NBA Rookie Scale Big Board V.2
The No Ceilings crew installs the second edition of their Rookie Scale Big Board.
The NBA season has charged into the new year, and many teams are approaching the halfway point of their seasons. While we here at No Ceilings are locked into many leagues around the world in addition to the NBA, it’s important for us to keep the real goal in mind when it comes to prospect evaluation: how all of these players might perform when they reach the most competitive basketball league in the world. With that in mind, we’ve started a new project this season: the Rookie Scale Big Board. For us to keep a good handle on what will work for the future young prospects in the league, we have to keep pace with what is working for the young prospects who have already started their NBA journeys.
For those of you who missed the first edition of our Rookie Scale Big Board: this board takes a deeper look at players who are currently in the league, playing on their rookie contract (or, in the case of some former second round picks, players who have inked extensions but would still be on their rookie deals had they been selected in the first round).
This board isn’t meant to be a ranking of the best young NBA players at this current moment. While we are certainly considering current production, we’re also still focused on how these young players continue to project moving forward. We know that development isn’t linear; there’s no reason to completely write a prospect off because they may struggle early on in their career while they adjust to the NBA game.
With the understanding that the NBA talent pool is deeper than ever, this board serves as a recalibration for not only what it takes to become a star but also what it takes just to become one of the Top 30 young players in the league. It’s a reminder that the superstar bar is sky-high, and this exercise helps us keep our expectations and narratives grounded while we discuss the stars of tomorrow who have yet to hit NBA hardwood.
As with any other Big Board on the No Ceilings site, the Rookie Scale Big Board rankings reflect a cumulative average of the No Ceilings collective’s individual rankings and will be updated every other month to capture each player’s progression throughout the NBA season.
Without further ado, here is our first Rookie Scale Big Board of 2025.
#1. VICTOR WEMBANYAMA — San Antonio Spurs
Previous Ranking: 1st (↔)
Position: C
Age: 21
Measurements: 7’3”, 235
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 1st Overall (2023)
Ignacio: Since entering the league in 2023, Wembanyama has lived up to the hype and then some. In just his second year in the league, the French Center is averaging nearly 26 points and 11 rebounds per game, and he is leading the league in blocks for the second year in a row while also shooting over 35% from three-point range on over nine attempts per game. Wembanyama is also the betting favorite to win his first Defensive Player of the Year, and, even more importantly, he has turned the San Antonio Spurs from bottom-feeders to a seemingly viable playoff team. Wembanyama’s resume at his age is one of the most impressive we’ve seen over the last two decades, and the Spurs, while being a few years (and pieces) away from serious contention, have certainly found their franchise cornerstone for years to come.
#2. CHET HOLMGREN — Oklahoma City Thunder
Previous Ranking: 2nd (↔)
Position: F/C
Age: 22
Measurements: 7’1”, 208
Season: 2nd*
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2022)
Stephen: Some people who subscribe to the “availability is the best ability” mantra may be a bit disappointed here, but it’s hard not to still be very high on Holmgren. Sure, he’s only played 10 games on the year, but he has shooting splits of 50/38/78 while ranking in the 98th percentile in block percentage. His overall game is incredibly rare, as it produces incredible results while also not taking away from his teammates. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been among the best teams in the NBA without Chet, but it’s safe to assume that his rim protection, floor spacing, and ball skill will only strengthen this young Thunder squad.
#3. PAOLO BANCHERO — Orlando Magic
Previous Ranking: 3rd (↔)
Position: F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’10”, 250
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 1st Overall (2022)
Rowan: It was but a glimpse, but for five games at the start of the season, it looked like Paolo Banchero was taking another leap. He took a moderate one from his rookie to his sophomore season, upping his scoring and playmaking enough as Orlando’s unquestioned top option to be named an All-Star in his second season. At the start of this season, Banchero was taking and making a career-high in threes and free throws, showing the scoring efficiency and volume to earn top billing as an NBA superstar scoring option. It’s a bummer that both he and Franz Wagner, who impressed greatly in his own right before succumbing to the same injury that befell Paolo, have been out for much of the year, as the Magic are rolling better than most squads in the NBA. Luckily, the wait is finally over for Banchero, who should get a delayed chance to demonstrate whether he’s fully taken the leap from All-Star good to All-NBA exemplary.
#4. JALEN WILLIAMS — Oklahoma City Thunder
Previous Ranking: 4th (↔)
Position: G/F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’5”, 195
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 12th Overall (2022)
Rucker: It’s always difficult to judge the progression of a player who is part of a wagon of an NBA team. That’s the case with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jalen Williams. Throughout his first couple of years in the NBA, Williams has been a dangerous asset for the Thunder. He’s a versatile piece offensively who can play a wide range of roles within the Thunder’s system. J-Dub has also shown some serious potential with his ability on the defensive side of the ball as well. Throughout this season, Williams has seen his numbers go on a bit of a roller coaster, but they are still impressive. His best month came previously in November over a 15-game stretch where he averaged 22.7 points per game along with 6.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists. During that same stretch, Williams shot 54.5% from the field and 43.8% from deep. The three-point shot hasn’t come around as efficient as last year, but that could be due to the spike in attempts per game. Williams continues to be a lethal weapon for the Thunder, and he is still trending upward; his best basketball is ahead of him. Given the roster the Thunder have right now, that’s a dangerous realization for the rest of the NBA.
#5. CADE CUNNINGHAM — Detroit Pistons
Previous Ranking: 6th (↑ 1)
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’6”, 220
Season: 4th
Drafted: 1st Overall (2021)
Stephen: Cade has continued to propel the Detroit Pistons, as the team has already exceeded their win total from last season. The jumbo creator has been most effective with a lineup that features Jaden Ivey, Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren. This lineup ranks in the 77th percentile in three-point percentage! Cade’s vision and physical chops have always been the “sale’s pitch” with him, but the consistent improvement from deep has been a positive development. Cade averages 24 PPG, 9.5 APG, and 6.7 RPG, which should be enough to contend for an All-Star spot and, perhaps, an All-NBA selection. With Ivey sustaining a gruesome injury, it’ll be interesting to see how the Pistons continue to follow Cade into this part of the season.
