1. Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis is not the only youngest big man on the list, but he is the most intriguing. The son of Trail Blazers legend, Arvydas Sabonis, is showing why many NBA people were high on him a few years ago when he was at Gonzaga.
Last season Sabonis averaged 14.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 24.8 minutes. It was the best season so far of his short three-year career. The 23-year-old lefty shot it at an incredible 59% from the field while shooting 72% from the charity stripe.
Sabonis has a soft touch around the basket and can shoot the 15-footer as well. He is an incredibly smart player like his father was. He can pass well for a big man and moves better than most centers.
At the time the Thunder traded him in a deal for Paul George they knew they’d lose a talented player but he has developed a bit faster than they even expected. With Victor Oladipo missing time last season for the Pacers he was at times their most reliable player. He became so reliable that he was taking minutes away from Myles Turner on a consistent basis.
Look for Sabonis to average around 15 points and 10 rebounds this season. Sabonis’ play is the key to the Pacers’ success as they should be a strong playoff team with Oladipo, Malcolm Brogdon and Turner.