8. Jarrett Allen, Brooklyn Nets
No other player from this draft class can boast the kind of rejection resume that Jarrett Allen can, from Giannis to LeBron, Blake Griffin to AD, no one is safe from the ‘Fro. Allen is a few pounds of muscle away from being truly dominant, but he’s averaging a double-double with a block a game this season, and Allen still has to fight for playing time with DeAndre Jordan.
The ceiling for Allen is a defensive Player of the Year, and a dangerous pick and roll option/screener on offense. If Allen is given room to grow and can add some more playoff experience to his resume, there’s no reason he can’t become an All-Star.
7. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls
The potential for Lauri Markkanen is staggering, and the biggest reason as to why he made this list. The Chicago Bulls have struggled while Markkanen has been on the team, unable to tap into the talents of their decent roster, but this blame falls (in my opinion) almost completely on the coaching staff.
Markkanen is the kind of stretch big man most NBA teams would love to have, he is a great shooter, and can play face up to the basket like a small forward or a guard. Although his numbers and team success are lacking, Markkanen should end up being closer to Dirk Nowitzki than a bust.