A step forward towards what, though? Another 40ish win season and a first round out?
Yeah.
Not bad for the 5th youngest team in the league, huh?
The team's age is often touted as if it necessarily means the team has a lot of room to improve with the personnel currently on the roster.
How many of these young players still have potential for improvement, though, and how high are their ceilings?
Thomas -- Extremely productive bench scorer, extremely limited defensively, is what he is, history suggests he won't age well, might only be good for another 3 or 4 years
Bradley -- Below average starter, is what he is
Turner -- Inefficient, poor defender, niche role, is what he is
Sullinger -- Has starter potential, limited athleticism, inconsistent scoring outside the paint, weight issues
Olynyk -- Productive reserve, defense shaky, capped out physically but may improve mentally, small chance at being a productive offensive starter in the right situation
Zeller -- productive backup, below average starter, is what he is
Crowder -- Useful hustle guy, must improve shooting to become starting caliber, fully developed physically
Smart - Plenty of room to grow to improve his shooting, ball-handling, and inside game, could be an above average starter, with a chance at becoming a Kyle Lowry level borderline star
Young - May or may not be an NBA rotation player; has a long way to go physically, mentally, and skills-wise outside of his shooting; could one day be a bench shooter
Hunter - Unclear if he's an NBA player; fairly skilled and has defensive potential
Mickey - Looks promising as a third big / hustle, blocks, and rebounds guy, but totally unproven.
Rozier - Physically gifted but lacking in a clear role or position at the next level, must develop body and skills despite already being 21 years old, faces major roadblocks to playing time.