10. Rodney Hood, Utah Jazz (14.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.4 APG): Hood took a nice step forward in his second professional season with the Jazz. Playing 11 more minutes per game than his rookie season, Hood saw his numbers increase across the board with the exception of three-point percentage (37% down to 36%). Hood’s performance in Alec Burks’ absence was a big reason the Jazz were in playoff contention until the end of the regular season. Utah went out and added some nice veteran pieces in free agency (Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw), so if Hood is able to take another step forward, the Jazz could find themselves in the playoffs.
9. JJ Redick, Los Angeles Clippers (16.3 PPG, 1.4 APG, 1.9 RPG): Redick is the very definition of a shooting guard; he is a guard who loves to shoot the three. In fact it was Redick who was second in the NBA in three-point percentage last season behind Troy Daniels (who only played in 41 games). Redick knocked down 48% of his shots behind the arc last season. Redick isn’t the most feared defender by any means, but his ability to catch-and-shoot puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses and opens up a lot of space for the Clippers to operate on offense.
8. Victor Oladipo, Oklahoma City Thunder (16.0 PPG, 3.9 APG, 4.8 RPG): Oladipo is able to start a new chapter in his NBA career this season as he suits up for the Thunder after three seasons with the Magic. Oladipo is not an offensive superstar in terms of scoring, but he can score, pass, and handle the ball and his athleticism can allow him to blow by defenders and get to the hoop. Oladipo is also a great two-way player, he is a good on-ball defender and averaged 1.6 steals per game last season. Oladipo and Russell Westbrook will form one of, if not the most, athletic backcourt duo in NBA history and should wreak havoc on the opposition on both ends of the floor together.
7. Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls (19.0 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.1 RPG): Speaking of starting a new chapter in NBA careers, Wade will play for his hometown Chicago Bulls this season after 13 years with the Miami Heat. Wade was once one of the top-2 shooting guards in the league but father time is taking his toll on Flash. Wade enters a good situation with the Bulls with Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler, but Wade will likely be the second option behind Butler and won’t be relied on to facilitate with Rondo running point. Wade is still a solid option at shooting guard but his days of being elite are gone. Wade only shot 16% from three last season and his limitations on offense keep him from being higher on the list.
6. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks (18.2 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.8 RPG): Middleton is in a tricky situation. He just underwent surgery to repair a torn hamstring and will be out for about six months. However, on the court, Middleton is one of the better two-way players in the league. He shot 40% from deep last season and on defense he racked up 1.7 steals per game. His size alone (6’8”, 234 pounds) makes him a handful to guard and allows him to be a versatile defender, providing problems with his 6’11” wingspan. Hopefully Middleton will rebound from his injury without any setbacks. The Bucks are a scary, young team on the rise and Middleton’s ability is in the middle of it all.