#6. EVAN MOBLEY — Cleveland Cavaliers
Previous Ranking: 5th (↓ 1)
Position: F/C
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’11”, 215
Season: 4th
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2021)
Nick: After steady growth over the first few years of his NBA career, this has been the breakout season for Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers. His exceptional defensive ability as one of the most mobile 7-footers in the league has always been a factor, but he has taken a significant step forward offensively this year in a way that changes the trajectory for both him and the Cavaliers. Mobley has had shooting touch since his USC days, but he’s really actualized it this year, taking more than twice as many triples per game and knocking them down at a 40+% clip. With that increased offensive aggressiveness mixed with his preternatural passing and his defensive excellence, Mobley has further cemented himself as one of the most valuable young players in the NBA.
#7. FRANZ WAGNER — Orlando Magic
Previous Ranking: 9th (↑ 2)
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’10”, 225
Season: 4th
Drafted: 8th Overall (2021)
Maxwell: Wagner has been on the shelf due to an oblique injury, but it’s hard to overstate how great his start to the season was prior to that. While he’s still not a knockdown guy from three, he put last year’s struggles from deep in the rearview to an extent while also taking more triples than ever before. He also got to show off what he could do in a leading role in Paolo Banchero’s absence, hunting buckets and setting a career-high in points per game while simultaneously setting the table for teammates. He’s also long been one of the most impactful and versatile defenders in the league. Wagner’s 2024-2025 campaign has shown that he’s not only who his biggest advocates thought he was, but also that he might have been more greatness in front of him than doubters previously thought.
#8. ALPEREN SENGUN — Houston Rockets
Previous Ranking: 10th (↑ 2)
Position: C
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’11”, 235
Season: 4th
Drafted: 16th Overall, 2021
Ignacio: The Rockets have quickly moved from tanking to contending, and Sengun has been one of the key pieces in Houston’s quick ascent. The Turkish big has provided Houston with a strong presence on the boards and an advanced level of playmaking for others, finding teammates from the post. The main selling point for Sengun, however, has been the post scoring, where he thrives with his combination of size, smooth footwork, and touch around the basket. The lack of a reliable jumper and his less-than-stellar rim protection for a center are what will probably keep him from the superstar tier of NBA players, but very few players are reliable scoring options on a contender at 22 years old like Sengun already is.
#9. BRANDON MILLER — Charlotte Hornets
Previous Ranking: 8th (↓ 1)
Position: F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’9”, 201
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2023)
Nathan: Even through a difficult season for the Charlotte Hornets, Brandon Miller has continued to be a bright spot in the team’s short and long-term future. Presently, Miller is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA on high volume while balancing keeping the offense flowing as a playmaker alongside LaMelo Ball. Miller’s rim finishing and overall efficiency inside the arc are still questions, but the second-year wing has taken some strides defensively and is willing to take on some of the best perimeter matchups across the league. As he continues to add strength and fill out his frame, on top of leveraging some more creativity with his handle on the ball, Miller still has the type of upside every NBA team covets in a plus-sized wing prospect.
#10. SCOTTIE BARNES — Toronto Raptors
Previous Ranking: 7th (↓ 3)
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’7”, 227
Season: 4th
Drafted: 4th Overall (2021)
Nathan: With the absence of Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett through different parts of this season, Scottie Barnes has had to rise to the occasion as the team’s primary option in terms of both scoring and distributing. While the Toronto Raptors haven’t exactly set the league on fire, the team has remained competitive on more nights than not. Barnes raises the floor of those around him because he can draw so much defensive attention with his physical downhill game and instinctual passing. Barnes could still stand to provide more as a secondary rim protector and shooter, but few players are capable of being a nightly triple-double threat in the way Barnes can be.
#11. JALEN JOHNSON — Atlanta Hawks
Previous Ranking: 11th (↔)
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’9”, 220
Season: 4th
Drafted: 20th Overall (2021)
Stephen: The doubters are getting more and more sparse, as Jalen Johnson has continued his upward ascent among the best young players in the NBA. He has turned into a double-double machine, posting 18 to this point. The three-point shooting was in question early on in the season, but Jalen has shot 36% from deep on three attempts per game since the last Rookie Scale Big Board. His well-rounded scoring acumen has been on full display, as has his passing feel and rock-solid defense. The Hawks are hovering around .500 basketball after finishing 10th in the East, and their future continues to look brighter with the consistent impact that Johnson brings on a nightly basis.
#12. AMEN THOMPSON — Houston Rockets
Previous Ranking: 15th (↑ 3)
Position: G/F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’7”, 209
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 4th Overall (2023)
Metcalf: Few players have parlayed elite athleticism into immediate and impactful production as quickly as Amen Thompson has. We all know Thompson’s freakish athleticism, but the way he’s completely transformed his game from where it was before the NBA is astounding. Thompson is one of the most electric game wreckers in the league already, and he’s finding production doing all of the dirty work. Even if he never has another major developmental leap, Thompson will still be an incredibly valuable rotation player with his rebounding, transition offense, and defense. Thompson’s playmaking has shown up in a complimentary role, but if he grows into more of an on-ball creator like he was before the NBA while still doing the little things he is now, his upside gets very scary very quickly.
#13. JALEN SUGGS — Orlando Magic
Previous Ranking: 14th (↑ 1)
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’5”, 205
Season: 4th
Drafted: 5th overall (2021)
Jam: As shown by his 5-year, $150.5 million rookie contract extension, Suggs has become an integral member of a young Magic core that’s tracking to become a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference for years to come. He’s been the disruptive and competitive two-way guard that he was projected to be coming out of Gonzaga. Even with his shooting inconsistencies this season, Suggs is averaging a career-high in points as well as rebounds and assists. We could be looking at the making of one of the better two-way guards in the NBA.
