The rookie class of 2020 entered the NBA with plenty of hype but faced much uncertainty and other related issues due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The group was not afforded the opportunity of a summer league, and had a truncated training camp and preseason schedule due to the nature of the 72-game schedule that year. Certainly, the class had its fair share of hurdles it had to overcome.
Since then, several players have emerged and had tremendous starts to their careers, including NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton. Elsewhere, others have needed additional time to get going due to various factors.
Now, with the class entering its third year in the NBA, several players — including some high draft picks — have yet to really take off and are still looking to find their footing. The class is extension eligible next summer, and many still need to prove themselves.
As a result, we decided to take a look at some of those draftees that enter the 2022-23 campaign with a lot to prove for their respective teams ahead of such an important season.
Killian Hayes, Detroit Pistons
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Hayes enters the 2022-23 season with high expectations after an inconsistent run with the Pistons over his first two years in the NBA. The upcoming season will likely go a long way in terms of Hayes finding his place on the roster.
The seventh pick was viewed as a raw prospect that would need some time to develop. His shooting has been inconsistent and he has yet to show improvement in that department. He has also dealt with various injuries that have limited him.
Hayes, after playing just 17 games as a rookie and 66 games last season, still has plenty of time to turn things around. He has certainly had a tough start to his career but will need to come out of the gate strong this year as the Pistons look to take the next step.
The Pistons have drafted well under Troy Weaver but Hayes still remains a question mark. With the team adding other young and promising guards in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, Hayes must take a step forward this season to prove himself in the backcourt.
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers
AP Photo/John Locher
After two years in Boston, Nesmith was traded to the Pacers in the deal involving Malcolm Brogdon last month. He played sparingly with the Celtics — averaging 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes over 98 games — and they opted to move him
The 14th pick will now have the…