Now and Later
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 10:35 am
Word count: 3,031
The most valuable asset in sim league: The blue (or purple) potential player on a rookie contract. How valuable obviously depends on certain factors, most noteworthy being just how many A’s are on that potential line. Still, there is value to be had in a player with more B’s than A’s as having cost-controlled trade assets or building blocks is important to anyone’s team-building progression. In this space I am going to rundown two top ten lists all about the blue/purple potential players on rookie contracts. The first list will be my list of the best young players that can help you win games right this very moment. Players whose attributes are beginning to show signs of life and can make them compete with the vets around them. The second will be my list of the youngsters who are best equipped to help a franchise win championships in the future. Some of these kids come in very raw and while you absolutely KNOW that they are going to be superstars down the road, it will take patience (and points and TC luck).
So, let us dive into the youth of our league and get an idea of who can be the most excited about what is to come!
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Before getting into my official list, let me start by dropping a few honorable mentions from this category!
Justin Amos, SF, Atlanta Hawks
Amos has been a day 1 starter for Atlanta and has produced numbers for them (Career averages of 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists is remarkable). He doesn’t cut into my top 10 however, because the Hawks have been a trainwreck for so long that I am not sold that he is really that good or just getting a ton of opportunities on horrible rosters.
Thomas Walker, C, Los Angeles Lakers
Walker is currently my top Center off the bench and is averaging roughly 21 minutes per game. In that time, he is averaging 9.1 points (57% from the floor, 60 TS%), 5.6 rebounds and 2 blocks. The roster is stacked but he is contributing to the 2nd best team in the league and deserves the recognition.
AJ Blaze, SG, Portland Trailblazers
I got the idea for this article before the season started and was only looking at player attributes. Then the season started, and I began flipping through rosters and AJ Blaze’s performance during the first 16 games of the season are remarkable. Blaze is the 6th man in Portland but is leading the team in scoring and tied for 2nd in assists while also owning shooting splits of 49-89-42. Might even deserve to be on the main list.
And now, the main event!
10. Scoot Henderson, SG, Dallas Mavericks
Due to injury, Henderson has been pushed into the starting lineup for Mavs, an early season success story, who sit at 10-5. He isn’t producing gaudy numbers or anything, but he is scoring efficiently which is the only thing that the Mavs should be asking him to do. I am guessing he will go back to the 6th man role once Lewis-Weeks is healthy again, but I am guessing Scoot will remain a positive player in whichever role he plays moving forward.
9. Quincy Johnson, PG, Boston Celtics
Much like Scoot, Quincy is going to only be asked to score for the Celtics because defensively he is a bit of a liability. Thankfully, Q is very good at doing that one thing that he needs to do. He did it in Portland last season (21.6 points per game) and is continuing that trend (20.4 points) even though he now has to share the scoring work with Uber-Star Antonio Blakeney. The Celtics started the season off quite bumpy, but once Romero comes back healthy and they likely make a few moves on the fringes, I imagine they’ll get on-track and Quincy will be a big part of that.
8. Kel’el Ware, C, Brooklyn Nets
I love this player and still feel heartbroken that Ed never traded him to me! Based on attributes alone Ware probably deserves to be higher than 8th on this list. The thing that knocks him down a few pegs is that he fouls so much that I am not sure how trustworthy he can be when the chips are down. Might not even be a fair ding for him since I have not looked at anyone else’s foul rating for this list. Hell, I didn’t look up Ware’s either, but I know it because I’ve input the training for him every season. Ware is going to be great with time though and might even be #1 or #2 on this list if the fouling was under control now.
7. Gary Rockwell, PG, Sacramento Kings
Rockwell himself is not a big surprise to me. He was a great pick in that draft and investing points and training into him has been the smart move. The big surprise so far is how good this Kings team has been at this early stage (11-5) and Rockwell has been no small part in that. Offensively he has not even come close to peaking (I mean, he isn’t even blue CURRENT yet) and yet he is averaging 18 points per game as the 3rd scoring option. He is an uber athlete with great defense and to-end playmaking ability and that is carrying him and the team.