#14. DERECK LIVELY II — Dallas Mavericks
Previous Ranking: 13th (↓ 1)
Position: C
Age: 20
Measurements: 7’1”, 230
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 12th Overall (2023)
Maxwell: On the surface, it may not look like Dereck Lively II has taken an overwhelming, massive leap this season. Still, he’s a fantastic young player of a valuable archetype, and he’s made some important strides. Lively’s passing game has continued to blossom. He’s a dynamite high-post passer and DHO operator, generating space for shooters while slinging dimes to cutters. From a scoring standpoint, he butters his bread as an elite lob target. Defensively, he’s able to swat shots around the rim while still boasting the lateral agility to guard in multiple ball screen coverages. Sure, many of his counting numbers might look similar to the ones he put up a year ago. But when you dig deeper, Lively is still one of the most exciting young players in the sport, and he’s only getting better.
#15. TREY MURPHY III — New Orleans Pelicans
Previous Ranking: 26th (↑ 11)
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’8”, 206
Season: 4th
Drafted: 17th Overall (2021)
Jam: There is a ton of uncertainty right now regarding the futures of New Orleans’s star trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum. Both Ingram and McCollum are reportedly on the trading block, and it’s likely that at least one will have a new home before the trade deadline. Zion’s problematic injury history and obvious superstar ability continue to have the Pelicans in a conundrum on his future. Amidst all of that and a season headed for a top draft pick, Trey Murphy III is locking himself in as a franchise cornerstone. He’s on pace to average at least 20 points per game for the first time in his young career-putting any concerns about bouncing back from a partially torn meniscus that required surgery late in 2023. The long and athletic wing is steadily evolving from a 3-and-D wing to a two-way primary scorer. In this next iteration of Pelicans basketball, Murphy III will no doubt be an integral piece and perhaps an engine.
#16. KEEGAN MURRAY — Sacramento Kings
Previous Ranking: 12th (↓ 4)
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’8”, 215
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 4th Overall (2022)
Nick: This season has been a struggle offensively for Keegan Murray; after he got a bit more room to explore the studio space on that end to start the season, he has been far more tentative both inside and outside the arc over the past couple of months–which is not what you want to see from the man who broke the rookie record for three-point makes in a season. It’s a small sample size, but Murray has looked much better over the last couple of games since his return from an ankle injury, and Kings fans and Murray fans alike will certainly hope to see that continue after the team’s 5-1 start to the Doug Christie era. While his offense has been a tough haul, his defense continues to be stellar. He continues to grow on that end after a solid defensive finish to his rookie season turned into an excellent Year Two on that end of the floor, and he has contributed much more on the glass this year following his move to power forward in the wake of the DeMar DeRozan/Harrison Barnes swap. There aren’t many 6’8” forwards who can competently switch onto everybody from Steph Curry to Victor Wembanyama, and Murray has the potential to make his way onto a couple of All-Defensive Teams before his time is done. If he pairs that defense with a return to his Iowa form offensively, watch out.
#17. BILAL COULIBALY — Washington Wizards
Previous Ranking: 20th (↑ 3)
Position: F
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’6”, 195
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 7th Overall (2023)
Ignacio: In the middle of yet another difficult campaign for the Wizards, Coulibaly has been one of Washington’s bright spots. The French wing has established himself as a starter and has provided the Wizards with defensive versatility, transition offense and even some moments of playmaking for others. The halfcourt offense, and the jumper in particular, are still works in progress; those are what ultimately have kept Coulibaly from moving up on the list. However, it’s easy to envision him as a multi-year starter in the league with his defensive impact.
#18. HERB JONES — New Orleans Pelicans
Previous Ranking: 24th (↑ 6)
Position: F
Age: 26
Measurements: 6’8”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 35th Overall (2021)
Austin: After the past couple of years, it looks like just over 10 points and four rebounds per game is what we’re going to get from a routine Herb Jones season. Jones was inactive from late October to early December due to a shoulder injury, so he’s only played 19 games for the Pels this season—such is life for any member of the 2024-25 New Orleans Pelicans roster. Nevertheless, he’s on pace to record a career-high in assists and steals per game, and while his efficiency has taken a dip from last year, his impact on both sides of the ball makes him an intriguing piece of the annual trade deadline puzzle.
#19. DONOVAN CLINGAN — Portland Trail Blazers
Previous Ranking: 28th (↑ 9)
Position: C
Age: 20
Measurements: 7’2”, 280
Season: 1st
Drafted: 7th Overall (2024)
Metcalf: Well, it didn’t take long, but Donovan Clingan is already one of the elite paint protectors in the league. We knew Clingan was a dominant defender at UConn, but there were some questions about how it would translate to the NBA’s space and pace tendencies. Portland does a great job of schematically keeping him in the paint, but Clingan’s defensive translation has been immediate. Already being this dominant of a defender warrants a high ranking on this list, but there’s a ton of potential for him to continue to rise once his offensive role grows. Clingan’s offensive responsibilities couldn’t be more simplified right now. Once he’s allowed to incorporate his passing, and if he ever does shoot it at some level, Clingan could be one of the best bigs in the league.
#20. DYSON DANIELS — Atlanta Hawks
Previous Ranking: 46th (↑ 26)
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’8”, 195
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 8th Overall (2022) (New Orleans Pelicans)
Stephen: Dyson Daniels vaulted his way up into the Rookie Scale rankings after coming in as the 46th-ranked prospect in the first edition. Being included in the trade with New Orleans for Dejounte Murray, Daniels has taken a new opportunity and ran with it. Despite not being a knock-down three-point shooter, Daniels has found a way to be a connective and contributive member of the Atlanta offense while being an absolute nightmare for anyone he defends. Daniels is a Tasmanian Devil on defense–averaging over three steals per game, ranking in the 100th percentile. His frame and defensive feel were desperately needed for the Hawks and have been a vital part of their improved play. Dyson’s growth seems limited only by the development of a reliable jumper.
