Tonight is the last night of preseason basketball for the Pacers before they open up next week in Detroit against the Pistons.

I want to take a look at the progress of the two Indiana rookies, Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert.  Both rookies were acquired in trades during the draft.  Rush was swapped for Jerryd Bayless in a trade that included Jarrett Jack coming to Indiana and Ike Diogu heading to Portland.  SIDENOTE:  That trade also left me cussing for about 15 minutes solid.  I am a big Arizona Wildcats fan and was really excited at the possibility of seeing Jerryd Bayless in a Pacers' uni.  END SIDENOTE.  Hibbert was acquired with TJ Ford, Maceo Baston, and Rasho Nesterovic for Jermaine O'Neal and a pick that turned into Nathan Jawai. 

So far this preseason, the two rookies have had their shares of ups and downs, but for the most part, I see their progress as a success.  Big Boy Roy learned exactly what a Flagrant 2 foul in the NBA is, as he was ejected in the first game for an elbow to Melvin Ely's nose/mouth/face/forehead...Hibbert has a big elbow.  Rush hasn't been ejected yet, but has spent his fair share of time looking like a rookie (lost) on the court at times. 

Statistically speaking, the duo aren't looking bad at all.  Here is a quick look at each rookie is doing:

Rush:  11ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 45.7%FG, 47.4%3P, and 60%FT in 29 minutes per game.

Hibbert:  9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.9bpg, 59%FG, and 48%FT in 20 minutes per game.

I think that those are respectable numbers for a couple players in their first NBA preseason.  I think that Hibbert's numbers are a little more impressive to me, considering he only plays in just under 20 minutes per game compared to Rush's 29 minutes per game. 

Brandon really needs to work on keeping his focus in the game at all times.  There are many moments during the games that he will just sort of look lost or act like he isn't too sure of what to do or what is going on.  But, once he gets that focus, he really contributes well and his perimeter defense starts to pick up.

BBR needs to work on that ghastly free throw percentage and also work on not fouling as much.  He is averaging 3.5 fouls per game.  That is a big factor in why Hibs was on the floor less than Rush.  Another factor in that is because of the injury to Mike Dunleavy Jr.  With him out of the lineup, Rush was able to see more action on the court.

Overall, I think that these two kids are going to be decent this season and will occasionally provide those highlight moments.  I can see Rush hitting a big three to help seal a victory or getting a big steal at the right time to spark a big run.  I can see Hibbert stuffing an unexpecting would be dunker coming down the lane and then in Deke Mutumbo style, wag his finger as he runs back up the court to catch a pass in the lane and throw it down viciously with two hands.

I can see it now!

*Picture courtesy of Pacers.com