6. Mikal Bridges, SF, Chicago Bulls
As I was writing my Rockwell bit, I was tempted to flip these two because Rockwell is playing so wonderfully. Bridges cannot match the volume of some of the scorers on this list, but he also is playing on a far more stacked roster and so will not get as many opportunities. In this case however, the proof is in the pudding. Bridges is full B/B, starting on a championship favorite and has good offense to go along with strong defense. We KNOW you can win big with him on your roster and playing a significant role. Many of these others we are only assuming that you can.
5. Jaden Akins, SG, Phoenix Suns
There are not many holes in Akins’ game even at this early point in it. He is a really good athlete, he can shoot and drive the basketball (though not at an elite level in either yet) and has solid defensive ability with the added bonus of grabbing steals. The one knock is his lack of a mid-range game but that is a knock that could belong to most players in the league. Akins has gotten better every season, with his scoring hitting new highs in the early part of this season (22.1). He is the leader of this young Suns team, and they are currently two games above .500 when it looked like they could be a bottom 10 team coming into the season. Still a lot of basketball to go but Akins in making sure this squad is a handful so far.
4. Paolo Banchero, SF, Detroit Pistons
The only true rookie on this list, Banchero is rare in that he is a Blue current and potential in his 1st season in the league. It helps that he is 23-years-old instead of the typical studs you find in the draft who are usually 18-19. He used those 4 seasons at Stanford well. The Pistons don’t have much in the way of win-now talent, so he is obviously getting a ton of opportunities to be great and is taking advantage of every one of them. What is also different about him is that, unlike most of the guys on this list, he is not an uber athlete. Many of these guys have 90+ QKN and/or JMP which helps mask some of their deficiencies (Like Banchero’s teammate Remy Martin, who is also averaging over 20 points), but Paolo is all skill and technique.
3. Brandon Ingram, SG, San Antonio Spurs
Averaging 23 points this season (after 19 the previous 2) and having his shooting traits at 90-50-80-89, there is not a place on the court that Ingram cannot score at. The Spurs are purposely tanking, and have been for a couple seasons, but if they were not, Ingram could be leading this roster to a playoff spot (or at least a run at the 7 seed) because of how dynamic an offensive player that he is. Once Carlos decides exactly when he wants to pounce again, Ingram will be ready.
2. Xue Huo, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
I am not even going to recite any of his attributes here or talk about how bad the Wolves are. Obviously, the franchise needs leadership and that is the only reason that Huo isn’t dominating and they aren’t making a strong playoff push. Huo shouldn’t just be playing well at this point; he could be dominating but he needs more help and guidance and hopefully there is someone out there that can do that shortly.
1. Victor Wembanyama, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Maybe my favorite young player in the entire league and I tried hard to trade for him multiple times before my cousin took over that roster and I left it alone. Could you probably argue for someone beneath him on this list to be at this spot? Of course, and you may even be right. However, I just have a great fondness for Big Vic. He still has room to grow, and I am sure that he will reach those potentials and be a 20-10 guy who can also shoot 35% or better from the 3, all while standing 7’3”.
And now we go … BACK TO THE FUTURE!
Here are my top 10 rookie contract players who I feel will be the best at leading an entire franchise.
But first, those pesky honorable mentions!
Gary Rockwell, PG, Sacramento Kings
I already gave a breakdown of Mr. Rockwell, but hey, he is and will be great.
Charley Quick, C, Portland Trailblazers
Though it would take some time (and boosting of his 3-ball a little bit) I see Quick as very similar to Victor Wembanyama. I think he was an absolute steal of a pick at #5 in this draft for the Blazers (though I don’t blame anyone above him for the picks that they did take … maybe the Hawks). Even at 20-years-old, I do not think it is going to take Quick too long to be able to get on the floor for meaningful minutes either. The only drawback, and why he doesn’t make the top 10, is he has no shot-blocking ability which is WILD for a 7 footer.
