2025-26 NBA Award Show

Another NBA regular season is in the books. Honestly, 2025-26 was kind of a weird one. An onslaught of injuries really junked up the year, specifically in the award department. So many of the names we’re used to seeing compete for All-NBA and All-Defensive slots were snuffed out by the pesky 65-game rule.

That said, though, there is still so much eligible talent worth celebrating. It’s become such a buzz term to say the league is more stacked than ever, but it’s true. So, I’m proud to present my annual NBA award picks. This article includes my “votes” for all of the real awards as well as Bench Mob Player of the Year and the All-Bench-Mob teams. Let’s dive in!

(Note: for brevity, ineligible players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cade Cunningham will not be listed anywhere. Honorable mention lists will only include eligible guys.)  

Coach of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Mitch Johnson, Mark Daigneault, Jordan Ott, David Adelman

Finalist: J.B. Bickerstaff

This isn’t the first time J.B. Bickerstaff has been in Coach of the Year talks after leading a team out of a rebuild. He has three top-five finishes for this honor under his belt and it’s likely to become four. Bickerstaff conducted an unbelievable turnaround for the Pistons, transforming a laughably bad club into a force to be reckoned with in two years’ time.

Finalist: Charles Lee

One of the best kept secrets in the NBA world is that this generation of young coaches is insane. There are some potential all-timers on the rise, including Charles Lee. A two-time champion as an assistant, Lee knows what winning teams look like, and he’s turned the usually mediocre Hornets into one. The 41-year-old optimized his talent in Charlotte, making them a squad capable of competing with anyone on any given night.

Finalist: Joe Mazzulla

Mazzulla is one of the best minds (and personalities) in all of basketball. He’s instilled an unshakeable, deeply-rooted culture in Boston that fosters success regardless of who’s in the lineup. In the words of Bill Simmons, the Celtics isn’t Jayson Tatum’s team or Jaylen Brown’s. It’s Joe Mazzulla’s.

2025-26 Coach of the Year: Joe Mazzulla

Sixth Man of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Reed Sheppard, Ajay Mitchell, Ayo Dosunmu, Naz Reid, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Isaiah Stewart

Finalist: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Timmy Junior was a constant for the Nuggets as they dealt with various injuries throughout the season. The veteran marksman appeared in 80 games, averaging 13.5 points and shooting 40.7% from deep on 6.9 attempts per game. Nobody in the league hit more threes off the pine than him. Hardaway has always been a human heat check. This year, he realized he was on fire way more often than not.

Finalist: Jaime Jaquez Jr.

After a disappointing sophomore campaign, Jaquez is back on the track he was on as a rookie. The UCLA product was key to Miami’s funky ball-screen-averse system, using his nifty post game to create advantages for himself and others inside the arc. He led the NBA in total bench points with 1138 and was second in assists behind only Jamal Shead.

Finalist: Keldon Johnson

Not enough positive things can be said about Keldon Johnson’s development and maturation with the Spurs. He’s accepted a bench role and thrived in it, despite having a 22.0 PPG season as a starter under his belt. That wasn’t an easy transition— he said it himself in a recent Player’s Tribune article. But, he pulled it off, and he’s been a leader for an incredible San Antonio squad in all senses. Keldon finished second in total bench scoring and fourth in cumulative plus/minus.

2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson

Most Improved Player

Honorable Mentions: Collin Gillespie, Neemias Queta, Jalen Johnson, Deni Avdija

Finalist: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Alexander-Walker set the NBA ablaze this season, making an improbable leap from quality 3&D guy to 20-point-per-game scorer on a playoff team. His ascension was fueled by his lethal shooting— only Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Luka Doncic drilled more triples than him on the year. Most of his bucket-getting was done off the ball, making the production feel extra sustainable and scalable. The best part? He maintained his defensive effort despite shouldering an increased offensive load.

Finalist: Jalen Duren

Duren was centric (pun partially intended) to Detroit’s prosperity on both sides of the ball. He notched a career-best 19.5 points a night, displaying a higher level of aggression than ever before with the rock in his hands. The first-time All-Star’s greatest improvement came on defense, though. In the past, he struggled with positioning, awareness, effort, and fouls, all fatal flaws for big men given the roles they play on that end. Duren has now erased all of those concerns, as he just anchored the East’s best fortification, making a sneaky case for All-Defense.

