Everybody seems to be talking about whether Hunter can get minutes behind Bradley, Thomas and Smart - assuming Turner is gone. I think people are too quick forget about Rozier.
Firstly, Rozier and Hunter were both available at #16, and Danny took Rozier - despite the fact that mock drafts had Hunter going before Rozier. This to me is a clear indication that Danny sees more potential in Rozier than he does in Hunter.
Secondly, all through the pre-season we've been hearing the vets on the team naming Rozier when they have been asked if any of the rookies are standing out - they all gush about his explosive athleticism and how hard he plays. Mickey has had one mention (by Brad) saying that he had one great practice. Nobody has really gone out of their way to praise Hunter. This indicates to me that Rozier is creating more of an impression (behind the scenes) on the court than any of the other rookies.
Thirdly, so far in the preseason Hunter has averaged Per 36 Numbers of 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.4 steals, 1.35 blocks and 2.2 turnovers. He's shot 28% from the field, 35% form three, 75% from the line.
Rozier (Per 36) so far has averaged 25 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.2 steals, 0 blocks and 2.2 turnovers. He's shot 64% from the field, 60% form three and 67% from the line.
While Hunter has put up better defensive numbers, but Rozier has put up far, far superior offensive numbers.
It doesn't look like a pre-season fluke either, because Rozier also averaged 16 Points Per 36 in Summer League.
In Summer League and preseason combined, Rozier has averaged 17 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per-36 while shooting 40%/43%/82%. Impressive numbers without a doubt, and the fact that he's playing better in preseason then he did in Summer League suggests that his game is only getting stronger and stronger as the competition increases.
I really like what I've seen from all three of our rookies to be honest, but if a rookie does get significant minutes in our back-court this year I wouldn't be too quick to rush to the presumption that it's going to be Hunter. It's probably going to be Rozier getting extra minutes in the backcourt, while I could see Hunter getting the odd minutes at SF.