Brandon Ingram, SF, San Antonio Spurs
He is a great scorer, as mentioned previously, but his lack of defense strikes me as him being a guy who can be a great #2 as opposed to the lead horse on a championship team. Luckily for Carlos, he has a guy who you MIGHT see later on this list who can be that #1.
And away we go with the proper list of championship characters!
10. Jaden Akins, SG, Phoenix Suns
I was going back-and-forth between Akins and another player for the 10 spot and while neither is a poor choice, I am going to stick with Akins because he has more ability on the defensive side, though he needs work to reach the highs of the other guy on offense. I just really love 2-way players.
9. Hoyt Timmerman, SG, Portland Trailblazers
I consider Timmerman to be the crown jewel of the Blazers’ asset collection (though Quick could get there). Though he isn’t purple potential, I do believe he is not far off from that, when looking at his potentials all across the board. He’s got size, strength, quickness, hops, will be able to score from anywhere and defend multiple positions. With another A (probably in INS) he’d likely be a few notches higher on this ladder. Still, Timmerman should be a great player for a long time once he comes into his own.
8. Sion James, SG, Houston Rockets
It has been a while since the Rockets have had a young player with the kind of upside that Sion has. I do see him as pretty interchangeable with Timmerman and Akins, as they all have similar upside. High-end athlete, A’s and B’s in most or all of the key places that a #1 option should. I hope the Rockets can clean up their books soon and really get excited about the possibilities of Sion’s future.
7. Paolo Banchero, SF, Detroit Pistons
I genuinely love this player and was tempted to put him higher on this list but as previously mentioned, his lack of athleticism COULD impact his ceiling. Perhaps I should not be the person dinging him for this since my best player is Safi Fino-A-Laself (and his 57 QKN) but he’s also a freak in every other aspect of his game. Obviously, you are lucky to have anyone on this list and their place on it is completely based on personal preference. Maybe he is your #1 or #2? Either way, he’s going to be a great player at least through his first and 2nd contracts. Since he is an older player, it will be interesting to see how he looks when it is SUPERMAX time though.
6. Mac McClung, PG, Los Angeles Lakers
While I have been one to say that folks tend to put a bit too much stock in the PG market of our game, one absolute truth is that IF you have one of the top guys at that position, you are probably in a really good place with your franchise. You can win championships putting other guards in that spot as long as the rest of the roster is stacked up, but a real PG makes a lot of things go, especially on offense. Mac McClung has the potential to be the best one in the league one day. The only negative about him is his size, which can cause matchup problems in the playoffs if another good team has a PG with much greater size, but you just have to be able to build your team around that. Besides size though, Mac will legitimately not have any other weaknesses. He will be able to score everywhere, play defense and take the ball away, is an ELITE-ELITE athlete and has A’s in BOTH handles and passing.
5. Victor Wembanyama, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Can I just copy and paste everything I mentioned in the other list and still get the word count? No? FINE. Well, he was number on that list but 5 here. His age is a factor in that, as he has less time to reach his full potential as others on this list. Still, there’s going to be a stretch coming soon where he could possibly be a top 5 player and it will make him a worthy investment.
4. Antonio Gates, SF, Phoenix Suns
I admit, this here is a bit of projection. Gates has some holes in his game on the offensive side of the ball but I know firsthand that Nate has big plans to help rectify some of those via training. If the TC gods are kind to Gates and give him a timely bump, that becomes much easier and he could go even higher on this futures list. His ceiling, to me, is to become Genaro Montoya-Lite. Without the assistance of the TC gods, he will never reach peak Genaro on offense, but he has the same size and similar athleticism that makes Montoya such a matchup nightmare and his defensive potential is already amazing. Everyone should have an eye on Phoenix in the future, because if Akins stays the course and Gates explodes, it’ll be trouble.