#21. JONATHAN KUMINGA — Golden State Warriors
Previous Ranking: 25th (↑ 4)
Position: F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’8”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 7th Overall (2021)
Austin: It’s been an up-and-down season for Jonathan Kuminga, who is averaging just under 17 a night for the Warriors—he’ll go through stretches of back-to-back-to-back games where he chucks up 15 shots and only sinks a couple, only to turn around and drop 30+ in two straight games like he did last month against the Clippers and Suns. Kuminga’s going to need to improve his game-over-game consistency if the Warriors want him to be their next bona fide star, but it does look like his perimeter shooting (a major pre-draft and early-career concern for Kuminga) has come to play in the NBA.
#22. JADEN IVEY — Detroit Pistons
Previous Ranking: 27th (↑ 5)
Position: G
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’4”, 195
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 5th Overall (2022)
Nick: Jaden Ivey’s absolutely brutal broken fibula (seriously, do not look at the tape of that video ever, and certainly not within two hours of a meal) has sadly put a damper on what has been a spectacular season so far for the young guard. Ivey has looked much more comfortable on both ends of the floor in the first season of the J.B. Bickerstaff era, and he managed the difficult double of upping his three-point volume while also knocking down a significantly higher percentage; he currently sits at 41% from deep on the season, which is vital for a team featuring Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland as part of their young core. Ivey is expected to return in four weeks, but odds are that he will struggle on his return–like most players returning from grisly leg injuries.
#23. STEPHON CASTLE — San Antonio Spurs
Previous Ranking: 35th (↑ 12)
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’6”, 215
Season: 1st
Drafted: 4th Overall (2024)
Metcalf: Stephon Castle has been one of the most impactful rookies in the league, and he still isn’t shooting well. To expect a major leap in a rookie’s shooting capabilities is foolish, as they have a million other things to figure out. However, figuring out how they fit into a rotation and impact winning is a great way to gauge their habits, upside, and versatility. Despite being a bad shooter, Castle is still contributing to positive basketball more often than not. Coach Johnson emphasized that they had to throw Castle into the fire earlier than they wanted to because of injuries, but his consistent day-to-day approach allowed him to hit the ground running. Castle still has a long way to go, but his current impact, skill set, mentality, and situation are very encouraging.
#24. SCOOT HENDERSON — Portland Trail Blazers
Previous Ranking: 19th (↓ 5)
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’3”, 202
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2023)
Austin: After starting 32 games in his rookie season, Scoot Henderson has settled into a bench role in 2024-25, with Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe holding down the starting backcourt spots in Portland. It’s hard not to point to below-average efficiency and turnover rate with this guy, but there does seem to have been some development for Scoot as a passer from last season to now. His move to the bench has been impactful on not only his efficiency, but on his scoring output in general—he averages just under nine points on a 42.3% True Shooting percentage as a starter this year, compared to over 11 points on a 51.5% True Shooting percentage off the bench. There’s absolutely room for improvement (when isn’t there with first-year and second-year guards?), but it seems like Scoot might just be slowly and surely finding his way into cementing himself in a role for the Blazers.
#25. ALEX SARR — Washington Wizards
Previous Ranking: 32nd (↑ 7)
Position: F/C
Age: 19
Measurements: 7’0”, 205
Season: 1st
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2024)
Nick: After a slow start to the season shooting-wise, Alex Sarr is shooting 41% from three-point range over his last 10 games. That’s certainly a welcome sign for both Sarr and the Wizards–especially since his defense has been just about as good as anyone could have hoped for (with all of the usual caveats about how much rookies tend to struggle on that end accounted for in those calculations). His shot-blocking and defensive mobility have been as advertised, and his passing has been well above average for his position. He certainly benefits from having Jonas Valanciunas behind him to deal with bigger bodies as Sarr bulks up, but Sarr has been a bright spot for a Wizards team that has nowhere to go but up.
#26. JALEN GREEN — Houston Rockets
Previous Ranking: 17th (↓ 9)
Position: G
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’4”, 178
Season: 4th
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2021)
Rowan: Already in his fourth year in the NBA, Jalen Green may, maddeningly, simply be who he is as a player. With his phenomenal athleticism and scoring talents, it feels like Green should be the scorer who can bend defenses to his will. Instead, due to poor shot selection, Green is again inefficiently pacing the Houston Rockets in shots and taking away from them on the defensive end. Sure, the highs are high, as he’s scored 30+ points in six games this season, but he’s also scored in single digits in five games and shot 50.0% or higher from the field in just seven games. At this point, barring a change of scenery, it doesn’t look like Green will fully capitalize on his immense potential and instead will detract more than help from a team’s offensive and defensive schemes.
#27. SHAEDON SHARPE — Portland Trail Blazers
Previous Ranking: 34th (↑ 7)
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’6”, 200
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 7th Overall (2022)
Nick: After missing most of his second season in the league and the first seven games of the 2024-25 campaign due to injury, Shaedon Sharpe has been on the court quite a bit more this season. That has let him put his versatile scoring game on full display, as he’s averaging 18 points per game through his first 28 contests. He has been very efficient inside the arc, knocking down mid-range pull-ups at a high rate and using his sensational vertical athleticism and solid craft to finish over and around defenders near the basket. His three-point percentage is the biggest offensive knock on him this season, but he has knocked down 39% of his triples through his first four games in January–an encouraging sign given his ice-cold 28% mark in November and slightly-less frosty 31% from distance overall this season. The defense has not matched the offense for Sharpe yet by any stretch, but there are encouraging signs–especially in terms of his fouling, where he’s averaging 1.1 fewer fouls per game than he was last year. He hasn’t quite figured out how to leverage his remarkable athletic tools on the defensive end, but that might be a tough ask, given his offensive burden. If he can start hitting his triples at the rate that he’s expected to, he could be in for a big breakout in the second half.
