5 NBA rookie performances which have stood out in the 2021-22 NBA pre-season so far

#3 Trey Murphy III

2021 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot

Some draftees are pegged as future stars, while others project as role players. Virginia's Trey Murphy III falls into the latter category, but role players have extreme value in complimenting stars.

The New Orleans Pelicans opting for Murphy could end up being a perfect addition to the high usage maximum contract feature players Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Murphy's elite three-point ability, on significant volume, and defensive versatility at 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan were on full display during his NBA debut.

His final statline included 21 points and six rebounds while knocking down 7 of his 16 field goal attempts. 10 of his 16 attempts were from beyond the arc, and just one of his six made looks were inside the arc.

Murphy is a rare rookie who could end up impacting his NBA team from an early point in his career.

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#2 Nah'Shon "Bones" Hyland

2021 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot

Nah'Shon Hyland is the lowest drafted player to make this list. "Bones" was drafted by the Denver Nuggets at pick 26, nine selections after the aforementioned Murphy. With the absence of Jamal Murray due to an injury, the Nuggets have a scoring hole in guard position.

Hyland has an uphill battle to climb because head coach Michael Malone is known for being hesitant to trust rookies, but his first showing wearing Nuggets' threads was a step in that direction.

His 24 minutes led the team and he recorded 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block while knocking down 8-of-13 from the field, 1-of-5 from three, and 2-of-3 from the free throw line.

It's an uphill battle for Bones Hyland, who is probably behind all of Murray, Monte Morris, PJ Dozier, Facundo Compazzo, Austin Rivers, and Markus Howard, but breaking into the rotation is not out of the question.

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#1 Scottie Barnes

Philadelphia 76ers v Toronto Raptors

Scottie Barnes's infectious energy is unmistakable, and the Toronto Raptors got their first taste of that in his NBA preseason debut against the Phiadelphia 76ers. He was given the start, but who knows if that will be the case when Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher and Khem Birch are all available to Nick Nurse.

The fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft proved his ability to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. Given his length, strength, quickness, and desire to be impactful on defense, his impact in that aspect wouldn't be surprising.

During his freshman season at Florida State, Barnes effectively functioned as a point guard for most offensive positions. I thought that his playmaking may have been overstated when translating to the NBA game, but his six assists have forced me to reconsider.

Along with the six assists, Scottie Barnes recorded 13 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks while remaining efficient from the field and impactful on defense. Many viewed the selection of Barnes at pick four in the NBA Draft as a reach, but a continuing this level of play will silence those voices quickly.