3. Xue Huo, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
#3 and #2 were tough for me and even as I am in the middle of type this, I think I would put this guy at #2 but, hey, we’re talking about potential game-changing talents either way so, I’ll just leave things as-is. Xue Huo is going to be a PROBLEM as soon as there’s some leadership in Minnesota. He can literally do it ALL and that is without the benefit of otherworldly athletic traits.
#2. Kel’el Ware, C, Brooklyn Nets
Another player that I have already discussed, and again, the foul issue is what keeps him from possibly being #1 (or at risk of dropping to #3). It isn’t normal to find players this size that can do all of the things that Ware will be able to eventually. Hell, it isn’t normal to find a legit, true Center at purple potential at all. In that regard, he’s a bit of a freak (much like Kai Jones). I do hope the fouling problems get under control in the coming seasons because he is going to be so much fun to watch by year 6 and 7, as long as he can stay on the court long enough to make his true impact.
#1. Pee Wee Kirkland, SG, San Antonio Spurs
A true rookie. Purple potential. Immediate TC bump. Playing for Carlos and his Spurs. What does all that eventually equal out to? Likely it will mean multiple championships and MVPs. I am still absolutely amazed to see a rookie trotting out a future rating of 168 and knowing the GM that he is getting to play for, you know that all of that potential is going to be maximized at some point. Forget 12 years a Spur, we might be looking at 20 for Pee Wee. This kid is a slam dunk, guaranteed hall of fame type of player … and it makes me sick that Carlos got him!
I have spoken!
I probably forgot some players that deserved to be on these lists. Would not surprise me if I did, to be honest. I cannot say I did TOO deep a comb over on the rosters to promise there are no omissions. So, if you actually ready this, feel free to tell me why another person deserves a spot or why someone I have on here does not.
Or just give me my damn 10 points, Jon!
The most valuable asset in sim league: The blue (or purple) potential player on a rookie contract. How valuable obviously depends on certain factors, most noteworthy being just how many A’s are on that potential line. Still, there is value to be had in a player with more B’s than A’s as having cost-controlled trade assets or building blocks is important to anyone’s team-building progression. In this space I am going to rundown two top ten lists all about the blue/purple potential players on rookie contracts. The first list will be my list of the best young players that can help you win games right this very moment. Players whose attributes are beginning to show signs of life and can make them compete with the vets around them. The second will be my list of the youngsters who are best equipped to help a franchise win championships in the future. Some of these kids come in very raw and while you absolutely KNOW that they are going to be superstars down the road, it will take patience (and points and TC luck).
So, let us dive into the youth of our league and get an idea of who can be the most excited about what is to come!
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Before getting into my official list, let me start by dropping a few honorable mentions from this category!
Justin Amos, SF, Atlanta Hawks
Amos has been a day 1 starter for Atlanta and has produced numbers for them (Career averages of 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists is remarkable). He doesn’t cut into my top 10 however, because the Hawks have been a trainwreck for so long that I am not sold that he is really that good or just getting a ton of opportunities on horrible rosters.
Thomas Walker, C, Los Angeles Lakers
Walker is currently my top Center off the bench and is averaging roughly 21 minutes per game. In that time, he is averaging 9.1 points (57% from the floor, 60 TS%), 5.6 rebounds and 2 blocks. The roster is stacked but he is contributing to the 2nd best team in the league and deserves the recognition.
AJ Blaze, SG, Portland Trailblazers
I got the idea for this article before the season started and was only looking at player attributes. Then the season started, and I began flipping through rosters and AJ Blaze’s performance during the first 16 games of the season are remarkable. Blaze is the 6th man in Portland but is leading the team in scoring and tied for 2nd in assists while also owning shooting splits of 49-89-42. Might even deserve to be on the main list.
