The last couple of years have just been insane in terms of possible HOFers and All-NBA talent. This year is no different. This year’s draft class contained an immense amount of talent that includes cornerstone players in Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green. This article will go over some very promising and overlooked rookies/second-year players. These studs will make a very big difference in Dynasty Leagues, particularly Standard 9-cat leagues.
Chuma Okeke had a very nice end to the 2020-2021 season when he was put in the starting lineup. By the end of the season, he put up averages of 7.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals and .5 blocks a game. Per 36 mins, he averaged a decent 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals and .7 blocks a game. He shot 42% from the field, 35% from three and 75% from the line. Okeke’s role in Orlando should remain very safe for the future since no one knows when Isaac will be back from his torn ACL. Okeke is a very high-upside player who provides very nice peripheral stats and at only 23 years of age, Orlando will have every reason to keep him in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. Once Isaac gets back, he should still maintain a solid role off the bench.
Achiuwa looks like the real deal. In his rookie season, he wasn’t given much time on the court, putting up 5.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.5 blocks a game. Per 36 mins, he averaged an intriguing 14.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.4 blocks a game. Achiuwa was mostly overlooked in Miami since Adebayo was miles ahead of him in the pecking order so a change of scenery is just what he needed. He is a defensive-minded Forward who managed to get a 3-point shot in one off-season with Toronto. He went 2/4 from three in three games this Summer League after attempting just one three in his rookie season. Achiuwa is going to be getting more opportunities to produce this season as he’s capable of playing both PF and C.
Marshall is a very fun and intriguing prospect for the Pels. He can move in transition, spread the floor, facilitate and play very strong defense. Last season, he averaged 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.3 blocks. Per 36 mins, he averaged a stat-stuffing 12.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.5 rebounds 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks a game. He shot inefficiently, shooting 39% from the field, 35% from three and 71% from the line. Despite having a tiny inefficiency issue, he had an awesome rookie season. As an undrafted rookie, he exceeded expectations, to say the least. Marshall could be starting for the Pels in the future on a consistent basis and due to his up-tempo and defensive game, he could make a difference for this club.
In the next article, more players will be discussed and their possible impact on their respective teams. The amount of talent that’s currently in the NBA is insane so choosing won’t be easy. However, there are some players who will be making a splash this year and will be included in the next article.
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