During the preseason, teams have devolved from playing their top players a high amount of minutes. Understandably so, there is no reason to risk injury for a part of the season that truly does not matter. Additionally, teams can hold up to 20 players on their roster during this time of the year, so coaches and front offices are trying to find their gems and diamonds in the rough.

Still, playing well in preseason is still a positive sign. Before Zion Williamson even made his regular season debut, it seemed clear that he was destined to become dominant just based off of the flashes that he showed in the pre-season. Though Zion doesn’t quite crack this list of notable preseason performers this year, he looked quite good in his return to NBA action. Here are the five players who did crack that list:

• Tyrese Maxey: Maxey looked as speedy and bursty as ever. His ability to get downhill is just simply incredible, seemingly being able to get past the defense whenever he wants. He averaged 20.5 points in just 14.5 minutes on a 92.8 TS%(!!). With James Harden’s first full year in Philadelphia approaching, Maxey will be a key piece for the 76ers to tap into their full potential.

• Tyler Herro: Herro did not play in Miami’s preseason game against the Nets last night, but playing just one game does not eliminate him from the list. He looked improved defensively, though the sample was not a large one. He showed a more adept ability at handling blitzes in the pick and roll, something that practically killed his production and efficiency in last postseason. In his 26 minutes on Tuesday night, he scored 22 points on an efficient 66.1 TS%. He just got paid, and it’s time to prove he’s worth that money.

• Donovan Mitchell: Lots of guards here. In his debut as a Cleveland Cavalier, Mitchell scored 16 points in 19 minutes on an 84.8 TS%, including two threes early in the game. The combination of him and Darius Garland give the Cavs arguably the best offensive backcourt in the league and undeniably the best one for the future. On the other side of the court, Mitchell looked improved as a defender, giving more effort. With his huge wingspan, he has potential to be a disruptor on that side of the court. The Cavs are very, very fun.

• Santi Aldama: For those who remember, Aldama was one of the more confusing picks of the 2021 NBA Draft at pick 30, as many draft analysts did not project him to be drafted. The Memphis Grizzlies already are one of the deepest teams in the league, and perhaps Aldama is ready to make an impact. In 26.5 minutes per game over two games, he averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds per game on a 71.6 TS%. With Jaren Jackson Jr. set to miss the start of the season, Aldama could play an important role as a backup big.

• Jaylen Brown: Among players to play two preseason games, Brown leads them all in points with 23.5 per game on a 77.6 TS%. Brown has continued his high level of play from the Finals, and as this Celtics team is in a potentially odd spot with the whole Ime Udoka situation, Brown does not seem to be affected. Jayson Tatum has also played wel, a good outlook for the C’s.

- Charlie Spungin

    NBA Analyst

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