6. Jabari Smith Jr. (Team Joakim/Rockets)
It hasn’t been the easiest of rookie seasons offensively for the 2022 No. 3 overall pick out of Auburn, but Jabari Smith has shown a lot of flashes (especially on the defensive end). Not many players have a higher defensive potential than the 6-foot-11 forward.
Smith is currently averaging 12 points and seven rebounds per game (even though it is at an inefficient 39% from the field). Smith has also blocked 53 shots this season.
5. Evan Mobley (Team Joakim/Cavaliers)
The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft out of USC is one of the top young post players in the league. Mobley is averaging 15.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per game on an impressively efficient 55.1% Field Goal percentage.
Mobley currently pairs with Jarrett Allen to form one of the better big men duos in the league for the upstart Cavs.
4. Alperen Sengun (Team Deron/Rockets)
Alperen Sengun seems to be next in line in the list of playmaking big-men in the NBA. Sengun has been one of the “steals” of the 2021 NBA draft (was the No. 16 overall pick), as he is having a breakthrough Sophomore season.
He is currently averaging 15.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 56.2% shooting from the field. He has also shown the ability to knock down the long ball as well.