#2 D’Angelo Russell – Brooklyn Nets (6-5, 195 lbs, 22 years old)
2017-18 Stats : 41 percent from the field, 32 percent from three (1.9 makes per game), 74 percent on free throws; 15.5 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 25.7 minutes per game.
Devin Booker’s good friend, DeAngelo Russel, must be near the top of the list. Not just because of the relationship, but also due to his age – only 22 years old and a rising star. He missed half of last season after having surgery on his left knee, but he came back and showed he was A-OK with a 24 point 1st quarter on March 13th and his first career triple double on March 23rd.
Russell improved his shooting (career highs in field goals made, attempted, and percentage). He also improved his all around game with career highs in assists and rebounds while playing under 26 minutes per game. Despite a lackluster surrounding cast, he showed his playmaking ability with 7.3 assists per 36 minutes.
With Brooklyn still looking for talent in their rebuilding phase, an offer based around T.J. Warren and the Suns 1st round pick should get the Nets to agree. That might seem a little steep on our side, but for our point guard of the future who will play at his highest level next to Booker and make our star happy for years to come, this is a great deal.
This is a legit chance at “Downloading” a title soon. “Book it.”