#65 Terry Rozier III – SG/PG – Charlotte Hornets
2020-21 Stats: 20.4 PPG, 4.4 REB, 4.2 APG, 1.3 STL, 45.0 FG%, 38.9 3P%, 81.7 FT%
There were a lot of question marks about if Terry Rozier would be the “odd-man-out” in Charlotte after they drafted LaMelo Ball last year, but Rozier quickly solidified himself as one of the main scoring weapons on this Hornets roster. He is not going anywhere anytime soon and Rozier is coming off a career year in which he averaged career-highs in scoring, assists, steals, and field goal percentage.
With Devonte’ Graham now gone, Terry Rozier is the main offensive weapon in the backcourt for the Hornets, meaning that he could ultimately lead the team in scoring or finish second behind Gordon Hayward.
#64 Marcus Smart – PG/SG – Boston Celtics
2020-21 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 3.5 REB, 5.7 APG, 1.5 STL, 39.8 FG%, 33.0 3P%
Stats do not always tell the whole story, as this is the case here with Marcus Smart. His 2020-21 stats say he is a mediocre player at best, but Smart is a vital part of the Celtics’ game plan and he is likely to be their Opening Night starting point guard with Kemba Walker gone.
Being one of the best defensive players in the entire league, he is also a very confident shooter and never seems to shy away from a big shot/moment. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the MVPs of the Boston Celtics, but Marcus Smart may be the MIP or Most Important Player on this roster.
#63 D’Angelo Russell – PG/SG – Minnesota Timberwolves
2020-21 Stats: 19.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.1 STL, 43.1 FG%, 38.7 3P%
Since joining the Timberwolves at the 2019-20 NBA trade deadline, D’Angelo Russell has only played in 54 total games with Minnesota due to injuries. Staying healthy will be key for the former All-Star guard, but his time with the Timberwolves could be limited. Minnesota appears to be “all-in” on the idea of trading for Ben Simmons, which could result in them trading away Russell.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 All-Star Caliber Players Could Be Traded During 2021-22 NBA Season
If he stays with the Timberwolves though, D’Angelo Russell will need to revert back to the high-level isolation scorer he was a few years back with the Brooklyn Nets to help his team possibly contend for a play-in tournament spot.
#62 Collin Sexton – SG – Cleveland Cavaliers
2020-21 Stats: 24.3 PPG, 3.1 REB, 4.4 APG, 1.0 STL, 47.5 FG%, 37.1 3P%, 81.5 FT%
We talked about Darius Garland a little bit early and now it is time to mention his “partner-in-crime” Collin Sexton, who has led the Cavaliers in scoring the last two seasons. Being able to play with or without the ball in his hands, Collin Sexton has turned into an offensive menace for the Cavs early on in his career and will be instrumental in their potential success this year.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 All-Star Caliber Players Could Be Traded During 2021-22 NBA Season
Sexton ranked 18th in the league in scoring last season and while Cleveland has more overall talent on their roster this season, the young shooting guard is still going to get his fair share of looks night-in and night-out.
#61 Myles Turner – C – Indiana Pacers
2020-21 Stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.5 REB, 0.9 STL, 3.4 BLK, 47.7 FG%, 33.5 3P%
Myles Turner recorded 159 total blocks last season in 47 games. Rudy Gobert, who led the league in total blocks, had 190 total blocks last season in 71 games. If Turner had played a full season, he would have led the league in total blocked shots and he could have made a legit case for being Defensive Player of the Year.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: 3 All-Star Caliber Players Could Be Traded During 2021-22 NBA Season
Underrated through the early part of his career, Myles Turner is the anchor for the Pacers defensively and has now led the league in blocks per game two of the last three seasons. The Pacers are going to need him to not only continue being one of the best defensive big men in the league but also continue to grow as an offensive threat, primarily on the perimeter.