#28. ZACH EDEY — Memphis Grizzlies
Previous Ranking: 47th (↑ 19)
Position: C
Age: 22
Measurements: 7’4”, 305
Season: 1st
Drafted: 9th Overall (2024)
Maxwell: Zach Edey has emphatically shut the door on anyone who claimed that he’s “just tall” or that he’d be too slow for the modern NBA. Many of the things onlookers expected to scale up have been there. He’s a fantastic finisher, a devastating screener, and a force on the offensive glass. However, it’s been Edey’s progression as a defender that has been most exciting. Playing with a lightened usage burden has allowed him to exert more energy and play with a greater sense of aggressiveness as a rim protector. While Edey always logged a lot of minutes in college, his improved quick-twitch athleticism has been on display this year, too. Plus, he’s shooting the occasional three now! And he’s making them! Zach Edey rocks. He’s provided an instant impact for the Grizzlies. And while questions about his ceiling as an older rookie may remain, he’s undoubtedly here to stay as a long-term, starting-caliber NBA center.
#29. JABARI SMITH JR. — Houston Rockets
Previous Ranking: 22nd (↓ 7)
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’11”, 220
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2022)
Rowan: It feels like forever since Jabari Smith Jr. was in talks to go first overall in the 2022 NBA draft to the Orlando Magic. Since then, Paolo Banchero has cemented himself as that franchise’s star, and Chet Holmgren, when healthy, has looked like a game-changer for Oklahoma City. Smith Jr., on the other hand, hasn’t had the same impact. In his third season, he appears to be carving out his niche as a high-level role player on a winning team. That isn’t meant to be backhanded; Smith Jr. is taking the fewest shots of his career while mostly spreading the floor with his deep shooting and guarding switches in space. Given his lack of improvement as a driver or playmaker, alongside the recent emergences of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, Smith Jr.’s NBA future may lie only as a solid starter on a good team instead of the former complementary star prospect he was seen as in his early career.
#30. TARI EASON — Houston Rockets
Previous Ranking: 40th (↑ 10)
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’8”, 216
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 17th Overall (2022)
Stephen: It continues to be the same thing over and over with Tari Eason: he plays pretty well within the role Houston gives him–but it would be nice if we could just see more. We’ve seen the struggles that can come along with having “too much” developmental talent on one team with Reed Sheppard–as he has been sent to play with Houston’s G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Eason has carved out the role of a defensive enforcer off of the bench, ranking in the 97th percentile in block percentage and in the 100th percentile in steals percentage. Being active in transition and off-ball movement has given Eason enough juice on offense to be respectable, but he has to become a more reliable shooter to see his role within the Rockets expand.
#31. AUSAR THOMPSON — Detroit Pistons
Previous Ranking: 31st (↔)
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’7”, 215
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 5th Overall (2023)
Metcalf: A healthy Ausar Thompson is a very fun Ausar Thompson. It didn’t take long for Thompson to remind everyone how devastating his defense is. He can single-handedly wreak havoc for the Detroit Pistons—and has on many occasions. Thompson continues to struggle to contribute positively to Detroit’s halfcourt offense, but he finds ways of crashing the glass and cutting to bother opponents. It feels like a lock that he’ll be one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league. If he can figure out how to shoot or contribute to the half-court offense, he could be one of the most exciting two-way wings in the league.
#32. CASON WALLACE — Oklahoma City Thunder
Previous Ranking: 33rd (↑ 1)
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’4”, 193
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 10th Overall (2023)
Maxwell: Cason Wallace has suffered through a shooting slump this season. In spite of that, he’s still seeing an uptick in his number of minutes per game. The reason for that is that Cason Wallace is precisely the type of guard who can withstand such a slump. While he’s not the most dynamic ball-handler, he minimizes his mistakes and takes care of the ball. He sees the floor well and reliably keeps the rock moving. And defensively…sheesh. Wallace is exceptionally powerful for a man his size, giving him more switchability than most his height. Off the ball, he’s a potent playmaker who reads opposing offenses like a book and readily punishes mistakes. So yes, the ball hasn’t gone into the basket the same way this year. But I’d be extremely hesitant to sell his stock now. He’s a stellar decision-maker who is continuously adapting to the speed of the NBA. He’ll only become more dangerous from here.
#33. REED SHEPPARD — Houston Rockets
Previous Ranking: 21st (↓ 12)
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’2”, 185
Season: 1st
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2024)
Rowan: After a standout freshman season, Reed Sheppard hasn’t seen much NBA success… or much NBA time at all. He’s 33rd in minutes per game among rookies, which is unusual for Top 3 picks—especially ones who seemed as polished as Sheppard did at Kentucky. With his lack of playing time, it’s not surprising that Sheppard hasn’t developed the same jump shooting rhythm that made him a lethal shooter nor the defensive rhythm that made him a terror on that end. That’s why his recent move to the G-League is a major positive step for his early NBA development. The Rockets are winning right now and have no space for Sheppard to work through his kinks; the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, however, have the infrastructure to let him cook developmentally. More games like his 49-point, six-assist, five-rebound, and three-steal night for the Vipers will validate Sheppard’s lofty draft status, but this eruption should put many doubts about his status as a valued guard prospect to bed.
#34. GRADEY DICK — Toronto Raptors
Previous Ranking: 58th (↑ 24)
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’6”, 205
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 13th Overall (2023)
Jam: In what’s been a rough year for the rebuilding Raptors, fans and the front office can rejoice around the leap Gradey Dick is making. Up from his 8.5 PPG in year one to just under 17 PPG in year two, Dick’s pairing of pure shooting and tough shotmaking ability has been tremendous for a team that really needs the spacing around their slashing primary wings in Scottie Barnes and R.J. Barrett. At 6’6”, Dick is equipped with the positional size and shooting/shotmaking gravity to be a long-time NBA starter and help Toronto through its rebuild.
