10 reasons we're thankful the NBA is back in action

10 reasons we’re thankful the NBA is back

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Tyson Chandler #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers after he blocked the final shot of the game by Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks to win the the game at Staples Center on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA — OCTOBER 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after hitting a three-pointer against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on October 30, 2018. (Photo by Christopher Evans/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty Images) /

2. The sophomore situation

One could credibly argue that last year’s rookie class was one of the best in NBA history. It produced multiple players that could be pillars of their teams for years to come. It wasn’t even as top-heavy as many expected, as the top two picks might be the least sure bets of anyone in the 2017 class. Just being able to watch their developments again is something to be thankful for.

The Los Angeles Lakers alone may have secured the core of their team for the next decade by landing on Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart in the draft last year. They may be young and inconsistent, but all three look like legitimate NBA players at least. Ball still has a little baggage he needs to shed in the form of his loud-mouth father, but at least he’s a fantastic play-maker.

Then there’s probably the two most impressive performers from last year’s rookie class, Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum and Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell. Early returns on their 2018 seasons look positive, and it will be interesting to keep tabs on them as they take on more prominent roles on their respective teams.

Other members of that class on the rise include Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox, Portland Trailblazers forward Zach Collins and Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Malik Monk. There are also some great player-specific subplots, like New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina’s offensive struggles and whether Dallas Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. can co-exist with Doncic.

And of course, everyone in NBA circles will continue to zoom in on the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2017 No. 1 overall park Markelle Fultz. It’s still too soon to make any concrete judgments on him, but if his shot continues to devolve we might be looking at one of the worst No. 1 picks in NBA history. Trust the process, amirite?

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