The 10 NBA Rookies You Need to Get Excited About For 2018

10. Grayson Allen, Utah Jazz

He’s on a team that could contend for the WCF, and he’s going to play, too, especially given the injury history of Dante Exum and Alec Burks. Allen is loathed on social media, and a white guard who consistently gets in dust-ups playing in Utah is red meat for the internet.

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Playing against grown men professionals the last few years in Europe will have him NBA-ready. With Dennis Smith and Harrison Barnes, Doncic won’t be under pressure to score; he’ll surprise many as a playmaker. The Mavs will be a deep sleeper in the West.

9. Kevin Knox, NY Knicks

It’s not just his impressive summer league (21.3 ppg), but also the fact that Kristaps Porzingis is going to be out until at least the All-Star break, and Knox could be the team’s 2nd best scorer after Tim Hardaway Jr.

8. Marvin Bagley, Sacramento Kings

Might be higher for others, but it’s difficult to get excited about anything in Sacramento, given the franchise’s recent history. But if Bogdan Bogdanovic and Buddy Hield can make 3’s and open the interior for Bagley …

7. Donte DiVincenzo, Milwaukee Bucks

Was a total non-factor in the summer league (27 minutes, 0-8 FG, 0-7 3FG), but he’s going to have a chance to play for the Bucks, who are light on 3-point shooting.

6. Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic

In a league where guard play is paramount, and Orlando has none, perhaps Bamba will be a shot-blocking, dunking machine we expected him to be at Texas. He certainly flashed it, but not as often as we’d hoped.

5. Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers

Losing LeBron in free agency pushed Sexton higher because he’ll have the ball in his hands, and it’ll be his show. If he’s not starting by Christmas, it’ll be a disappointment.

4. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

Will start from Day 1, and rookie averages of 15 points and 10 rebounds aren’t out of the question. Not higher because he’ll probably be the 3rd offensive option after Devin Booker and Josh Jackson.

3 Wendell Carter, Chicago Bulls

You know I think the Bulls could sneak into the playoffs, and Carter could be a surprising cog given his offensive skill set (14.6 ppg in the summer league) and that he’s an immediate impact defensive player (2.7 bpg in the summer league).

2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Opinions are wildly divergent on the diminutive Oklahoma star. Will his 6-foot-1, 177-pound frame hold up? He’s much more likely to be Mike Bibby than Stephen Curry. There isn’t much talent in Atlanta, so Young will have the green light early and often.