#35. ANTHONY BLACK — Orlando Magic
Previous Ranking: 41st (↑ 6)
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’7”, 198
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 6th Overall (2023)
Jam: In his sophomore campaign, Black is emerging as a key rotation bench piece for a Magic squad with deep playoff run aspirations, and that’s on pace to be in the mix for home court advantage in the playoffs. Averaging around 24 minutes per game (up from last season’s 16.9 MPG), the 6’7” swiss-army knife guard has nearly doubled his scoring output and tripled his assists per game while providing impactful defensive playmaking and valuable point-of-attack defense. Despite Black being more of a shotmaker than a legit three-point threat at this point, his blend of size, ball skills, playmaking, and two-way upside will continue to allow him to be a dynamic connective player on a winning team.
#36. BRANDIN PODZIEMSKI — Golden State Warriors
Previous Ranking: 16th (↓ 20)
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’5”, 205
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 19th Overall (2023)
Nathan: It’s clear that Brandin Podziemski hasn’t taken the second-year leap many Golden State Warriors fans were expecting. Through inconsistent shooting performances and defensive struggles, Podziemski has had to fight to keep the rotational role that he earned during his promising rookie campaign intact. Still, Podziemski plays with a high motor and doesn’t hang his head when his shots aren’t falling. A heads-up playmaker and tenacious guard rebounder, Podziemski does everything in his power to give his team an edge. It’s difficult to bet against a competitor like Podz for too long before he bounces back from the sophomore slump.
#37. ANDREW NEMBHARD — Indiana Pacers
Previous Ranking: 23rd (↓ 14)
Position: G
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’5”, 193
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 31st Overall (2022)
Nathan: Andrew Nembhard has had to battle some injuries this season, and it hurt his overall shot-making efficiency early on, coming off an impressive playoff stretch last year for the Indiana Pacers. Nembhard being in and out of the lineup has given new opportunities to someone like Bennedict Mathurin, who also has had to come back from a season-ending injury. When the Pacers are at their best, though, Nembhard is on the court, creating chaos on both sides of the ball. From handling secondary playmaking reps to guarding the other team’s best backcourt player, Nembhard has plenty of ways to contribute when the shot isn’t falling. The good news is that he’s been much better of late and his percentages seem to have stabilized as he’s turning the corner into calendar year 2025.
#38. JAIME JAQUEZ JR. — Miami Heat
Previous Ranking: 18th (↓ 20)
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’6”, 225
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 18th Overall (2023)
Nathan: There isn’t a lot of positive happening right now for the Miami Heat, given the trade sagas that are up in the air, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be negative. There’s still a lot of young talent in South Beach, with one of those players being Jaime Jaquez Jr. No, his three-point shooting hasn’t rebounded since a slump last season, but he’s still an effective driver, tertiary creator, and tough-as-nails defensive wing. It’s not easy to find wings who can dribble, pass, and love to compete on both ends, let alone have them on a rookie-scale contract. Given time, Jaquez could still prove to be one of the better bench pieces in the league should his outside shot come around.
#39. BENNEDICT MATHURIN — Indiana Pacers
Previous Ranking: 30th (↓ 9)
Position: G/F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’6”, 210
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 6th Overall (2022)
Austin: In the middle of what many are calling a disappointing year in Indiana, the 22-year-old Mathurin is in the process of logging another efficient season. While his spot at #39 is a slight drop-off from his place on the first iteration of this list (#30), that shouldn’t be taken as a criticism of his game. After maintaining his overall efficiency from his rookie year to last season, Mathurin’s True Shooting percentage (58.3%) has taken a big jump. He also hasn’t missed a game for Indiana yet, making his six rebounds and just under 17 points a night all the more impactful on Indy’s chances to sneak into the playoffs. He’s extension-eligible this summer, and with Indiana already paying Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam $45+ million and shelling out four other $10-$20 million contracts in 2025-26, Mathurin’s future in Indiana could be in question.
#40. KEYONTE GEORGE — Utah Jazz
Previous Ranking: 44th (↑ 4)
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’4”, 185
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 16th Overall (2023)
Nathan: Keyonte George’s start to the season was anything but what most Utah Jazz fans expected from the second-year guard. George’s lack of buckets and scoring outbursts didn’t help the Jazz inject life into the offense, given his inefficiency coupled with defensive lapses. Through November and December, though, George’s efficiency has rebounded significantly heading into the calendar year 2025. He’s much more confident on the ball, and he has become a positive in the assist-to-turnover ratio department over his last stretch of games. It’s still up for debate whether George is Utah’s long-term answer at point guard, but this version is a productive NBA guard—no matter the starting position or role.
#41. ZACCHARIE RISACHER — Atlanta Hawks
Previous Ranking: 43rd (↑ 2)
Position: F
Age: 19
Measurements: 6’9”, 200
Season: 1st
Drafted: 1st Overall (2024)
Ignacio: Before the draft, it was clear that Risacher wasn’t your typical #1 pick. His stat line is certainly uncommon for his draft spot, as he’s currently averaging nearly 11 points and four rebounds on just below 50% True Shooting. Risacher, however, has shown flashes of the 3-and-D profile that got him selected at number one last year, with his defensive playmaking, but the shooting needs to be more consistent for him to not only live up to his draft spot but also to be a positive contributor for the Hawks moving forward.
#42. CHRISTIAN BRAUN — Denver Nuggets
Previous Ranking: 52nd (↑ 10)
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’6”, 218
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 21st Overall (2022)
Stephen: Christian Braun has gone from a role player leaving something to be desired to a player trusted to start and play a vital role for the Denver Nuggets. He’s played over 33 minutes per game this season and started every game for his team. While his three-point percentage has seen a slight dip, his volume is up, and his overall scoring is up almost 10% from the floor. His effort on defense has improved, with him ranking in the 66th percentile in block percentage. His movement away from the ball has given him open looks at the basket–where he has converted in the 69th percentile. Braun has more than done his part to contribute to a team that has needed their ancillary pieces to develop into consistent contributors.
