This offseason has been quite an interesting one for the NBA, to say the least. Some big roster shakeups has left an elite group of teams already looking to the postseason. However, quite a few teams are just looking for the right pieces to add to their collection. That is exactly why the talented players drafted this year have drummned up excitement in their respective orginzations.
1. Joel Embiid
Two full years after being drafted, Joel Embiid finally appears to be ready to make an impact in the NBA. Defensively, he has the potential to change games with his rim protection and shot-blocking. Offensively, he has a myriad of moves down low that, combined with his strength and size, will make it tough for smaller big men to contain him. Besides a slight turnover problem, the only element that could hold Embiid back is his durability. After sitting out two seasons because of a foot injury, many are unsure of how his body will hold up throughout the course of an NBA season. Only time will tell if he will be able to be the tough, big man of the future.
2. Brandon Ingram
No one is questioning Brandon Ingram's potential to be a star in the NBA. His height, athleticism and multi-faceted skillset are reason enough to expect big things from the Lakers newcomer. However, some are questioning his ability to be a top contributer from the jump. There will be some growing pains because of his slender build and Lakers' head coach Luke Walton already said that Ingram will have to work for the starting position. Despite these things, Ingram should blossom into a deadly scorer once he puts it all together.
3. Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield was clearly the best shooter in college last season, when he pushed Oklahoma to the Final Four with his ability to create space and make shots. Now that he’s in the NBA, the pressure to score won't fall squarely on him anymore. He’ll see more open looks than ever as opposing teams will have to plan for Hield's new teammate and All-Star Anthony Davis. Hield's game should translate quickly, and if him and Davis can become a dynamic scoring duo, the rest of the league will have to watch out.
4. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons has been tagged as that once in a generational talent many teams could only dream about drafting. And lucky for the struggling Philadelphia 76ers, they were able to get him with the first pick in the draft. Simmons’s jump shot is a serious concern, but his ability to play point forward will be vital for a team in need of playmakers. Unfortunately, a foot fracture he suffered in a preseason practice will keep him out for a few months. If Simmons truly does have the potential everyone believes he has, then that foot injury won't keep him down for long.
5. Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn has the potential to be the point guard that a young Minnesota needs to push them into the elite team conversation. The Timberwolves already have a roster full of impressive talent and Dunn definitely has the ability to contribute right away. His athleticism as a point guard is a strong fit for the Timberwolves. However, Dunn will need to prove himself as the one to take Ricky Rubio’s position as the starting guard. Dunn, who is better at scoring in the paint, is also capable of hitting from anywhere on the court. He shows an impressive range for a rookie, so some say he is already ready to take Rubio's spot.
