Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren were voted as having the brightest futures of the rookie class in a recent poll conducted by ESPN.
The panel included 15 coaches, scouts and executives as the group voted on a variety of offseason topics, including the winners and losers of free agency, the incoming rookies and other related items. Personnel from each conference took part in the survey.
Among the topics, the voters were asked to select the rookie they thought would be the best player in five years. Of the 15 individuals polled, Banchero and Holmgren each received six votes apiece.
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Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic: 6 votes
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Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder: 6 votes
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Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons: 2 votes
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Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings: 1 vote
As the top two picks in the draft, Banchero and Holmgren each had tremendous outings in summer league and look ready for the NBA. Unfortunately, Holmgren will miss the 2022-23 season after suffering a foot injury as his long-awaited debut will be further delayed.
Ivey was limited to 38 minutes in summer league due to an ankle injury but dazzled during that time on the court. Murray was named Most Valuable Player of the Las Vegas Summer League and looked to be the top rookie in the event.
The initial voting results offered a quick glance at how some NBA personnel view the rookie class. With one month left in the offseason, the poll should create some interesting dialogue on how this season and beyond could play out on the court.
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