5. Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns
This one might seem out of left field, but Phoenix Suns rookie Devin Booker put forth quite an impressive first year in the league despite being part of an absolutely terrible situation. He proved that he can be a prime time scorer that could put up ridiculous stats and he did so while being one of the youngest members of the entire rookie class. However, the trait that makes him potentially Kobe-like is his unwavering confidence.
Throughout the entirety of his rookie season—from the games to All-Star weekend to everything in between—Booker continually showed up, walked onto the floor, and was ready to try and dominate. The fact that he was able to do that despite how bad things got in Phoenix this season and despite his ridiculous youth is truly impressive and reminiscent of how Kobe approached the game at that age.
There is obviously a great deal of basketball ahead of Booker in the NBA considering how young he is, but what he showed in his rookie season made it seem like he might have the confidence that Kobe Bryant had that it will take for him to be a star in this league. Though he may not be identical to Kobe, he could be the one to carry on Bryant’s legacy in that regard.
Next: No. 4 Kristaps Porzingis