An elite three-level scorer who can beat defenses every which way: with long strides toward the basket, difficult contested jumpers in the mid-range, or with a sudden barrage of 3s. Markkanen combines fluid movement and skill in a manner very few 7-footers can match. He is the future of Utah basketball.
Jalen Brunson has been one of the NBA’s most potent scorers since the calendar flipped to January. His stoic confidence, reliable playmaking, and timely bucket-getting has provided the bedrock for New York’s ascent. The Knicks look ready to make noise in the playoffs and Brunson will presumably be at the forefront of any run.
Fresh off his first All-Star appearance, De’Aaron Fox is now thriving in his first postseason run. The Kings have been an absolute buzzsaw offensively this season, with Fox’s game-breaking speed and consistent rim pressure being a major force behind their dominance. His ancillary skill set is as well-rounded and polished as ever, too.
Domantas Sabonis continues to stabilize and accentuate Sacramento’s elite offense. He’s the ideal modern frontcourt hub — a brilliant, methodical post magician who can make every pass or simply obliterate mismatches with his strength at the rim. He’s also the best rebounder in the NBA.
The Wolves might not be, the Anthony Edwards is built for the moment. He continues to rise to the occasion at every opportunity, looking like the NBA’s next mega-star playmaking wing. He can score from wherever he wants and he’s a monstrous defender when he wants to be. Give it another year or two, and we might be talking about Ant in the top-15 range.