In the mind of some young prospects, making it to the NBA means you made it. You are among the most talented players in the world and will soon be on your way to play for a franchise and make your mark as one of the greatest. The reality is much different than what is perceived; Not everyone will be a top 20 pick in the first round of the draft, everyone doesn't make a team eager to provide minutes. In every organization, player or fans will give you the opportunities to prove yourself, and Spencer Dinwiddie through it all will shock the NBA.
Dinwiddie, originally projected to be a top 20 pick in the draft before the ACL injury that sent him plummeting to the second round, was drafted by the Detroit Pistons. “My belief in myself never wavered,” Dinwiddie stated, “I wasn’t that disappointed about going into the second round because I knew the possibility when I declared, if I had been healthy and projected in the top 20 and then fell into the second round I’d have been hurt. But I knew that possibility was likely and I was ready."
In his two years in the league, Dinwiddie has played an average 13.3 minutes in 46 games, on February 20, 2015, he had a season-best game with 12 points and 9 assists as he made his first career start against the Chicago Bulls. On February 28, he went on to record 20 points and 8 assists off the bench against the Washington Wizards. Dinwiddie has the potential and skills, but it was the inconsistencies that remained a problem for the Pistons. After the 2015 season, the Pistons barely utilized Dinwiddie having him play only 12 games. The Pistons were unable to find a spot and traded him for Cameron Bairstow.
The Chicago Bulls, however, look to utilize Dinwiddie much more as a backup guard for Rajon Rondo.
“Obviously Rondo is our starting PG,” said Dinwiddie. “I want to be part of that second unit. Whatever facet I can be to help out and help the team win games. I was excited when I was traded. The Bulls were one of the teams that were after me in that draft, and they said they’ve liked me and it seemed like I’d get an opportunity.”
The Bulls guard was able to show out for the Bulls during the Summer League and showed his potential. Dinwiddie is a 6'6 guard so he can guard both positions and his defense is very overlooked, he isn't fast as lightning, but he can make a shot off his dribble and his mid-range jumper is smooth, he is able to draw fouls and he can drive quickly and finish high contested floaters. He showcased more of this talent when preseason came along. Dinwiddie is credited for his high basketball IQ, making smart plays and helping fill the role of a playmaker when Rondo is out.
In a loss to the Pacers, Dinwiddie was able to score 19 points showing off his offensive skills and ability to break down the defense. Fred Hoiberg noticed the guards abilities and was impressed, “He's got great instincts out there on the basketball floor,” Hoiberg said. “He's got good size, he can make plays over the top. He had a couple of good finishes last night. The best thing about it was, I thought he had good decision-making. We want that consistency, especially with that backup guard spot.”
Check out this cross-court pass by Dinwiddie to Wade, who lays it up perfectly, in the Bulls' 121-105 win over the Pacers in #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/c4VTDQAbxj
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Dinwiddie's opportunity to prove himself to his doubters and "haters" is now, and with the Bulls looking to use him as the second unit behind Rondo, the pressure is on and Dinwiddie can play through it and shine as a dependable option for the Bulls.Once the team finds chemistry and are comfortable with each other on the court is when Bulls offense will be at another level and Dinwiddie's good ball movement and efforts on both defensive and offensive ends can help the Bulls make a run for a playoff spot this season.
