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#3 Khris Middleton
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 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
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.
