Look who has made ‘The Leap’ in the NBA

One of the cooler things about every NBA season is witnessing young players make “The Leap” — a noticeable improvement in their games over the previous season or seasons. This season, we’re lucky to have a number of young players (and even a few older players) fit this category. 

Here’s a look at players who have made “The Leap.” Records and statistics are through Sunday’s games.

Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs

After putting up a similar output to his rookie season through the first 10 games (18.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.4 APG and 42.5-28.2-91.7 shooting splits), the reigning Rookie of the Year has been on a tear the past 17 games (29.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.6 APG and 50-38.9-86.4 shooting splits). He’s quickly developing into an All-NBA and fringe MVP player. Wemby and the Spurs (16-16) are well ahead of schedule, competing for a playoff spot in a difficult Western Conference in only his second season.

Franz Wagner | Orlando Magic

In early December, Wagner suffered a torn right oblique. That’s a shame because he was on his way to an All-NBA season through the first 25 games, averaging career bests in five stats (24.4 PPG, 5.7 APG, 5.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG). He was also carrying a short-handed Magic team (20-14) that has missed Paolo Banchero for the majority of the season. Wagner may miss too many games to qualify for NBA awards, but he will be a difficult matchup for opponents during the playoffs.

Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons

For the first time in a long time, the Pistons (14-18) are respectable. In fact, they’ve already matched their win total from last season (14-68). Coaching and roster construction have something to do with their sudden competency, but the main reason is that their jumbo point guard, 6-foot-8 Cunningham, is playing like an All-Star. He is second in the NBA in assists per game (9.7) and putting up career highs in points (24 PPG), rebounds (6.7 RPG) and three-point percentage (36.2 percent on 6.6 3PA).

Tyler Herro | Miami Heat

Herro’s leap is all about becoming a more efficient player. He’s shooting roughly the same number of shots as previous seasons (17.5 FGA), but this season, he’s firing up approximately two additional three-pointers per game (9.6 3PA this season vs. 7.9 3PA last season) and shooting a career-best 41 percent from deep. It’s a subtle leap, but he’s suddenly efficient enough for the Heat (16-14)  to build their offense around him as their primary scorer.

Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, De’Andre Hunter | Atlanta Hawks

We are cheating a bit here, but this trio of forwards deserves acknowledgement for the leaps they’ve made. Johnson is playing like the player the Hawks (18-15) always hoped Josh Smith would be, averaging 19.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Daniels, also known as ” The Great Barrier Thief,” is a stealth contender for Defensive Player of the Year and leading the NBA in steals (3.1 SPG). And De’Hunter has made a surprising mid-career leap and is playing like one of the best role players in the league, averaging 20.6 points with 50-45.2-87.6 shooting splits.

Honorable mentions: Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers), Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics), Gradey Dick (Toronto Raptors), Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets)