In 1991 the “Fab Five” of Michigan took the nation by storm. In the 2012 Vegas Summer League Houston’s new Fab Five was very impressive. In an attempt to load up on picks to possibly put together a package to acquire Dwight Howard. They didn’t get Howard and they were left with three 1st round picks. Houston used those picks on Jeremy Lamb, Terrence Jones, and Royce White. The Rockets then added undrafted rookie Scott Machado. In Last years draft the Rockets acquired Donatas Motiejunas, out of Lithuania, in a draft day trade with Minnesota. He stayed in Europe last season so this will be his first in the league. After Chandler Parson suffered a minor injury the Rockets was then forced to start and play 5 rookies for their summer league team. This didn’t turn out to be bad at all.
Scott Machado led the nation in assist in his senior year at Iona and many were surprised when he went undrafted. Everybody elses lost, turns out to be Houston’s gain. Machado displayed that he belong at this level by sometimes out shinning the first round draft picks on his team. He proved to be a great passer with an ability to get in the lane and finish. I wouldn’t be surprised if Machado made the Rockets team and became the solid back up to Jeremy Lin next season.
Terrence Jones was highly recruited coming out of high school and signed with Kentucky. After an up and down freshmen year Jones decided to return for his sophomore year which turned out to be at smart move. Jones helped the Wildcats win a national championship before being drafted by the Rockets. In the summer Jones did the things he did well at Kentucky. He scored inside and rebounded well and knocked down open jumpers. He proved to be a good athlete at the 3 position and will be a contributor off the bench.
Royce White is more known for his off the court issues and his anxiety disorder but his on the court game is damn good. Last year at Iowa State Royce proved to be maybe the most versatile players in the country. White led his team in points, rebound, assist, steals, and blocks as a 6’8″ forward. In Vegas he didn’t do one thing great but like in college he did everything well. He has the ability to handle and pass the ball is what stood out and will contribute next season as a facilitator for the 2nd unit.
Donatas Motiejunas was the most unknown of the five here in the States but proved to be one of the most skilled. The 7″ foot big man has a nose for the ball and finishes well in traffic. He also hits the NBA three pretty effortlessly. He will be effective as a back up center next season.
Jeremy Lamb had a surprisingly good freshmen season as he helped the Connecticut Huskies win the national championship. In his sophomore season he was asked to be a leader and Lamb put up good numbers but the team wasn’t as successful. Coming into the Draft I thought Lamb was the best 2 guard in the draft and he showed that in the summer league. Lamb is a pure scorer he can do it inside and out. Every game he played he was the best player on the court and he should make an immediate impact as a sixth man and eventually making it easy for the Rockets to move Kevin Martin. I predict all-star appearances in Lamb’s future.
These five fabulous rookies won’t take the nation by storm next season and the Rockets won’t make the playoffs but they have five nice building blocks for a solid future.
