5 best NBA sophomores with a chip on their shoulder for the 2021-22 NBA season

#3 - Aaron Nesmith, Boston Celtics

Brooklyn Nets v Boston Celtics - Game four

An athletic and switchy perimeter player, Aaron Nesmith had a slow start to his NBA career, averaging just 4 points and 2 rebounds. The Celtics selected him with the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, expecting him to replicate his Vanderbilt form.

Nesmith showed immense potential during the summer league and he will be raring to go in the 2021/22 NBA season. The Celtics have a great core of young players, and Nesmith will be developing under two of the best Under-25 players in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

#2 - Killian Hayes, Detroit Pistons

Miami Heat v Detroit Pistons

French international Killian Hayes was drafted 7th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA draft, hoping that the youngster's arrival will coincide with the team's good fortunes. However, Hayes ended up having an injury-plagued season that saw him play just 26 matches, averaging 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists.

It is unnatural to see a player put up 5 assists per game in just his debut year, and Hayes' numbers despite the limited sample size suggest that he is set to have a great sophomore season. Hayes has the potential to be one of the best playmakers in the league in a few years, and he will be one to keep an eye on in the 2021-22 NBA season.

#1 - James Wiseman, Golden State Warriors

2019 Powerade Jam Fest

It would be unfair to call Golden State Warriors big James Wiseman a bust, but it cannot be denied that the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft didn't live up to expectations. The Warriors got Wiseman with the expectation that he would be able to deliver immediately and help them make a deep playoff run, but the rookie center was only able to contribute with 11 points and 5 rebounds.

Going into the 2021/22 season, Wiseman will have a massive chip on his shoulder and will be looking to display the level of talent he showcased in college. The Golden State Warriors are a win-now team, and Wiseman will play a critical role in how the team fares next season.