Ranking the top 5 young cores in the NBA after the Draft

Detroit Pistons: Ranking the top 5 young cores in the NBA after the Draft

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder

• Chet Holmgren
• Josh Giddey
• Jalen Williams
• Cason Wallace
• Aleksej Pokusevski
• Tre Mann
• Jaylin Williams
• Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
• Keyontae Johnson

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put the league on notice this past season. His scoring shot up to 31.5 points per game while maintaining decent shooting splits as he led the Thunder to a 40-42 mark, and a berth in the Play-In Tournament. It was very solid work from the 24-year-old who looks to be just getting started. Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t the only member of the Thunder on the come up. His backcourt mate Josh Giddey, and rookie wing Jalen Williams have both been impressive thus far in their professional careers. Williams easily outplayed his draft position as the 12th player taken a year ago, a reminder that the organization is in great hands with Sam Presti at the helm.

Next year, Oklahoma City can expect the debut of Chad Holmgren, whose rookie season has been delayed by an uncooperative Lisfranc. By all accounts, Holmgren’s recovery is going well and the 7-footer will be able to show the world why he was once a #2 overall pick with his play on the court this fall. He’ll most definitely bolster the Thunder defense from his first tipoff. Carson Wallace, who the Thunder moved up to grab in this year’s draft, will be a nice addition to the backcourt. The newcomer’s calling card is defense, but he’s also a capable shooter who is sure to have plenty of open jumpers in his future. The sky is the limit for this very talented young nucleus.