Top 5 players who overperformed as per expectations in the 2020-21 NBA season

Trae Young surpassed expectation in the 2020-21 NBA season
Trae Young surpassed expectation in the 2020-21 NBA season

The 2020-21 NBA season was anything but smooth, as the players had to navigate the season without contracting covid-19. Even then, the shortened break and game rush took a toll on players' bodies, resulting in injuries.

Against all odds, few players took their game to the next level, going above and beyond all expectations before the start of the 2020-21 NBA season. Although they did not achieve success in the form of postseason feature or the NBA championship, it was undoubtedly a step in the right direction that could propel their development.

Players like Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, De'Aaron Fox, Jaylen Brown and Michael Porter Jr. had their breakout seasons. While an improvement in their game was expected, they deserve mentions for taking the leap in their careers.

As we anticipate the start of the new season and hope for more player development beyond our imaginations, here are the top five players who surpassed expectations in the 2020-21 NBA season.


#5 Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz
Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz

As per Ben Golliver, Jordan Clarkson was ranked 98th in the top 100 players ahead of the 2020-21 NBA season. Considering the plethora of talent in the league, making the list was an indication that his talent was being recognized. He proved his worth as the season progressed, providing a boost from the bench in all 68 games he featured in.

Clarkson was a significant contributor in helping the Utah Jazz to a deep run in the 2021 NBA playoffs. In his second season with the Jazz, he averaged 18.4 points, 2.5 assists and four rebounds. The 28-year-old was voted the 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.


#4 Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns

Deandre Ayton had an exceptional 2020-21 NBA season, to the surprise of many. At the start of the season, he was not considered a top ten center in the league. However, he is arguably in the top five heading into the 2021-22 season.

Although his averages dropped compared to the 2019-20 season, there was an overall improvement in Ayton's comprehension of the game. The introduction of Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns roster did wonders in helping him develop as an all-around player.

Ayton was nothing short of extraordinary in the playoffs, registering a double-double in his debut. Unfortunately, the Suns failed to go all the way as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks after six games.

#3 Khris Middleton

Forward Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots over center Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks
Forward Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots over center Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks

As a second-round pick, Khris Middleton has established himself as a top talent in the NBA, keeping the mid-range game alive.

Although he is the second scoring option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, he successfully kept the ship afloat in situations where Giannis was unavailable. Middleton, in clutch situations during the 2021 NBA Finals, was exceptional. He led the entire playoffs in the clutch and had 18 points on 75% shooting in the Finals alone.

Middleton's impact on the Bucks was visible even though Giannis deservedly won the NBA Finals MVP award. He averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the 2021 playoffs.


#2 Julius Randle

Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks
Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks

Julius Randle had failed to set himself apart since his introduction to the NBA. With his size and athleticism, he could be one of the most lethal forwards in the league.

Given his recent struggles to find his footing in the NBA, Randle turned things around in the 2020-21 season. His impressive showing earned him his first All-Star nod in his 7-year career.

Randle was largely responsible for the New York Knicks' playoff qualification for the first time since 2013. Although they were eliminated in the first round, it is a shimmer of hope for the New York fans who are hopeful of a regular return to playoff basketball.

For his exploits, Randle was named the 2021 NBA Most Improved Player. He finished the season with career-high averages in points (24.1), assists (6.0), and rebounds (10.2).


#1 Trae Young

Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket
Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket

We all knew Trae Young was going to develop into a superstar, but how quickly he rose through the ranks was shocking, impressive nonetheless. The Atlanta Hawks point guard is the core of the young team the Hawks are putting together.

Trae will be remembered for how he taunted the Knicks in the 2021 NBA playoffs first round. He sent the Knicks home after five games and caused a stir at Maddison Square Garden while doing so.

The 2021-22 season will undoubtedly be fun to watch as the Hawks hope to have another go at the championship. In the 2021 NBA playoffs, Young led the charge to overcome the Philadelphia 76ers in the semifinals and forced a Game 7 against the eventual champions.

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Edited by Arnav Kholkar