The final stretch of the 2023-2024 is underway and we somehow have an inkling of the career trajectory of all the players drafted in the 2023 NBA draft. While some of the rookies may become late bloomers later in their careers, the chances of that happening are relatively slim. Their work ethic and maturity should contribute to the success they could possibly have in the future but in reality, some of their peers might just have the ‘it’ factor and the talent to succeed compared to others.
Today, we will take a look at the 5 NBA Rookies from the 2023 mid-season who already look like STARS… and 5 who look like BUSTS.
Future Star – Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets)
Count me in as one of the critics of Miller early in the season but boy, he is proving a lot of people wrong these days. Maybe the mess he was involved in back in college put him through a lot of stress during the start of his rookie year. In all honesty, it certainly looks like Miller has moved on from all the off-court drama because he’s finally balling as of late.
He’s currently averaging 16.5 PPG and shooting at a high clip from downtown. With LaMelo Ball out due to another injury for most of the season, Miller has stepped up his game and is looking like the future for this struggling franchise.
Future Bust – Anthony Black (Orlando Magic)
Black might become a late bloomer, but for now, he certainly looks like a bust in the making. Even though the Magic are struggling at the point guard spot due to Markelle Fultz’s injury woes, Black, even when given extensive minutes on the floor, simply cannot score the ball.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
He often looks lost on the court, especially on defensive assignments. Opposing teams continue to exploit that weakness in Black’s game. Touted as a magnificent passer in college, Black also struggled in that department as he’s just averaging 1.5 APG this season.
Future Star – Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat)
Nobody really thought that Jaquez would immediately become a solid contributor to the Heat this season but he has proven all critics wrong so far due to his outstanding play. A four-year player coming out from UCLA, Jaquez’s college experience and maturity really reflected well the moment he stepped foot on an NBA floor.
As a result, Jaquez is widely considered to become a core player for Miami in the near future. He already plays like a veteran for the team this season. Expect his game to elevate further under the guidance of Miami Head Coach, Erik Spoelstra.
Future Bust – Jett Howard (Orlando Magic)
It’s baffling that the Orlando Magic managed to squander and waste another lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Jett Howard, the son of Michigan Wolverine Fab-Five member Juwan Howard, certainly looks like he needed a year or two more years of seasoning in college before putting his name in last year’s draft.
By declaring his intent to be drafted after his freshman season at Michigan, his progress as a player has stagnated in the pro ranks. He’s currently buried deep on Orlando’s bench, averaging less than four minutes per contest.
Future Star – Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)
One-half of the Thompson twins, Ausar – considered the less talented twin – is showing out his skills on the court for the hapless Pistons this season, especially on the defensive end of the floor. He has a high motor which is accompanied by his elite defensive instincts.
While his offensive skills may need some time to develop, there’s not a single doubt that Thompson will get better in that area sooner rather than later. He already has the natural tools to succeed and it’s just a matter of honing it to become a great player for Detroit someday.
Future Bust – Gradey Dick (Toronto Raptors)
Realistically, Gradey Dick could still become a serviceable player down the road. But was he really deserving of being a lottery pick in last year’s draft? That’s a resounding no. Dick is often lost on assignments whenever he’s given the chance to play and his shots aren’t falling as they used to in college.
He had some good stretches where he certainly looks like he belongs to an NBA roster but his career trajectory is nowhere near being a star. There are some qualities to like but there’s a lot left to be desired for Dick too.
Future Star – Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks)
The Mavericks’ incompetence in the middle throughout their existence in the league has been a well-documented fact all these years. The only big man worthy of praise that’s ever graced their roster was Tyson Chandler.
Luckily, they finally found another young star with Dereck Lively II. He’s the perfect roll man for their superstar, Luka Doncic. Lively is a lob threat whenever he’s on the floor and he has displayed a surprising top-tier maturity level on the defensive end of the floor.
Future Bust – Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
Widely regarded as the better player of the Thompson twins, Amen’s development has been very disappointing at this time of the season. When he was selected by the Rockets as the 4th overall pick in last year’s draft, Thompson was projected to start for the team right from the get-go.
But with the free-agency signing of veteran Fred VanVleet taking up the majority of the point guard minutes for Houston, Thompson’s supposedly haste development into a star took a dire hit this season and until further notice.
Future Star – Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Well, Wembanyama was as good – if not better – as advertised. Nobody in league history could compare to his skillset. Standing at a towering 7’4”, Wemby could do all the things a basketball player could humanly do on the court, plus more.
He’s a terrific ballhandler, and a willing passer and his defensive instinct is comparable to a ten-year league veteran. The French phenom’s game is somewhat similar to Kevin Durant’s but with the athleticism of Giannis Antetokoumpo. He’s going to be the face of the NBA in the near future.
Future Bust – Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
This is not where Scoot is supposed to be in a list like this but here we are. It’s quite puzzling that Henderson is struggling with his shot this season as to come and think of it, he already got some time to adjust to the league’s pace since he played at G-League last season.
Maybe he’s overthinking his game? Henderson definitely has the body and the motor to succeed at this level but many fear that he won’t fully materialize the talent that’s already given to him.
