40. PF Aaron Gordon, Nuggets
One can argue that Aaron Gordon should have been the Nugget’s second All-Star last regular season. He’s the third-best player in Denver. He’s elite at his role of being a defender and taking advantage of mismatches on offense. If he continues to improve the scoring aspect of his game, then there’s no reason why the power forward won’t be an All-Star this year.
39. PF Paolo Banchero, Magic
There’s no doubt that the Magic made the right choice of selecting Paolo Banchero last season first overall. He won Rookie of the Year and was instantly a 20-point per game scorer. Now in his second season, the power forward needs to refine all aspects of his game.
38. SG Desmond Bane, Grizzlies
The Grizzlies will need Desmond Bane’s scoring at the beginning of the season more than normally thanks to their best player being suspended. The shooting guard is already one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA and has been adding more to his game. However, he will have to do it on an even higher level than before.
37. F Lauri Markkanen, Jazz
Before last season began, one could argue that Lauri Markkanen wasn’t a top-100 player. However, the Utah Jazz’s All-Star made a huge leap into stardom this past season. He’s an elite scorer who isn’t a complete liability on the defensive end.
36. G Jrue Holiday, Celtics
Jrue Holiday landing on the Celtics this offseason was one of the biggest moves made by any team this summer. The former Philadelphia 76ers All-Star is still an elite two-way guard, especially on the defensive end. Adding him to the roster makes the Celtics one of the favorites.