20. D’Angelo Russell, Lakers
D’Angelo Russell’s second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers has gone much better thus far. The 6-foot-4 combo guard can play on and off the ball as well as score on all three levels. He’s also solid at running the pick-and-roll which should help the Lakers offense.
19. Fred VanVleet, Rockets
The Rockets were able to get their All-Star playmaker this off-season in Fred VanVleet. Besides being able to run an offense at a high level, the 6-foot-1 guard is arguably the best 3-and-D point guard in the NBA despite struggling with his shot last year.
18. CJ McCollum, Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have a very good 3-level scorer in CJ McCollum. Until a season and a half ago, the 6-foot-3 combo guard was playing shooting guard next to the Blazers star. However, he’s made the transition smoothly. His playmaking and defense are weak points but his ability to run an offense while also playing off the ball is at a high level.
17. Cade Cunningham, Pistons
After being injured most of last season, Cade Cunningham is coming into this season with more complimentary pieces on the roster. The 6-foot-6 playmaker has all the skills to be an All-Star outside of his lack of a reliable 3-point shot.
16. Russell Westbrook, Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers were able to retain future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook on a team-friendly contract this season. The 6-foot-3 point guard has given Los Angeles a new level of energy that they’ve lacked in the past. It will be interesting to see if Westbrook retains his starting job and that depends on if the Clippers trade for the Philadelphia 76ers starting point guard.