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NBA: Rookies Who Appear Destined for Stardom

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) is defended by New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) is defended by New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions

Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons

  • The Detroit Pistons landed a gem in rookie small forward Stanley Johnson. Selected at No. 8 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Johnson is already being tasked with defending the opposition’s best wing scorer on a nightly basis. The results aren’t always desirable, but Johnson is taking the challenge and embracing it. He has All-Defensive Team potential and significant upside offensively.

Bobby Portis, Chicago Bulls

  • Bobby Portis has been a revelation for the Chicago Bulls. With injuries sustained by almost everyone on the roster at some point this season, Portis has filled in admirably when his number has been called. He has five double-doubles, and is averaging 10.7 points and 7.6 rebounds when he plays at least 20 minutes. Portis was SEC Player of the Year in 2015, and he could be Chicago’s long-term answer at the 4.
Mar 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

  • Myles Turner was the No. 1 boom-or-bust prospect in the 2015 NBA Draft. His upside is star-caliber, but he could’ve conceivably fallen flat on his face after routinely coming up short against equal competition as a collegiate athlete. So far, he’s fared well. Turner is averaging 10.6 points and 1.4 blocks in 22.7 minutes, and is shooting 50.2 percent from the field. Turner has the ability to be a defensive anchor and offensive mismatch.

Justise Winslow, Miami Heat

  • If you ask a fan of the Miami Heat how good Justise Winslow will be, you’ll likely hear the word, “Star.” The 19-year-old hasn’t flashed much of that potential on the offensive end in 2015-16, but he’s already taking on star-caliber defensive assignments. He’s holding opponents below their average field goal percentage, and has spent time defending respected scorers at all three perimeter positions. Even if his offensive game fails to prosper, his defensive potential is immense.

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