The incoming class of NBA rookies is littered with star potential, and the players themselves think highest of Lonzo Ball and Jayson Tatum.
According to NBA.com’s John Schuhmann, 39 rookies participated in the annual survey. And the responses for which rookie will put together the best NBA career ended in a tie between the Los Angeles Lakers point guard and Boston Celtics wing.
Both players received 18.4 percent of the vote, so Ball and Tatum each stood out for seven peers.
Ball, whose talent has drawn comparisons to Magic Johnson, merits the attention thanks to his stellar passing ability. He displays the type of vision you can’t teach and a level of creativity only confident players can show. Even if Ball isn’t a plus-defender or above-average shooter during his career, that passing will keep him around for a long time.
Need more evidence? Schuhmann notes Ball garnered 71.8 percent of the votes in the “best playmaker” category. No other player had more than 7.7 percent.
Tatum, on the other hand, has the potential to become a dominant scorer. As long as the Duke product continues to improve his shooting range, the C’s will have another go-to player on the offensive end — and, depending on Isaiah Thomas’ future with Boston, could be the No. 1 option soon.
Phoenix Suns wing Josh Jackson and Dallas Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. ended with 10.5 percent of the “best career” votes. Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox nabbed 7.9 percent.
Any of Jackson, Smith or Fox could assemble a stronger rookie campaign than Ball and Tatum, but the duo possess greater long-term star potential. It doesn’t hurt that Ball and Tatum play for two of the league’s most recognizable franchises, either.