Evaluating young NBA players is easier said than done. After all, they don’t all follow the same trajectory.
Some players come into the league with guns blazing. It’s apparent that they’ll be star players even in their rookie year. Of course, it doesn’t always go that way, either.
For example, Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks has flashed a lot of potential. He’s a a dynamic athlete who makes a two-way impact.
On the other hand, he hasn’t quite found his place on the Knicks so far.
By contrast, Chris Duarte of the Indiana Pacers had a great rookie season in 2021-22. He may have hit his ceiling.
Duarte is a great shooter but doesn’t provide much else when the jumper isn’t falling.
Could the two swap sides this season?
