When it comes to the MVP favorites this season, Thunder's star player Alexander is undoubtedly on the list. So far, he has averaged an impressive 31.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Under his leadership, the Thunder have achieved a record of 30 wins and 6 losses, ranking first in the Western Conference. If they continue at this win rate, the Thunder even have a chance to challenge for 70 wins. However, despite his remarkable performance, Alexander was only selected as the 11th overall pick in the draft. So, what happened to the 10 players who were picked ahead of him? Some of them have already been eliminated from the league!
- Bridges (Knicks)
Career average: 14.6 points, 4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals
Bridges started his career as a 3D player but began to transition during the 2022-2023 season, which made him a better player. He was traded to the Knicks last offseason and is now averaging 18.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers per game. He can not only shoot threes and defend but also handle some ball-handling responsibilities. Besides scoring, he can create opportunities for his teammates. Therefore, Bridges has undoubtedly reached an All-Star level.
- Knox
Career average: 7.4 points, 2.9 rebounds
Knox's most heavily utilized time in the NBA was his rookie season when he averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. However, his 37% shooting percentage showed that his abilities fell short of team expectations. Knox gradually fell out of the rotation and moved around multiple teams. Before this season, he could only represent the Warriors in the Summer League to stay in the NBA, but unfortunately, he still failed to achieve his goal. Now, he can only join the Warriors' G League team.
- Sexton (Jazz)
Career average: 18.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists
In Sexton's peak season, he averaged 24.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1 steal per game. Unfortunately, due to injuries and playing style issues, he failed to gain the trust of the Cavaliers and was traded to the Jazz in 2022. Currently, Sexton is averaging 18 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game with the Jazz. He still possesses some skills, but since the team is in a rebuilding phase, he remains on the trade block. However, it is uncertain whether he will be traded before the deadline because the Jazz's asking price is quite high, considering their management is the cunning Danny Ainge.
- Wendell Carter (Magic)
Career average: 12.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2 assists
Carter is considered an ordinary role player in the NBA, performing neither exceptionally well nor poorly. His offensive and defensive capabilities are passable. However, this season, Carter has basically lost his starting position. Compared to Bamba, who has a larger physique and performs better on both ends of the court, Carter's role has diminished. Nevertheless, Carter has signed a contract extension and will not become a free agent until 2029. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he gets paid the same, and playing off the bench does not hinder his ability to help the Magic win, especially during this injury-ridden period where his contributions cannot be overlooked.
- Bamba (Clippers)
Career average: 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
Before the draft, Bamba appeared to have outstanding static talents and potential shooting abilities. However, after entering the NBA, he failed to fulfill his potential and has now become a minimum-salary player. This season, he averages only 12.6 minutes per game with the Clippers, scoring 4.1 points with a dismal 22.9% three-point shooting percentage, indicating a lack of skills as a stretch five. Defensively, Bamba's performance is surprisingly poor. Despite his height of 2.13 meters and wingspan of 2.39 meters, his rim protection is inadequate, which is related to his basketball IQ. If he continues to play like this, Bamba risks being eliminated from the NBA at any time.
- Trae Young (Hawks)
Career average: 25.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 1 steal
In his early years in the league, Trae Young's performance was quite impressive. In his second season, he averaged 29.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, and in 2021, he led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, since then, Trae Young has gradually declined. This season, he is averaging 22.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 12.1 assists per game. While he is still excellent at playmaking, his scoring average is the second-lowest of his career, with a meager 40.1% shooting percentage. This is not only due to his scoring ability but also because some of his shot choices are inherently poor. Looking at the current situation, it seems that Trae Young has difficulty breaking through his ceiling. Building a team around him would likely result in the playoffs being the best the team can achieve.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
Career average: 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks
As an interior player, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s most obvious weakness is his rebounding, with a maximum average of only 6.8 rebounds in a season. However, overall, he is still one of the best interior players currently active. Since joining the league, he has continuously improved his offensive capabilities. Now, he averages 1.8 three-pointers per game and has made significant progress in his ball-handling and self-initiated offense, averaging a career-high 22.6 points this season. Defensively, Jaren Jackson Jr. is equally outstanding, especially in help defense and rim protection, where he remains an elite-level player. This season, he is also expected to be selected for the All-Defensive First Team again.
- Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
Career average: 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.2 steals
Luka Doncic is undoubtedly one of the best players from the 2018 draft class. He has been selected to the All-NBA First Team five times since joining the league and has led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals and the NBA Finals once each. Whether looking at his immediate impact or future potential, Doncic is undoubtedly among the best of the current young generation. This season, he is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2 steals per game. However, due to injuries, he has already lost the opportunity to compete for the MVP or be selected for the All-NBA Team.
- Bagley (Wizards)
Career average: 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds
After joining the league, Bagley failed to fulfill his potential. He has changed teams during his career, but with no success. This season, Bagley is averaging only 4.9 points and 2.9 rebounds with the Wizards. Last year, the Wizards drafted another No. 2 pick, Suggs, so they have to spend more time developing him. As a result, Bagley gradually fading out of the rotation has become inevitable. Now, due to injuries, Bagley cannot even play, and no one knows if he will leave the NBA for good because of this injury.
- Ayton (Trail Blazers)
Career average: 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1 block
When Ayton participated in the draft, he was compared to David Robinson, but in hindsight, this was an overestimation. Throughout his time in the league, Ayton has never achieved any significant individual honors. Even on a struggling team like the Trail Blazers, he fails to put up impressive numbers. This season, he is averaging just 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1 block per game. This is not only due to his abilities but also because the Trail Blazers no longer believe in his potential, resulting in a low tactical status within the team.