Which new guy will have the biggest impact on his team this season?
We've already shared our projections for the East and West standings as well as the Rookie of the Year and MVP. Now our panel weighs in on the best newcomers for the 2015-16 NBA season.
We asked the ESPN Forecast team to rank its top three choices for best newcomer, with a first-place vote receiving five points, a second-place vote receiving three and a third-place vote receiving one.
To participate in the discussion and perhaps get your opinion published on this page, #ESPNForecast is the Twitter hashtag to use. Or you can follow along @ESPNNBA.
Best newcomer projections
1. LaMarcus Aldridge
Spurs | Power forward
First-place votes: 26
Total points: 140
Even @aldridge_12 knows by now that in SA we don't celebrate free agency, we celebrate championships. #ESPNForecast
- Chris Cards (@iAmChrisCards) August 21, 2015
2. Ty Lawson
Rockets | Point guard
First-place votes: 3
Total points: 40
The Rockets upgraded their weakest position with a borderline top 10 point guard. Lawson is a capable 16-9 guy. #ESPNForecast
- Jacob Barber (@NBA_Jacob_B) August 21, 2015
3. Greg Monroe
Bucks | Center
First-place votes: 1
Total points: 31
Greg Monroe is a B+ type guy going to a team where he can really flourish. #espnforecast
- Luke Thomas Johnson (@Liveyourlifeup) August 21, 2015
4. Paul Pierce
Clippers | Small forward
First-place votes: 1
Total points: 15
@paulpierce34 brings veteran leadership and a championship ring to LA, something they could use #espnforecast
- Chris McSorley (@ChrisMcsorley92) August 21, 2015
5. Monta Ellis
Pacers | Shooting guard
First-place votes: 0
Total points: 9
Also receiving votes: Matt Barnes, Grizzlies, 7; Justin Anderson, Mavericks, 5; DeMarre Carroll, Raptors, 5; Tyson Chandler, Suns, 4; David Lee, Celtics, 3; Lance Stephenson, Clippers, 3; David West, Spurs, 3; Jeremy Lamb, Hornets, 3; Myles Turner, Pacers, 3; Ed Davis, Blazers, 3; Karl-Anthony Towns, Wolves, 3; Kendrick Perkins, Pelicans, 1; Amir Johnson, Celtics, 1; Mo Williams, Cavaliers, 1; Wesley Matthews, Mavericks, 1; Branden Dawson, Clippers, 1; Roy Hibbert, Lakers, 1; Robin Lopez, Knicks, 1; Nicolas Batum, Hornets, 1; Nik Stauskas, Sixers, 1
