Oct 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) handles the basketball in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Despite some rookie struggles, Utah Jazz point man Raul Neto is finding his feet in the NBA.
He can’t shoot. He’s too small. He’s not an NBA player. Statements that have become commonplace among a bombastic minority of Utah Jazz fans that, for whatever reason, have convinced themselves that rookie point guard Raul Neto is doomed to fail.
In the meantime, the Brazilian is slowly, but surely transforming himself from a not ready for primetime player to one of the best rookies in the NBA and an every game contributor for the Jazz. This evolution was front and center on Wednesday night when Neto had his best game as a pro, scoring 10 points, dishing out six assists and nabbing three steals.
Moreover, the 23-year-old outplayed future Hall of Famer Chris Paul during a key stretch in the second half, igniting a 16-2 third quarter run that helped the Jazz secure a difficult road victory.
Raul Neto says more pick-and-roll & a little halftime talk with Quin Snyder helped lift his confidence against LAC. https://t.co/awxXWg4NGf
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) November 27, 2015
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He’s still a rookie, his inexperience will continue to show and his confidence will occasionally need the kind of boost he got from Jazz coach Quin Snyder on Wednesday. Nonetheless, as was the case with Dante Exum last season, Neto will find ways to make an impact and continue to discover his NBA game.
In fact, even as fans clamor for Exum’s return, Neto is turning in a rookie season eerily similar to the one served up by Utah’s erstwhile Aussie. In 82 games last year, Exum averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 assists per game and posted an effective field goal percentage of 44.8. So far this year, Neto is scoring 4.6 points and dishing out 2.5 assists per game and has an effective field goal percentage of 44.1.
In some ways, Neto’s statistical performance eclipses that of Exum. Neto’s defensive rating and assist percentage (91.4 and 22.4 respectively) both dwarf Exum’s performance in the same areas (99.0 and 16.9) Moreover, Neto currently ranks second only to Toronto’s Kyle Lowry in real defensive plus-minus; Exum ranked 23rd last season.
Among rookies qualified for the minutes leaderboard, Raul Neto (the 47th pick of the 2013 draft) is 4th in AST%, 2nd in STL% & 12th in WS.
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) November 27, 2015
Nevertheless, like Exum, Neto’s contributions go beyond the box score. His ability to pressure opposing point guards and his decision-making on offense both suggest that Neto could enjoy a long and productive career in the Association. He will need to continue to develop his shot, but his form is there, as is the potential to become a legitimate threat from outside.
Sound familiar?
Now, am I suggesting that Neto has a ceiling that reaches the same heights as Exum? Not at all. Six-foot-six, ultra-long point guards with elite speed are a pretty rare breed, even at the highest level of basketball. That said, if we’re all convinced that Exum is a star on the rise, can we not also discern that Neto is an NBA player?
I think the answer is pretty clear.
The Jazz will continue to need more production out of the point guard position if playoff success is in the team’s future. While he’ll continue to have his ups and downs as he adapts to the league, there’s a good chance that Neto will be the one to provide it.
Not a bad accomplishment for a non-NBA player.