5. Luke Kennard
The Detroit Pistons selected Luke Kennard with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Many fans turned on him immediately because of Donovan Mitchell being drafted after him and having an outstanding season.
In all reality, he didn’t have a bad season. He was one of the best shooters on the team. He averaged 41 percent from three-point range which was third on the team last season.
Basketball is becoming a game where teams are going to the rim or staying outside for three-point attempts. Everything in between is slowly losing it’s value.
Kennard was a solid mid-range shooter last season as well. He shot 44 percent from ten to 16 feet away from the basket. From 16 feet to the three-point line, Kennard shot 50 percent.
Those are incredible numbers for a rookie. Defensively, Kennard will have to be better in order to see significant minutes next season.
If that area of his game improves, he could be the starter next season at shooting guard.