97. Jaden McDaniels
2022-23 Statistics — 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 51.7 field goal percentage, 39.8 3PT% (played 79 games)
Draft year: 2020
The Minnesota Timberwolves didn't have a great 2022-23 season after trading Rudy Gobert last offseason, but Jaden McDaniels is one of the few bright spots.
The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 12.1 points per game while shooting 51.7 percent, and despite taking on some of the NBA's toughest defensive tasks, he was among the best on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends.
McDaniels missed the playoffs last year with a hand injury in the playoffs, which also led to a rout for the Timberwolves. Either way, Wolves plan to renew his contract before the deadline on October 23, and he will be Anthony Edwards' most reliable right-hand man.
94. Benedict Mathurin
2022-23 Statistics — 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 43.4 field goal percentage, 32.3 3PT% (78 games played)
Draft year: 2022
Considering Benedict Mathurin's well-below average effective shooting percentage and inverted assist-to-turnover ratio as a 2022-23 rookie, his presence on this list is the most surprising.
Think of it as a vote of confidence in the start of the season (when he averaged 19.2 points per game in his first 21 games and shot 40.3% from three-point range) and the end (when he averaged 21.1 points in the last 7 games).
92. Keegan Murray
2022-23 Statistics — 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 45.3 field goal percentage, 41.1 3PT% (played 80 games)
Draft year: 2022
Keegan Murray was a blaster at this year's Summer League, and there's no doubt he's beyond that level. In his rookie season, he was very reliable on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends, especially three-point shooting, which can be described as the next Klay Thompson.
After the baptism of the playoffs and the test of Stephen Curry, Murray's breakthrough in the new season is an obvious thing, averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game, and staying above 40% three-pointers may not be too challenging for him.
86. Walker Kessler
2022-23 Statistics — 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 72.0 field goal percentage, 33.3 3PT% (played 74 games)
Draft year: 2022
As a rookie, Walker Kessler ranks in the top 10% in rim and three-point defense, averaging 8.2 defensive rebounds and a whopping 3.7 blocks per 75 rounds.
He's already a qualified, game-changing defensive workhorse, and he's not yet 22 years old and about to enter his sophomore season. He will continue to improve, especially given that he plays with the United States in the men's basketball World Cup this summer, and expectations for him next season will be even higher.
85. Jaylen Williams
2022-23 Statistics — 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 52.1 field goal percentage, 35.6 3PT% (75 games)
Draft year: 2022
As a rookie, Jalen Williams already looks like one of the league's most well-rounded wings. Aside from the lack of one dominant skill, it's hard to spot any real holes in his game. In the final 26 games of last season, he averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 54.6 percent from the field and 44.0 percent from three-point range.
His strength and height on the flank allowed him to suffocate ball carriers at different times throughout the season.
If he can effectively increase his three-point shooting count and go one step further as a shot creator this year, his NBA player rankings will skyrocket.
84. Jabari Smith Jr
2022-23 Statistics — 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 40.8 field goal percentage, 30.7 3PT% (played 79 games)
Draft year: 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. excelled in the Summer League in Las Vegas and looks like a third-pick rookie showing real growth in his rookie season.
He is 6 feet 11 inches tall and has an arm span of 7 feet 1 inches, which allows him to devour opposing forwards while defending while completing a projection on the opponent's head at the other end.
The 20-year-old has true superstar potential and hopefully he can continue to play his part with the Rockets, who have a lot more veterans than they did before last season, and Uduka is definitely not comparable to Silas.
83. Scott Henderson
2022-23 Statistics: N/A
Draft year: 2023
Scott Henderson already has two years of experience developing leagues and has excelled against NBA-level opponents, and he should show explosiveness, change direction of possession and shooting ability in his rookie.
The Portland Trail Blazers' trade for Damian Lillard should help accelerate the 19-year-old's development, even if it means a lower shooting percentage and a higher turnover.
Henderson is expected to experience the typical rookie's struggles with three-point shooting consistency and decision-making, an area he needs to improve. His preference for mid-range jumpers could also backfire.
However, his cunning, creativity, explosiveness, and ability to dribble and jump shots can still spell problems for defense.
82. Alperon Shenjing
2022-23 Statistics — 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 55.3 field goal percentage, 33.3 3PT% (75 games)
Draft year: 2021
In his sophomore role, Alperon Shinkyung improved his scoring efficiency and demonstrated more passing skills that would set him apart from a traditional interior center.
With his crafty footwork, improved ball handling and vision, he went from an old-school big man before the draft to Jokic Jr. in Houston. The 21-year-old, who is likely to score frequent triple-doubles next season, has also become a tougher rebounder.
