The class of 2017 had been quite overlooked until now. Naturally, it took some of their players a couple of years in the NBA before flourishing into productive and reliable parts of the rotation.
Obviously, there are several players that have completely exceeded expectations, as they became leaders and All-Star caliber players right out of the gate.
Sadly, that also means that some of the players that were supposed to be a star had underperformed thus far to start their careers. But, how would you rank the class of 2017? We’d do it like this:
Tier Five
Malik Monk, Dennis Smith Jr, Harry Giles, Sterling Brown, Terrance Ferguson, Josh Jackson, Justin Jackson, Damyean Dotson, Semi Ojeleye, Frank Jackson
Tier Five features a couple of players that were supposed to dominate the league but have struggled so far to establish themselves at the highest level, such as Malik Monk, Dennis Smith Jr, and Josh Jackson.
However, it also includes some hard-working role players that have become valuable assets for their respective squads, like Semi Ojeleye, Sterling Brown, and Justin Jackson.
Some of them still have the potential to be stars but need to turn things around pretty quickly before being considered busts.
Tier Four
Markelle Fultz, Thomas Bryant, Luke Kennard, OG Anunoby, Frank Ntilikina, Zach Collins, Monte Morris, Derrick White
Tier Four features players that have the potential to make a huge impact on their teams, but that have yet to break out the way everybody expected them to, like Markelle Fultz, Zach Collins, and Frank Ntilikina.
Also, Thomas Bryant, Luke Kennard, Monte Morris, and Derrick White made their way to this tier thanks to their unexpected contributions, as they’re all playing huge roles for their teams.
Sadly, none of those players besides OG Anunoby and Monte Morris are playing for Contenders, so that takes a toll on their evaluation.
Tier Three
Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Lonzo Ball, Dillon Brooks, Jonathan Isaac, Josh Hart, Jarrett Allen
Tier Three features players with All-Star potential that have all the tools to become studs in this league, but that aren’t quite there yet.
Most of those players aren’t dominant enough to turn a franchise around but would be a perfect complement for Championship teams.
They’re all still pretty young and many of them could step up and turn into All-Stars and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all.
Tier Two
Donovan Mitchell, Kyle Kuzma, De’Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo
Tier Two features players most teams would love to be around. Donovan Mitchell has embraced a leadership role with the Utah Jazz and is their undisputed go-to-guy.
Kyle Kuzma’s been one of the biggest seals we’ve seen in years. He’s had a down year this season, but the talent and upside are clearly there and that’s why the Lakers didn’t include him in the Anthony Davis deal.
De’Aaron Fox’s career got off to a slow start but he’s been vastly impressive since turning the corner. He’s one of the fastest and most clutch players in the league, a top-notch playmaker with the potential of making an All-Defensive team.
And Bam Adebayo has outplayed his Draft stock by far. He took over Hassan Whiteside for the Miami Heat’s starting center and his skills and playmaking abilities make him tailor-made for today’s game, especially if he adds some range.
Tier One
Jayson Tatum
And Jayson Tatum has become a tier of his own, especially this season. He’s proven that he’s the best player in his class and it’s not even close, as he’s made a huge impact on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis.
Tatum is an efficient scorer that can also hold his own against some of the best scorers in the world. He’s effective from all three levels and has the length to play and guard multiple positions.
Thus far, he’s averaging 23.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.8 three-pointers and 1.3 steals per game on 45/39/82 shooting splits and has become the Celtics’ leader.
Tatum became an All-Star this season and he’s poised for stardom for sure. If he keeps this up, he should even be in the MVP conversation this season.
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