The March Madness tournament is the perfect time of the year for the future of the NBA to steal the spotlight. The best players at the college level have the entire world watching to see how they perform with the pressure on them. Meanwhile, there are a handful of top prospects biding their time at the NBA level as they look forward to their opportunity to climb in to the spotlight at the professional level. Here is a look at the most promising prospects for the five NBA teams in the Atlantic division right now.
Bruno Caboclo, Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors selected Caboclo with the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. At the time, ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla famously remarked that he was, “two years away from being two years away.” Fast forward to 2016 and it looks like Fraschilla’s prediction is right on track. Caboclo has played in just five games this season and that is despite the Raptors’ need for help at the small forward spot. The 20-year-old hasn’t really excelled in the D-League either with just 13.8 points per game on 38.8-percent shooting. Part of the problem is his lack of a three-point shot, as he has hit just 34.1-percent of his shots from beyond the arc. There is no doubt that Caboclo has the raw skill set to become a quality starter at the NBA level, but with DeMarre Carroll and Terrence Ross both signed through the 2018 season he will have to force himself in to the fold. Caboclo remains a promising young prospect but the clock is ticking for a player that should still be two years away according to Fraschilla’s memorable projection.
Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Smart has shown signs of regression with the Celtics this season based on his overall scoring numbers but that doesn’t tell the entire story. Boston has averaged 2.6 points better per 100 possessions with Smart on the floor this season and it’s important to remember that he is still just 22-years-old. Smart has averaged 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.1 minutes per game and if he can improve his shooting efficiency over time he could be a strong starting point guard option at the NBA level.
Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
The fourth-overall pick from the 2015 NBA Draft has shown flashes of his elite potential and suddenly Knicks’ fans aren’t booing him anymore. Porzingis has averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game this season and there is clearly room for improvement as he grows in to his body and develops his game at the pro level. There has been some concern about his relationship with new head coach Kurt Rambis and whether or not it is the right fit. The Knicks will have to do some serious work to determine whether or not Rambis is the right man for the job in New York but there is little doubt and Porzingis’ elite potential moving forward.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is currently dealing with the unenviable position of a severe shortage of prospects and draft picks. That is the result of several years of trying to take shortcuts to an NBA title and it could get worse before it gets better for the Nets. Hollis-Jefferson is the best prospect on the Brooklyn roster and while he still needs to work on his jump shot and find ways to stay healthy he has shown flashes of his potential this season. The Nets will have a long road on their rebuild and it will be interesting to see how the 23rd-overall pick from the 2015 NBA Draft turns out.
Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers
Okafor has struggled throughout his rookie season but he is clearly the most promising prospect that the 76ers have in the fold. He has the size, strength and shooting ability to become a force at his position but the 20-year-old has one of the worst rebounding rates in the NBA and needs to prove he is willing to put in the work to succeed. Okafor also needs to do a better job off the court when it comes to his attitude, as he has been involved in some late-night altercations and been handed speeding tickets since he was drafted by Philadelphia. Okafor has the potential to be an elite NBA big man but he has to prove he is willing to put in the work to succeed.
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