The NBA Rookie Scale Big Board
The No Ceilings crew introduces the first edition of their Rookie Scale Big Board.
WELCOME, HOOPS SICKOS!
We’re kicking off peak basketball season with a brand-new kind of Big Board here at No Ceilings, and it’s unlike anything we’ve done before. While we all love a classic NBA Draft Big Board focused on the next wave of NBA talent, this board takes a deeper look at players who are currently in the league, playing on their rookie contract1, navigating the steep learning curve from prospect to pro.
This board isn’t meant as 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 to just 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 monthly to capture each player’s progression through the NBA season.
Remember, we’re still very early on in the NBA season, and these rankings are fluid and evolving. We look forward to you joining us as we embark on this journey, monitoring the league’s best prospects throughout the 2024-25 NBA season and beyond.
Name: Victor Wembanyama
Position: C
Age: 20
Measurements: 7’3”, 235
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 1st Overall (2023)
Nathan: We’re all incredibly lucky to get to witness the ascension of one Victor Wembanyama AKA “The Alien” this season for the San Antonio Spurs. With a 5x5 game already in his back pocket this year (his second in his young career), Wembanyama has continued his dominant productivity on the defensive side of the ball while showing some more passing chops at the top of the floor.
The shooting still remains something that will have to come along from an efficiency standpoint, but Wembanyama’s overall growth has helped the Spurs fair much more competitively than one may have expected this early in the season.
Name: Chet Holmgren
Position: F/C
Age: 22
Measurements: 7’1”, 208
Season: 2nd*
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2022)
Corey: Chet Holmgren has carried the momentum from his impressive rookie season into a standout sophomore year, establishing himself not just as one of the best young prospects, but as one of the most impactful players in the league. Currently ranked eleventh in EPM per Dunks & Threes, Holmgren has made his presence felt on both ends of the court, averaging nearly three blocks per game to lock down the paint while also scoring efficiently near the rim and stretching the floor to facilitate space for OKC’s guards to get consistent paint touches. Holmgren’s fierce competitiveness and game-changing performances have propelled OKC to an undefeated start to the season.
Name: Paolo Banchero
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’10”, 250
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 1st Overall (2022)
Nick: The season has unfortunately gone in a brutal direction for Paolo Banchero, as he was the first big injury domino to fall after tearing his right oblique five games into the season. Before that injury, though, Banchero was taking a big Year Three leap into the All-NBA stratosphere after a wildly impressive All-Star campaign last season. Banchero was the first player to put up a 50-point outing this season, and he appeared to have improved his efficiency both as a scorer and a playmaker this season by simply bully-ball charging his way through anyone foolish enough to stand in his way. The injury is expected to sideline Banchero for four to six weeks, but it shouldn’t have an impact on his long-term trajectory—which continues to be that of one of the future superstars of the NBA.
Name: Jalen Williams
Position: G/F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’5”, 195
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 12th Overall (2022)
Rucker: It’s difficult not to find yourself in a dangerous world when projecting the future for Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams. Since entering the league, “J-Dub” has become the versatile piece needed for OKC to reach another stratosphere. Opponents have had to pick their poison when dealing with the Thunder, but Williams has become a deadly Robin to Batman, AKA Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s become a chess piece for the Thunder, offering the ability to play a wide range of roles offensively and giving the Thunder extreme creativity. With the defensive side of the ball continuing to process, Williams looks to be a talent that is destined for All-NBA team conversations for the foreseeable future.
Name: Evan Mobley
Position: F/C
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’11”, 215
Season: 4th
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2021)
Nathan: The Cleveland Cavaliers have a few reasons to thank for a brilliant start to the season, and one of them is surely the play of Evan Mobley. Now in his fourth season, Mobley seems to be taking more of the leap some may have expected from him earlier on the offensive side of the ball. Taking and making more threes than before, showing assertiveness as a ball handler in the halfcourt, and continuing to protect the rim and rotate out defensively, Mobley is a key cog in the machine that is the Cavaliers, and one of the very best young players across the NBA landscape looking to capitalize on a star-level leap.
Name: Cade Cunningham
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’6”, 220
Season: 4th
Drafted: 1st Overall (2021)
Metcalf: Despite the inconsistent start to his career, Cade Cunningham still has all the tools to be a franchise cornerstone. In the past, Cunningham has proven that he can dictate an offense and organize everything. However, the utter lack of spacing and wonky roster construction has led to erratic and inefficient results. We’re only a few games into this season, and we’re already seeing the benefits of putting shooters on the floor with Cunningham. The improved spacing has helped Cunningham maintain the impressive playmaking numbers that he has had throughout his career, but it has also helped generate better looks for himself as he is on pace for the most efficient scoring year of his career. Turnovers continue to plague Cunningham, but nearly everything else with his game has improved.
Name: Scottie Barnes
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’7”, 227
Season: 4th
Drafted: 4th Overall (2021)
Albert: It’s hard to believe, but it’s already Year Four for Scottie Barnes. After the exodus of the last remnants of the 2019 Championship squad, Scottie Barnes is now the main man in Toronto. After being limited to only 60 games last season, Barnes is now leading a young squad with some fellow youthful co-stars in Gradey Dick, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett. Scottie is easy to love due to his versatility on both ends of the floor, the way he fills out a stat sheet, and the fact that he plays with a fiery passion at all times. The area of growth we want to continue to see is the outside shooting. He showed a lot of growth in that area last season with the uptick in three-point attempts per game and the highest shooting percentage from out there in his young career. If Barnes can continue to solidify his outside jumper, the blend of play-making and ball-handling skills for a guy his size will take his offensive potential through the roof.
Name: Brandon Miller
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’9”, 201
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2023)
Rowan: After one of the more controversial prospect duels in recent history, Brandon Miller one-upped Scoot Henderson on his way to being the second player selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, AKA the Victor Wembanyama draft. Since that point, all that Miller has done is showcase the qualities that made him such a coveted draft prospect. Miller’s a long, slim, aggressive wing who’s wired to score in clusters and contribute on both ends. His long wingspan helps his release point, ability to contest shots, and propensity in the passing lanes. As a pure scorer, there’s little that Miller can’t do on the court, as he’s a lethal shooter from deep, has a developed bag to get his shot, and has vastly improved as a finisher. Despite a slow start to his season due to a minor injury, Miller still profiles both as one of the best young wings in the NBA and as the perfect future running mate for fellow Hornets star LaMelo Ball. Given Miller’s developmental trajectory, however, if he adds to his creation for others and his free-throw rate, Ball could soon become the co-star in Charlotte.
