15. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
LaVine will be at the center of a dreadful Bulls defense. He’ll also be their most important offensive piece, sharing playmaking duties with Kris Dunn and probably leading the team in scoring.
He missed all but 24 games with injury last season, but LaVine is a dynamic athlete and career 37.3 percent three-point shooter. If he makes any progress defensively, this ranking will be all the more justified.
14. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
This is high for a rookie — possibly too high. Doncic is NBA-ready, though, and he should finish the season firmly in the top-15 at his position. The reigning Euroleague MVP will be the crux of Dallas’ offense, with several apt complementary pieces alongside him.
DeAndre Jordan is the perfect lob target, while Dennis Smith Jr. and Harrison Barnes provide shot-creation and slashing. Doncic is a generational playmaker with good size and smooth three-level scoring. He’s the Rookie of the Year favorite.
13. Andre Roberson, Oklahoma City Thunder
Roberson is one of the 10 best defenders in the NBA when healthy. He can’t shoot and doesn’t provide much value on offense, but his ability to lock down the opposition’s best player on a nightly basis provides was integral to OKC’s success last season.
Paul George is an All-Defense candidate himself, but the Thunder’s success fell off a bit after Roberson’s injury. That’s telling.