With the NBA draft in the rear-view mirror and the beginning of official free agent signings drawing near, it seems a pertinent time to discuss which of the rookies will be the most exciting to play with in this year's NBA 2K15. With rosters still in flux, it is too difficult to pin down which teams have improved the most this offseason (that's a later article), but when it comes to what rookies we are looking forward to most, here are our picks.
Which NBA rookie is going to be the most exciting to play as this year in both NBA games?
Robert Kollars: While not a top-five pick, I am most intrigued by the Chicago Bulls' Doug McDermott. While he may lack some athleticism, I believe his shooting ability should translate well over into both games. Do I expect him to average 27 points a game like he did in college? Of course not. I do expect him, though, to help open the court up for Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose. I am also looking forward to passing back out to an open McDermott (hopefully) off of a drive, and watching him drain. Users may struggle using him on the defensive side of the ball, consistently going up against taller, quicker, and more athletic counterparts, but the Bulls squad is strong enough to help cover up his deficiencies there. Let's be honest, if there is any coach in the league who can help cover up a players defensive shortcomings, it would be digital Coach Thibs.
Matthew Coe: I love what the Knicks were able to do in the draft, especially the Cleanthony Early pick. He and Thanasis Antetokounmpo could be great additions and fun to use in this season's games.
With that said, I'm gonna go homer pick here and say P.J. Hairston. My hometown Charlotte Hornets had a great season in 2013-14 in its last season as the Bobcats. The one glaring weakness was outside shooting. The former UNC scorer can only help. Hairston is poised to have an instant impact this season. I can't wait to have another shooter to play with Big Al Jefferson in the post and Kemba Walker at the point.
Dustin Toms: Obviously, Andrew Wiggins.
Maple Jordan has been highly touted since the kid was barely able to walk. Forget about rookie I'm most excited to play with, I'll guarantee Wiggins is the most used player since LeBron and Kobe. Plenty of 2Kers will develop his skills in which ever mode they choose. Give him a 3-point shot and he's as dangerous as anyone on the court. Plus, this guy will be playing next to Kyrie Irving, and possibly LeBron, to give him even more space in the open floor to use his athleticism. If it's any one reason why 2K is always King of the Digital Court, it's because they let athleticism be the advantage it truly is in the NBA within the game.
It was and always will be Wiggins.
James Kerti: T.J. Warren of the Phoenix Suns. That team already has a ton of shooting to spread the floor, as well as guards like Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe who can take opponents off the dribble and finish drives. Warren is a strong, skilled wing who can score in multiple ways, and he'll have the opportunity to do so in Phoenix without demanding the defense's primary attention.