And now, the main event!
10. Scoot Henderson, SG, Dallas Mavericks
Due to injury, Henderson has been pushed into the starting lineup for Mavs, an early season success story, who sit at 10-5. He isn’t producing gaudy numbers or anything, but he is scoring efficiently which is the only thing that the Mavs should be asking him to do. I am guessing he will go back to the 6th man role once Lewis-Weeks is healthy again, but I am guessing Scoot will remain a positive player in whichever role he plays moving forward.
9. Quincy Johnson, PG, Boston Celtics
Much like Scoot, Quincy is going to only be asked to score for the Celtics because defensively he is a bit of a liability. Thankfully, Q is very good at doing that one thing that he needs to do. He did it in Portland last season (21.6 points per game) and is continuing that trend (20.4 points) even though he now has to share the scoring work with Uber-Star Antonio Blakeney. The Celtics started the season off quite bumpy, but once Romero comes back healthy and they likely make a few moves on the fringes, I imagine they’ll get on-track and Quincy will be a big part of that.
8. Kel’el Ware, C, Brooklyn Nets
I love this player and still feel heartbroken that Ed never traded him to me! Based on attributes alone Ware probably deserves to be higher than 8th on this list. The thing that knocks him down a few pegs is that he fouls so much that I am not sure how trustworthy he can be when the chips are down. Might not even be a fair ding for him since I have not looked at anyone else’s foul rating for this list. Hell, I didn’t look up Ware’s either, but I know it because I’ve input the training for him every season. Ware is going to be great with time though and might even be #1 or #2 on this list if the fouling was under control now.
7. Gary Rockwell, PG, Sacramento Kings
Rockwell himself is not a big surprise to me. He was a great pick in that draft and investing points and training into him has been the smart move. The big surprise so far is how good this Kings team has been at this early stage (11-5) and Rockwell has been no small part in that. Offensively he has not even come close to peaking (I mean, he isn’t even blue CURRENT yet) and yet he is averaging 18 points per game as the 3rd scoring option. He is an uber athlete with great defense and to-end playmaking ability and that is carrying him and the team.
6. Mikal Bridges, SF, Chicago Bulls
As I was writing my Rockwell bit, I was tempted to flip these two because Rockwell is playing so wonderfully. Bridges cannot match the volume of some of the scorers on this list, but he also is playing on a far more stacked roster and so will not get as many opportunities. In this case however, the proof is in the pudding. Bridges is full B/B, starting on a championship favorite and has good offense to go along with strong defense. We KNOW you can win big with him on your roster and playing a significant role. Many of these others we are only assuming that you can.
5. Jaden Akins, SG, Phoenix Suns
There are not many holes in Akins’ game even at this early point in it. He is a really good athlete, he can shoot and drive the basketball (though not at an elite level in either yet) and has solid defensive ability with the added bonus of grabbing steals. The one knock is his lack of a mid-range game but that is a knock that could belong to most players in the league. Akins has gotten better every season, with his scoring hitting new highs in the early part of this season (22.1). He is the leader of this young Suns team, and they are currently two games above .500 when it looked like they could be a bottom 10 team coming into the season. Still a lot of basketball to go but Akins in making sure this squad is a handful so far.
4. Paolo Banchero, SF, Detroit Pistons
The only true rookie on this list, Banchero is rare in that he is a Blue current and potential in his 1st season in the league. It helps that he is 23-years-old instead of the typical studs you find in the draft who are usually 18-19. He used those 4 seasons at Stanford well. The Pistons don’t have much in the way of win-now talent, so he is obviously getting a ton of opportunities to be great and is taking advantage of every one of them. What is also different about him is that, unlike most of the guys on this list, he is not an uber athlete. Many of these guys have 90+ QKN and/or JMP which helps mask some of their deficiencies (Like Banchero’s teammate Remy Martin, who is also averaging over 20 points), but Paolo is all skill and technique.
