Finally, the NBA season is underway. I’m so excited for a new season to begin, with so many superstars on the move and teams vying to contend for a chance to get beaten by Golden State. Personally, I’m hyped to see the Bucks and Raptors play this year in a wide-open East. But I’m also really intrigued with three under-the-radar sleepers this season. I feel like this season is make-or-break for them, and if they do well, they can make a substantial contribution to their squads. Here’s who you should keep an eye on this year.
Dante Exum
It feels like everyone has forgotten about Dante Exum. He was the fifth pick back in 2014, not characteristic of a “sleeper.” Exum was noted as a raw, high-potential player, and his rookie year was never expected to be great. He made the rising stars challenge and started 41 games, and his future seemed to be pretty bright.
Then the injuries hit.
Exum tore his ACL and missed the entire 2015-16 season. Then, in October 2017 he had shoulder surgery, limiting him to only 14 games last season. But this year he’s healthy, and he has a lot to prove. Exum is still only 23years old. He’s now firmly behind Ricky Rubio on the depth chart, but I think he can provide value as a backup. If Exum can stay healthy, this year could be the one where he shows what he’s capable of.
Stats as of article’s creation: 10.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 19.3 MPG
Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis was the forgotten part of Indiana’s Paul George trade, and he’s been quietly providing value to the Pacers since he arrived in Indiana. His points per game went from 5.9 in Oklahoma City to 11.6 in Indiana, while his rebound and assist totals more than doubled.
This year, especially later in the season, I think he’s going to get more minutes than the 24.5 he averaged last year, and he has a chance to increase his stat totals. Watching him play on television and in real life, Sabonis has a good feel around the rim and sticks to what he’s good at, shown by his efficient (52%) shooting numbers. Oh, and last season he showed glimpses of a three-point shot.
Stats so far: 11.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 22.7 MPG
Marquese Chriss
Marquese Chriss will be starting his 2018-19 campaign on a new team, the three-point happy Houston Rockets. Known for his dunking prowess, Chriss made an All-Rookie team in 2016-17 but didn’t really progress last year, putting up worse stats in similar minutes. But that was with the struggling Suns. With Chris Paul and James Harden’s playmaking abilities, Chriss should get some easy buckets.
His career three-point percentage is 30.9%, not terrible for a big man. If he can shoot 35%, that would boost his value in the system. But the most important part about Chriss will be his defense. Last year he had 0.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in only 22 minutes, and his value on the defensive end was much higher than his value on offense.
The Rockets sorely miss some defensive stoppers. Chriss may be too big to chase around guards, but if he can help in any way, shape, or form on the defensive end the Rockets will be that much better off.
Stats as of article’s creation: Has Not Played (Injury)
Which one of these sleeper players do you think will have the best season? I think Sabonis has the highest ceiling, but Exum can show that he’s improved the most, while Chriss can contribute to a title contender. Agree? Disagree? Hit me up @PerSourcesSam on Twitter to debate!