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#24 – Mitchell Robinson – New York Knicks
Mitchell Robinson has a chance to lead the NBA in blocked shots this season. If he shows improvement on the offensive end, he will have a chance to vault up this list heading into next season.
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The Knicks, while they missed on their top free-agent targets like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they did make some solid additions via free agency. They grabbed Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Taj Gibson.
With rookie R.J. Barrett also, they will be looking to make a push for a playoff spot. Robinson will be a big part of that as he is far and away their best defensive big man. On the offensive side of the floor, he will be counted on for finishing alley-oops and second chance putbacks.
Last season, per Basketball-Reference, Robinson had per-game averages of 7.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks.
#23 – Wendell Carter Jr. – Chicago Bulls
Injuries derailed Wendell Carter Jr.’s season last year. Often times, it takes a rookie some time to acclimate to the NBA. For Carter Jr., he only appeared in 44 games last season per Basketball-Reference.
Despite the fact that he made limited performances last season, he still had per-game averages of 10.3 points, and 7 rebounds per Basketball-Reference.
Carter will be a major key to a young Bulls team this season who are looking to take a leap towards the back end of the playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference.
#22 – Dwight Howard – Los Angeles Lakers
If this list were to be compiled 8-10 years ago, Dwight Howard would have likely topped the list. Howard was one of the best defensive players of all time when he played in Orlando and even led them to an NBA Finals appearance.
Now, he is the back end of his career and looking to be a solid contributor on a Lakers team that has an NBA title in their sights.
Howard is still an excellent rebounder and averaged 13 rebounds per 36 minutes last season per Basketball-Reference. His defense has taken a major hit though as he had a career-worst defensive rating of 111.
If he is able to improve his defense even slightly he will be a major key to the Lakers this season.