The Class of 2018 has been making noise all season long, and I haven’t seen a class like this since 2003. The talent of these players reassures everyone that the NBA is in good hands for the future. It amazes me the milestones some of these guys have already achieved, and their first season isn’t even over yet.
5. Jaren Jackson Jr. (13.5 PTS, 4.6 REB, 1.5 BLK)
Jackson has pure talent, and his slim 6’11″ build creates problems for the defense. His patience in the low-post is what separates him from other forwards in the league. A lot of forwards rush their shot and shy away from the power-dribble on the low-block. Jackson utilizes the power-dribble to his advantage by putting the ball on the floor once and going straight up.
Another aspect to his game is that he isn’t afraid to stretch the floor. What most don’t realize is that he shoots 32.8% from the three, better than Trae Young. He isn’t the quickest player out there, but once he faces up, it’s hard to guard him.
Season-highs: 36 points, 11 rebounds, 7 blocks
4. Trae Young (16.4 PTS, 7.3 AST, 3.2 REB)
What an exciting guard to watch. Being 6’2″ comes with some disadvantages, but he’s one of the main reasons the Hawks are seeing any success this season. He can get to just about any spot on the floor with his dribble moves.
With Young, you have Kyrie Irving Handles and Steph Curry range all in one. He’s seen a handful of 30-point games along with 10+ assists. His vision shouldn’t go unnoticed, as he’s always on high alert. He utilizes the pick-n-roll and is always watching the floor. He’s shown glimpses of being an elite player, but his inconsistency is worrisome. On the contrary, Young leads all rookies in assists and is second in double-doubles at 14. His play being roller-coaster like, the Hawks show no signs of giving up on the 20-year-old.
Season-highs: 35 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds
3. Kevin Knox (12.2 PTS, 0.9 AST, 4.2 REB)
Despite being injured for a small portion of the season, Knox has proved his worth in the NBA. When you watch Knox play one of the first things you notice is his ability to run on the break. In 2K terms, he’s the definition of the One-Man-Fast-Break badge. Although, his stats aren’t exactly pretty to see; his impact and play have been outstanding.
In the month of January, he averaged a consistent 17.1 points and 7 rebounds with his season-high coming a few weeks ago pouring in 31 points against the Sixers. His jump-shot is elite, and it all comes down to the confidence he has whether it’s spotting up for a three or catching the ball, taking one dribble, and pulling up.
His ability to move without the ball is another aspect of his game that makes him more deserving to be on this list. Unlike many players, they often get confused and time their cuts wrong, but if you watch Knox his eyes are always on the man with the ball. He uses a quick V-cut to the rim multiple times a game to get an easy basket. I don’t see many rookies having the confidence and IQ that Knox does.
Season-highs: 31 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists
2. Deandre Ayton (16.4 PTS, 10.6 REB, 1 BLK)
When I see Ayton, I see a dominant big man who excels in the pick-n-roll game. His grit and toughness down low create havoc for anyone who guards him. Ayton slips screens very well, making that a go-to option for the Suns’ offense aside from Devin Booker. He never gives up on a play, which is why he’s averaging a double-double on the season thus far. He attacks the rim similar to Shaq when he gets the ball down low.
Ayton is one of the few bigs who doesn’t put the ball on the ground before going up, and not many people can contain him 7’1″, 250-pound stature. He has 27 double/doubles on the season, which is a 57% guarantee that he’ll have a performance like that, which is why he’s lived up to that first overall pick status. His presence is felt when he steps on the floor, and since his ankle injury, the Suns are 0-4 without him.
Season-highs: 33 points, 18 rebounds, 3 blocks
1. Luka Doncic (20.5 PTS, 5.4 AST, 6.9 REB)
You don’t see a player of this caliber walking around anymore, but he’s making headlines everywhere. Now, I don’t usually say a rookie has the complete package, but Doncic has it all. His passing, rebounding, and scoring are way beyond his years.
Playing professionally for 12 years overseas has really helped him adapt to the NBA game, and he’s consistently putting up 30 points. Being a two guard with his vision makes it easier for his teammates to succeed in a half court setting.
His ability to read defenses and make that extra pass is very rare for a rookie.
With his level of play and impact on the court, the Mavericks can make a real push to the playoffs, as they sit 12th in the Western Conference. As of last night, he’s the youngest player to have recorded a 30+point triple-double, and the milestones and headlines keep on piling up. Haven’t seen a rookie of this caliber since LeBron James, and he sure doesn’t play like a rookie. The only real question I can pose is can he keep up the play? I’m excited to see what Playoff Doncic is like.
Season-highs: 35 points, 12 assists, 12 rebounds