'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Honorable Mentions
Lauri Markkanen
Views on Lauri Markkanen ranged from considering him a bust to becoming the Bulls' Dirk Nowitzki, the latter of which was the hope of all Bulls fans. While he has not conformed to either, it is safe to say Markkanen is far from being a bust.
The Finnish forward has been playing extremely well in the first two months of the NBA. While contributing consistently on offense he has also become a major powerhouse for the Bulls on the boards. Considered by most as just a big man shooter, he has proved that he cannot be boxed into that category as he continues to shine in points and rebounds. While he has struggled a bit at times, I feel he deserves to make it here purely based on his importance to the team and his outstanding performances.
Lauri Markkanen stat line: 14.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 85 FT%
Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. has had a lot of hype around him and I would say that he has delivered accordingly. His versatile style of play, which includes effective distribution of the ball, driving to the rim and a rock solid jumper, has made him one of my favorite rookies in the NBA.
Despite suffering through rough patches, Smith deserves to be mentioned for his display of leadership skills in the team. Incredibly rare to see such a skill set in a rookie, this guard has managed to keep a cool head and contribute to whatever the Dallas Mavericks require during the game.
The only reason he hasn't made the top 5 is because of the amount of trouble he has had in the turnover department. Dennis Smith Jr. still has room for improvement but needs to improve in terms of turnovers. Once addressed, Dennis Smith Jr. will be on the cusp of becoming a core player for Dallas.
Dennis Smith Jr. stat line: 14.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.1 apg
Guess the Lakers players!
