NBA · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 8 Players in the NBA’s Rising Stars Game

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
On a nightly basis, Victor Wembanyama is doing more to prove that he’s the league’s top young talent. Averaging 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game is absurd as a rookie; Wemby will put on a show in the Rising Stars game amongst his peers, proving no one is on his level. San Antonio definitely could use some talent around him. Still, similar to LeBron’s early years in Cleveland, with a little more NBA experience under Wemby’s belt, he’ll be racking up wins in the regular season regardless of who he has around him.
8. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Dereck Lively II could not have been a better draft pick for the Dallas Mavericks. After last season’s disaster of the season, the Mavs needed a rim protector who could take care of the glass and provide something offensive right away, and Lively has given them everything they could have asked for and some. Averaging 9.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, Lively’s minutes have increased each month this season, so it’s exciting to imagine what he can become as he is still only 19 years old.
7. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Who needs to trade for Damian Lillard when you draft Jaime Jacquez Jr.? Serving as one of the Heat’s key players off the bench and spot starter, Jaquez Jr. is giving the Heat everything and more as a late-first-round draft pick. Averaging a touch over 13 points per game, his extended collegiate stay at UCLA has helped the learning curve into the NBA, so it will be interesting to see how Erik Spoelstra opts to grow his role in this rotation as the season progresses after Terry Rozier’s acquisition.
6. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
In his second season, Keegan Murray has cemented himself as the number three option on this Kings’ team that is still looking to get over the postseason hump. He’s averaged just over 16 points per game this season and appears a seamless fit on the wing alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Seeing him carry a big offensive load this postseason will be critical, but the Kings certainly have themselves a big three to continue to build around.
5. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller had an ugly start to his rookie season, but over his last eight games, he has averaged 20.5 points per game. The Charlotte Hornets are having a disaster of a season. Still, Miller’s continued emergence over the next two and a half months could leave the Hornets hopeful that they have found their two franchise cornerstones in Miller and LaMelo Ball.
4. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren may be the faces of the Thunder, but Jalen Williams could be the most underrated player in the entire league. The sophomore forward is averaging 18.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per night and brings this lineup a ton of defensive versatility. He may not be the flashiest passer, but he plays the game like a six-year NBA veteran, serving as a glue piece for a young Thunder team with endless talent.
3. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the best young team in the entire league, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a borderline MVP candidate. Still, Chet Holmgren’s value to this team cannot be minimized. He’s averaged 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per night as the Thunder have the best record in the Western Conference. Rookie of the Year candidates are not on winning teams that often. However, despite Wembanyama’s accomplishments, much consideration will need to be given to Chet come voting time due to his contributions to the Thunder’s team success.
2. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero is amid his second season with the Orlando Magic, averaging 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game after a strong rookie season. Paolo has added a lot to his game leading into his sophomore year, but nothing is more apparent than his leadership with the Magic as they look incredibly connected in their chase to clinch a playoff birth. This Magic roster is far from complete, but Paolo has the future of the Magic looking more promising than it has since the years with Dwight Howard.
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
On a nightly basis, Victor Wembanyama is doing more to prove that he’s the league’s top young talent. Averaging 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game is absurd as a rookie; Wemby will put on a show in the Rising Stars game amongst his peers, proving no one is on his level. San Antonio definitely could use some talent around him. Still, similar to LeBron’s early years in Cleveland, with a little more NBA experience under Wemby’s belt, he’ll be racking up wins in the regular season regardless of who he has around him.
8. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Dereck Lively II could not have been a better draft pick for the Dallas Mavericks. After last season’s disaster of the season, the Mavs needed a rim protector who could take care of the glass and provide something offensive right away, and Lively has given them everything they could have asked for and some. Averaging 9.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, Lively’s minutes have increased each month this season, so it’s exciting to imagine what he can become as he is still only 19 years old.

Ranking the Top 8 Players in the NBA’s Rising Stars Game

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