Coach Ime Udoka can help him improve his defensive ability and make him better at changing defenses, while Shin Kyung may end up getting more playing time because he is very good at holding the ball.
80. Jaylen Green
2022-23 Statistics: 22.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 41.6 field goal percentage, 33.8 3PT% (76 games)
Draft year: 2021
From 17.3 as a rookie to 22.1 as a sophomore, Jaylen Green is on track to rank among the NBA's top shooting guards in his third year.
Whether he can be made to the All-Star Game will depend on his efficiency on the court and how well he improves on the defensive end. But few in the league can combine with Green's explosiveness, creativity and shooting ability.
He needs to find more ways to score easily, and maybe he can score 25 points consistently, but that may not be enough, and Houston's rise requires him to contribute more.
73. Chet Holmgren
2022-23 Statistics — N/A
Draft year: 2022
Chet Holmgren is in excellent physical condition and has been exposed to NBA games off the court for a whole year, and the current Thunder roster is also complete, Shay Giljess Alexander, Josh Giddy and Jalen Williams are responsible for organizing the tandem and scoring, and there is no one Holmgren to move in.
He is ready to make the most impact on the field with his 7-foot height, 7-foot-6 reach, huge court coverage, and instinctive defensive abilities, while offensively, he has the qualified passing means, tools, and skills to also be an efficient scorer as a finishing goal and a threat after blocking.
63. Viktor Vembanyama
2022-23 Statistics — N/A
Draft year: 2023
In France's top professional league, Victor Winbanyama finished second in scoring, rebounding and blocking at the age of 18-19.
The top pick doesn't take much time to make an impact, and with his 7-foot-4 height, 8-foot-0 reach, exceptional mobility and obvious shooting skills, and with a super-high usage rate, the Spurs have nothing else to look for next season and focus on working on the Venbanya.
57. Josh Giddy
2022-23 Statistics — 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 48.2 field goal percentage, 32.5 3PT% (played 76 games)
Draft year: 2021
Josh Giddy, a big 6-foot-8 point guard who struggled offensively, but his 3-point shooting percentage increased by 6.2 percentage points last season, proving he can shoot well.
He was one of only five NBA players averaging at least 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game last season, he can contribute a triple-double every night, and at just 20 years old, he still has a lot of potential and plenty of room to grow, and the future of the Thunder is worth looking forward to.
53. Scottie Barnes
2022-23 Statistics — 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 45.6 field goal percentage, 28.1 3PT% (77 games)
Draft year: 2021
Scottie Barnes' Rookie of the Year in 2021 was enough to prove his prowess, and then his performance fell back in his second season.
What happens to his third round? To borrow a quote from legendary basketball speaker Kevin Garnett, anything is possible.
If Barnes can boost his outside shots — a huge "if" admittedly — then he'll have everything a modern forward could want, as he's already a 6-foot-9 shot creator with true five-position versatility defensively.
52. Franz Wagner
2022-23 Statistics — 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 48.5 field goal percentage, 36.1 3PT% (played 80 games)
Draft year: 2021
He was overshadowed by the shine of Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, but Franz Wagner is almost certainly Orlando Magic's best player of the 2022-23 season.
At 6 feet 9 inches, he is versatile and has made him one of Orlando's most promising players.
Last season, the 22-year-old averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 assists, 1.6 three-pointers and 1.0 steals per game. Only 6 players of his height or taller in NBA history have met or exceeded these four criteria in a season of more than 1,000 minutes.
51. Tyrese Maxi
2022-23 Statistics — 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 48.1 field goal percentage, 43.4 3PT% (played 60 games)
Draft year: 2020
The Philadelphia 76ers have league-defending MVP Joel Embiid, but Tyrese Maxi may be the team's favorite player.
As team president Darryl Morey was quick to admit, he quickly grew into a dynamic third-level scorer that surprised even the 76ers.
Whether the 22-year-old can lead the 76ers to the next level as the core of the organization will be the most closely watched question going forward, especially depending on how the ongoing James Harden trade saga unfolds.
But whether he's the second-in-command behind Embiid or the 76ers' eventual trade big brother built around him, Maxi's dynamism and insatiable work ethic should make him a Philadelphia fan favorite for years to come.
48. LaMelo Ball
2022-23 Statistics — 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 41.1 field goal percentage, 37.6 3PT% (played 36 games)
Draft year: 2020
LaMelo Ball's contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets, which is expected to be worth $205.9 million for five more seasons, indicates that he is ranked higher than 48th. This will prove to be one of the most exciting young guards in the NBA.
