NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 players with the most long-term potential

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 18, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Luka Doncic

Doncic is a 19-year-old who is already averaging 18.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. If you can’t see that he’s already a star, you need to watch more of the Mavericks immediately.

Some scouts believe he’s already reached his full potential as a player. It’s true that his experience in Europe has allowed him to enter the NBA as a more fully formed prospect, but there are still areas of his game where he can improve dramatically.

The lowest hanging fruit is for Doncic to work on his body. His ability to get wherever he wants on the floor despite not being in prime physical condition should frighten defenders around the league. Remember, Doncic essentially took the summer off to save his legs for the NBA regular season. Putting him in a legitimate strength and conditioning program next summer could drastically improve his explosion and functional athleticism.

If that happens, most of his weaknesses as a player are going to disappear. Right now he’s a below average defender, but he’s got good feel on that end of the floor. If he can improve his strength, quickness and stamina he could become an above-average defensive player.

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Add that to the offensive skills he already possesses and you’ve got an All-NBA type player. That’s the sort of potential Doncic has. He is the future of the Mavericks, and possibly the entire NBA.

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