With Leap Year 2024 behind us, “The Athletic” took some poetic license and named the five NBA players they feel have made the “biggest leaps” – those that have leveled up their careers this season. They are (with commentary by The Athletic):
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers: Just in time to receive a max contract in restricted free agency this season, the 23-year-old Maxey has taken full advantage of James Harden getting away from the 76ers. The first-time All-Star went from 20.3 points and 3.5 assists last season to 25.9 points and 6.4 assists so far this season. He’s one of the fastest players in the league, end-to-end.
- Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets: Houston trusted Şengün to be the franchise guy this season, and the results have been stellar for the 21-year-old center. His 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game are all career highs. He was receiving plenty of deserving chatter for All-Star.
- Colby White, Chicago Bulls: When Zach Levine went down, White stepped up and has been arguably the second-best player for the Bulls. He might have even saved their season by doubling his points with great increases in rebounding and assists.
- Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks finally gave Johnson, who turned 22 in December, a chance once John Collins left, so he’s clearly their power forward of the future. He is the type of player people expected from his Duke days.
- Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder: Williams (22 years old) was deserving of being named an All-Star, even though it didn’t happen. He’s been the second-best player on OKC this season. He’s improved drastically on both ends of the floor, giving the Thunder 19.2 points on 62.7 percent true shooting and a second clutch player to play off of SGA.