01. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Simmons hasn't blown the doors off statically but it is obvious watching him that he is a step ahead of the rest of the rookies (and with good reason, Simmons has had a year more of adjustment) both physically and mentally. The defense and shooting concerns remain and likely will for a while, but Simmons ability to handle the ball, pass, rebound, and get to the basket at a legit power forward's size is beyond impressive, a kind of player that is fun to watch and hard to defend.
Preseason Stats
5 GP, 22.8 mpg, 11.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.8 bpg, 2 tpg, .489 FG%, 0-3 3P, .409 FT%
02. Dennis Smith Jr, North Carolina State
Like Simmons, Dennis Smith Jr. pops off the screen with an athletic ability that stands out even among NBA players. More importantly, he seems to be working well with the Mavs veteran laden roster already, a relationship that goes ways. With the decision to start Dirk Nowitzki at center, the Mavericks will have at least three capable shooters on the floor with Smith (four when Seth Curry returns) which is more than enough space for Smith to jet into the paint. Like with all rookies (even those with a good rep) defense will be a work in progress, but Smith has the look of a top level playmaker in a perfect situation. Smith rolled his ankle in the Mavs last preseason game, but appears to have escaped without serious injury.
Preseason Stats
6 GP, 19.1 mpg, 10.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4 apg,0.3 bpg, 1.3 spg, 2.3 tpg, .416 FG% .451 3P%, .635 FT%
03. Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
Ball has only appeared in two games this preseason nursing a
Preseason Stats
2 GP, 28.5 mpg, 6.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 6 apg, 1.5 spg, 0.5 bpg, 2.5 tpg, .333 FG%, .250 3P%, 1-1 FT
04. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
After an explosive summer league, Mitchell has continued that into the preseason, popping off the screen in a similar way to Simmons and Smith Jr. What is most important to Mitchell's development is a disappointing one for the Jazz and NBA fans: Dante Exum might miss the entire season with a shoulder injury. This thrusts Mitchell into a bigger role as perhaps the first guard off the bench, playing both guards spots. If Mitchell gets minutes at point guard, it may be rocky at first but in the long term may really help his development.
Preseason Stats
3 GP, 27.3 mpg, 17 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 2.6 tpg, .410 FG%, .250 3P%, .875 FT%
05. Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns
Despite being (apparently) the most sought after player in the 2017 draft, Josh Jackson has flown under the radar this preseason, going about his business out in Arizona. So far, Jackson appears to be exactly the same player he's always been: playing hard (occasionally too hard, he needs to be smart AND active), attacking the basket and, despite how ugly his jumper it looks, it keeps going in. He's even been making his free throws at a respectable rate! Through sheer effort, Jackson stuffs the stat sheet, however he still tries to do too much on both ends, resulting in turnover and unnecessary fouls. A key for the Suns will be getting Jackson to play under control, but without sacrificing the energy that makes him such a good player.
4 GP, 28.5 mpg, 15.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 1 bpg, 5 tpg, .470 FG%, .461 3P%, .777 FT%
06. Malik Monk, Charlotte Hornets
Injuries to Nic Batum and Michael Carter-Williams has opened up a bigger role for Monk, a door he has stepped through with abandon so far in the preseason. Monk is and likely always will be a streaky gunner, who will light it up one night and be unable to do anything the next, though he will still keep trying. Until he can become a more consistent scorer, Monk will need to add additional value through playmaking, which he has actually shown a little bit of this preseason, running at least a rudimentary side pick-and-roll well enough. Also encouraging for Monk, and something that could be key for him become a more stable option, he has been getting the foul line a little more often than he did in college.
