3 NBA Players To Watch On Rebuilding Teams

Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, NBA Rumors, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

There has been no shortage of attention and bewilderment about the talent that likely number one overall NBA Draft pick Victor Wembanyama has. The 7’4” prodigy seems like he can do everything at an elite level on a basketball court, and fans cannot wait to see how those skills will translate in the NBA.

While most of the NBA betting interest focuses on the very best teams and who is most likely win the
championship, a lot of coverage this season has been devoted to franchises which might mail it in with
hopes of securing better odds to draft Wembanyama.

Even though the race to the bottom might be more compelling than ever during the 2022-2023 campaign, let’s take a look at three players on struggling teams who should not be overlooked.

Bol Bol

The Orlando Magic have certainly constructed a roster that flies in the face of the existing NBA narrative. While many in the league prioritize the ability to go small, it looks like Orlando might be trying to re-establish the idea that size matters. Head coach Jamahl Mosley has featured several players who are 6’9 or taller in his rotation this year, and is in the midst of an intriguing experiment to say the least.

As the first pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero will naturally receive most of the national interest, but Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba and Franz Wagner all have the chance to develop into
excellent players. So too, does Bol Bol, who has mostly been looked at like a novelty act so far in his
young career.

Bol, who has legitimate NBA bloodlines, has shown flashes of skill with the Magic this year. He has the
ability to score from the outside, and his 7’2” frame serves as a deterrent when defenders try to drive
the lane. With such a crowded frontcourt, it will be fascinating to see whether Bol continues to carve
out a role for himself.

Collin Sexton

The reputation of Collin Sexton has taken a bit of a hit in league circles within the past year. After coming out of the University of Alabama as a highly touted prospect, Sexton has been typecast as a one-trick pony type of player. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ fortunes took off after he tore his ACL last season and was viewed as an anchor that held the team back.

While it was fair to question Sexton’s fit in the starting lineup with Darius Garland in Cleveland, it feels
like the narrative has gone a little too far. As a central piece in the Donovan Mitchell trade, Sexton now
gets a new lease on life with the Utah Jazz.

Utah has traded away two All-Stars, and might not be done shipping veteran talent away, which will give
Sexton a chance to develop even more with the ball in his hands.

Keldon Johnson

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich told the media before the season that it probably wasn’t
a good idea to wager on his team to win the NBA title this year. Popovich has the type of clout to say
something like that in jest while not having it affect the locker room.

With that said, this is undoubtedly a rebuilding year in San Antonio, and a couple of players have a long
leash to improve. One player to watch is Keldon Johnson, who already has Olympic experience
practicing against some of the basketball’s best players.

It would not be surprising to see Johnson average 20 points per game this season.

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