1. Anthony Black, SF, L.A Lakers: 27.9 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 54% TS%, +10.6 On/Off Rating.
The 20 years old Anthony Black has been balling out for the L.A Lakers thus far. The 6th overall pick that was originally drafted by the Orlando Magic, and was traded in a draft trade that landed Black in the city of Los Angeles. Black has stepped up big time thus far in his rookie campaign, and has formed a strong partner alongside point guard Immanuel Quickley. Black showed out during the rookie vs sophomore game showdown as well with a strong 44 points performance. It will be interesting to see if this wing man can keep this trajectory up.
2. Karlo Matkovic, C, San Antonio Spurs: 26.7 MPG, 13.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 51% TS%, +3.5 On/Off Rating.
The 11th overall pick of this draft class had an impressive training camp, and has been a mainstay for a playoff contending Spurs team. Matkovic has shown some serious 2 way ability all season long, and it's no surprise to see him continue to put up strong numbers coming off the bench for a strong Spurs team. Matkovic is still a work in progress when it comes to his efficiency, but nevertheless this has been an impressive campaign for this 23 years old big man. There's no question the Spurs have found their big man of the future, and it won't surprise to see Matkovic become an all star caliber big man down the road.
3. Markquis Nowell, PG, OKC Thunder: 29.0 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 54% TS%, +5.5 On/Off Rating.
The 5'7 undersized point guard has played far bigger than his size has shown thus far. Despite being a rookie, Nowell has already shown veteran like poise, and has performed at a high level as the floor general for a young OKC Thunder team. Another draft pick that was moved via a trade trade which saw long time franchise point guard Immanuel Quickley being moved to L.A. Nowell has performed very well in his rookie campaign, and has made the OKC front office look like geniuses thus far with that trade. Nowell did miss some time due to injuries, but whenever he's healthy, he has played at a very high level. I expect Nowell to continue to grow into an all star caliber point guard for this young OKC team.
4. EJ Onu, C, Cleveland Cavaliers: 25.8 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 41% TS%, -5.1 On/Off Rating.
Dubbed as one of the best rebounding prospect the league has ever seen. EJ Onu has performed admirably for a veteran loaded Cleveland Cavaliers team. A late 1st round selection, Onu has exceeded expectations thus far in relation to his draft position. Despite a very poor offensive showing thus far, Onu has been as great of a rebounder as advertised while leading this Cavs team in rebounds per game. Onu will definitely need some work on offensive efficiency, and consistency on defense. But for a 29th overall pick, Onu has certainly exceeded his draft capital being spent on him, and the Cavs should expect to see growth from this young rebounding beast.
5. Terry Taylor, PF, Philadelphia 76ers. 28.1 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 51% TS%, +5.4 On/Off Rating.
The super undersized big man from Austin Peay has proven to be a draft steal thus far for a title contending 76ers team. Selected in the 2nd round of this draft class, Taylor has been tasked to be a starting big man for this contending team, and he has not disappointed for the Philly front office. Taylor has provided solid 2 way play, and has been a good glass cleaner despite his 6'4 height. The Sixers front office should be very happy with what they have seen from Taylor thus far, and we should continue to see growth from this 22 years underdog story of this draft class.
On the bubble:
Dyson Daniels
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Cason Wallace
Paolo Banchero
Leaky Black
Jalen Williams
Mark Vital
2020, 2023, 2027