Some promising basketball talents have the potential to become playoff stars in the future, but they are watching this postseason at home.
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans is one of them. Williamson made his debut in the 2019–2020 season. Since then, he has proven has the skills to be one of the league’s most dynamic players when he is healthy.
But he hasn’t proven he can stay healthy. Since entering the league in 2019, he has only played in 114 games in his NBA career — 24 games his rookie season, 61 in his second year (the 2020-21 season), none in his third year, and 29 in the 2022-23 season.
Williamson averaged 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in those 29 games. He also shot an amazing 61.1 percent from the floor in the 2021-22 season, averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He was selected to the All-NBA Second Team and was an All-Star.
If he can stay on the court, the New Orleans Pelicans could be a team to watch in future postseasons. Due to size, quickness, and scoring prowess, Williamson is a matchup nightmare for other teams. For a player of his stature and age, his ability to attack the hoop and finish through contact is amazing. He has improved on the court’s defensive end and is also a reliable passer.
With his combination of size, speed, and skill, he could be one of the league’s top players for years to come. He turns 23 in July 2023, so he has youth on his side, but health is the key.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is another budding star to keep an eye on. Doncic is one of the most promising young players in the NBA right now. He has established himself as an exciting and skilled player to watch since joining the league in 2018.
Doncic’s excellent all-around court abilities were on display in the 2022-23 season when he averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. It was his best season as a pro after four great seasons before that.
Early in his career, Doncic accomplished many milestones. He won the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year and was nominated for two All-Star teams. But he hasn’t led the Dallas Mavericks to a sustained playoff run. In the 2022-21 season, the Mavericks lost in the first round. They lost in the Western Conference finals the following season and didn’t make the playoffs this year.
Still, Doncic has proven he has superstar ability and can deliver under pressure. He doesn’t turn 25 until February 2024 and has averaged 32.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game in five playoff series in his postseason career. And despite still being a young player, Doncic has already won the respect and admiration of coaches, teammates and players across the league.
While the Mavericks didn’t make the 2023 NBA playoffs, Doncic is a rising star in the NBA and will be a player to watch in future postseasons. He may solidify his position among the league’s greatest players. He has positioned himself for a lengthy and prosperous NBA career, and if he can guide the Mavericks to an NBA title, he will be a legend.
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