I caught up with Rodney Stuckey last weekend to talk about how he’s adjusting to the NBA so far. From HOOPSWORLD:
Stuckey has made his share of mistakes - he’s shooting just 35.7% from the field and has as many turnovers as assists - but he’s maintained a positive attitude. While many rookies grow tentative at the first sign of difficulty, Stuckey realizes that the preseason is a necessary learning process.
“It’s all about finding a rhythm,” said Stuckey last weekend. “Every game I’m learning. Every game, I’m taking something from that game and putting it into my game.”
What has he learned so far? For one, the speed of the NBA doesn’t compare to what he was used to in college. “It’s just a faster pace,” he said. “Guys are just faster and stronger now, and the game’s getting faster.”
I think he’s trying to say the game is faster. What’s your impression of Stuckey so far? I think he’s headed in the right direction. Yes, he makes some mistakes, but he’s so consistent in his ability to get into the lane and get to the line. I haven’t seen nearly enough of the other rookies around the league to speak about his Rookie of the Year chances, but I imagine he’ll be a top contender, at least in the “non-starter” division.
I was at the game last night and I thought that Stuckey looked pretty good. He is quick and can get in the lane and create contact and still finish. On that note, I thought that all of the young kids looked pretty good. Jason obviously was the star of the night, his stats speak for themselves, Afflalo has a very nice jump shot and Samb was way past where I expected him to be going into the game. He has excellent touch from outside and very good timing going for blocks. He doesn’t control himself very well on that end of the floor yet (hence the fouls) but that will improve with PT.
Out of all the additions to the pistons I think I like Jarvis Hayes the most so far. I am so glad we actually have a good back-up for Tay this year. No offense to Dupree who last year rarely even stepped on the floor. It would be nice to get Webber after a couple months into the season and him embracing a sixth man role and coming off the bench as a veteran. Stuckey-PG Afflalo/Murray-SG Hayes-SF J-Max-PF Webber-C. Wow, I think that would be a great bench.
It would be hard to get Stuckey ahead of Kevin Durrant in the rookie of the year race. Because of the simple fact Durrant will have obviously MORE playing time than Stuckey and with more playing time comes more exposure.