Preseason Stats
5 GP, 28.2 mpg, 15.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.8 tpg, .356 FG% .325 3P%, .764 FT%
07. De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
A back injury has limited Fox's minutes a bit so far this preseason, but two things have been abundantly clear: Fox is the backup as of now but his quickness is translating well to the NBA. The Kings somewhat confusingly brought in George Hill to the be the starting point guard while relegating Fox to a bunch role. At least at the start of the season, this is the case. Hill could share the backcourt with Fox, but the Kings also have a bunch of young shooting guards they want to play, limiting Fox's minute to purely backup point guard. Perhaps, as the season spirals away from the Kings, Fox will be able to play more, but right now his options seem limited. When he has played Fox looks like he'll be able to break down defenses from day one and his floater/in between game looks as good as ever. There are still the worries about his shooting and whether he plays with enough force to be the kind of finisher and defender you'd hope for, though his ability to pressure ball handlers is exciting.
Preseason Stats
3 GP, 16.6 mpg, 10.3 ppg, 1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.3 bpg, 0.6 tpg, .520 FG%, 1-1 3P, .714 FT%
08. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
Isaac has been good, in his own way, coming off the bench for the Magic so far this preseason. He looks pretty comfortable and natural despite his massive height for a forward and his ability to be a game changing defender is evident. He's still adjusting when it comes to offense and it will remain to be seen if he can expand his game beyond role player status. Isaac appears to be in a solid role off the bench for the Magic, but without the potential for more unless there is a injury to the starters.
Preseason Stats
6 GP, 22.8 mpg, 7.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.3 bpg, 1.5 tpg, .395 FG%, .200 3P%, .538 FT%
09. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Kuzma has been lighting it up throughout the preseason, as he did in the summer league as well. Despite being a late first round pick, Kuzma has shown enough to speculate on how he projects into the season. Kuzma is a good playmaker and shooter, there isn't ton of question that he can be a positive offensive player, the real question is where does he play? Kuzma is frankly bad at the big man things at this point (0 blocks in 167 preseason minutes), but he may be too slow footed to defend wings. This season will be key to see where he fits, but he doesn't really have much of a role right now. At power forward, the Lakers have Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr while at small forward they have Brandon Ingram and Luol Deng, both of whom can play at the 4 as well. Are the Lakers willing to bench the highly paid Deng to play Kuzma? Time will tell.
Preseason Stats
6 GP, 27.8 mpg, 17.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.6 tpg, .513 FG% .242% 3P%, .785 FT%
10. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
We knew that Tatum would have a reduced role compared to the other top rookies, the question is whether or not Tatum's tough shot/iso heavy style of offense will translate to efficient scoring in the NBA. So far, not so good. Obviously he is adjusting and it is very early but Tatum has struggled to score and to do so efficiently, most distressingly he has only taken five foul shots in 101 minutes. It will be interesting to monitor how Tatum scores this year. He is definitely talented, but there is nothing "easy" about his offense.
Preseason Stats
4 GP, 25.3 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2 apg, 0.5 bpg, 1 spg, 1.3 tpg, .371 FG%, .333 3P%, .600 FT%
11. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls
Injury has limited Markkanen's ability to get on the court this season, but when he has played you can see the potential offensive ceiling. Markkanen's jumper is a thing of beauty, basically unstoppable and perfect for pick-and-pop. He's also a better, more mobile athlete than he ever gets credit for, particularly running in transition. His defense will be an area to monitor this season and whether or not he can carve out a bigger role.
Preseason Stats
3 GP, 24.6 mpg, 11.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.3 bpg, 1 tpg, .400 FG%, .388 3P%, 4-5 FT
12. Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
Fultz was the best prospect in the draft and would be tops of this list if we're talking long term and overall talent. However, Fultz has attempted to re-work his jumpshot and basically can't shoot anymore, which is very troubling considering one of his biggest strengths was his ability to create mid-range jumpers as well as threaten from three. By this time next year, Fultz will most likely be one of the two or three best players on this list, but right now it is hard to be optimistic about his right now.
Preseason Stats
2 GP, 23.5 mpg, 8 ppg, 2 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.5 spg, 2.5 tpg, .291 FG%, 0-3 3P 3-5 FT
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