The 2023 NBA Draft class was loaded with talent but not every rookie popped in their first season. Which second-year players will take a leap in 2023-24?
The 2022 NBA Draft class was loaded with talent. Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin had big rookie seasons. Banchero became the first rookie since Luka Doncic (2018-19) to average 20 points per game, while Mathurin was second in the entire NBA in bench points.
Other members of the 2022 class are primed for breakout years in their second seasons. Let's break down five second-year players ready to take the next leap in their development.
Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 5. Johnny Davis
After a rough start, people were quick to write off Davis as a bust. Prior to the All-Star break, he appeared in 13 games, averaging a mere 1.2 points per game on 33.3 percent shooting.
However, Davis showed flashes of his lottery potential as the season progressed. On April 4, he recorded 20 points (9-of-17 from the field 2-of-5 from beyond the arc), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks against the Milwaukee Bucks. During the game, he continually attacked Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo at the rim. On this play, he dunked on Holiday in transition:
In April, Davis averaged 17.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in five games. He only shot 26.3 percent from 3, but he continued to be an impressive finisher at the basket.
Davis showed his inside scoring ability can translate to the next level. If he can improve as a shooter, he can become a dangerous three-level scorer for the Wizards. Davis's shooting development appears to be trending in the right direction. During NBA Summer League, he shot an efficient 42.9 percent from deep.
The Wizards are officially in rebuild mode. Tyus Jones and Jordan Poole will comprise the team's starting backcourt. If Davis continues to play well, he could play a key sixth-man role. Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. could also deploy three guards lineup with Jones, Davis, and Poole.
Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 4. Jalen Duren
Duren quietly had a good rookie campaign. He got the opportunity to start 31 games. As a starter, he averaged 10.5 points and 10.6 rebounds across 28.9 minutes per game; shooting an efficient 67.3 percent from the field.
To make matters even more impressive, he is still only 19 years old. For perspective, Duren is younger than Brandon Miller, Cason Wallace, and the Thompson twins.
The young big man seemed to earn respect around the league. Paul George shouted out Duren on an episode of his podcast:
"I like his game. I see what I think he will be in the league. I see him as a baby Dwight Howard… I just hope that they don't stunt that kid's growth because I think he's going to be a big-time player. He is only 19. He has got the size. He has got good feet, he can move."
The Detroit Pistons do have an overabundance of centers (Duren, James Wiseman, Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III), but Duren should have a firm hold on the starting center job. He has a legitimate shot to be among the league's leading rebounders next season.
Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 3. Shaedon Sharpe
Sharpe's athleticism, shooting touch, and finishing ability give him the potential to be the best player in the 2022 draft class. However, he came into the league as a raw 19-year-old prospect with no college experience. The upside was there, but the Portland Trail Blazers would have to be patient.
As a rookie, Sharpe showed off all the elite traits that made him a lottery pick. He habitually utilized his athleticism and vertical to challenge defenders at the rim, coming away with an array of highlight dunks.
Sharpe was a solid shooter for a rookie, converting on 36.0 percent of his 3-point attempts.
The Blazers are expected to trade away Damian Lillard and shift towards a rebuild around Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Sharpe. If the Lillard trade does indeed happen, look for Sharpe to play an increased role in year two.
Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 2. Jabari Smith Jr.
After March 4, Smith averaged 15.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks on a 47.2/36.5/78.3 shooting splits.
The Auburn alum turned heads at the NBA Summer League. In his first game, he poured in 33 points in a victory over Scott Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and the Portland Trail Blazers. With 0.6 seconds to play, he hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the top of the key.
In his second game, Smith topped himself, posting 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a win over the Detroit Pistons.
It was a small sample size, but his 35.5 points per game average led the entire summer league. In fact, it was 9.7 points per game higher than the next player (Orlando Robinson).
Smith should continue to build on that momentum this season. The Houston Rockets made a variety of moves this offseason, but Smith remains their best offensive forward. Free agent acquisition Dillon Brooks and first-round pick Cam Whitmore should not alter his role in 2023-24.
Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 1. Keegan Murray
Murray had an outstanding rookie season for the Sacramento Kings. He started 78 games and was a key component of Sacramento's No. 1 ranked offense. He averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting a team-high 41.1 percent from 3 (min. 15 attempts).
On draft night, the All-American was viewed by many analysts as a "high-floor, low-ceiling" prospect, but he has shown flashes of untapped potential. In the playoffs, the rookie posted 23 points (9-of-13 from the field, 5-of-7 from beyond the arc) and 7 rebounds in Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors. During the California Classic Summer League, he looked overqualified, scoring 41 points against the Miami Heat.
Subsequently, the Kings shut him down for the rest of the summer league.
Yes, Murray was supposed to be an NBA-ready player, but he is already outperforming expectations. He is on a tantalizing trajectory.