Ivica Zubac continues to provide ultra-reliable rim protection, rebounding, and finishing in the middle for LA. He does the dirty work to impact winning and doesn’t need a ton of touches to positively influence his team.
A bundle of energy who can impact winning by sheer force of will. Jarred Vanderbilt is all over the place defensively, phasing in and out of passing lanes, making razor-sharp rotations, and locking down some of the NBA’s best players one-on-one.
Keldon Johnson has stepped into an expanded role post-Dejounte Murray and thrived. An aggressive, physical slasher who can throw his weight around on drives to the rim, Johnson has the potential to average 20+ for the next decade. He has improved drastically as a passer and shooter too.
Jordan Clarkson has evolved considerably for the new-look Jazz, playmaking for others at a higher rate while still possessing the ability to take over games with his nutty shot-making. His ability to oscillate between on and off-ball duties, combined with his much-needed poise in a young Jazz backcourt, makes Clarkson worthy of recognition.
Clint Capela continues to thrive within the confines of his very specific role. On offense, he’s a prime-time lob threat for Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. On the defensive end, he’s a long-armed rim protector with nimble feet, excellent timing, and — despite the toll of age — the ability to get up off the floor in a hurry. He’s also one of the league’s best rebounders.