HONORABLE MENTION
Brandon Ingram (NOP)
Brandon Ingram continues to improve during his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans. After a fantastic playoff debut last season, the dynamic duo of Ingram and Zion Williamson had the Pelicans atop the Western Conference before injuries derailed their season. The lanky forward notched 24 PPG on 50/39/88 shooting splits in 45 games for the Pelicans and will need a healthy season from him if they are to crash the playoffs again.
Mikal Bridges (BKN)
The most notable player that headed to Brooklyn in the blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, Mikal Bridges quickly went from a role player in Phoenix to a top option in Brooklyn and he did not disappoint. In 27 games for the Nets, Bridges recorded an impressive 26 PPG on an impressive 48/38/89 splits. Seeing as his efficiency didn’t slip despite the increase in shot volume bodes well for him in addition to his ironman-like durability.