Name: Franz Wagner
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’10”, 225
Season: 4th
Drafted: 8th Overall (2021)
Maxwell: It’s hard to find a more prototypical modern forward than Franz Wagner. The 23-year-old boasts supreme positional size at 6’10” and 220 pounds. This does wonders on the defensive end, where his size and mobility enable him to guard multiple positions. His high level of feel also enables him to help and make plays off the ball. That sense of the floor carries over to the offensive end. Wagner has an exceptionally polished dribble game for his size and has no problem finding open teammates while creating. A dip in three-point percentage last season (28.1% from deep) may have hindered his perception. So far this season, his confidence hasn’t waivered, and he’s seeing positive results yet again. He’ll also get a chance to run the show for the Magic during Paolo Banchero’s absence, during which time he may further boost his stock. Even if he can’t make it work as a lead initiator, Wagner’s sublime combination of size and complementary skills make him exceptionally valuable.
Name: Alperen Sengun
Position: C
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’11”, 235
Season: 4th
Drafted: 16th Overall, 2021
Ignacio: In his third season in the league, Sengun became the leading scorer for a Rockets team that has shown consistent improvement since he was drafted by the team in 2021. At just 21 years old, the Turkish center has developed into a prolific post scorer who can also make an impact with his in-between game, showing a tremendous combination of footwork and touch to convert tough runners, hook shots, and floaters.
Sengun also makes an impact with his playmaking for others. He averaged 5.0 assists per game to just 2.6 turnovers during his 2023-24 campaign, but his impact as a passer goes beyond the numbers, as he’s able to truly create open shots for teammates with his advanced vision and creative deliveries.
Name: Jalen Johnson
Position: F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’9”, 220
Season: 4th
Drafted: 20th Overall (2021)
Metcalf: Jalen Johnson broke out in a big way last season, and it looks like it wasn’t a fluke season. Johnson has always had immense potential and impressive physical tools, but he always struggled to consistently piece everything together until last year. At 6’8” and still a few months away from turning 23, Johnson is exactly the type of wing who deserves a high ranking on this list and is someone NBA teams all dream of
getting. Unfortunately, Johnson has yet to find his outside shot this season, but it’d be shocking if it doesn’t turn around soon. Johnson continues to be a menace on the boards and an impactful defender. The fascinating growth with his game so far this season, though, is the passing. Johnson has taken a leap with his passing accuracy and processing speed, and it adds an entirely new dimension to his and Atlanta’s offense.
Name: Keegan Murray
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’8”, 215
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 4th Overall (2022)
Nick: While the Sacramento Kings gave up very little in terms of short-term assets to bring in DeMar DeRozan this past offseason, there was one player who was seemingly most affected by the move: Keegan Murray. After starting his NBA career as a shooting threat who struggled to defend effectively in the first few months of his career, Murray started to figure it out defensively over the last few months of his rookie season. Last year, Murray saw fewer of his long-range shots fall but took a huge leap on the defensive end, stepping up to guard everyone from Steph Curry to Victor Wembanyama, and he looked good doing it. So far this season, Murray has gotten more freedom to explore the studio space offensively (even with more shots being shifted DeMar DeRozan’s way), showcasing some of the post-up/mid-range skills that he showcased for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Additionally, Murray has been tasked with covering much larger players defensively, as the Kings have leaned on him heavily to cover up defensive holes elsewhere on the roster. Murray’s shot from distance hasn’t fallen as much as he and the team might have hoped for in the early going, but he has been vital to the Kings early in the season due to his versatility. The Kings are +14.1 points per 100 possessions better than opponents with Murray on the court to start the season, and they -25.1 points per possession when he sits. That ludicrous +39.2 points per 100 possessions on/off gap won’t stay that way all season, but it is indicative of just how important Murray is to Sacramento’s success.
Name: Dereck Lively II
Position: C
Age: 20
Measurements: 7’1”, 230
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 12th Overall (2023)
Maxwell: Dereck Lively II provided an immediate impact for the Mavericks during his rookie season. Offensively, Lively never bites off more than he can chew, leading to exceptional efficiency marks. He gets off the floor well and has a gigantic catch radius, making him one of the league’s premier lob targets. His passing, particularly out of the short roll and after offensive rebounds, has continued to be a bright spot. He’s keenly aware of his surroundings at all times. That floor mapping shows up defensively, where his top-of-the-line ground coverage and timing make him an excellent shot blocker. Sure, he’s bouncy and long-limbed, but it’s Lively’s timing and anticipation that take his game to another level. He’s one of the most scheme-versatile big men you can find on the defensive end. It would be nice if Lively added some strength or more dimensions to his scoring arsenal. But even if those facets of his game never come along, he’s good enough at the important things to provide value to NBA teams for a very long time.
Name: Jalen Suggs
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’5”, 205
Season: 4th
Drafted: 5th overall (2021)
Nick: When Jalen Suggs was drafted fifth overall by the Orlando Magic in 2021, he was expected to be someone who might one day have the keys to the Magic offense. Instead, he has been much more Marcus Smart than Penny Hardaway, struggling offensively early on but finding a home on the defensive end. Suggs was rewarded by the Magic with a five-year, $150.5 million extension just before the 2024-25 season, and he was rewarded by the league with a berth on the 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Second Team. In the early going of this season, Suggs has taken on a larger offensive role, which should continue with Paolo Banchero watching from the sidelines for at least another month. Suggs took a huge step forward as a shooter last year, launching 5.1 3PA per game and canning 39.7% of them. He’s up to 7.0 3PA per game in the early going, and he is knocking them down at a 35.7% clip. If he continues to provide off-ball offensive value as a shooter while attacking the rim on-ball and causing chaos defensively, he could add more hardware to his collection at the end of this season.
Name: Amen Thompson
Position: G/F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’7”, 209
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 4th Overall (2023)
Corey: Heading into the draft, Amen Thompson was coveted for his game-breaking athleticism and offensive potential as a jumbo creator. Thompson’s athleticism immediately translated; however, Amen saw his role shift from primary ball-handler at OTE to Shawn Marion-esque Swiss Army knife as a Rocket. Thompson’s shooting remains an elephant in the room-sized question mark long term. However, his ability to impact the game as a quick decision-making, off-ball cutting, transition running, multi-position lockdown defender makes him one of the more intriguing young prospects in the league moving forward.
