Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun
The Houston Rockets have been a bit better than expected to start the season and Alperen Sengun is a big reason why. Over the past two seasons, he’s emerged as arguably the best player on the team. And even after adding Fred VanVleet during the offseason, that very much remains the case.
The Rockets should be thankful they managed to hit on Sengun as a mid-first-round pick during the 2021 NBA Draft. Taking a flier on Sengun has completely changed the outlook for the Rockets moving forward.
Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner
For the Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton is the player that completely changes their high-end ceiling but I’m not sure the team would be able to do what it’s been doing recently without the calculated contributions of Myles Turner. Despite the recent trade whispers over the last couple of seasons, he’s been a much-needed veteran presence for the young Pacers.
The Pacers wouldn’t be as far along as they are right now in their development without Turner on the roster. Even though he could end up moving on from the team after next season, his contributions to the team won’t be forgotten.