Celebrating the Fourth of July, let’s look at some of the best-rising stars in American Sports.
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NBA: Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
Ever since being drafted in 2022, Banchero has shown flashes of stardom. The 6-10 forward had a dominant freshman season at Duke University and was the number-one pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. In his first year in the NBA, Banchero averaged 20 points, approximately seven rebounds, and four assists, helping him earn Rookie of the Year.
The 21-year-old has a silky smooth game and is a master of the mid-range. He moves exceptionally well for a player his size and has excellent touch around the rim. In his sophomore campaign, Banchero got even better, averaging 22.6 points, approximately seven rebounds, and five assists. His stellar play helped lead the Orlando Magic to a record of 47-35, good for fifth place in the Eastern Conference. He also earned his first All-Star nod this season.
One of Banchero’s most striking qualities is his ability to shine in the playoffs. Many young players falter under the intense spotlight of the postseason, but not Banchero. In the Magic’s first-round series against the Cavaliers, he demonstrated his playoff prowess, averaging 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, pushing the Cavs to seven games.
Banchero put the NBA on notice this season, and is only going to get better as his career progresses.
NBA: Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
After missing his first season due to a foot injury, Chet Holmgren has looked like a star in the making. He averaged 16.5 points, approximately eight rebounds, and two blocks this season, helping lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to the first seed in the Western Conference. Holmgren was named a finalist for NBA Rookie of the Year and was unanimously selected for the 2023–24 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Holmgren has a dynamic offensive game, with the ability to score around the rim, mid-range, and shoot the three-ball. But perhaps the most impressive part about Holmgren’s game is his elite rim protection. His height and length are the ultimate rim deterrents, contesting nearly every shot at the rim. As a rookie, he was the anchor to a top-five Thunder defense and even received 21 second-team votes for NBA All-Defensive Teams.
MLB: Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
The LSU alum has been nothing short of amazing in his rookie season. In the pitcher’s senior year of college, Skenes posted a record of 13-2 and won the 2023 College World Series. Later that year, he was drafted number 1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Skenes made his debut for the Pirates earlier this year in May and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball ever since.
Skenes has a win-loss record of 4-0, and his team is 6-3 when he starts. He has a 34.2% strikeout rate and a 4.9% walk rate, which is good for MLB’s second-largest gap between those figures (minimum 50 innings). Skenes has a 2.06 ERA and five extremely effective pitches. The Pirates found themselves a gem in Skenes, and he will play an integral role in the franchise’s rise in the MLB.
Since his major league debut, Skenes has been making waves on social media with his unconventional warm-up routine. While it may be out of the ordinary, it’s clear that something is working for him.
NFL: Puka Nacua (LA Rams)
A fifth-round pick out of BYU, Nacua was thrust into a more significant role when star wide receiver Cooper Kupp was placed on injured reserve. Nacua took full advantage of the opportunity and was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL last season.
In his rookie year for the Los Angeles Rams, Nacua took both the NFL rookie receiving yards and receptions records with 105 total receptions, 1,486 receiving yards (4th in the NFL), and six touchdowns. He also set the NFL rookie record for most receiving yards in a playoff game with 181 on nine receptions in the Rams’ wild-card playoff game against the Lions. After his impressive rookie season, Nacua was a finalist for the Associated Press 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
With Kupp set to return next season, the dynamic of the Rams offense is sure to change. While Nacua’s numbers may be less eye-popping next season, he will remain crucial to the Ram’s success.
Nacua made a memorable debut, showcasing his talent with a game-winning touchdown in his very first game.
NHL: Wyatt Johnston (Dallas Stars)
Johnston came into the NHL as one of the youngest players in Dallas Stars history, making his professional debut at 19. He earned a place on the NHL’s All-Rookie Team, posting 24 goals among 41 points while playing all 82 games of the season. Johnston had his fair share of big moments in his rookie year. His goal in game 7 of the second round of the 2022 playoffs against the Kraken was the most impressive.
Johnston didn’t slow down in his sophomore season and was a vital part of the Stars’ Western Conference finals run this year. The center hit the 30-goal mark in only his second NHL season. Johnston was dominant in this year’s playoffs, posting a two-goal performance against the Colorado Avalanche in the second round.
With Johnston just recently turning 21, the Star’s future is looking bright.
