By Tobias Bass
The NBA regular season has finally arrived. As we know Zion Williamson was the number one overall pick and the media has completely “Zionized” the public on how good he could be. Here are four that will make a name for themselves at the end of the year.
De’Andre Hunter- Virginia R:1 pick 4 (Atlanta Hawks)
Out of all the 60 players drafted De’Andre Hunter has the easiest transition from college to the NBA. At Virginia Hunter’s role was simple, be the best defensive player on the floor, knock down key three-point shots and take efficient shots. What made his job so easy was playing with Ty Jerome. Jerome is a pass-first point guard that always made the right play when finding shooters. Well, guess who the point guard is for the Atlanta Hawks? The runner-up in the ROY award Trae Young. With Young running the offense for this young Hawk team Hunter will more than thrive in his role. Not to mention they have a future All-Star in John Collins down low. Hunter can come into the season with very little to no pressure and surpass expectations. This season he should take the starting spot at some point and average around 10-14 points and shoot around 35-36 percent from three. As for his long-term success, I believe he could make a few All-Star games and be one of the best two-way players in the league.
Jarrett Culver-Texas Tech R:1 pick 6 (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a point of emphasis to get Culver. Originally Culver was selected by the Phoneix Suns but his rights were immediately traded to the Timberwolves for Dario Saric and the 11th pick. Culver has had some inconsistency shooting the ball in the preseason especially from three as he shot 28 percent. However, he has shown the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways from all three levels as he averaged 12.4 PPG. The former Big 12 player of the year will make his impact defensively, as disciple of Chris Beard, Culver will play hard and smart on both ends of the floor but especially on defense. By the trade deadline, Andrew Wiggins will likely be moved and will open up the ranks for Culver to start. If Culver develops and meshes well with Karl Anthony Towns he could make multiple All-Star appearances and the Timberwolves would have a nice core to build around for the future.
Tyler Herro-Kentucky R:1 pick 13 (Miami Heat)
Another rookie that dominated the Summer League was Tyler Herro. Herro is not just a shooter, he can make plays off the dribble, especially in the pick and roll. He will be a nice compliment to their new off-season acquisition Jimmy Butler. In college, Tyler Herro showed often he was the best player on the floor and how versatile he can be on both ends of the floor. Herro has a personality or swagger about him that fits the DNA of the Miami Heat. One thing the Heat lack this year is shooting so expect Herro to come in and fill that void immediately as he shot 51.9 percent from three in the preseason. Herro will make an immediate impact for the Heat this season as they try to make a playoff run.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker-Virginia Tech R:1 pick 17 (New Orleans Pelicans)
Zion Williamson will get most of the hype on this team but the Pelicans drafted another rookie who I think can not only contribute right of the bat for this team but could be a future star in this league. That is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. In the Summer League, he lit it up averaging 24.3 PPG which was third in the Las Vegas Summer League and 6 APG which placed him fifth. Alexander-Walker is a poised combo-guard that should play significant minutes backing up Lonzo Ball. What I love the most about the Pelicans drafting him at 17 is the fit. The Pelicans finally look to be moving in the right direction and have a plan. I just imagine them getting up and down the floor throwing lobs and being one of the most fun teams to watch this year. Alexander-Walker reminds me of Spencer Dinwiddie with his ability to get in the lane and create for others, not to mention he is a big guard that finishes very well around the rim with both hands. If he can emerge as the backup point guard the Pelicans could have one of the best second units in the league helping them make a strong push towards the playoffs.
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