#43. JARACE WALKER — Indiana Pacers
Previous Ranking: 48th (↓ 5)
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’8”, 240
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 8th Overall (2023)
Rowan: It’s worth being patient with a player like Jarace Walker, who looked immediately ready to play at the NBA level but went to a deep team like the Pacers that had no immediate need for him. In his first two years, Walker has bounced between Indiana and their G-League affiliate to get him play time, but he’s carved out a role on their bench this year. Walker still brings his trademark dogged defense, athletic playmaking, and improving shot-making, although improving may be underselling it, given he’s a career 40% shooter at the NBA level. Given how he’s seized his on the wing for an Indiana team that’s snakebitten there, there’s still a lot of warranted optimism for Walker fitting beautifully alongside the stars and other role players on the Pacers.
#44. AUSTIN REAVES — Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Ranking: 36th (↓ 8)
Position: G
Age: 26
Measurements: 6’5”, 206
Season: 4th
Drafted: Undrafted (2021)
Rowan: It may seem baffling for a player starting on the prestigious Los Angeles Lakers to be this low on the list, but these rankings consider the present and future. Reaves is a solid starter on a playoff team, as he’s served as the team’s defacto point guard this season. Due to his limited vertical pop, Reaves is still a middling two-point finisher but has upped his deep shooting volume to add more scoring gravity to his game. He’s a perfectly solid player who fits into the ecosystem of Los Angeles, but this is about as high as his game can go. There’s not much more upside for him to reach, which means while he’s good now, he may not be as good as many players above him in this rankings.
#45. JALEN DUREN — Detroit Pistons
Previous Ranking: 29th (↓ 16)
Position: C
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’10”, 250
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 13th Overall (2022)
Stephen: Duren came into the league with some high expectations, which has caused some people who follow the league to lose some patience with the young big. While he hasn’t taken the league by storm, Duren does average close to a double-double and has shown the passing feel that many scouts were excited about coming out of Memphis. His defensive consistency does need to improve. He is in the 71st percentile in block percentage but his physicality and athleticism should lend to him being among the best in the NBA. Still only 21 years of age, Duren may be able to realize more of his potential due to the injury of Ivey.
#46. WALKER KESSLER — Utah Jazz
Previous Ranking: 39th (↓ 7)
Position: C
Age: 23
Measurements: 7’0”, 245
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 22nd Overall (2022)
Rucker: Coming into the 2024-25 NBA season, there was plenty of noise about the Utah Jazz potentially looking to move big man Walker Kessler. For a rebuilding team with some logjams on their roster, it looked to make sense at the time. For now, though, Kessler is having one of the best statistical seasons of his career. As of January 9th, Kessler is averaging 10.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. There’s been no denying that Kessler has the ability to be a lethal shot-blocking threat on the defensive side of the ball, but now the consistency and production have started to come around on both sides of the floor. Kessler will be a popular name to monitor moving forward. Teams will be looking to try to pry him away from the Jazz, but perhaps Utah could look to keep their talented big around moving forward.
#47. MARK WILLIAMS — Charlotte Hornets
Previous Ranking: 51st (↑ 4)
Position: C
Age: 23
Measurements: 7’0”, 240
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 15th Overall (2022)
Stephen: Due to the Charlotte Hornets having a Winning Percentage under .250, Williams has had some of his exposure to the NBA world a bit muzzled. Williams, someone who would not be considered an offensive dynamo, has averaged over 12 PPG over the past two seasons while never shooting less than 62% from the floor. He isn’t the most dominant rebounder, but he has been more than serviceable on the defensive boards. He has also averaged two assists per game this year. Mark does have some struggles with the injury at times, but he has done well to carve out a solid role when he is available. The flair of LaMelo Ball’s game and the continued growth of Brandon Miller typically is where the conversation stops for analysis of the Hornets, but Williams has done enough to garner attention.
#48. JEREMY SOCHAN — San Antonio Spurs
Previous Ranking: 37th (↓ 11)
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’8”, 230
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 9th Overall (2022)
Rucker: San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan has started to showcase the flashes that made him a desired prospect out of Baylor. After a year in which the Spurs decided to have a wild experiment with Sochan as a playmaker, the versatile forward has shown how he can make an impact in a wide range of roles. Sochan has had some promising performances this year, and he still looks to be a valuable piece with the roster construction the Spurs have going forward. If the shot continues to trend in a respectable direction, he’s going to be a piece that San Antonio will want to have alongside Victor Wembanyama for years to come.
#49. CAM THOMAS — Brooklyn Nets
Previous Ranking: 42nd (↓ 7)
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’4”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 27th Overall (2021)
Stephen: Cam Thomas might be the hardest player on this list to truly assess. On one hand, he is clearly a talented and effective scorer with solid court vision. On the other hand, not everyone values a player that plays the way he does on a losing team. Nonetheless, Cam ranks in the 82nd percentile in points per shot attempt and in the 86th percentile in assist percentage. Some aren’t big fans of Thomas because he isn’t very active on the glass, nor is he a consistent defender. While those aren’t strong areas of his game, Cam is one of the most prolific offensive players in the NBA.
#50. TOUMANI CAMARA — Portland Trail Blazers
Previous Ranking: 56th (↑ 6)
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’8”, 220
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 52nd Overall (2023)
Rucker: The arrow only seems to be pointing up for Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara. Once considered a “filler” in a trade, Camara has made himself a valuable high-upside piece for the Blazers. He’s done some damage on the defensive side of the ball and looks to be filling out in terms of his frame. Camara’s impact goes well beyond the box score, and he has the making of a player who finds a way to play winning basketball for a long time in the NBA. He’s one that will continue to trickle up in the ranks, but it seems as if it is only a matter of time before Camara sees his minutes and impact continue to climb.
#51. TRAYCE JACKSON-DAVIS — Golden State Warriors
Previous Ranking: 49th (↓ 2)
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’9”, 245
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 57th Overall (2023)
Stephen: The Warriors haven’t had the season that many have hoped for, but there have been some positive developments for their team. Jackson-Davis has done well in his sophomore season to be a starter for the majority of his game, putting up almost 9 PPG and 6 RPG. Aside from being a physical force on the floor, Trayce has also continued to show himself to be a solid playmaker. TJD ranks in the 86th percentile on assist percentage, which comes in handy when your most featured lineup is with Steph Curry. His size does get negated by some of the bigger centers in the league, which does present some limitations.