Name: Brandin Podziemski
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’5”, 205
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 19th Overall (2023)
Nathan: Without Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski has already had to prove he’s ready for a step forward in his ability to produce points and help balance the offense to set others up. Oh, and he’s also been a go-to shot-maker during Curry’s absence along with Buddy Hield, who is having a bit of a resurgence in his career. The shooting efficiency hasn’t been there, but Podziemski has stepped up to the task and was a big reason why the Golden State Warriors closed out the Houston Rockets in overtime on Saturday night. Plenty more great things to come from Mr. Podziemski.
Name: Jalen Green
Position: G
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’4”, 178
Season: 4th
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2021)
Nathan: Outside of a stinker against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, Jalen Green’s start to the season has been as sensational as one could expect for the Houston Rockets. The concerns regarding his finishing package inside the arc are still valid, but his three-point shooting is on quite the upward trajectory in terms of attempts and makes so far, not to mention he’s taken on the burden of being an overall top offensive option while stepping up his efforts defensively on the perimeter. This is the type of leap that Houston wants to see from Green moving forward; so far, he’s doing his part to deliver.
Name: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’6”, 225
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 18th Overall (2023)
Albert: After an outstanding rookie season where he was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is looking to take a leap in year two for the Miami Heat. A Lot of what Jaquez did in his rookie season to be successful wasn’t too far off from what he did in College. In more of a supporting role in South Beach, Jaquez showed his ability with the ball in his hands in spurts, played solid defense, and offered a ton of the intangibles that winning teams are looking for. Playing big minutes off the bench for the Heat, Jaquez is an exciting player for the current iteration of the roster and the future. Currently, Jaquez is asked to come off the bench and offer solid minutes on the wing for the Heat, both on and off the ball. JAquez’s future becomes interesting when you consider Jimmy Butler’s age, and Tyler Herro’s name continues to pop up in trade discussions. There could be a world where the Heat look to start a rebuild soon, with Jaquez at the center of their next chapter.
Name: Scoot Henderson
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’3”, 202
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2023)
Rucker: It wasn’t the ideal rookie season for Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard Scoot Henderson. After coming into the year with high aspirations, Henderson averaged 9.2 points per game in his first 11 games while shooting 35.1% from the field. Scoot bounced back and had a strong second half of the season, a promising development given the learning curve for one of the toughest positions in the NBA. This year, Henderson has started to look much more like the prospect version of himself that made him a Top 3 pick. As the game continues to slow down for Henderson, the talent and confidence will start to merge on the same path. He’s shown an improved ability to play with poise and pace, especially in the pick-and-roll game. If the in-between game continues to develop, Henderson will be a player who can start quickly taking leaps forward with his development.
Name: Bilal Coulibaly
Position: F
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’6”, 195
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 7th Overall (2023)
Ignacio: It’s hard to remember a quicker ascent through the professional ranks than Coulibaly’s, who was playing in the U21 French league less than two years ago. Coulibaly quickly became an important rotation piece off the bench for the Wizards last season with his versatile defense and his off-ball offense. This year, though, he has taken a massive leap, averaging 18.8 points per game on 59.1% from the field and 42.1% from three through his first four games of the season.
Coulibaly looks more comfortable as a shooter and has been more assertive at attacking the rim with his combination of size, quickness, and athleticism. He’s managed all of that while continuing to shine as an athletic perimeter defender whose combination of size, length, and mobility allows him to cover multiple positions and create defensive events at a solid rate.
With his scorching hot start to the season and his impact on both ends of the floor, Coulibaly is one of the most obvious candidates to continue to rise and outplay this ranking during the year.
Name: Reed Sheppard
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’2”, 185
Season: 1st
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2024)
Nathan: It’s no surprise that Reed Sheppard hasn’t seen the floor as much as some may have anticipated he might early on. The Houston Rockets are as deep as any team in the league, with proven veterans in front of him in the backcourt. That’s no slight to Sheppard’s talent, however, as the sharpshooter has a ton of potential as someone who can play on and off the ball around virtually any lineup combination coach Ime Udoka wants to put on the floor. Those looking for his two-man game to blossom around Alperen Sengun may have to wait a bit as the Rockets figure out its standing in the Western Conference. But there’s no denying Sheppard has a place in Houston’s future.
Name: Jabari Smith Jr.
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’11”, 220
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 3rd Overall (2022)
Maxwell: I’ve got to be honest—as someone who was extremely bullish on Jabari Smith Jr. coming out of college, the results have been a bit disappointing. Smith’s ability to create offense for himself and others hasn’t come along. His run-of-the-mill burst, handle, and functional leaping ability are likely going to hold him back from reaching a star level. While he set the nets on fire from three in college, he hasn’t been a knockdown sniper in the NBA. Additionally, his passing recognition is more mundane than impressive. Still, zooming out, there’s a lot to like about Smith. He’s still a 6’11” dude who can guard a variety of positions. He gets after it on the board. Smith also drilled 37.8% of his catch-and-shoot threes last season. Jabari Smith Jr. may not evolve into the player I hoped he would become coming out of Auburn. But the things he’s good at are of great importance and give him a real degree of utility at his size. At 21 years old, Smith still has plenty of time to take a leap. But even if he doesn’t, teams could do a lot worse than a jumbo floor spacer who defends and rebounds.
Name: Andrew Nembhard
Position: G
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’5”, 193
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 31st Overall (2022)
Nathan: Evaluators can’t sit here and say it’s been an exciting start to another season for newly-extended Andrew Nembhard. The Indiana Pacers are well aware of his shortcomings and a run out of the gate that wasn’t expected from a young, hungry group overall. Nembhard’s shooting slump is certainly something to monitor, but it’s tough to come down too hard on him due to his play through a small sample size. Nembhard contributed on a much larger stage through last year’s playoff run, where he had moments battling with Pascal Siakam as to who the most valuable Pacer was in that run. Let’s give the young man some grace and see where he’s at after the first quarter of the season as opposed to judgment calls through two weeks.
