Tier 3: Borderline All-Star paired with high-potential player
6. Alperen Sengun & Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Sengun is a Nikola Jokic-lite in terms of his ability to contribute as a hub to run the offense through with his post-up game and court vision. Meanwhile, No. 3 overall pick Sheppard showcased elite shooting and playmaking in the Summer League. He could easily be the best player from this year's draft class.
The Rockets have other players in consideration here, including Jabari Smith Jr., Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson. They may have financial difficulty retaining all their players long-term, but that's a problem many other teams in the league would love to have.
7. Jalen Johnson & Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Johnson is one of the most underappreciated players in the league. He had a substantial third-year breakout season with the Hawks, averaging 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. If Johnson takes another leap forward, he could be in the conversation for an All-Star appearance as early as next season.
Risacher is more of a question mark. He was the No. 1 overall pick, but it's fair to wonder where he would have landed had he been in another draft class. Regardless, he still has the No. 1 pick pedigree and gets the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
8. Cade Cunningham & Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Cunningham is quietly having a productive start to his NBA career despite being on the Pistons, who finished at the bottom of the association last season. He has an incredibly well-rounded game with his 6-foot-6 frame, shooting, ballhandling, and playmaking ability. Can Cade be the No. 1 option on a playoff team? It is a valid question, but he'd love the opportunity to answer it.
Duren is only 20 years old but has proven himself more in the league than his age indicates. He's a double-double machine, averaging 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds last season. One question mark surrounding his game is his offensive potential; Duren is limited to primarily being an athletic rim-runner, although he plays his role very well.