1. Jaylen Adams, Indiana Pacers
Adams was a well known long time fixture for the Sacramento Kings dynasty. And to everyone's surprise, he was moved to the Indiana Pacers in the 2028 season. Some people questioned if Adams is a legit starter in this league, or is he just a another benefactor from the Kings system? So far Adams has proven he is a legit starter in this league, and he has turned it on even more this season for the Pacers. Despite being last in the Central division, Adams is averaging 7.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 11.4 apg, and 2.3 spg. He's also shooting 56% from the field, and 42% from the 3. His efficiency is off the charts especially for a guard.
Advanced statistics wise Adams currently owns a ridiculous +35.4 NET on/off rating this season, which is absolutely crazy to me. I don't think I have ever seen such a high NET on/off +- rating before. This shows how much of an impact Adams has made when he's on the court. Adams is also leading the league in assist per game, and is one of the steals leaders as well. Adams has never really mentioned as an elite guard, especially since he's getting paid in a max contract. However this season Adams has really turned it on, and is playing at an elite level on both ends of the court. It's unfortunate that they have an inactive GM, as this Pacers team has some serious talent, and Adams is having an amazing season.
2. Robert Williams, Brooklyn Nets
When we talk about the Nets, we usually think of the amazing duo of SGA and Deandre Ayton. However there's a 3rd star in their lineup that has been huge for the them this season, and despite not having a GM they are still rolling in a tough division. Robert Williams has always been known as a strong starting big man that can rebound, protect the rim, and be efficient on offense. However since arriving in Brooklyn, Williams has taken his game to another level. He is currently averaging 17.6 ppg, 10.3 rpg, and 2.6 bpg while shooting at a blistering 57% from the field. Williams has really blossomed as a power forward for the Nets, and has turned into a perfect partner in crime inside the paint with Deandre Ayton.
Williams has also proven to be a strong defensive presence this year as well by only allowing 0.82 points per shot attempt. Williams and Ayton have turned into arguably the best big men duo in the CSL this season, as both guys are absolutely terrorizing the opposite teams with elite 2 way play. Williams is playing up to his max contract extension deal, and he deserves to be recognized for this strong contribution to the division leading Nets this season. I firmly believe he deserves all star votes as well. Williams has elevated his game to a whole other level, and it's time for us to recognize that.
3. Frank Ntilikina, New Orleans Pelicans
Frank N has always been known as an elite 2 way PG back in his Detroit Pistons days. However since his arrival in New Orleans, Frank N seems to have lost some of that star appeal. Especially with the league transitioning into the new engine, Frank N's efficiency on offense has seemingly fallen off the cliff, and some GMs argued that he might be a system of the Pistons rather than a true elite 2 way talent that he was showing early on in his career.
Well guess what? Frank N is tired of hearing about his critics and is putting on a career season despite not having a GM/coach this season. Frank N is currently averaging a career high 27.8 ppg to go along with 5.8 apg, and 3 rpg. He's also averaging 1.8 spg, and is shooting at 46% from the field, 37% from the 3. Frank N is spotting an impressive +14.9 NET on/off rating to go along with his usual elite defense. Frank N has allowed 0.87 points per shot, and a 98% stop drive rate. Frank N is a huge reason why the Pelicans are still in the playoffs race despite not having a GM, and he deserves to be recognized as an elite PG in the CSL once again. Frank N has seemingly found his magic touch on offense once again, and hopefully he can lead this talented Pelicans starting five back into a post-season berth.
