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#3 Brandon Boston Jr.
Drafting Brandon Boston Jr. was considered a low-risk, highly rewarding move for the championship aspiring Clippers. Boston certainly does not look like a player selected with the 51st pick considering his blistering start to the pre-season.
Boston has impressed the Clippers coaching staff by showcasing superior shooting skills with ball-handling skills while also occasionally showing a great feel for playmaking. The youngster averaged 13.3 points with 36.4% from the three-point line to go with 3.7 rebounds and two assists in 21.3 minutes.
The 19 year old is placed in a situation where not a lot of young rookies get to be in as he learns from two of the best two-way wings to ever play the game between Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. With Kawhi injured for the season, Boston has plenty of chances to get on the court and show that he can contribute to the Clippers' championship aspirations.
The Clippers just might have their next great wing in their hands if developed properly.
#2 Justin Champagnie
Justin Champagnie has already caught the eye of head coach Nick Nurse with his supreme effort and hustle. The talented forward went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft but had his goal of playing for the Toronto Raptors come true.
Champagnie chose the Raptors due to their elite player development program, giving himself the ideal platform that he required to mold his game while also betting on himself and his abilities.
The decision seems to be a match made in heaven for both sides as he has had a amazing start to the pre-season. Champagnie has shown off his defensive versitality and relentless mortor in his first three games with the Raptors, averaging one block and two steals per game.
His three-point shot was a little shaky as expected but he has flashed a superior scoring capability with his off-ball movement and good touch around the basket. His offensive arsenal was on full display against the Philadelphia 76ers as he scored 17 points in the game, hitting 2-5 from the three-point line to go along with 10 rebounds.
His hustle, rebounding ability, underrated scoring capability and defensive versitality make him a solid weapon for coach Nick Nurse, who will give the young forward every tool he needs to be one of the best in the league.
#1 Trey Murphy III
Trey Murphy III came out on fire for the New Orleans Pelicans during the pre-season. The Pelicans badly needed a floor spacer and it looks like they got their wish even though three games is a very small sample size.
The rookie has shot 57.7 % from the three-point line, while averaging 19.3 points per game. He has also flashed the potential to have a more complete scoring package with his ability to create his own shots, drive, attack close-outs and finish around the rim. His ability to shoot makes him an immediate contributor to a team that finished 26th in three-point percentage last season.
Trey Murphy III will mostly play a huge role in the regular season barring something disastrous happening due to the Pelicans lacking a perimeter presence, with their two biggest stars being more of an interior and mid range threat. He has an ideal opportunity to develop his game in a market with less pressure as he aims to become one of the best forwards in the league.
