10. Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas is coming off a career year with the Grizzlies but was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason. Valanviunas is a low post bruiser who can occasionally stretch the floor. Now that he will be sharing the court with Zion Williamson, there’s a chance Valanciunas has a career year from the 3-point line.
9. Nikola Vucevic
If Nikola Vucevic was still on the Orlando Magic, then I would have him a spot or two higher on this list. However, he’s on the Chicago Bulls and his offensive game won’t be showcased as much. Vucevic is a legit three-level score and isn’t bad defensive, but with dynamic wings like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the roster, the big man’s touches will be lower than usual.
8. Clint Capela
The Atlanta Hawks must have loved what they saw from Clint Capela this season as he signed a two year extension with the club this offseason. Capela is one of the best interior defenders in the NBA and is a double-double threat every night despite being limited as an offensive player.
7. Kristaps Porzingis
With Jason Kidd becoming the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, one of the biggest changes I suspect will occur is that Kristaps Porzingis will make the move becoming the regular starting center of the Mavericks. When healthy, Porizingis is a dynamic shooter and who is a threat as a two-way star. He’s had a full offseason to get healthy so there’s a good chance he comes into this season and dominates.
6. Deandre Ayton
During the regular season last year, Deandre Ayton wasn’t turning heads, but during this past NBA Finals run with the Phoenix Suns, he was fantastic. He showed he could be a highly efficient 20 points and 10 rebounds type of player. He’s a two-way big and if he can continue to develop his 3-point shot, then he’s going to be fantastic moving forward.