Name: Herb Jones
Position: F
Age: 26
Measurements: 6’8”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 35th Overall (2021)
Maxwell: Herbert Jones is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. His length and quickness make him a headache at the point-of-attack. Off the ball, he’s one of the premier defensive playmakers in the league. His timing and anticipation in passing lanes are out of this world. Jones does an exceptional job of reading the opposing offense, particularly out of ball screens, and finding ways to incite havoc. It’s hard to find this blend of motor, smarts, and tools. His career 2.5 STL% and 2.4 BLK% are tremendous marks. Offensively, Jones came into the league as a suspect shooter, but trustworthy decision-maker. During his first two seasons, he was respectable enough from deep to provide value. As a third-year player, though, Jones knocked down 41.8% of his threes on 5.8 attempts per 100 possessions. If he can remain that type of shooter, or even close to it, this ranking is likely too low. How well Jones shoots over the coming seasons will determine where he settles in the NBA hierarchy. Regardless, he’s proven himself to be a 30-team rotation player at worse, given his defensive play, feel, and willingness to take open shots.
Name: Jonathan Kuminga
Position: F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’8”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 7th Overall (2021)
Rowan: After he was drafted by an organization that both wanted to contend and simultaneously develop young players, the first few years of Jonathan Kuminga’s career were rockier than most. He languished on the bench before finally breaking through in his third year, seemingly earning Steve Kerr’s trust in the rotation. There are few forwards with the raw combination of athleticism and strength that Kuminga brings at the wing position, which he finally put to good use on offense. Kuminga’s nose for the rim and improved free-throw numbers led to him finishing third on the Warriors in scoring per game, which was pivotal in the team’s push for the playoffs last season. Kuminga’s defense is also a feather in his cap, as his lateral quickness, instincts, and reflexes are all major tools at his disposal in both wing and interior defense. The true X-factor for Kuminga will be his shooting, as he’s a career 33.8% shooter from deep. If that part of his game comes together, there won’t be anything to hold him back from ascending toward NBA stardom.
Name: Trey Murphy III
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’8”, 206
Season: 4th
Drafted: 17th Overall (2021)
Corey: There may not be a more underrated young prospect than Trey Murphy III. At 6’10”, Murphy is the epitome of 3-and-D, knocking down a career 39.2% of his threes and guarding multiple positions, seamlessly fitting into the lineup as the perfect compliment aside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. While Murphy has proven impactful in his role, it begs the question if there may be a Mikal Bridges-like leap for the big wing if the Pels decide to move on from Ingram in the near future.
Name: Jaden Ivey
Position: G
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’4”, 195
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 5th Overall (2022)
Metcalf: Few players are having a breakout season like Jaden Ivey is. Ivey is now experiencing his third head coach and second front office, and it’s the first time that either party seems to have an inkling of how to properly use him. Ivey has been incredibly aggressive with getting downhill and eliminating inefficient mid-range jumpers from his game. The Pistons’ improved spacing has helped Cunningham, but it’s had a similar effect on Ivey. He’s constantly collapsing the defense, finishing at the rim, drawing fouls, and creating for teammates. On top of that, his defense looks to be improved, and he’s shooting the lights out from outside when he’s left open. The shooting is bound to regress in some form or fashion, but the process and tendency adjustments that Ivey has made to his game feel very sustainable.
Name: Donovan Clingan
Position: C
Age: 20
Measurements: 7’2”, 280
Season: 1st
Drafted: 7th Overall (2024)
Metcalf: Donovan Clingan is looking exactly like we hoped he would. Clingan is still playing limited minutes, but it looks pretty clear that he is a force in the making. Clingan’s offensive role has been extremely simplified where he’s essentially asked to just screen, rim run, and offensive rebound. These aren’t crazy asks, but he’s doing them all at an extremely high level. Defensively, Clingan is an absolute monster on
the interior, as his block rate of 5.8% is higher than those of Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gobert, and Chet Holmgren. Clingan is playing really aggressive drop coverage that will need to evolve eventually (the defensive three second rule may also become an issue for him), but for now, he is doing a fantastic job of controlling the paint.
Name: Jalen Duren
Position: C
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’10”, 250
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 13th Overall (2022)
Rowan: In many ways, Jalen Duren is one of the more frustratingly sublime young players to watch in the NBA. For every massive swat, engulfed rebound, or monster dunk that Duren throws down, there’s an accompanying turnover, missed defensive rotation, or play that lacks the requisite effort. When he’s locked in, few players in the NBA can adequately match up against Duren’s combination of horizontal and vertical athleticism. His leaping abilities make him a feared rebounder, shot swatter, and finisher by the hoop. It’s the other areas of his game where Duren needs to improve his craft to earn NBA stardom. Duren’s still a total non-shooter with tough free-throw percentages to boot, has improved as a pure passer but not as a positive ball-mover on offense, and still has a ghastly turnover percentage for a big man who’s predominantly a play-finisher. If Duren can ever clean up some of the negative elements of his game, he’d rightfully earn his keep as one of the better centers in the NBA due to what he’s good at instead.
Name: Bennedict Mathurin
Position: G/F
Age: 22
Measurements: 6’6”, 210
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 6th Overall (2022)
Nick: Maybe it’s because he didn’t score quite as much in Year Two, but Bennedict Mathurin slid under the radar for most of last season despite the Indiana Pacers putting the league on notice with their Conference Finals appearance. That’s mainly because Mathurin missed the close of the season and the Indiana playoff run with a torn labrum, but the buzz around Mathurin had already been quieter than it was following his fourth-place finish in the Rookie of the Year voting. When healthy, Mathurin did take strides forward last season with his consistency on both ends of the floor. That growth is paying off this season, as Mathurin has been sparklingly efficient for a Pacers squad that has scuffled a bit in the early going, with an excellent 64.2% True Shooting Percentage through his seven games. If the Pacers return to the elite-of-the-elite offensive echelon that they reached last year, they will need to continue to lean on Mathurin to pour in buckets off the bench—just like he has since he hit the ground running in his rookie season.
Name: Ausar Thompson
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’7”, 215
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 5th Overall (2023)
Rucker: There were plenty of promising flashes throughout his rookie year for Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson. A versatile defensive asset with a strong feel for the game offensively, Thompson still has outstanding tools and potential. His rookie season was cut short due to a blood clot, and the 21-year-old has yet to appear in a game this year as he is waiting for medical clearance. Developing the outside shot on a consistent basis will allow Thompson the possibility of reaching another platform when discussing his upside. He’s a high IQ player who understands how to find ways on the court to make winning plays.
