Rookie Superlative Predictions For The 2023-24 NBA Season: Part Two

Identifying which rookies are most likely to achieve certain milestones in their debut season.

With the rookie class of 2023-24 set to make their NBA debuts in just over a month, it’s time to look ahead to the ensuing season. This draft class is regarded as one of the best in years, headlined by the Spurs’ new generational talent: Victor Wembenyama. As a result, NBA fans could be treated to an array of incredible debut seasons. To predict which rookies will stick out the most, let’s fill out some superlatives.

Three more winners are about to join Keyonte George, Jordan Hawkins, and Jordan Walsh, who were crowned in part one.

Most Likely To Make An All-NBA Defensive Team: Cason Wallace

In a league with no shortage of lockdown big men, it’s far-fetched to expect a rookie to vie with the best defenders in the world for an All-Defensive frontcourt spot. Earning one of four backcourt spots is a rare accomplishment, but guards hardly have any competition compared to their bigger counterparts.

Wallace’s rearview rejections and off-ball deflections will quickly garner attention, and could vault him into All-Defense conversations.

Most Likely To Outperform His Draft Position: Cam Whitmore

A top-10 talent in this class, Whitmore shockingly fell to the Houston Rockets at pick 20 on draft night. The former team USA standout now finds himself as a valued member of their young core. With his playstyle of ferocious attacks and silky pull-up jumpers, Whitmore should have the spotlight to prove that many teams made a mistake passing on him.

Most Likely To Be Underrated: Nick Smith Jr.

There are two primary components needed for a player to be underrated. One, they are good. Two, they aren’t recognized for being good. With his stellar shot-making and dazzling handle, Smith Jr. was one of the premier guards in the 2023 Draft Class. Also regarded as a top-10 pick by many, Smith Jr. too fell to the late first round.

A late-first round pick for this current Charlotte Hornets is unlikely to make headlines. The squad will likely lose a lot of games again, making Smith Jr. a prime candidate to go under the radar.

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