Ranking the Sixers’ young core against every NBA team
. . Indiana Pacers. 20. team. 100.
Ranking every NBA young core — 20. Indiana Pacers
- Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, Oshae Brissett, Goga Bitadze, Chris Duarte, Isaiah Jackson, Cassius Stanley, Edmond Sumner, DeJon Jarreau, Duane Washington
Domantas Sabonis is now a perennial All-Star candidate, making it difficult to drop Indiana any lower than this. Myles Turner is also a perennial contender for Defensive Player of the Year. The Pacers have struggled to make Sabonis and Turner work as a duo, but talent alone elevates them to a certain degree.
Beyond the dynamic frontcourt, Indiana also has Oshae Brissett, who helped me win my fantasy league with his impressive play down the stretch of last season. He’s an excellent energy guy who should stick around a bit. Chris Duarte looked every bit as advertised in Summer League, and should translate his advanced age (24) to immediate production as a rookie. Isaiah Jackson also had some dominant stretches in Vegas.
. . San Antonio Spurs. 19. team. 29.
Ranking every NBA young core — 19. San Antonio Spurs
- Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, Joshua Primo, Devin Vassell, Lonnie Walker IV, Tre Jones, Jakob Poeltl, Drew Eubanks, Zach Collins, Joe Wieskamp, Keita Bates-Diop, Luka Samanic
Dejounte Murray is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA and has established his worth as San Antonio’s secondary engine offensively. How he evolves without DeRozan will be fascinating to watch. Keldon Johnson, on the other hand, is already a starter on paper, and spent his summer winning gold medal in the Olympics.
The Spurs have made a few controversial decisions — mainly selecting Joshua Primo 12th overall in July — but there aren’t many teams with a deeper reserve of quality young players. Pretty much everyone on the above list can play, and the Spurs’ player development is legendary. The young Spurs could be more fun than anticipated.