Raul Neto
I kind of feel for Raul Neto. Last season, he was thrust into the role of starting point guard as a rookie player in a foreign country. He responded beautifully to the pressure, averaging six points in just under 19 minutes per contest, making himself a legitimate deep threat at nearly 40 percent from three-point range and defending well.
Moreover, the Jazz were just good when he was on the floor. Of the team’s five most-utilized lineup combinations, the two best each included Neto and boasted net ratings over 10. The team’s most-used five-man unit — Neto with the starters — had a net rating of 7.2 and held opponents to 98.4 points per 100 possessions.
So where has Neto been positioned after all of that? Largely as the fourth point guard in a two or three-man rotation.
Nevertheless, Neto has mostly played well when he’s been given the chance. His overall field goal percentage is up six points to 49 and his Per 36 numbers closely resemble last year’s marks. His three-point percentage has dipped, but the defense remains intact. He probably deserves more run, but he’s done well enough when he’s played.
Grade: B
Next: Alec Burks