In last year’s NBA Draft, Markelle Fultz was drafted ahead of Jayson Tatum, Luke Kennard above Donovan Mitchell, and T.J. Leaf before John Collins.
With the talent entering the league growing every year, the immediate impact of rookies is suddenly more likely and important to contending teams. Ben Simmons (who was in the 2016 draft class), Tatum, Mitchell, O.G. Anunoby, Jordan Bell, Semi Ojeleye, and Bam Adebayo have all been key contributors to their respective teams at some point in this postseason. But for today’s blog, I’m going to rank the top 10 players from the 2017 draft class based on not only their performance this season but also their potential moving forward.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks
Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns
O.G. Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
Just missed the cut (in order): Malik Monk, Lauri Markkanen, Zach Collins, Bam Adebayo, Jarrett Allen, Daniel Theis, Sterling Brown, Jordan Bell, Josh Hart, Terrance Ferguson, Royce O’Neale
General notes: The small sample size and uncertain team fits--for some--made it difficult to rank these youngsters individually. Fultz, in particular, was the most difficult player to evaluate because of his cryptic shoulder injury, unorthodox jump shot, and uncertain role with Philly going forward. Additionally, there’s a distinct top tier in my mind: Tatum, Mitchell, and Ball; each of them has exemplified the most superstar potential by far in this class.
Player notes:
Jayson Tatum is already a star in the league, and he has the poise and the tools to become a superstar. He has translated his mature offensive moves from college to the NBA; at just 20 years old, he has been the go-to guy in the playoffs on a team that is one win away from the NBA Finals. Frankly, it appears as if he has grown in height and lengthened his wingspan since he was drafted, and he has punished defenders with that size and impressive skill set all season. Out of all players in the 2017 draft class, he was best in win shares at 7.1 and has elevated his game even more in the postseason. The trade involving him and Fultz is looking like a bigger steal by the day.
Donovan Mitchell was the go-to guy on his team from the start of the season. His freakish length and explosive athleticism caught many unsuspecting defenders by surprise, and his smooth and efficient attacking moves and pullups are advanced for his age.
Ball, on the other hand, had an underwhelming rookie campaign, but it can be largely attributed to his injuries. Nonetheless, I saw something in him that is very scary: Whenever he played, there was a culture of winning that he brought out in his teammates; everybody played with an extra pep in their step. I expect big things from him next season and beyond.
Sandwiched between two point guards on poor teams is Kuzma, who was named to the NBA All-Rookie team. A pleasant surprise who was acquired as the 27th pick in a trade with Brooklyn Nets, Kuzma scored 1,242 points in the regular season, 2nd-best amongst his draft class. He and Lonzo have the makings to be a quality one-two punch for the next decade.
Rounding out the top 10 are three athletic players: Collins, Jackson, and Anunoby. Despite posting the 2nd-best win shares in the class and providing a high-energy body for the lowly Hawks, Collins didn’t earn an All-Rookie First Team selection. Regardless, he was one of the most impressive rookies this year and is primed to be a key guy in the Atlanta rebuild process. Meanwhile, Anunoby also proved to be better than what his draft position would suggest, and he will probably stick around with the Raptors considering that he is Toronto’s best current option to guard young stars in the East like Tatum and Simmons. Lastly, Josh Jackson was extremely overlooked in Phoenix because of how much of a joke the Suns were once again. However, if the Suns retain the No. 1 overall pick and take Luka Doncic-- as they should--then it should spice up their offense and make them more multidimensional. Under those circumstances, Jackson will be in a much better position to thrive and develop.
(Stats via Basketball-Reference)
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