Name: Alex Sarr
Position: F/C
Age: 19
Measurements: 7’0”, 205
Season: 1st
Drafted: 2nd Overall (2024)
Ignacio: Alex Sarr, the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been as advertised—both for good and for bad. The scoring has been a work in progress, with Sarr having just four dunks and averaging just 0.73 points per possession on layups, which shows his lack of elite vertical pop off a standstill and his lack of elite touch in a hurry. However, the defense has been incredible for a 19-year-old rookie, with Sarr averaging 2.8 blocks per game and holding opponents to just 35.7% shooting at the rim, according to Synergy.
Sarr has taken twice as many jump shots as he has shots at the rim, which indicates that he’s still looking for his optimal role in the league and that the Wizards see him as a perimeter player more than an interior force. The flashes of ball-handling in space, situational passing, and shooting off the catch are there. Even if the offense is yet to come around, the defense has been too good during the initial stretch of the season to think Sarr won’t become a positive contributor for a winning team down the line.
Name: Cason Wallace
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’4”, 193
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 10th Overall (2023)
Albert: Heading into his rookie season, the general public had an idea of Cason Wallace’s defensive acumen and impact. After a rock-solid rookie season where he was able to show off his impact on the defensive side of the ball, Wallace really impressed many with his ability on offense. In his time coming off the bench, Wallace showed off his ability to handle the ball and some of his underrated passing ability. He also took just under three three-pointers per game and hit at an excellent rate of 41.9%. Wallace is in the perfect situation to grow at his own pace. He’ll have every opportunity to continue cultivating his support-role skills on a star-studded Thunder roster. Wallace’s outlook as a versatile defensive weapon and potential as a second or third option one day is what keeps his stock very high with us at No Ceilings. In year two, he’s already showing off more of his defensive playmaking with an early uptick in steals. If his shooting and offensive skills continue to trend in the right direction, it might be difficult for the Thunder to keep him out of closing lineups, even with the stars they have on their squad.
Name: Shaedon Sharpe
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’6”, 200
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 7th Overall (2022)
Rucker: In a league that is always looking for the next exciting wing that can offer offensive firepower, Shaedon Sharpe is that dude. Sharpe is a bucket-getting machine that looks to be trying to knock down a wall toward unlocking the next level of his upside. When on the court, Sharpe looks to be a force offensively. He’s a high-level athlete with a smooth stroke from outside, and he is starting to develop the in-between game. Sharpe showcased some encouraging developments as a playmaker last year, which is going to be another huge part of his game to unlock. After only playing 32 games last year, as well as being sidelined with an injury to start the 2024-25 season, Sharpe is someone who can climb these rankings rapidly if he can get on the court and get important developmental reps throughout the year.
Name: Stephon Castle
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’6”, 215
Season: 1st
Drafted: 4th Overall (2024)
Rucker: Former UConn guard Stephon Castle impressed plenty of scouts with his ability to make winning plays. Castle has great size and positional versatility on both sides of the ball. The offensive game is patient, as Castle understands how to find mismatches and work to get to his spots on the floor. Landing in San Antonio should be a tremendous fit for both parties. Castle might not turn any heads with his production as a rookie, but he’s going to be a player that makes more of an impact early than the box scores will show. The early returns have been promising, especially with his ability defensively. With time, the rest of the pieces should fall into place, making Castle a high-level piece who can contribute to winning in various ways.
Name: Austin Reaves
Position: G
Age: 26
Measurements: 6’5”, 206
Season: 4th
Drafted: Undrafted (2021)
Rucker: Not many times do you find an undrafted free agent who becomes a crucial part of an organization. That’s exactly the case when it comes to Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. After going undrafted in 2021, Reaves joined the Lakers as a free agent and has been a tremendous find ever since. Reaves has continued to improve each year when it comes to his play on the court and his numbers across the board. As the years have gone on, so have the minutes for Reaves, who has become a key part of the Lakers. Reaves has been an offensive weapon, offering the ability to make plays as a scorer and distributor. The 26-year-old continues to take his game to new levels and has started off the 2024-25 season on another impressive run.
Name: Jeremy Sochan
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’8”, 230
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 9th Overall (2022)
Nick: Jeremy Sochan’s growth will be put on pause for a while, as he will have surgery to repair the fractured left thumb he suffered in Monday night’s game against the Clippers and currently has no timetable to return. The injury could not have come at a worse time, as Sochan had just started to break out in Year Three in San Antonio, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in the early going. Sochan’s playmaking was taxed too heavily as the de facto point guard for much of last season, but he’s an excellent playmaker for his position when he plays in the frontcourt. He clearly earned Gregg Popovich’s trust early on in his rookie year, and he seems to be a foundational building block for this young Spurs squad. If he can continue to develop as a shooter and find ways to make plays on both ends of the floor once he returns from his injury, he will have every opportunity to prove that his success early on this season is simply a sign of great things to come.
Name: Josh Giddey
Position: G
Age: 22
Measurements: 6'8”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 6th Overall (2021)
Ignacio: Despite the Thunder’s rebuild outpacing his development as a player, Josh Giddey has certainly improved every year since entering the league. The Australian guard was one of the bright spots of a 24-58 Thunder squad that was equal parts “incredibly fun” and “not very good” that season, making an impact with his equally precise and creative passing and his better-than-advertised scoring package. Giddey made slight improvements as a shooter and scorer around the basket in the years since, but the defensive limitations, which tie into his lack of elite lateral quickness, will probably put a hard cap on his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Still, Giddey’s combination of size, elite playmaking ability, and improved multi-level scoring should continue to make him a valuable rotation piece for many teams in the league.
Name: Walker Kessler
Position: C
Age: 23
Measurements: 7’0”, 245
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 22nd Overall (2022)
Nathan: It’s been a weird two seasons for Walker Kessler in Utah. After an All-Rookie campaign for the Jazz, Kessler found himself in a difficult limbo with John Collins coming in last season and shuffling up the depth chart by the hand of Will Hardy. Now in his third season, Kessler seemingly is bouncing back and contributing his usual collection of points, rebounds, and blocks. However, the Jazz have been the worst team in the NBA by a mile through the league’s first handful of games, and I’m not sure how much credit I can give to Kessler despite his willingness to show up and defend. He’s a play-finisher at the end of the day, so a lot of the offensive struggles can’t be left at his doorstep. However, the Jazz also rate dead last in defensive rating, and not all of that blame can be pointed in the direction of the backcourt. It will be interesting to monitor if Kessler can help Utah get back on track over the next few weeks.
