After watching the first two preseason games from the Sacramento Kings bench, undrafted rookie Eric Moreland finally got a few minutes of burn in Sunday morning’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets. It wasn’t much, just 3:22 during the late fourth quarter, but Moreland knows his time will come.
The rookie posted a modest two rebounds and was swatted on his only field goal attempt, but it’s a start.
Moreland is happy to be in the league, regardless of how much he plays early on. He has the look of a kid in a candy store. He is wide-eyed and ready to take in everything he can during his first preseason.
“It’s a dream come true,” Moreland said during media day. “I didn’t even think I could be here, growing up. The fact that I’m with all of these big-time players, and eventually going to be a part of it, it’s humbling.”
Eventually is the key word in that statement. The Sacramento Kings have an extremely crowded frontcourt that includes DeMarcus Cousins, Ryan Hollins, Jason Thompson, Reggie Evans and Carl Landry. Finding minutes for the former Oregon State big man won’t be easy.
When he does see the court, Moreland will showcase a unique set of skills that have drawn comparisons to Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried.
“I just want to be myself, honestly,” Moreland said. “I have some similarities as far as motor with Faried, but I just do what I do. I just want it so bad out there.”
While Moreland would like to make it his own way, Faried has laid out a road map for success for the 22-year-old Moreland. Both are incredible rebounders that rely heavily on hustle plays to earn their paycheck. And they are both raw offensive talents.
There couldn’t be a better player for Moreland to study in the film room. Faried has taken the NBA by storm with his ferocious style and continues to show improvement. Just last he week signed a new reported deal worth $50 million over the next four seasons, while Moreland inked a partially guaranteed three-year rookie scale deal.
Moreland is a superior defender and has elite shot blocking ability. During summer league action, the 6-foot-10 forward showed great timing and even unveiled a two-handed volleyball block that turned heads and played perfectly into his 7-foot-4 wingspan.
“I just want to block them so bad. I’ve got two arms, and I just want to get it so bad,” Moreland said with a smile. “I used to use just one at a time, but then I started to see tape and I was like, I’m going to just go get it. Let me grab it.”
He is raw, but in Las Vegas, he was also effective, averaging 3.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in 19.2 minutes per game.
Moreland will likely spend time back and forth between the Reno Bighorns, the Kings D-League affiliate, and the parent club this season. He has the right attitude, and there is no question about his desire to improve.
“I just want to keep doing the work,” Moreland said. “Just keep doing what I do, and things will fall into place for themself.”
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