NFL
By: Monte Perez
We all know the rising stars in the NBA, just to name a few…
- Trae Young…27 points, 9.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game.
- Luka Doncic… 34.3 points, 8.1 assists, and 8.7 rebounds per game.
- Ja Morant… 28.8 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds per game.
But it is time to look at players who are off the radar but are making a huge impact on their teams.
5) Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic):
The Magic are rebuilding and Paolo Banchero is being dubbed as the next LeBron James. This team is fun to watch and they are getting huge contributions from their 21-year-old forward in Wagner. He is playing 34 minutes a game and is averaging 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He is shooting 49% from the field and 86% from the free-throw line. With Banchero, this could be a dynamic duo like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton over the next 5 years.
4) Kristaps Porzingis (Washington Wizards):
When Porzingis played in New York Kevin Durant called him the Unicorn. The nickname came because no one saw anything like Porzingis. He is a 7-footer who could shoot the three consistently New York traded him to Dallas and he struggled to be consistent. The Unicorn appears to have found a home in Washington and he is playing very well. He is averaging 20.5 points, 8 .2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He is shooting 49% from the floor, 39% from three and 80% from the free throw line. The Wizards are playing better than expected and Porzingis is a huge part of the reason.
3) Jerami Grant (Portland Trail Blazers):
The Portland Trail Blazers are leading the Northwest division with a record of 9-4. Jerami Grant has been a huge pick-up for them this off-season. He is averaging 20 points and 4 rebounds. He is shooting 46% from behind the arc. He is a perfect inside-outside compliment to Portland’s center, Jusuf Nurkic. The Trail Blazers could make the playoffs and they were supposed to be rebuilding.
2) Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz):
The Jazz have cooled off from their hot start but Markkanen has been a huge surprise for this team. Utah shipped Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz in exchange for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji and a handful of draft picks over the next several years. This is one of those unique trades where both teams have benefitted. Markkanen is averaging 21 points 8 rebounds and shooting 52% from the floor. He appears to be a perfect fit and is thriving in Salt Lake.
1) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: (Oklahoma City Thunder):
Has there been a better guard in the NBA that what were are seeing in Oklahoma? The quick answer is no. Shai is averaging 31.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. He is shooting 53% from the field and 94% from the free-throw line. The Thunder are 6-8 and are rebuilding but he has been the best player on the court every time he plays.
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