As the 2015-2016 season draws nigh, here is the projected list of the top-ten players who will be the biggest surprises this NBA season.
1. George Hill, Guard Indiana Pacers
Quietly productive in the absence of Paul George last season, Hill also missed significant time due to injury. The Indiana Pacers missed the playoffs last season, largely a byproduct of injuries to key players. Hill played in just 43 games in 2014-2015. Once he returned from injury in late January, the seven-year veteran was explosive.
Hill notched a triple-double and several double-doubles that were a few rebounds away from being a triple-double. The 29 year-old's fantasy numbers were off the charts at the end of last season. With the return of PG13 to full health and the addition of Monta Ellis at shooting guard, Hill could make a bid for the 2016 All-Star Game.
2. Zach LaVine, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
LaVine caught the eyes of the NBA world when he won the 2015 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest wearing a Michael Jordan Tune Squad jersey. His dunks were ferocious, but largely overshadowed the 20 year-old's rookie season. LaVine averaged 10.1 points-per-game last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who drafted him 13th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. The former UCLA Bruin played in 77 games in 2014-2015, 40 of which he started in place of the injured Ricky Rubio. If a sophomore slump does not hit LaVine, the second-year guard should benefit from an improved Timberwolves' roster.
3. Luol Deng, Forward, Miami Heat
Health will be key for the Miami Heat, who have the oldest roster in the NBA. Deng, who turned 30 in April, fits that mold. Since coming into the league in 2004, Deng has averaged double figures in all of the 11 season in which he has played. He averaged 14.0 points-per-game with the Heat last season, which was a hair under his career average.
Deng is the bronze to four pieces of silver and gold in the Heat starting lineup. While Hassan Whiteside will steal the show alongside a healthy Chris Bosh, Deng plays a valuable role on the wing. His ability to shoot three-pointers will be a factor in the Heat's road back to the postseason. Just ahead of promising rookie Justice Winslow on the depth chart, Deng could feel the heat from the youngster, which will drive up his performance.
4. Jahlil Okafor, Center, Philadelphia 76ers
The third overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, Okafor could have easily been selected first. The Philadelphia 76ers were probably jumping for joy the moment they realized Okafor would fall into their hands. The former Duke standout will make an immediate impact on a roster that has been one of the most poorly managed rosters in the league over the past several seasons. A great candidate for Rookie of the Year, Okafor will quickly give fans a reason to watch the Sixers. Soon after, he may follow in the footsteps of Anthony Davis as one of the best young bigmen in the league.
5. Aaron Gordon, Forward, Orlando Magic
Sidelined for nearly half of the 2014-2015 season, Gordon was the fourth overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. The 20 year-old showed promising signs of making the transition to the NBA in his rookie season. While he averaged just 5.2 points-per-game in his first NBA season, the former Arizona Wildcat maintained his explosiveness. The 6'9" power forward could have a breakout season on an incredibly young and talented Orlando Magic roster.
6. D'Angelo Russell, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers
The second overall pick in the 2015 Draft, Russell has been one of the more highly anticipated rookies joining the league. The former Ohio State Buckeye made an immediate splash with his remarks on future Hall-of-Famer and teammate, Kobe Bryant. The 37 year-old had trouble recruiting new teammates this offseason and will soon be passing the baton in Los Angeles.
There is no telling how the Lakers will fair in Bryant's last season with the team, but Russell is clearly the future and has Bryant's blessing. With several free agent finds, Mitch Kupchak did an adequate job filling out his roster this offseason. Kupchak has given his rookie point guard enough to have an immediate impact in the NBA. And that is just what Russell will do as he sets his sights on Rookie of the Year.
7. Marcus Smart, Guard, Boston Celtics
Another 2014 draft pick making this list, Smart has received increased praise over the past year. He is known for his stout defense, but has improved his offense as well. Part of a three-headed monster at point guard, Smart is the starter for Brad Stevens. In his second year in the league, the 21 year-old could quickly become one of the better players on the Boston Celtics. A hidden gem in the 2014 draft, Smart, like former Celtic Paul Pierce, will eventually make team's regret passing up on him. And it starts this season.
8. Jabari Parker, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks
Am I living in the past? Not quite. Yes, Parker was also drafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, selected second overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. But he, too, was injured for most of his rookie season. Parker tore his ACL 25 games into the 2014-2015 season and averaged 12.3 points-per-game prior to the injury. He also averaged 5.5 rebounds-per-game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.
The Bucks were a playoff team without Parker, which will encourage Jason Kidd to use caution with the future face of the franchise as he returns to the floor. Parker is healthy, but has not returned to action and there appears to be a slim chance he suits up for opening night. Nonetheless, Parker will return eventually and, when he does, it will be huge for the Bucks. Having played in just 25 games last season, Parker will qualify for Rookie of the Year in 2015-2016.
9. Emmanuel Mudiay, Guard, Denver Nuggets
Another highly touted 2015 draft pick, Mudiay brings size to the point guard position for the Denver Nuggets. The 19 year-old has averaged 15.3 points-per-game and 6.0 assists-per-game in four preseason games. He will be the starting guard on a young, developing Nuggets roster and has the potential to win the Rookie of the Year award. At 6'5", Mudiay has a size advantage that will create mismatches throughout the course of the season. His stature makes him a great replacement for Ty Lawson and will fit right in with the rest of the bunch.
10. Rajon Rondo, Guard, Sacramento Kings
On his third NBA team, Rondo now seems to be a fitting piece to the Sacramento Kings' puzzle. The Rondo experiment exploded for Rick Charlisle and the Dallas Mavericks, who were quick to part ways with the tenth-year veteran at the end of last season. Now, the 29 year-old is another sour grape that needs seasoning on George Karl's plate. Karl, who wanted DeMarcus Cousins gone at one point during the offseason, was able to find peace with his center.
A huge step, the Kings have a strong lineup on paper and Rondo will be the key. With fellow former Kentucky Wildcats, Cousins and rookie Willie Cauley-Stein, Rondo may already have chemistry with his new teammates. Rudy Gay is another asset who will thrive with Rondo at point guard. The Kings will be a bubble team but Rondo, who could be headed to his fifth All-Star game, makes them a whole lot better.