The 2014 draft class was one of the better classes in recent years that featured two true standouts in Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker. Parker’s season unfortunately ended prematurely due to a torn ACL but Wiggins has turned into the undisputed Rookie of the Year. Besides Parker and Wiggins this class features many other players that are going to develop into the future of the league.
Elfrid Payton, Guard, Orlando Magic
Former Louisiana-Lafayette stud Elfrid Payton has really been a key contributor for his Orlando Magic squad. Few people knew anything about the eventual tenth overall pick coming out of college, besides his funky hair but he has turned a lot of heads so far in his short time in the league. Averaging 8.9 points-per-game, 4.3 rebounds-per-game, and 6.4 assists-per-game he shows his ability to effect the game in many ways. He will develop into a star for the Magic in no time as the only thing holding him back is his lack of range. Once he develops a reliable three-point shot he will become a premier player in this league.
Jordan Clarkson, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan Clarkson is the only rookie this season to win Western Conference Rookie of the Month besides Andrew Wiggins. The 46th pick out of Missouri has been one of the best players for a struggling Lakers team these past few months by contributing 11 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 3.1 APG per game. He has been highly effective once given a spot in the rotation and has the potential to be one of the best guards in the draft. Plus, who could not get use to seeing highlights like this on a routine basis?
Andrew Wiggins, Guard/Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves
Music should be playing in the background as you read this part of the article because Andrew Wiggins is going to be the undisputed Rookie of the Year and it is only a matter of time before he is one of the top players in the league. Averaging 16.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 1.9 APG he has led the injury-ridden Wolves this year and shown great potential in every aspect of his game. He shows great potential as a shooter, lived up to his defensive expectations, and has shown show-stopping athleticism. If you have not seen him play yet then you need to stop what you are doing and see for yourself.
Nikola Mirotic, Forward, Chicago Bulls
Averaging 10 PPG and 5.1 RPG, Mirotic has been one of the most clutch players in he fourth quarter, period. He now leads all NBA players in fourth quarter scoring and his number look even better per 36 minutes as he averages 17.9 PPG and 9.1 RPG. This guy is the real deal and has the potential to turn into a player similar to current teammate Pau Gasol. Look for Mirotic to help lead the Bulls to success in the very near future as he develops into one of the top 10 power forwards in the league.
Nerlens Noel, Forward/Center, Philadelphia 76ers
Nerlens Noel sat out all of last season due to an operation on his knee but has come out this season and played with a chip on his shoulder. He is the only player this season, since Jabari Parker went down, that could hold a chance of stealing Rookie Of The Year from Andrew Wiggins. Averaging a very impressive 10 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.8 Steals-per-game, and 1.9 blocks-per-game, he has proven that he can impact a game on a deeper level than most players, especially on defense. It is also worth noting that he recently went off for a 30 point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers. Time will tell if he can shed the label of injury prone but if he continues to develop at this rate there is no telling what his ceiling could be.
The Heat Check Magazine 