NBA Thanksgiving: What every team should be thankful for in 2021
By DJ Cadden
Houston Rockets: A foundational young core
The Houston Rockets are not going to win many games this season, but it appears that they have a strong young foundation of players in Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood, and Alperen Sengun.
How many of those players will be considered long-term pieces, remains to be seen.
Indiana Pacers: 24-year old rookie Chris Duarte
Most teams in the modern NBA stray away from drafting “old” prospects in the draft. Twenty-four-year-old Chris Duarte was a member of that “old” group of prospects, but the Indiana Pacers still gave the Oregon Duck a chance with the No. 13 overall pick.
Duarte has not disappointed in Indiana so far and may become an important building block for the Pacers. Duarte was a starter from day one, averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and two assists, while also averaging a steal a game.
Duarte has quickly established himself as a contender for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award as well.