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.