Committee Chairman
#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.
#33. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves, #5 Power Forwards
Pre-2023-24 Rank: #44.
Peak Period: From 2017-18 to 2023-24. Randle should still be in his Peak Period at season’s end.
Julius Randle’s career took off in his seventh NBA season when the Power Forward was a Second Team All-NBA and Most Improved Player of the Year in what was his second year with the Knicks. Randle was an All-Star three times on New York, but with the emergence of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks shuffled the deck and traded him to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns.
As we wrote for Towns, this is a boom or bust campaign, as this will set the tone for any possible Hall of Fame run.
#29. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, #6 Centers
Pre-2023-24 Rank: #42.
Peak Period: 2017-18 to 2023-24. Adebayo has only played seven seasons, the maximum for a Peak Period.
Bam Adebayo has played all his career with the Miami Heat where he has made three All-Star, an NBA Final, and earned five All-Defensive Selections, with the Center finishing in the top five in Defensive Player of the Year in all of those campaigns. Last year, he was third in DPOY voting and was a First Team All-Defensive Player for the first time. His best could still be coming.
#37. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers, #6 Power Forwards
Pre-2023-24 Rank: #43.
Peak Period: From 2017-18 to 2023-24. Siakam is currently in his Peak Period and has entered his first full year in Indiana.
From Cameroon, Pascal Siakam has proven to be a nice surprise for the Raptors over his seven seasons and change. He was a two-time All-Star and a Most Improved Player winner. Siakam was valuable in the Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship; if a second ring comes his way, it could happen with his new team, Indiana. As he turns 30 this year, his prime could be closing soon.