Name: Tari Eason
Position: F
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’8”, 216
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 17th Overall (2022)
Nick: Tari Eason was (if this can be said about anyone) one of the breakout stars of Summer League after the Houston Rockets took him with the 17th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. It became pretty apparent, pretty quickly, that Eason’s chaos creation and defensive playmaking would translate directly from LSU to the NBA. Eason was a part of Houston’s rotation immediately, playing in all 82 games in Year One while averaging 9.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 21.5 minutes per contest. Eason missed much of last season with a leg injury, but he put up very similar stats in 21.8 minutes per game in Year Two. So far this season, Eason is averaging…21.1 minutes per game. The pieces and expectations around him in Houston have changed pretty dramatically, so in some ways, it’s a good sign for Eason that he has remained in the exact same spot in the rotation. He’s shown more as a weak-side shot-blocker in the early going, and he’s also taking and making threes at career-high rates in the absurdly small sample size of the early season. Eason has established a pretty clear floor as a rotation-level defensive chaos creator; if he can shoot at a high level, he might take Dillon Brooks’s spot in the starting lineup in the long term. Even if he doesn’t, though, it’s a huge luxury for Houston to have a versatile defensive chess piece to bring in off the bench to support their budding offensive superstars.
Name: Anthony Black
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’7”, 198
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 6th Overall (2023)
Rucker: The Orlando Magic have continued to be a team on the rise in the Eastern Conference. Despite the impressive pieces on the roster, the potential for young guard Anthony Black continues to be tremendous. Black came on as a rookie and impressed with his defensive ability and development offensively off the ball. He continues to look like a player who is starting to slowly put the pieces together. Time and reps will be crucial for Black, as he has the ability to be an important asset for this organization for years to come. The outside shot continues to trend in the right direction, and it seems as if it’s only a matter of time before the game continues to slow down for the versatile guard.
Name: Cam Thomas
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’4”, 210
Season: 4th
Drafted: 27th Overall (2021)
Rowan: The label of “pure scorer” has almost become derogatory for a player, as in the present, it represents a shot-chucker who can’t bring much else to the table. For better or worse, Cam Thomas is the epitome of a pure scorer, and for the first time in his career, he’s getting to show that off fully for the Nets. After finally earning a starting spot last season, Thomas has continued his meteoric rise as an NBA scorer, topping 20 points per game this and last season while sitting at twelfth in scoring across the whole league this year. Thomas has a dynamite handle, a great burst, and similarly stellar deceleration, all of which make him a major threat to drive downhill or stop on a dime for a pull-up jumper. His three-point shooting is solid, albeit strained by his lack of size for the shooting guard position, and he’s upped his foul-drawing to near-star levels this season. For Thomas to climb these rankings, however, he’d need to start to do anything other than score, which he hasn’t shown so far. Whether it be running an offense or committing to playing some type of defense, diversification is what holds Thomas back from escaping his label and slapping on a stamp of stardom instead.
Name: Zaccharie Risacher
Position: F
Age: 19
Measurements: 6’9”, 200
Season: 1st
Drafted: 1st Overall (2024)
Nathan: Detractors would say that the 2024 NBA Draft class has come to a screeching halt right out of the gate from a scoring standpoint. I wouldn’t necessarily argue that point, especially from an efficiency standpoint, but that’s why box score and advanced numbers are difficult to judge any rookie on, let alone a handful of games in. Zaccharie Risacher had a solid outing in a home-and-home with the Washington Wizards from an offensive standpoint, but I’ve seen glimpses of real on and off-ball defensive upside from him already on the short season. Those tools were what kept scouts engaged with his play overseas in France, even when his shots didn’t go in. Look for Risacher to continue to gain trust from Quin Snyder and the coaching staff if his efforts on that side of the ball remain consistent.
Name: Keyonte George
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’4”, 185
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 16th Overall (2023)
Rucker: It was about as impressive of a rookie year as you could hope for when it came to Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George. After a serious physical transformation before the 2023 NBA Draft, George spent the majority of his rookie year running the show in the backcourt, showcasing his impressive playmaking ability and scoring firepower. The offensive weaponry will always be there for George. The next step will be continuing to develop the in-between game, as well as becoming more efficient from the perimeter. George continues to have the potential to be a franchise building block for the Jazz and will be a name to watch to see how long it takes before that next step of his development is unlocked.
Name: Corey Kispert
Position: F
Age: 25
Measurements: 6’7”, 220
Season: 4th
Drafted: 15th Overall (2021)
Nick: The Washington Wizards have their eyes solidly on the future in the early season, as expected. Rookies Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George have all started in the early going, and Carrington and Sarr will probably start for the rest of the season; George will take a step back after Kyle Kuzma returns, but seems to still be in line for major minutes. Either way, the rookies and Bilal Coulibaly appear to have leapfrogged Corey Kispert in terms of their perceived importance to the franchise, as Kispert has come off the bench in all six games for the Wizards. It hasn’t helped that Kispert has been ice-cold to start the year, with brutal 38/26/83 shooting splits in the early going. The shooting will pick up; Kispert is a career 38.3% shooter from distance, and his combination of shooting touch and wing size is valuable enough to earn minutes in any NBA rotation. The real question is whether he can turn it around and become an elite sixth man for the Wizards—or whether he’ll be on the move to a contending team in need of shooting by the time the trade deadline rolls around.
Name: Dyson Daniels
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’8”, 195
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 8th Overall (2022) (New Orleans Pelicans)
Rucker: After starting his career out with the New Orleans Pelicans, Dyson Daniels found himself traded to the Atlanta Hawks this past offseason. We’ve seen plenty of players over the years who start to find their confidence after finding their second team in the NBA. Daniels impressed this offseason during his play in the Olympics for Australia. Despite flashes with the Pelicans, Daniels found himself in a logjam and never unlocked consistent playing time. He’s already started to look like the player that many thought of when he was a prospect, showcasing tremendous defensive ability and versatility for the Hawks. If Daniels continues on this path, he’s going to become a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Hawks, given his versatility and ability to impact in a variety of roles.