3. Brandon Ingram, SG, San Antonio Spurs
Averaging 23 points this season (after 19 the previous 2) and having his shooting traits at 90-50-80-89, there is not a place on the court that Ingram cannot score at. The Spurs are purposely tanking, and have been for a couple seasons, but if they were not, Ingram could be leading this roster to a playoff spot (or at least a run at the 7 seed) because of how dynamic an offensive player that he is. Once Carlos decides exactly when he wants to pounce again, Ingram will be ready.
2. Xue Huo, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
I am not even going to recite any of his attributes here or talk about how bad the Wolves are. Obviously, the franchise needs leadership and that is the only reason that Huo isn’t dominating and they aren’t making a strong playoff push. Huo shouldn’t just be playing well at this point; he could be dominating but he needs more help and guidance and hopefully there is someone out there that can do that shortly.
1. Victor Wembanyama, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Maybe my favorite young player in the entire league and I tried hard to trade for him multiple times before my cousin took over that roster and I left it alone. Could you probably argue for someone beneath him on this list to be at this spot? Of course, and you may even be right. However, I just have a great fondness for Big Vic. He still has room to grow, and I am sure that he will reach those potentials and be a 20-10 guy who can also shoot 35% or better from the 3, all while standing 7’3”.
And now we go … BACK TO THE FUTURE!
Here are my top 10 rookie contract players who I feel will be the best at leading an entire franchise.
But first, those pesky honorable mentions!
Gary Rockwell, PG, Sacramento Kings
I already gave a breakdown of Mr. Rockwell, but hey, he is and will be great.
Charley Quick, C, Portland Trailblazers
Though it would take some time (and boosting of his 3-ball a little bit) I see Quick as very similar to Victor Wembanyama. I think he was an absolute steal of a pick at #5 in this draft for the Blazers (though I don’t blame anyone above him for the picks that they did take … maybe the Hawks). Even at 20-years-old, I do not think it is going to take Quick too long to be able to get on the floor for meaningful minutes either. The only drawback, and why he doesn’t make the top 10, is he has no shot-blocking ability which is WILD for a 7 footer.
Brandon Ingram, SF, San Antonio Spurs
He is a great scorer, as mentioned previously, but his lack of defense strikes me as him being a guy who can be a great #2 as opposed to the lead horse on a championship team. Luckily for Carlos, he has a guy who you MIGHT see later on this list who can be that #1.
And away we go with the proper list of championship characters!
10. Jaden Akins, SG, Phoenix Suns
I was going back-and-forth between Akins and another player for the 10 spot and while neither is a poor choice, I am going to stick with Akins because he has more ability on the defensive side, though he needs work to reach the highs of the other guy on offense. I just really love 2-way players.
9. Hoyt Timmerman, SG, Portland Trailblazers
I consider Timmerman to be the crown jewel of the Blazers’ asset collection (though Quick could get there). Though he isn’t purple potential, I do believe he is not far off from that, when looking at his potentials all across the board. He’s got size, strength, quickness, hops, will be able to score from anywhere and defend multiple positions. With another A (probably in INS) he’d likely be a few notches higher on this ladder. Still, Timmerman should be a great player for a long time once he comes into his own.
8. Sion James, SG, Houston Rockets
It has been a while since the Rockets have had a young player with the kind of upside that Sion has. I do see him as pretty interchangeable with Timmerman and Akins, as they all have similar upside. High-end athlete, A’s and B’s in most or all of the key places that a #1 option should. I hope the Rockets can clean up their books soon and really get excited about the possibilities of Sion’s future.
