Philadelphia 76ers: Where Dario Saric ranks among all starting power forwards
15. Thaddeus Young, Indiana Pacers
Young was an important piece for the Pacers last season, largely due to his defensive impact. He’s a physical defender capable of surviving switches on the perimeter, making him one of the most underrated two-way players in the league. He also shot 32 percent from deep.
14. Serge Ibaka, Toronto Raptors
Ibaka is on a steep decline, but he’s still a useful defender who can space the floor on offense. While not comparable to his numbers of old, Ibaka still tallied 1.3 blocks per game last season. He’s a legitimate stretch-four and provides shot-blocking that Jonas Valanciunas can’t offer. Expect him to remain an important part of Toronto’s success next season.
13. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls
Markkanen put together a strong freshman campaign, earning All-Rookie honors in the process. He’s officially a cornerstone in the Bulls’ rebuild, boasting offensive skill that few players at his position possess.
While defense is still an issue, Markkanen is an elite shooter for a 7-footer. He can also attack closeouts and make high-level passes, showing the early signs of go-to scoring upside. We’ll see how his role changes with Wendell Carter Jr. and Jabari Parker in the mix.