May 2 2013

Portland’s Damian Lillard Named Rookie Of The Year

Portland Trail Blazers rookie, and 6th overall pick in the NBA Draft Damian Lillard has won the 2012/13 Kia Rookie of The Year Award, the NBA announced this morning. 22 year-old Lillard had a phenomenal year and was considered the clear frontrunner for the honor for the better part of the season, averaging 19 points and 6.5 assists per game over an average of 38 minutes (lead NBA). He was voted as the winner unanimously by a panel of sports journalists totaling 605 votes, nearly double that of second placed Hornets/Pelicans center Anthony Davis. It is the first unanimous vote for the award since Blake Griffin in 2011. Congratulations, Damian Lillard.

Read the NBA’s press release HERE.

Nick C.

Jan 6 2013

2013 DRAFT WATCH – ROUND 2

Welcome back readers,

Here we have another round of breaking down the games of potential Draft prospects and let you know what they will be bringing to the table if they get the chance to shine in the big League.

If you missed round 1?….. Don’t sweat, you can find it right here.

First up..

Ben McLemore – Shooting Guard

@Humb1e_Hungry23

This slick shooting guard who currently plays his ball out of Kansas, has been the talk of many NBA scouts. An Ultra smooth shooter who has been drawing comparisons to Ray Allen, not only has a precise shoot but is very athletic too. Known as a great team player who despite his shooting ability will not ball hog and picks up his fair share of assists. Expect McLemore to go Top 5.

Continue reading →

Dec 3 2012

2013 DRAFT WATCH – ROUND 1

Here we go… it’s that time of year again!

That time where we all are glued to College ball games, and checking stats and reports on the new young ‘uns coming through.

If you followed us through last season, you will know we had our eyes peeled for most players that were finding themselves rising and dropping down mock draft lists.

Last year we picked out 3/4 players each week and gave you our rundown on each players strengths, weaknesses and the general feelings around the net regarding said players.

Currently there is 206 days until the 2013 Draft, so that gives us and yourselves to stick with us at NBA Nation Australia as we find at dissect the stars of tomorrow.

To kick start my Draft watch this year, I’ll start with the player that is currently topping the Mock Drafts that matter…

Cody Zeller – Power Forward/Center

@czeller40

This powerful PF/C from Indiana, has been the talk of people close to the League for sometime. Brother of Cleveland rookie Tyler, Cody plays his college ball out of his hometown. A very smart player with a basketball I.Q years beyond his young age, Cody not only has a good brain but is very skillful for a big man. Cody can at times be caught charging up court and catching defences off while he picks up easy baskets. Despite standing at 6’11″, Zeller is very versatile and is very active even when off the ball. Zeller has a great physical frame, and still has room to bulk up more. Has a pretty decent jump-shot, and tends to hit his free throws.

Continue reading →

Oct 8 2012

PRE-SEASON ROOKIE WATCH – JARED SULLINGER (CELTICS)

With the new season fast approaching the team at NBA Nation Australia threw some ideas onto the table for new features. We were looking for ideas that were slightly different, and in particular some that would be weekly rollover pieces.

We came up with the idea of each of us on the team to pick a rookie and to stick with said player for the full year. With each piece on our respective rookies we will be focusing on the past week, on how our rookie has played, his progressions, the areas of his game needing improvement, and also their influence within the league.

Also, moving aside from all the serious talk of stats and improving, we will be looking at our rookies social media influence. We wil be posting some of their better/funnier tweets from the week, quotes from interviews, and maybe their Instagram shots of their favourite breakfasts.

For our opening rookie feature, Nick How will be opening up with Boston Celtics’ Jared Sullinger.