Luke Kennard [G] – Utah Jazz

19-20 stats: 7.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg

The Utah Jazz are all about Luke Kennard, and so is the author of this piece. Originally drafted by the Portland Trailblazers, Kennard now calls Utah home and has signed a lucrative four-year extension upwards of $60M. Kennard’s greatest skills are his shooting, playmaking and basketball IQ. His skills continue to develop and he is hard worker. Kennard can play both guard spots and in a basketball world where three-point shooting and playmaking is premium, Kennard has a shot to be a really good player. Watch for him to start at SG next to Kyle Lowry.



Optimistic 2021 stats: 17.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.5 apg

Christian Wood [PF/C] – OKC Thunder

19-20 stats: 4.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg

Wood has bounced around the pros for the best part of half a decade, so you have to commend his persistence to hang around long enough for a team, and himself, to realise his full potential. He has that ‘unicorn-game’, as he is able to move like a wing, shoot from deep, score inside, rebound and block shots. He is the first of a couple of springy, tall guys that are proving that sometimes being tall and athletic is enough to believe in. Wood has gotten so much better every season and he has the potential to be an All-Star, or at least borderline. The OKC Thunder have him slated to start at C, and I don’t see old-man Aldridge getting in his way.



Optimistic 2021 stats: 16.8 ppg, 10 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 bpg

Dejounte Murray [PG] – LA Lakers

19-20 stats: 8.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.1 spg

Just a month ago, Dejounte was slated to play a supporting role on the Champion Blazers. After the Westbrook blockbuster, Murray finds himself as the leader of the lowly-Lakers, with the Lakers GM PJ stating ‘that anyone can be had in a trade, except for Murray’. With that glowing endorsement and relentless support from management, Murray is going to have all the usage, decision-making and lee-way that he requires, and will give him a chance to fast-track his development. His shooting continues to improve, as does his playmaking and handles, and his defence is already all-NBA. If he puts it all together, the Lakers have an All-Star point guard.

Optimistic 2021 stats: 17.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 7.8 apg, 2.1 spg

Collin Sexton [G] – LA Clippers

19-20 stats: 8.8 ppg, 2.5 apg

The sex-man, Collin Sexton, has received surprising-yet-well-earned boosts in 2k-land thanks to his NBA exploits. His scoring efficiency has skyrocketed and he has turned himself into a three-level scorer. Giannis is crying out for a sidekick and maybe Collin can be that guy. The Clippers lack depth and talent throughout the roster, so Sexton will get huge minutes. However, he still orbits around the Giannis star, so expectations will have to be tempered. The fact that he has become such an efficient scorer bodes well for his chances to make the most of his role.



Optimistic 2021 stats: 16.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4 apg

Chris Boucher [C/PF]– Cleveland Cavaliers

19-20 stats: 2.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg

Just like Christian Wood, Boucher has seemed destined to ride the bench in whichever city he called home, but he has finally grown into his upside and become a really good player. He is super athletic, cleans the glass and blocks shots with ease. A constant alley-oop threat, Boucher has developed a deep-ball and this has not only opened up his game, but it has cemented him in a league which requires big men to be dynamic. Acquired for a first-round pick, the Cleveland organisation saw the breakout coming, and he is set to play big minutes for the Cavs. However, the team seems to be looking to the future, so a spread of minutes might be on the cards across Allen, Clarke, Green and co.



Optimistic 2021 stats: 12.8 ppg, 9.9 rpb, 2.2 bpg

Jerami Grant [F] – Boston Celtics

19-20 stats: 7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1 spg

What a shock it was to the NSL world to see Vitty shine is light on the Celtics and donate up-and-coming star Jerami Grant to the Boston organisation. Grant is currently blowing up in the NBA and typically, with a slight delay, the same happens in 2k-world. Grant was already well-respected as a defender and rebounder, as well as an athlete, but he has added poise and skill to his game, with his outside shooting and free-throw shooting markedly improving. If Toby doesn’t keep trying to tank harder and harder, Grant could solidify a spot next to Tatum in the frontcourt for the next decade.



Optimistic 2021 stats: 13.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.5 spg


Dillon Brooks [F/G] – Phoenix Suns
19-20 stats: 6.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg

Dillon Brooks was recently traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Suns for Troy Brown Jr. Brooks is developing a reputation as a good scorer and a solid defender in the league, but one who is shot-happy and at times can ruin the rhythm of his team’s offense. The Suns are a work-in-progress and must like what Brooks does, as they sought him out through a trade. He is slated to start for the Suns or at worst, be their sixth man. Brooks will get great usage on the team and is clearly one of the better offensive players. Knowing laddas, Brooks might be here for a good time, but not a long time.



Optimistic 2021 stats: 18.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg