Disappointing Draft Class Gives Richardson Chance to Make Name Known

With names like Ben Simmons, Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn, Buddy Hield, and international stars like Dragan Bender and Juan Hernangomez, the 2016 NBA Draft class looked promising as well as intriguing. Unfortunately, these young rookies haven't lived up to all the promise....at least not yet. The rookie class got off to a rough start when #1 pick Ben Simmons broke his right foot in training camp.

Interesting enough, a player selected in the 2014 NBA Draft will probably end up winning Rookie of the Year this season. Joel Embiid, who missed the first 2 years of his career due to injury, is now finally playing in his inaugural season and is taking the league by storm. However, even Embiid, has missed 19 games so far this season due to injury.

After Embiid though, no other rookie is averaging over 10 PPG. 2nd overall pick, Brandon Ingram is only averaging 8 PPG and 4 RPG despite playing 27 minutes each game. There is one 2nd round pick who is making some noise, Malcolm Brogdon was the 36th overall pick this past year. With Khris Middleton yet to play a game this season, Brogdon was bumped into the rotation right away, something rare for 2nd round picks in their rookie seasons. Brogdon is averaging 9-4-2 in 25 MPG and also has been playing very well on the defensive side (as well as a steal of a pickup in fantasy baskeball).

Despite a couple bright spots, this draft is certainly lacking some fire power. Yes these players still have plenty of time to live up to their hype, but for this year, who in this rookie class can step up to the plate? Who else but Sacramento Kings rookie Malachi Richardson.

You wouldn't know it by his stats, but Malachi Richardson provides this youthful energy that was missing on the Sacramento bench. With George Papagiannis and Isaiah Cousins in Reno and Skal Labissiere not currently in Coach Joergers' rotation, Malachi Richardson is the lone Sacramento rookie getting playing time for the big league club.

The thing is, Malachi has time AND the opportunity. With Garrett Temple, Omri Casspi, and Rudy Gay all currently down with injuries, Malachi is going to get his opportunity. Richardson had his best game as a pro on January 25th against the defending NBA champs. Dave Joerger didn't play Ben McLemore at all and Malachi scored 12 points in just 14 minutes.

Bottom line, Malachi still has plenty of time to make his name known around the league in his rookie year. The rookies in this draft class haven't impressed so far and Malachi is just starting to get meaningful minutes for the Kings. The time is now for the 21 year old from Syracuse. Let's hope Malachi can take full advantage of this opportunity.