers. Calcaterra partook in five matches and contributed about two points a game. After the 2023-2024 season, the 26-year-old signed with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Averaging the same stats as last year, “Joey California” is currently fighting for minutes.