We like to talk about the rookies of the NBA a lot and how they’re progressing over the season, but what about the sophomores of the league? In this list, I wanted to focus more on players not named Zion Williamson or Ja Morant and give more recognition to some other up and coming sophomore NBA players.
Let’s get into the list..
Michael Porter Jr.
Before Michael Porter Jr. got put on the protocol and was out for weeks, he was averaging around 19 PPG for the Nuggets as a starter. He’s proven to me he can be that #2 or #3 option for the Nuggets for years to come. He has the ideal size and skillset you’d want in today’s NBA for a forward. He can shoot, score on the inside, play solid defense, create shots for himself. His potential is insane and I think he’s only getting started on how good he can eventually be.
Porter Jr. shoots at an extremely efficient level, shooting 55.9% from the field and 50% from three point land in 10 games. MPJ is one of the biggest superstar potentials in the league and is showing glimpses of it already.
RJ Barrett
I can’t lie to you, I was extremely down on RJ Barrett after his rookie season. Barrett has changed my perception of him this season so far. Although Barrett is still struggling shooting the ball, he’s gotten more efficient this season and it’s showing. During his rookie season, he looked like he was forcing shots trying to be “that” guy and it just didn’t look pretty.
This year, he’s worked on his efficiency and pushing the ball inside more and not forcing shots. He’s averaging more assists and less turnovers this season and that’s only going to get better. He’s currently averaging 18.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.3 APG on 43.1% from the field and 28.4% from the 3. The next step to Barrett’s game would be working on being a better playmaker and being more consistent.
Tyler Herro
The Tyler Herro hype train is WILD and sometimes… for good reason. Tyler Herro gained an insane amount of hype during the Heat Finals run last season. He stepped up in the playoffs and was a vital part of the reason they even made it as far as they did. Tyler Herro is currently averaging 17 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG on 44.6% from the field and 31% from three. His three point percentage is kind of concerning so far this season, but I expect it to go north of 35% by end of the season.
Herro has looked good, disregarding all the hype around him. He’s played PG this season and has done a decent job at it. He’s still learning how to create plays for others, but is getting better every game. Herro is on the rise this season as many have expected.
De’Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter has been one of my favorite sophomore players this season, if not the favorite. I loved him coming out of UVA and thought he was the prototypical 3 & D wing that can eventually become a star. He’s a great defender that can shoot from the outside and fits on any team. He had an alright rookie season, but this season he’s taken it to another level.
Hunter is currently averaging 17.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 2.2 APG on 51.4% from the field and 36.6% from three point land. He’s shooting at an extremely efficient level and has been one of the biggest bright spots on the Hawks team this season. Hunter has the potential to be that #2 go to wing for the Hawks after Trae Young and provide stability in case of a Trae off night. De’Andre Hunter is definitely going to be a player to keep an eye out for the rest of the season. He’s going to be a vital peace on their quest to make the playoffs this season.
