The Grizzlies have felt Steven Adams’ absence deeply this season. He’s the king of frontcourt fundamentals, setting thundering screens to free up his guards, making consistently solid reads as a passer, and never missing a box out inside.
Jakob Poeltl is one of the NBA’s best and more underrated rim protectors. His massive frame, nimble feet, and elite instincts pose quite the impediment for prospective challengers in the lane. He doesn’t make mistakes and is always in the right spot defensively. He’s more limited offensively, but Poeltl provides value as a thunderous screener, at-rim finisher, and offensive rebounder.
Jalen Williams thundered up this board after the All-Star break behind efficient complementary scoring and impressive wing defense for a rookie. He already looks like a future All-Star with his shiftiness attacking downhill and his ability to contribute across the board for a young, up-and-coming Thunder team.
Kyle Kuzma continues to solidify his reputation as a reliable two-way starter after several years of rapidly changing expectations to open his career. He’s not particularly special in one given area, but Kuzma scores a lot of points attacking off the catch and playing with unabashed confidence on the offensive end.
A fearless downhill driver and playmaker who has proven that he can scale up or down depending on the personnel around him. The Nets will have to decide the direction of the franchise next summer, but Dinwiddie can fit into just about any system, be it as the main ball-handler, a sixth man spark plug, or a dynamic off-ball scorer.