Sixers: Ranking James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and every NBA backcourt

27. Cole Anthony & Jalen Suggs, Magic

Cole Anthony is one of the most electric young guards in the NBA, if not always the most consistent. I’m not sure he’s a better long-term prospect than Markelle Fultz, but Orlando will rely heavily on his perimeter creation and 3-point shooting next season. Jalen Suggs struggled relative to expectations as a rookie, but the tools are still there. He’s an incredible athlete who thinks the game at a high level and who is in line for a big second-year leap.

26. Jalen Brunson & Quentin Grimes, Knicks

Evan Fournier or Immanuel Quickley could very easily take the two-guard spot next to Jalen Brunson, but for the purposes of this article we’ll use Quentin Grimes. He’s the best option in this writer’s opinion, in large part due to his defensive competence next to Brunson, who opposing offenses will target. As for Brunson, he was a big part of Dallas’ run to the conference finals last season. He earned every cent of his big payday, and while the Knicks still don’t feel like contenders, his basketball I.Q. and confident shot-making will drastically improve a previously stagnant offense.

25. De’Aaron Fox & Kevin Huerter, Kings

The Kings made some nice moves this summer to surround De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis will the talent necessary to make a play-in push. It’s always doom and gloom around Sacramento, but Fox put up impressive numbers at the tail-end of last season, and Kevin Huerter is a perfect fit on the wing. His versatile defense and volume 3-point shooting will fit hand-in-glove next to Fox’s dynamic slashing.