When talking about the NBA draft prospects of the decade, one cannot ignore Zion Williamson's entrance into the league in 2019. With his mind-blowing stats, like averaging 22.5 points per game in his rookie season, he was a force on the court. The arena plus community was buzzing about his potential to be the face of the NBA for the next decade. His vertical leap of 45 inches and sheer athleticism made him quite the spectacle and a marketing dream for any team.
In 2018, Luka Dončić was another player who shook things up. The Slovenian sensation, at 19 years of age, managed to secure the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists during his debut season. This isn't just about his numbers; it's how he plays the game. On the spectrum of advanced metrics, his Player Efficiency Rating (PER) was 21.1, showing his significant impact on the game.
Looking at 2017, Jayson Tatum stood out. Drafted by the Boston Celtics, he proved to be a versatile forward capable of both scoring and defending at a high level. In his rookie season, he averaged 13.9 points and shot 43.4% from the three-point line. Tatum's ability to perform under pressure was evident during the playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in taking the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Speaking of players who made an immediate impact, Ja Morant's arrival in 2019 was electric. Winning the NBA Rookie of the Year title in 2020, he averaged 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. What set Morant apart was his speed and agility, making him a nightmare in fast breaks. His usage rate of 28.5% indicates how vital he became to the Memphis Grizzlies' offensive scheme.
Anthony Edwards, the number one overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, demonstrated his scoring ability by averaging 19.3 points per game in his rookie year. His athleticism and explosive playing style drew comparisons to elite players like Dwyane Wade. The cost of his transition from college to pro was steep, but the investment seems to be paying off, given his instant impact and star potential.
And then there's LaMelo Ball, who entered the league in 2020 with a lot of hype surrounding him due to his high school and international play. As the NBA Rookie of the Year, he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. LaMelo's court vision and passing ability made him a standout and a fan favorite quickly. His win shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) stood at .107, another indicator of his all-around contributions.
Looking further back, Kawhi Leonard, drafted in 2011, transformed into a two-time NBA Finals MVP. His ability to excel on both ends of the court, with an impressive defensive box plus/minus (DBPM) of 2.1 during peak seasons, showcased his all-around game. Kawhi's perimeter defense and scoring versatility have since been benchmarks for evaluating future prospects.
Devin Booker, chosen 13th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, became one of the league's most prolific scorers. With a career average of 23.0 points per game by age 25, Booker's shooting prowess cannot be overstated. His 70-point game in 2017 against the Boston Celtics remains one of the highest single-game performances in the modern era, signifying his scoring capabilities.
Ben Simmons, the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, brought a unique skill set to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite questions about his shooting, Simmons' playmaking and defense were top-notch. Averaging 8.1 assists per game and attaining an average of 1.6 steals per game, his impact was significant. PER metrics place him consistently above 18.0, underscoring his overall efficiency.
Looking at more recent talents, Cade Cunningham's debut in 2021 with the Detroit Pistons brought a lot of excitement. With rookie statistics showing 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, Cunningham appears ready to carry the franchise forward. His usage rate of 27.4% highlighted his central role in the team's game plan.
Moving to R.J. Barrett, drafted third overall by the New York Knicks in 2019, he showed promise both offensively and defensively. Averaging 17.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in his first two seasons, Barrett became a cornerstone for the Knicks’ rebuilding efforts. His improvement in shooting efficiency over time, from 40.2% to 44.1% from the field, indicates his growing accuracy and consistency.
Back in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo's selection by the Milwaukee Bucks at 15th overall has arguably become the best value pick of the decade. "The Greek Freak," with a wingspan of 7'3", transformed into a two-time MVP and the 2021 NBA Finals MVP. Giannis' growth from a raw prospect to a dominant league force is a testament to his development and work ethic.
Finally, Trae Young, chosen fifth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, quickly turned into one of the league's premier point guards. Averaging 24.3 points and 8.9 assists over his first three seasons, Young's offensive game redefined the Atlanta Hawks. His deep three-point shooting, with a career average of over 34.3% from beyond the arc, makes him one of the most exciting young players in the league.