6. Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
I grappled with whether or not to include Victor Oladipo, who’s expected to be out until at least December. But since he’s widely expected to return midseason, the two-time All-Star gets the nod. How he looks post-ACL tear will go a long way in determining Indiana’s success in 2019-20.
While Oladipo made the All-Star team before getting hurt last season, his numbers were on the decline. He averaged 18.8 points and 5.2 assists, shooting just 42.3 percent from the field. Those weren’t comparable to his 2017-18 numbers. He will need to prove himself as a perennial All-Star.
- PG: Malcolm Brogdon | Position Rank: 14th
- SG: Victor Oladipo | Position Rank: 6th
5. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans
One of the best perimeter defenders in basketball, Jrue Holiday will take the reigns in New Orleans. How long his tenure as top dog will last is unknown — Zion Williamson is ripe for the crown — but Holiday will once again carry a significant load regardless.
Due to his length, anticipation skills and hustle, Holiday will probably find himself in the All-Defense discussion again. Next to Lonzo Ball, New Orleans will have an elite defensive backcourt. Holiday’s 3-point stroke is iffy, but he still averaged an efficient 21.2 points and 7.7 assists last season.
- PG: Lonzo Ball | Position Rank: 16th
- SG: Jrue Holiday | Position Rank: 5th
4. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
In John Wall’s absence, Bradley Beal has shined as Washington’s go-to. He’s not only a gifted shooter, but a bona fide playmaker and a skillful finisher. He managed to keep the Wizards semi-respectable during a very messy 2018-19 season.
Washington looks even worse heading into 2019-20, but Beal is primed for another massive workload. He averaged 25.6 points and 5.5 assists last season. His 35.1 percent 3-point clip was a career low, which leaves room for positive regression.
- PG: Isaiah Thomas | Position Rank: 30th
- SG: Bradley Beal | Position Rank: 4th