7. Paolo Banchero, SF, Detroit Pistons
I genuinely love this player and was tempted to put him higher on this list but as previously mentioned, his lack of athleticism COULD impact his ceiling. Perhaps I should not be the person dinging him for this since my best player is Safi Fino-A-Laself (and his 57 QKN) but he’s also a freak in every other aspect of his game. Obviously, you are lucky to have anyone on this list and their place on it is completely based on personal preference. Maybe he is your #1 or #2? Either way, he’s going to be a great player at least through his first and 2nd contracts. Since he is an older player, it will be interesting to see how he looks when it is SUPERMAX time though.
6. Mac McClung, PG, Los Angeles Lakers
While I have been one to say that folks tend to put a bit too much stock in the PG market of our game, one absolute truth is that IF you have one of the top guys at that position, you are probably in a really good place with your franchise. You can win championships putting other guards in that spot as long as the rest of the roster is stacked up, but a real PG makes a lot of things go, especially on offense. Mac McClung has the potential to be the best one in the league one day. The only negative about him is his size, which can cause matchup problems in the playoffs if another good team has a PG with much greater size, but you just have to be able to build your team around that. Besides size though, Mac will legitimately not have any other weaknesses. He will be able to score everywhere, play defense and take the ball away, is an ELITE-ELITE athlete and has A’s in BOTH handles and passing.
5. Victor Wembanyama, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Can I just copy and paste everything I mentioned in the other list and still get the word count? No? FINE. Well, he was number on that list but 5 here. His age is a factor in that, as he has less time to reach his full potential as others on this list. Still, there’s going to be a stretch coming soon where he could possibly be a top 5 player and it will make him a worthy investment.
4. Antonio Gates, SF, Phoenix Suns
I admit, this here is a bit of projection. Gates has some holes in his game on the offensive side of the ball but I know firsthand that Nate has big plans to help rectify some of those via training. If the TC gods are kind to Gates and give him a timely bump, that becomes much easier and he could go even higher on this futures list. His ceiling, to me, is to become Genaro Montoya-Lite. Without the assistance of the TC gods, he will never reach peak Genaro on offense, but he has the same size and similar athleticism that makes Montoya such a matchup nightmare and his defensive potential is already amazing. Everyone should have an eye on Phoenix in the future, because if Akins stays the course and Gates explodes, it’ll be trouble.
3. Xue Huo, SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
#3 and #2 were tough for me and even as I am in the middle of type this, I think I would put this guy at #2 but, hey, we’re talking about potential game-changing talents either way so, I’ll just leave things as-is. Xue Huo is going to be a PROBLEM as soon as there’s some leadership in Minnesota. He can literally do it ALL and that is without the benefit of otherworldly athletic traits.
#2. Kel’el Ware, C, Brooklyn Nets
Another player that I have already discussed, and again, the foul issue is what keeps him from possibly being #1 (or at risk of dropping to #3). It isn’t normal to find players this size that can do all of the things that Ware will be able to eventually. Hell, it isn’t normal to find a legit, true Center at purple potential at all. In that regard, he’s a bit of a freak (much like Kai Jones). I do hope the fouling problems get under control in the coming seasons because he is going to be so much fun to watch by year 6 and 7, as long as he can stay on the court long enough to make his true impact.
#1. Pee Wee Kirkland, SG, San Antonio Spurs
A true rookie. Purple potential. Immediate TC bump. Playing for Carlos and his Spurs. What does all that eventually equal out to? Likely it will mean multiple championships and MVPs. I am still absolutely amazed to see a rookie trotting out a future rating of 168 and knowing the GM that he is getting to play for, you know that all of that potential is going to be maximized at some point. Forget 12 years a Spur, we might be looking at 20 for Pee Wee. This kid is a slam dunk, guaranteed hall of fame type of player … and it makes me sick that Carlos got him!
I have spoken!
I probably forgot some players that deserved to be on these lists. Would not surprise me if I did, to be honest. I cannot say I did TOO deep a comb over on the rosters to promise there are no omissions. So, if you actually ready this, feel free to tell me why another person deserves a spot or why someone I have on here does not.
Or just give me my damn 10 points, Jon!