Name: Zach Edey
Position: C
Age: 22
Measurements: 7’4”, 305
Season: 1st
Drafted: 9th Overall (2024)
Corey: Zach Edey’s game has faced skepticism for years, but that perception is shifting following his strong performances in the Summer League and preseason. Edey has earned the starting center role for Memphis and has proven to be a formidable presence in the paint, even against NBA-sized competition. The Canadian big man has strung together several impressive performances, dominating the boards, finishing efficiently in the post, and setting bone-crushing screens that give Ja Morant momentum to drive downhill. While Edey is still adjusting to defend in space and managing fouls, the mainstream belief in his long-term potential has undeniably turned in his favor.
Name: Jarace Walker
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’8”, 240
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 8th Overall (2023)
Austin: During the 2023 draft cycle, Jarace Walker was hyped up as a top-ten pick due to his athleticism, defensive instincts, and mix of craftiness and power as a driver/cutter. And while he didn’t see a ton of playing time for the Pacers last year, averaging just 10.3 minutes per night in 33 games, Walker’s potential is absolutely still there. He has the strength and athleticism to guard almost any position on the court, and that versatility sets him apart from some of the other young guns on this Pacers team. Walker’s offensive game is admittedly a work in progress. He impacts the game on that end most by moving off-ball, cutting, and finishing, but adding a more consistent outside shot would be huge for his chance to play as a three or four in the NBA—at 6’8”, the path for him to play center is a murky, albeit not impossible one to follow. Shooting was an issue in college as well, but he showed promise, and development into a John Collins or Jerami Grant-type player is still in the cards for Walker.
Name: Trayce Jackson-Davis
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’9”, 245
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 57th Overall (2023)
Nick: Plenty of scouts around the world put their heads in their hands when the Golden State Warriors had Indiana star big man Trayce Jackson-Davis fall into their laps with the 57th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Jackson-Davis proved those fears right very quickly, earning a roster spot before the season began and earning his first starting nod before the season reached the halfway point. So far in the early going this season, TJD has started all seven games for the 6-1 Warriors, knocking down 73.2% of his shots and putting up 9.4 points and 2.6 assists per game in just 18.7 minutes per contest. His elite vertical pop allows him to be a serious rim deterrent despite lacking true center size at 6’9”, and his incredible passing gifts are a perfect fit for Golden State’s motion offense. There aren’t many better fits between player and team anywhere in the NBA; Jackson-Davis could certainly have exceeded expectations on a different team as well, but he ended up in the perfect situation with the Warriors and has taken full advantage of the opportunity.
Name: G.G. Jackson
Position: F
Age: 19
Measurements: 6’9”, 215
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 45th Overall (2023)
Austin: While we haven’t seen any of Jackson so far this season thanks to a broken bone in his foot that required surgery and will keep him out until at least the beginning of December, the Grizzlies’ forward had an incredible rookie season last year after being the youngest player in the 2023 draft class. GG brings a dynamic combination of size and shooting to Memphis’ roster, which remains a little thin in the frontcourt with Jackson injured despite what might turn out to be a breakout year for center Jay Huff and fairly consistent production so far on the parts of Santi Aldama and Jake LaRavia. Jackson is a typical, versatile modern forward—he’ll grab boards, shoot threes (he took six per game last season), and be an effective switchable defender. A lot of Jackson’s improvement this year and next will boil down to decision-making and ball-handling —two things that often come along naturally as a player gains more experience in the NBA—and improved consistency from three. What doesn’t need any improvement is Jackson’s confidence, though: he took 12 shots a night last year as an 18/19-year-old. Impressive.
Name: Mark Williams
Position: C
Age: 22
Measurements: 7’0”, 240
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 15th Overall (2022)
Rucker: When Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams has been on the court, he’s been one of the most impressive young centers in the NBA. Williams was looking like he was on the verge of a breakout year during the 2023-24 season, averaging 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds before suffering an injury and missing the remainder of the season. The talent and tools are obvious. Williams is a force on the boards with tremendous length and fantastic anticipation defensively as a shot blocker. Health will be the only thing holding back the big man from becoming a force in the middle for years. Williams suffered a foot injury before the preseason and is expected to return to the lineup soon. If he can return and stay healthy, he will be a name that can make noise in the ranks as a player on the rise.
Name: Christian Braun
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’6”, 218
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 21st Overall (2022)
Rowan: Until now, Christian Braun has pleasantly served as one of the few reliable cogs in Denver’s bench machine. He’s used his great athleticism to generate transition looks, been a dogged perimeter defender, and even sparkled in some limited offensive opportunities in the playoffs. With the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, however, the door has opened not only for Braun to start for the Nuggets but also to ascend in these rankings. He’s already more than doubled his scoring this season, hitting a career-high from deep at 42.1% on three threes a game. Braun’s also taking and making more twos and free throws, cementing his development as a more polished scorer. When you throw in his improved defensive numbers that back up his usually good tape, Braun appears to be meeting his opportunity at the best possible time. Whether he can maintain his level of play will be critical, especially given his deficiencies as a passer. Still, Braun not only has the opportunity to lock down a starting spot for a contending team but could also start to flesh out his game in ways few expected before.
Name: Cam Whitmore
Position: F
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’7”, 232
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 20th Overall (2023)
Rucker: It doesn’t take long to get overly excited about the raw potential that Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore has. After a “strange” draft day slide, Whitmore fell into the laps of the Rockets with the 20th overall selection. Whitmore spent the early portion of his rookie year in the G League before putting up some eye-opening numbers. Eventually, Whitmore would get some extended run with the Rockets, and put up some impressive production. The athleticism and scoring potential have never been in question for Whitmore. He’s a young forward with plenty of talent to untap. If the rest of the versatility can be unlocked, Whitmore has the potential to be a dangerous threat on the perimeter. Still just 20 years old, Whitmore’s development will be fascinating to monitor moving forward.
Name: Tre Mann
Position: G
Age: 23
Measurements: 6’3”, 178
Season: 4th
Drafted: 18th Overall (2021)
Nick: Sometimes, you just need to find the right team as a young player. After two-and-a-half up-and-down, mostly disappointing years with the loaded Oklahoma City Thunder, Tre Mann was traded from the best team in the West to one of the bottom dwellers in the East. The Charlotte Hornets were mired in another lost season, and needed any point guard help they could get with LaMelo Ball out for the year and Terry Rozier going to the Miami Heat at the trade deadline. Charlotte could have been the last stop for Mann’s NBA career; instead, it looks like it was the turning point. Mann started all 28 games that he played for the Hornets last season, and showcased the shot-creation talents that drew scouts in during his career for the Florida Gators. With Ball healthy again, Mann appears to have settled into a nearly-ideal role for him as the Charlotte sixth man—and he has been spectacular as exactly the kind of microwave scoring guard that teams hope to be able to go to off the bench. Mann is averaging 17.9 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game with crazy efficiency; his 47/44/100 shooting splits tell the tale. It took him a few years and a couple of stops to get there, but it certainly looks like Tre Mann has found his NBA home this season.
