Hollis Thompson

Last December, Thompson was stricken with a serious upper respiratory infection that saw him lose 20 pounds and sit out 11 games. By the time February rolled around, the second-year wing regained his form and joined an exclusive club of 12 players in league history to hit at least 180 three-pointers on at least 40 percent efficiency during their first two seasons. In 71 games, Thompson aided the Sixers 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.4 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers in 25 minutes per game. Primarily a long-distance shooter, Thompson sank 41 percent of his field goals and 71 percent of his free throws. While the 24-year-old sharpshooter displays immense shooting ability, he rarely creates his own shot, struggles controlling his dribble, and lacks adequate floor vision and passing skills that could elevate his game to the next level. Thompson will have to contend with the recently-acquired Nik Stauskas for playing time, and Thompson's contract for the 2015-16 season isn't fully guaranteed until January.

Hollis Thompson is entering his second season in the NBA. As a rookie with the 76ers, he averaged 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocks, and 0.9 three-pointers made in 23 minutes per game through 77 games played. He shot 46 percent from the field on 4.8 attempts per game, 71 percent from the free-throw line on 0.9 attempts per game, and 40 percent from three-point territory on 2.2 attempts per game. Thompson began his rookie season coming off the bench but worked his way into the starting lineup, starting in 41 games throughout the season, most of which came after the All-Star break. He's 6-8 and plays both shooting guard and small forward. Though Thompson performed better statistically when he played guard, the 76ers are much deeper at the guard spots this season and are likely to use him primarily at forward. Thompson enters the season as the frontrunner for the starting small forward role, but he will face competition for that job from rookie K.J. McDaniels and from veteran Jason Richardson, if Richardson can remain healthy. If Thompson underwhelms, coach Brett Brown would have no reason to hesitate before giving extra court time to McDaniels. Thompson could also lose minutes to Luc Richard Mbah a Moute if the 76ers decide to use some bigger lineups. Given Thompson's tepid production in 2013-14, and the presence of McDaniels and Mbah a Moute this season, Thompson should generally only be considered in deeper leagues at this time, though his efficient three-point shooting makes him a player to watch.