By Dionysis Aravantinos/ info@eurohoops.net
The rookies, Lauri Markkanen and Bogdan Bogdanovic, have been impressive for their respective teams, playing solid minutes and contributing with their scoring and unique skills. Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Vucevic, Marc Gasol, Dennis Schröder, Donatas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic and Evan Fournier have also started the 2017-2018 NBA season on a high note.
However, the story so far has been Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has had a phenomenal start to his fifth year in the NBA, winning Player of the Week honors in Week 1. Eurohoops, brings you the five best European NBA players who have had a great start to their year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo / Milwaukee Bucks
- Stats: 31.3 PPG, 10.6 RPG
- Team Record: 4-4
After winning the Player of the Week award after the first days of action in the League, Giannis is making a case for winning the MVP award. Leading the NBA in scoring (!) with 31.3 points per game, the ‘Greek Freak’ is also averaging 10.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 block while shooting an exceptional 60% from the field. The 22-year old forward is also first in the PER (Player Efficiency Rating) with 31.3.
His numbers alone are just incredible, but what he offers to the table for this Bucks’ team is more than that. His length, ability to post up, defend the best player on the opposing side, run the court in transition but also draw double-teams and pass the ball to the open man, makes him a great all-around player. After two weeks in the NBA, the Greek international wants to make a statement that he is a contender for the MVP trophy this season. If he improves his shooting, Giannis will be unstoppable for defenses.
Kristaps Porzingis / New York Knicks
- Stats: 27.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG
- Team Record: 3-4
The 22-year old 7-3-footer Latvian has been exceptional so far for the re-building New York Knicks. Even though his team started off the season on the wrong foot going 0-3, Kristaps Porzingis has led the team back to a .50% record of 3-3, with solid wins over the Cavaliers, Nuggets and the Nets, before losing to Houston. Coming off a career night against the Nuggets with 38 points, Porzingis is clearly the face of the Knicks.
He has emerged as the teams’ leader, scoring 27.9 points, while shooting an effective 46.8% from the field while playing 33.1 minutes a night. Next to other young players, like Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr., Enes Kanter, the Knicks are trying to rebuild and have the Latvian ‘unicorn’ as their centerpiece. So far, seven games into the season, Porznigis has succeeded in that role, and his team is starting to find their touch.
Domantas Sabonis / Indiana Pacers
- Stats: 13.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG
- Team Record: 5-3
Last season, Sabonis had a limited role in the Oklahoma City Thunder playing an average of 20.1 minutes and scoring just 6.5 points per game. Over the summer he was traded to Indiana and so far, he has been really impressive to start off the season, as he is averaging a double-double while shooting an exceptional 61.8% from the field.
Alongside Victor Oladipo, Domantas’ game fits perfectly in the Pacers’ system under coach Nate McMillan. The Pacers are in a rebuilding mode, after the Paul George trade. When Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo were acquired from OKC, nobody expected them to contribute in such an impressive way. In eight games this season, they have managed to win five, including some great wins over the San Antonio Spurs, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cavs. In the first four Pacers wins, Sabonis has shot an unreal 28/29 (!) from the field, showcasing his consistency offensively.
Nikola Vucevic / Orlando Magic
- Stats: 19.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG
- Team Record: 6-2
Scoring from mid-range, posting up, fadeaway shots, hooks, and dunks describe Nikola Vucevic this season. Shooting 52.9% from the field and 40% from downtown (14/35), he has been spot on for the Magic this year. Orlando’s goal is to make the playoffs and if Vucevic continues that way, this is more than probable.
The Montenegrin center is capable of averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds each night while shooting over 50% from the field and this time the team seems to be more mature than ever. Moving forward he can be crucial for the team’s success this season, but the Magic have started off this year really well.
Lauri Markkanen / Chicago Bulls
- Stats: 17.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG
- Team Record: 1-5
Lauri Markkanen is the only thing that gives hope to the Bulls at this point. The Fin started this season by making a name for himself, scoring 17.2 points per game and grabbing 9.3 rebounds. The 20-year old is showcasing his abilities behind the arc. Moreover, his length gives him makes him an asset in the paint, even if his offensive game starts from the perimeter.
The Chicago Bulls are forced to build around him, as he becomes the center-piece in this historic franchise. He has the skills, the mentality and the talent to become a great player in this league, and so far, he has proved why there was this hype around him in the EuroBasket. If Markkanen continues putting up these type of numbers, he can make a case for rookie of the year.