The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the class of the Central division for the last two years but with four of the five teams from that group on pace to make the playoffs this season there is no doubt that it is the toughest division in the Eastern Conference. The focus remains on the stars but it’s important to keep an eye on the top young players from the Central division when it comes to looking to the future.
Here is a look at the most promising prospects for the five NBA teams in the Central division right now.
Jordan McRae, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have made an NBA championship their sole focus so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they don’t have a single college-age player on their roster. The closest thing they have to a prospect is 24-year-old Jordan McRae, who signed a deal to stay with Cleveland for the remainder of the season in March. McRae broke the NBA D-League scoring record with 61 points for the Miami Heat’s D-League team in January and that is a big reason why he earned his shot at the NBA. McRae could very well stay buried on the Cavaliers’ roster for the rest of this year but it’s clear he has the potential to be a very good NBA player down the line.
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Indiana is thrilled with its rookie big man, who has taken major steps forward as a professional in his first year in the NBA. Turner has averaged 10.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game this season and even more importantly he has really shown progress as he has continued to gain experience. Turner has fought hard for minutes in Frank Vogel’s rotation and he has become an important cog for a Pacers’ team that is contending for a playoff spot. Turned has only touched on his elite potential as a 20-year-old big man and it’s clear he will have every opportunity to develop in to a star for Indiana over time.
Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons
Johnson was widely considered a steal for Detroit with the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He has had his shares of highs and lows throughout his rookie year but ultimately the Pistons have to be thrilled with the progression he has made. Johnson has averaged 8.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 23.5 minutes per game this season and he will only get better as he continues to develop as a 19-year-old at the NBA level.
Bobby Portis, Chicago Bulls
Portis has followed up a strong February performance with a drop off production in March, but there is still plenty of reason to love the upside of the 22nd overall pick from the 2015 NBA Draft. Portis is still just 21-years-old and he has the opportunity to improve his game while learning behind a trio of solid big men this season in Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. His teammates have given him high praise for his work ethic and desire to get better and with Gasol and Noah both set to become unrestricted free agents this summer, he could earn himself a more prominent role in the near future. He’s the future in Chicago with Jimmy Butler, even though there are many other bigger names than him on the roster.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The Greek Freak has shown off his elite athleticism as a 21-year-old wing that has only scratched the surface of his potential as a pro. Antetokounmpo has averaged 16.6 points, 4.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game this season while averaging just over 35 minutes per game. Antetokounmpo still has room to improve his jump shot and he will only continue to get better with more experience at the NBA level. The Bucks have assembled a talented young roster that appears set to make them a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference for years to come and Antetokounmpo is at the heart of it as the top prospect on their roster right now.
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