The Hornets had a poor performance last season, in part because of the roster composition, but injuries were also a big factor. Before ending the season early with a broken ankle at the end of February, Ball averaged 23.3 points and 8.4 assists in 36 games.
In his second season, Ball played 75 games and achieved similar stats (averaging 20.1 points and 7.6 assists per game).
At 22, Bauer is still young and has a lot to learn, but much of what he can already do is impossible to teach. He is a bit wild and unpredictable, which is both a plus and a disadvantage. As a defender, he needs to grow, although management may try to build defensively minded players around Ball who can shoot and finish. He's 6'7" tall, which sets him apart from which smaller point guards he has a lot of potential to develop on the other end of the court.
41. Evan Mobley
2022-23 Statistics — 16.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 55.4 field goal percentage, 21.6 3PT% (played 79 games)
Draft year: 2021
Mobley, who finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year poll, can both play one-on-one against bigger, stronger opponents near the basket, while Mobley may be the best outside defender of all power forwards or centers in the NBA.
Mobley's offense may never catch up with the defense, but if he does, the 22-year-old should become a superstar. After a transition period to learn how to play with Donovan Mitchell, Mobley averaged 18.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks and shot 55.4% from the field in the final 34 regular-season games.
The next step is to add solid three-pointers to the game, especially if he and Jarrett Allen want to help the Cavaliers go further.
40. Paulo Banchero
2022-23 Statistics — 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 42.7 field goal percentage, 29.8 3PT% (played 72 games)
Draft year: 2022
Paul Banchero proved his strength, shooting ability and passing ability in his rookie season, all of which translated into first-choice scoring and secondary playmaking offense before moving into this ranking.
Assuming he's based on 29.8% three-point shooting, averaging 20.0 points per game last year seems like the worst-case scenario for next season, which is also acceptable. If he can improve at the three-point line, Banchero will be unstoppable.
While Banchero's assist count may be the same as rookie guard Anthony Black, who is expected to join the Magic's rotation, his 6-foot-10" assist ability remains a clear advantage and advantage for Orlando's frontcourt.
39. Cade Cunningham
2022-23 Statistics — 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 41.5 field goal shooting, 27.9 3PT% (played 12 games)
Draft year: 2021
Having Cade Cunnington here means high expectations for him to recover from last year's shin injury. At the age of 21, he averaged 19.9 points per game despite shooting just 27.9% from three-point range, a number that will certainly improve in his third season.
At 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Cunningham is expected to be the next Doncic, with equally excellent passing and scoring abilities, and with the Detroit Pistons getting sophomores Jaden Ivey, Osar Thompson and Jalen Durham and sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovich, the build-up around Cunningham seems complete and the Pistons are ready to do more in the new season.
Although the top four picks in 2021, Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes, had better rookie seasons than Cunningham, they stalled in sophomore grades at a time when Cunningham seemed poised to take a big step. The 2021 top pick seems like a good choice, and he will soon become one of the few players in the league to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game.
33. Tyrese Halliburton
2022-23 Statistics — 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists, 49.0 field goal percentage, 40.0 3PT% (played 56 games)
Draft year: 2020
Haliburton isn't the most explosive athlete, and yes, his shooting posture is weird. None of this matters to Halliburton, whose influence is likely to change from obvious to shocking over the course of the upcoming campaign.
After investing in the Indiana offseason (Bruce Brown, Jaras Walker, Ben Shepard and Obie Topping) and Haliburton's summer spent with Team USA, his trajectory will continue upward. He is a master of manipulating opposing defenses, using his possession, vision, eyes and creativity to stay two steps ahead. Add to that a step-back three-point step and a close-range finish, and you could see the next on-court commander in the game who can't defend.
Last season, Haliburton was plagued by injuries and spent with an ever-changing roster, with Haliburton averaging 20.7 points and 10.4 assists in 33.6 minutes of playing time while shooting 50/40/90 from the field and making just 2.5 turnovers. He hasn't even celebrated his 24th birthday yet.
If the Pacers make the playoffs, don't be surprised to hear Halliburton's name in early MVP discussions. He could be that special.
15. Anthony Edwards
2022-23 Statistics — 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 45.9 field goal percentage, 36.9 3PT% (played 79 games)
Draft year: 2020
Although Edwards has just turned 22, he is currently the best player on the U.S. national team, he is the next great shooting guard in the NBA, and should beat Devin Booker to earn the title of the league's best shooting guard this season.
At age 20 and 21, Edwards gained playoff experience with a series of 25.2 and 31.6 points, respectively, showing that he only gets better when the lights get brighter. He also played his best defensive season in 2022-23 and could be a member of the All-Defensive Team in a few years.