Colin Sexton (Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
15. Mobanba (Nominated 6th)
It took a while, but we finally got to see some interesting possibilities for Mo Bamba’s 3 and D game in 2021-22. In just 25.7 minutes per game, he averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 3s and shot from 38.1% deep.
If you have a big man who can spread the floor and care for the rim, you can play with all the benefits of a 5 out offense without sacrificing most of the defensive backbone (rim protection).
14. Collin Sexton (Original No. 8 pick)
relative inefficiency, lack of creation for others, lackluster defenses and injuries in 2021-22 have all taken a toll on Collin Sexton’s stock. All of the above, along with bad timing hitting free agency in the summer when cap space is so scarce, probably contributes to his still availability.
But the 2020-21 season gave us a glimpse of what the ceiling could be for Sexton. Pretty high for a heat check scorer. That season, Sexton averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, 1.6 3-shootings and shot 37.1%. from the entire floor.
13. De’Anthony Melton (originally 46th pick)
De’Anthony Melton has quietly become one of the better perimeter defenders in the game.The compliment is that he highest steal rate It helps, but in the league over the course of his career.
Melton’s quickness makes him an excellent choice for either guard spot, but he’s also long enough (6’8″ wingspan) to switch to the wing. Coming in just 21.6 minutes, shooting 38.8% on three shots and averaging 2.6 assists, the season suggests he still has a lot of potential offensively.
12. Jalen Brunson (Original No. 33 pick)
Jalen Brunson spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve, but was able to establish himself as an above-average point guard with a potential Sixth Man of the Year.
His stock soared last season when the Dallas Mavericks added him to their starting lineup. In his 1,208 minutes played without Luka Doncic, Branson averaged 23.7 points and 8.0 assists. per 75 items in inventory He revealed that he can play an active role as a number one guard.
11. Mitchell Robinson (Original No. 36 pick)
Branson’s new teammate, Mitchell Robinson, has received less attention, but he’s been showing the flash of a canonical defensive anchor upwards.
During his career, Robinson averaged 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in just 23.8 percent minutes per game. He also has his 72.2% shot completion percentage from the field.
Playmaking and shooting from all positions are in high demand, but a center as long, athletic and explosive as Robinson can rely on rim running and protection to stay on the floor.
