A strong Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Malcolm Brogdon has settled into the perfect role to maximize his efficiency as a connector and shot-maker offensively. We also know he can scale up and play the role of star point guard if called upon.
He’s still got it. After raising serious concerns about his future last postseason, Mike Conley has elevated the surprisingly potent Jazz offense with razor-sharp playmaking instincts and just enough shot-making to keep the defense honest. He doesn’t have the same legs he once did, but his veteran savvy absolutely counts for something.
After his year-long absence from the sport, there has been an undeniable period of adjustment for Ben Simmons. He’s not quite back to All-Star form, but we’re starting to see flashes of the old Ben: from his elite defensive versatility to his brilliant open-court playmaking. He could rise up the board dramatically by season’s end.
Al Horford is an old man by basketball standards, but the former All-Star still has plenty of gas in the tank. He’s one of the best positional defenders in the sport and a brilliant offensive mind, giving the Celtics a unique offensive hub in the frontcourt.
Kevin Huerter has rocketed into the national conscious with his stellar season in Sacramento. The Kings have unleashed him as a movement shooter on the perimeter, while his defensive toughness cements him in the crunch-time rotation. Not many wings possess Huerter’s combination of shooting touch, passing acumen, and defensive versatility.