As the NBA offseason approaches, teams are preparing to make decisions on whether to offer rookie extensions to members of the 2021 draft class. Determining the value of these contracts can be challenging, especially when considering the varying levels of talent and potential among these young players. However, there are certain players who are clear candidates for max extensions.
One such player is Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons. Despite not yet reaching the expectations of being compared to Luka Dončić, Cunningham has shown promise with his impressive numbers of 22.7 points and 7.5 assists per game, along with improved three-point shooting. At just 22 years old, he has the potential to become a cornerstone player for the Pistons. Offering him a max extension may be a worthy investment for the team, especially considering the expected cap increase in the coming years.
Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors is another player who deserves consideration for a max extension. The 6’9 multi-tool player has excelled in various aspects of the game, including defense, scoring, and playmaking. With the ability to contribute in multiple ways on the court, Barnes has drawn comparisons to NBA legends like Andre Iguodala and Scottie Pippen. The Raptors should act quickly and offer him a max contract to secure his future with the team.
Houston Rockets’ Alperen Şengün is a unique case among centers in the league. Known for his exceptional passing skills and scoring ability, the 21-year-old big man has put up impressive numbers of 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. With the potential for a significant leap in his fourth year, Şengün could be a prime candidate for a max extension. His versatile skill set and potential for growth make him a valuable asset for the Rockets.
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers is a highly skilled forward/center with a strong defensive presence and scoring ability. While he has yet to make a significant leap in his development, his potential to become a dominant player in the league is evident. The Cavaliers may have to consider offering him a max extension to secure his talents for the long term. Similarly, Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets has shown promise as an explosive scorer with the potential to average 30 points per game. Although there may be some uncertainty about his game being max-worthy, teams are likely to engage in negotiations to secure his services.
Overall, the decision to offer max extensions to these young players will be crucial for their respective teams as they look to build for the future. With the potential for growth and development in the coming years, locking in these talented players could prove to be a wise investment. As the NBA offseason approaches, teams will need to carefully weigh their options and make strategic decisions on extending contracts to these rising stars.
