Heading into the new season it looks like we are set to discover another talented draft class. In an era defined by small ball where big men are often obsolete, it is perhaps a surprise that four of the top ten picks in this years draft were centres. Of these 4, number 1 pick Deandre Ayton will expect to have the best season of the bunch, on a young and talented Phoenix team. The 7 footer out of Arizona has a fairly complete offensive game. He can post up, hit the mid range and even shoot the three, averaging 34% from beyond the arc during his only year in college. However often the offense ran through him and it remains to be seen how new coach Igor Kokoškov will use him.

He was certainly impressive in the summer league. Often receiving the ball at the top of the key, handing it off and rolling hard to the rim, although he will hope to be used in more varied schemes. One thing he will need to improve is his defence and his lateral quickness. It is something that is becoming almost essential for big men as teams now want to switch everything. It is perhaps because of this that he is not my favourite for rookie of the year. That goes to Luca Doncic. Who knows exactly what The Atlanta Hawks were thinking when they traded away the 3^rd pick for Trae Young, but it might go down as one of the worst draft day deals of all time.

Doncic is ready made for the NBA whilst also having huge upside, he is already a seasoned pro and an MVP in the second best league in the world, at only 19 years old. He has an eye for a pass, can shoot the three. His defence was underrated going until the draft as he has great reflexes and instincts in the passing lanes. He can become a good team defender and his physicality will improve once he starts to fill out his 6 foot 7 frame. He is also in a great situation in Dallas. Being placed alongside the greatest European player to ever play the game. He can learn from Dirk about adjusting to NBA life. Deandre Jordan and Dennis Smith Jnr’s athleticism should benefit from Doncics playmaking abilities and unselfishness. It’s an exciting time to be a Dallas fan because of the young Slovenian and I expect him to be the successor to Ben Simmons as Rookie of the year.

Outside Chance

Kevin Knox Was hugely impressive in the summer league and with the injury to Porzingis New Knick’s coach David Fizdale might be looking at Knox as number 1 scoring option this season. A great size for a small forward at 6 foot 9 with great leaping ability, Knox has all the athletic gifts to become a real force in this league. He was a slightly streaky shooter in college but showed a knack of making big plays when it mattered for John Calipari’s Wildcats. His game will make him a fan favourite In New York and might just carry him to Rookie of the year.