Name: Vince Williams Jr.
Position: G
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’4”, 205
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 47th Overall (2022)
Rucker: After minimal playing time during his rookie season, Vince Williams Jr. started to make some noise with his play during the 2023-24 year for the Grizzlies. Williams has been a stat-filling machine since his collegiate days at VCU. He looked like a potential find for the Grizzlies after getting extended minutes last year for Memphis, as the team had a season filled with injuries. Heading into this year, Williams looked like a player who could be in for extended minutes in the rotation. He’s been sidelined with an injury and is hopefully nearing a return, making him a name to keep an eye on going forward.
Name: Toumani Camara
Position: F
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’8”, 220
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 52nd Overall (2023)
Nick: It’s pretty rare for the 52nd overall pick in the NBA Draft to make their NBA team’s roster in Year One, and even more rare for them to play significant minutes. It’s another thing entirely for the 52nd overall pick to enter the team’s starting lineup in Game 10 of the season and hold onto that starting spot for most of the rest of the season. That’s exactly what former Dayton Flyer Toumani Camara did in Year One in Portland, though. The 6’8” Belgian forward got called up into the starting crew so quickly because of his remarkable defensive versatility. It’s uncommon for rookies to excel defensively, but Camara was one of Portland’s best defensive assets right away, using his size and incredible lateral mobility to shut off guards on the perimeter while also providing weak-side shot-blocking help. Camara steadily improved as a shooter over his four years at Dayton, and was respectable enough from distance last season, taking 2.5 3PAs per game and knocking down a respectable 33.7% of them. He’s taking a few more this season, at 3.4 3PA per game; while he probably won’t hit 48.1% of them, as he has so far this season, the increased volume from deep is encouraging, given that his elite athleticism and great cutting instincts will always make him a threat around the basket. Camara has started every game so far for the Trail Blazers, and he appears to be entrenched as their defensive game-changer of the present and future.
Name: Keon Ellis
Position: G
Age: 24
Measurements: 6’6”, 175
Season: 3rd
Drafted: Undrafted (2022)
Nick: After entering the starting lineup for the first time early last season to fill in for an injured De’Aaron Fox, Keon Ellis continued to prove himself worthy of a sizable role on a Sacramento Kings squad with plenty of scoring talent but little in the way of the defensive chaos creation that Ellis provides. Ellis isn’t just a player who hustles hard, though; his constant motion defensively allows the rest of the Kings to slide into defensive roles that better suit their talents. The Kings were below-average defensively last season, but finished the year as the 14th-ranked defense by Defensive Rating because they hovered around the Top 10 defensively after Ellis joined the rotation. Ellis was supplanted in the starting lineup by Kevin Huerter in the early going this season, but Ellis started Sacramento’s last game against the Miami Heat (which Huerter missed due to illness)—and the Kings were +22 with Ellis on the floor in a game that they won by one point. Plus/minus numbers often fail to tell the true story, especially in one-game sample sizes, but this time, the numbers match the film perfectly. His numbers might not jump off the page when looking at a box score, but Keon Ellis makes everyone around him better by spacing the floor offensively and covering every single gap he can find defensively. He might return to the bench once Huerter is healthy, but Ellis is a positive contributor for the Kings whenever he steps on the court—regardless of his role.
Name: Gradey Dick
Position: G
Age: 20
Measurements: 6’6”, 205
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 13th Overall (2023)
Nick: Gradey Dick struggled mightily to start his rookie campaign with the Toronto Raptors, but got regular minutes for the main club after a brief stint with Raptors 905. It’s safe to say that this season has started differently for the former Kansas standout, as he started all eight games for Toronto while dropping shots from all over the court. He is averaging 21.6 points per game on 47/38/93 shooting splits, showcasing the versatility of his offensive game inside the arc while also raining down looks from distance. If these rankings were to be compiled a week from now, Gradey Dick would probably be quite a few spots higher; as it is, he will certainly be a candidate to soar up this list whenever it is put together next—especially if he continues to torch the nets like he has to start the season.
Name: Kobe Bufkin
Position: G
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’4”, 195
Season: 2nd
Drafted: 15th Overall (2023)
Austin: Kobe Bufkin was an absolute bucket in college, but his efficiency and overall shot-making haven’t made it all the way to the next level yet. Still, his good positional size and instincts on the offensive end lead many to believe that the potential is still there, especially given his continued effort and IQ on the defensive end. Bufkin shot 37% from the field and 23% from three in 11.5 minutes per game for the Hawks last season, but a young guard having an inefficient rookie season is far from a career-ender. He still impacts the game on the offensive end with flashes of fairly nice playmaking instincts, but the question still remains whether or not his shot will come around. Bufkin isn’t currently playing for Atlanta, as a late October shoulder injury is set to keep him out for at least four weeks. But with Bogdan Bogdanovic also out with injury and Dejounte Murray in New Orleans, the world exists where Bufkin gets major rotational minutes when he comes back. That opportunity will be a test as to whether Bufkin can start feeling more comfortable and knocking shots down in an expanded role, or whether last season’s inefficiency issues will carry over.
Name: Nikola Jovic
Position: F
Age: 21
Measurements: 6’10”, 209
Season: 3rd
Drafted: 27th Overall (2022)
Ignacio: After playing sparsely during his first season and a half in the league, Jovic found his groove during the latter half of the 2023-24 season, averaging 9.2 points and shooting 37% from three-point range during that stretch. Jovic is somewhat of an awkward defensive fit, not being a rim protector but also having trouble keeping up with quicker players in the perimeter, but his unique combination of 6’10” size, fluid ball-handling, shooting ability, and flashes of creative playmaking is both really valuable in the short term and tremendously intriguing in the long term.
Second Round prospects drafted in 2021 are also eligible for these rankings, even if they have signed a second contract.
Loved reading this guys, thanks for all the hard work!
Okay I digress if this is Only players that are currently playing