5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
After showing impressive offensive versatility and overall potential as a rookie, Jokic officially had his breakout season last year. Season averages of 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game are impressive enough, but month-long stretches in February (24, 11, 5) and April (20, 12, 6) showed that Jokic has star potential.
His passing ability is truly special, especially for a big man, and Denver runs a lot of their offense through him. It’s amazing that he slipped to the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Just 22 years old, Jokic is one of the most valuable assets in the league right now. He can do it all offensively, and don’t overlook his stellar percentages from the floor (58 percent) and the free throw line (83 percent).
Jokic also attempted just shy of two threes per take last season, converting on 32 percent of them.He only figures to get better as the centerpiece of this Denver squad, and I can’t imagine them entertaining trading him for anyone but the next four guys on this list.