#52. JOSH GIDDEY — Chicago Bulls
Previous Ranking: 38th (↓ 14)
Position: G
Age: 22
Measurements: 6'8”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 6th Overall (2021)
Ignacio: Giddey has been an important piece for the Bulls, starting every game during his first year with the team while also providing a much-needed presence as a playmaker for others. The Australian guard will turn 23 this year, and while the lack of explosiveness and quickness will limit his impact as a defender and finisher around the basket, Giddey should continue to be a viable primary initiator in the league with his unique combination of size and creativity as a playmaker.
#53. CAM WHITMORE — Houston Rockets
Previous Ranking: 53rd (↔)
Position: F
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’7”, 232
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 20th Overall (2023)
Stephen: Whitmore recently made headlines due to his role on the team, which his head coach, Ime Udoka, didn’t shy away from when questioned. When Cam is on the floor, he is always capable of making breathtaking plays. In only 15 minutes per game, he averages 9 PPG and 3 RPG. Concerns regarding his ball movement coming out of Villanova seem to be valid at this point, with Whitemore averaging half an assist per game. He also hasn’t used his physical gifts as effectively on defense the way many would have hoped either. Cam still has many believers, but he will likely only carve out a consistent and involved role for his team by improving on the connective aspects of his game.
#54. G.G. JACKSON — Memphis Grizzlies
Previous Ranking: 50th (↓ 4)
Position: F
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’9”, 215
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 45th Overall (2023)
Rucker: It was looking like a big potential year for GG Jackson to build some momentum off his rookie year. Jackson was sensational last year and looked to be a potential diamond in the rough for the Grizzlies moving forward. Unfortunately, Jackson had an injury before the season and has yet to take the court this season. GG is ramping up and should be set to return to the Grizzlies soon and it will be interesting to see the progression in his game once the rest comes off. Jackson is extremely talented and an offensive bucket-getting machine. If the versatility and defensive side of the ball develop, he’s going to become a dangerous forward in the NBA for years to come.
#55. COREY KISPERT — Washington Wizards
Previous Ranking: 45th (↓ 10)
Position: F
Age: 25
Measurements: 6’7”, 220
Season: 4th
Drafted: 15th Overall (2021)
Rucker: It’s always been interesting to see the development of Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert. At times, Kispert has shown the ability to be a versatile offensive talent. He’s been a double-digit per game scoring forward who has flirted in the mid-30s to low-40s from downtown. Kispert has always seemed like a potential second-team breakout candidate. For now, though, he’s continued to play his role to an effective level for the Wizards.
#56. NIKOLA JOVIC — Miami Heat
Previous Ranking: 60th (↑ 4)
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’10”, 209
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 27th Overall (2022)
Ignacio: In his third year in the league, Jovic has established himself as a steady presence off the bench for the Heat—mainly with his combination of size, three-point shooting, and ability to move the ball and play within the flow of the offense. The Serbian forward is averaging nearly 10 points per game while shooting 36% from three-point range, and he should be a valuable piece for any team that is looking for a four with optimal size who can also space the floor.
#57. TRE MANN — Charlotte Hornets
Previous Ranking: 54th (↓ 3)
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’3”, 178
Season: 4th
Drafted: 18th Overall (2021)
Rucker: It’s been a fantastic year for Tre Mann, who looks to be reinventing his NBA upside as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. After being stuck on a stacked Oklahoma City Thunder roster, Mann was shipped off to Charlotte and has found a way to make himself a valuable piece with his new team. The offensive game has started to really pop and the efficiency has been a pleasant surprise as well. Mann won’t be overtaking the starting lineup any time soon with LaMelo Ball in town, but he’s become an important piece for this young Hornets team moving forward.
#58. KOBE BUFKIN — Atlanta Hawks
Previous Ranking: 59th (↑ 1)
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’4”, 195
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 15th Overall (2023)
Rowan: Few things can dull the buzz and shine of a prospect like a string of tough injuries. Bufkin came out of Michigan looking like a well-rounded guard chock full of upside who could play in his rookie year and still develop, but that hasn’t been the case. He dealt with nagging injuries and bounced between the Hawks and their G-League affiliate last year, never finding his footing in either. Due to those inconsistencies, he couldn’t show off the same ball-hawking defense or driving abilities that made him a touted prospect. This season was a bit of a different story, as Bufkin was able to carve out a slightly larger role in Atlanta, but it’s had a dud of an ending with his season-ending shoulder surgery. Unless he comes back and shoots much better than he has in either season, Bufkin’s opportunity in Atlanta may end sooner than many thought.
#59. VINCE WILLIAMS JR. — Memphis Grizzlies
Previous Ranking: 55th (↓ 4)
Position: G
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’4”, 205
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 47th Overall (2022)
Stephen: Vince Williams Jr. had a breakout year, of sorts, last season. He has missed a ton of time this year due to an ankle injury, only playing in three games. His absence hasn’t stifled the Grizzlies from being one of the better teams in the Western Conference, though. With solid contributions coming from Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey in their rookie years, the question does arise: how much of a role does Williams Jr. have to come back to? His playmaking and defense should be enough to see playing time–especially if Memphis makes a consolidation trade prior to the deadline. The hope would be that Vince can continue to be the 37% shooter from deep that he was last season.
#60. PEYTON WATSON — Denver Nuggets
Previous Ranking: Unranked
Position: F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’7”, 200
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 30th Overall (2022)
Rucker: We’re continuing to take baby steps when it comes to the long-term upside that third-year wing Peyton Watson possesses. Playing alongside a roster full of veterans, Watson has continued to showcase his ability to be an intriguing piece for the Nuggets moving forward. His numbers have started to slowly come, as expected with extended minutes. The hope for Denver is that Watson will have another level of two to unlock with his game. If the outside shot can continue to trend in the right direction, he’s going to be a player who could become dangerous on the court in a hurry.