Committee Chairman
#32. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, #10 Point Guards
Pre-2023-24 Rank: #50.
Positional Notes: Gilgeous-Alexander also played at Shooting Guard.
Peak Period: From 2018-19 to 2023-24. Gilgeous-Alexander has only played six years, and has not completed a maximum Peak Period.
We can only imagine how it feels for Los Angeles Clippers fans every time they watch SGA play, as they had him as a rookie and gave him up for Paul George, who is no longer there.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a breakout 2022-23, during which time he was a First-Team All-NBA player with a 30-plus PPG. Last year, he was the MVP runner-up, was a First-Team All-NBA player again, and now leads OKC into this season as a top contender.
The sky is the limit for this young Canadian.
45. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, #7 Shooting Guard
Pre-2023-24 Rank #49.
Positional Notes: LaVIne has also played at Small Forward and Point Guard.
Peak Period: From 2017-18 to 2023-24. LaVine is still in his Peak Period.
Zach LaVine has done well with the Chicago Bulls thus far, appearing in two All-Star Games and posting five consecutive 23-plus PPG years, but the Bulls have not done much with him there. Last year, he was injured for a good part of it, and as he approaches 30, he is running out of time to alter the narrative.
#34. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, #7 Small Forwards
Pre-2023-24 Rank: #46.
Positional Notes: Brown has also played considerable time as a Shooting Guard.
Peak Period: From 2017-18 to 2023-24. Brown’s continued growth should see him extend his Peak Period.
We said earlier that Jayson Tatum was the best player on the Boston Celtics team that won the 2024 NBA Championship, but Jaylen Brown was named the Eastern Conference Final and NBA Finals MVP. Tatum was named to his third All-Star Game and was arguably snubbed for a Third-Team All-NBA, adding to the increasing chip on his shoulder.
This season could be explosive for Brown and the Celtics.
#44. Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, #11 Centers
Pre-2023-24 Rank: #45.
Peak Period: From 2014-15 to 2020-21
The union with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine did not generate a playoff series win in Chicago, but Nikola Vucevic remains in the Windy City, and DeRozan has now departed. A two-time All-Star is closing in on 35 and the frustration has to be setting in as he has only played in 16 Playoff Games in 13 NBA Seasons.
The Hall of Fame is looking further and further away, and it will be a shame how forgotten his career might become.