5 NBA Rising Stars in 2021
- Tramaine Griifin
- Jan 27, 2021
- 4 min read
The 2020-21 NBA season is underway and while every team is still getting warmed up and adjusted to the new season, there are already some players who are putting the league on notice. Here are my five NBA players who deserves praise and are putting the league on notice with their play.
Keldon Johnson, Forward, San Antonio Spurs:
Looking more and more like the steal of the 2019 NBA Draft. The Spurs did it again, by drafting another gem at 29th. He’s probably been the biggest bright spot for San Antonio so far this season. Picking up from his strong play from the ‘bubble’, he’s been even better in his second year. He’s averaging 14.2 PPG & 7.3 RPG, while shooting 46% from the field and 78% from the free-throw-line. Keldon Johnson is quickly becoming more and more consistent as each game goes by. But what is making the difference this season is the multiple skills that he possesses along with the tenacity, ferociousness, and his non-stop motor that he brings & plays with on both ends of the floor every time he steps onto the court. As the Spurs are focusing on the ‘youth movement’ more than ever before, don’t be surprised if Keldon Johnson becomes the best player out of their young core.
Christian Wood, Forward/Center, Houston Rockets:
What a story & journey Christian Wood have been through. From being undrafted, to fighting for the last roster spot on a team, to being (in my opinion) the biggest rising star and potentially an All-Star so far this season. Christian Wood is a testament of overcoming obstacles and making the most of an opportunity. He’s averaging 23.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 1.8 BPG, while shooting 53% from the field and shooting 36% from three. This certainly looks like the best contract in the league from the Houston Rockets standpoint. His versatility as an athletic stretch big makes him the ideal modern-day big. He’s a perfect fit for Houston’s fast-paced, three-point shooting offense and now that there’s no more James Harden drama to deal with in Houston, he’s certainly the top option in Houston so don’t be surprised if his already excellent start to the season to skyrocket even more.
Collin Sexton, Combo Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers:
After getting heavily criticized from a lot of veterans (saying that he doesn’t know how to play the game of basketball) around the league after his rookie season. He was also a final replacement for the last year’s ‘Rising Stars Game’. Now fast forward to this season. Collin Sexton has been tremendous to start the season and is opening a lot of eyes in the national media. The game is seamlessly slowing down for him as he’s getting to wherever he wants on the court along with being extremely efficient on the floor to start the season. As he’s averaging 24.8 PPG, 4.2 APG, and over a steal a game, while shooting 50% from the field, 46% from three, and 81% from the free-throw-line. Collin Sexton has improved each season so far and will continue to improve. The backcourt duo of Sexton & Garland now known as the infamous “Sexland” backcourt will be a backcourt to watchout for in the future.
Mikal Bridges, Forward, Phoenix Suns:
He may not get the recognition or credit that he deserves but everyone in the Phoenix organization knows how crucial & important he is for this team. Mikal Bridges is another selfless Villanova product as you can tell by the way he carries himself along with his team-first mentality & work ethic. Mikal Bridges is quickly becoming one of the better 3 & D wings in the league. He’s also the perfect wing in today’s NBA, as he is 6’7 with a 7’1 wingspan. This season he’s showing the league his expanded offensive arsenal as he’s averaging 15.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and over a block a game, while shooting 51% from the field, 46% from three, and 81% from the free-throw-line. Mikal Bridges has certainly taken a step forward this season and if Phoenix wants to make some noise in the West this season then he will have to continue to improve.
De'Andre Hunter, Forward, Atlanta Hawks:
Trae Young will continue to get majority of the headlines in Atlanta. However. He’s arguably been the second-best player on Atlanta and he’s been the second most consistent player (and even at times the most consistent player) on Atlanta. He been more of a focal point for Atlanta, as he’s been more aggressive and due to that, he’s getting more touches, more shots, while being a lot more efficient than his rookie season. Put that improved offense together with his already impressive defense and this is the reason as to why he’s in a middle of a breakout season. He’s currently averaging 17.7 PPG & 5.6 RPG, while shooting 51% from the field, 38% from three, and 88% from the free-throw-line. Not only is he proving to be more than a 3 & D prospect but he’s also proving to be one of the better young two-way players in the league.
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