Finalist: Ryan Rollins

Nobody in the association genuinely improved more than Ryan Rollins. His season was the definition of a breakout. The former second-round pick posted career-highs in all five major categories, notably jumping from 6.2 PPG to 17.3. Rollins’ competitive attitude, silky scoring, and poise in the clutch gave Bucks fans something to get excited about in an otherwise dumpy year.

2025-26 Most Improved Player: Ryan Rollins

Defensive Player of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Chet Holmgren, Rudy Gobert, Derrick White, Evan Mobley, OG Anunoby

Finalist: Scottie Barnes

If you want a versatile defender, look no further than Scottie Barnes. Toronto’s finest is something like a modern Draymond Green with the way he can make every hat look good on the side of the ball that wins championships. Barnes finished top ten in both steals and blocks this season, the only player to do so, while directing the Raptors’ fifth-ranked defensive unit.

Finalist: Ausar Thompson

Ausar is the premier wing stopper in all of basketball. He bothers superstars more than anyone else. His freak athleticism certainly helps him out, but the young twin also has uncanny instincts and a relentless motor. Thompson led the NBA in steals per game at 2.0 and spearheaded Detroit’s elite defense from the point of attack.

Finalist: Victor Wembanyama

We’ve never seen a defender like Victor Wembanyama. He impacts every single possession with his astonishing ability to cover ground and insurmountable length and size. The Alien paced the league in blocks for the third straight season. What else really needs to be said?

2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama

Rookie of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Dylan Harper, Jeremiah Fears, Cedric Coward, Ace Bailey, Maxime Raynaud, Derik Queen, Will Riley, Tre Johnson

Finalist: VJ Egdecombe

Edgecombe was a nonstop source of energy for the 76ers this season. He delivered explosive highlights on O and D, but he also did the little things, all while playing 35 minutes a night. The third overall pick out of Baylor finished third in PPG and APG amongst freshmen. It’s safe to say Philly is happy to have him around for the long haul.

Finalist: Cooper Flagg

It’s tough to say the consensus top dog in the class did anything but live up to the hype as a freshman, despite the critiques you may see on social media. Flagg carried Dallas’ offense for countless stretches, scoring inside the arc with the strength and polish of a 10-year pro. He finished the year averaging 21.0 points and 4.5 assists and poured in 40+ points four different times. Those are wildly impressive figures for a rookie, especially within the context of how bad the spacing (and team in general, really) around him was. There’s no limit to how good this kid could become.

Finalist: Kon Knueppel

Whew, man, this was a special season from Knueppel. He led the entire freaking NBA in three-pointers as a rook. That’s nuts! The Wisconsin native benefitted from the system he was drafted to in Charlotte, yes, but he was also integral to making that system work. Knueppel is a virtually flawless off-ball offensive player already. His ceiling isn’t as high as Flagg’s, but he ultimately had a better rookie campaign than his Duke teammate.

2025-26 Rookie of the Year: Kon Knueppel

Most Valuable Player

Honorable Mentions: Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell

Finalist: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

From start to finish, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the most consistently dominant (and overall best) player of the 2025-26 regular season. In many ways, he’s approaching basketball robot territory. He’s an automatic scorer at every level and an impeccable decision maker. You can try your hardest, but you will not stop him, evidenced by his passing of Wilt Chamberlain for most consecutive games with 20+ points.

Finalist: Nikola Jokic

Somehow, Jokic continues to boost his already absurd levels of production each year. The three-time MVP led the league in rebounds (12.9) and assists (10.7) per game while posting a hyper-efficient 27.7 points. The craziest part? He makes it all look so easy. The Joker barely met the 65-game requirement, but he got there, setting the stage for a sixth straight top-three MVP finish.

Finalist: Victor Wembanyama

Wemby has been pelted with almost unfairly lofty expectations constantly, but somehow, he’s managed to shatter all of them. Superlatives to do this guy justice just do not exist. We already touched on the defense, but Vic also averaged 25.0 points and 3.0 assists on 51.2% shooting this year. He’s a two-way supernova who is going to break basketball.

But, he doesn’t have unchallenged reign over the NBA just yet.

2025-26 Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Bench Mob Player of the Year

Honorable Mentions: Dru Smith, Jamaree Bouyea, Moussa Cisse

Finalist: Luka Garza

Garza embodies adaptability, the model trait of a Bench Mobbler. He was tasked with all types of roles over the course of the season, from starter to DNP-CD, and he was ready for whatever came his way. The Iowa legend was a real spark for the Celtics in what was supposed to be a down year. His post scoring and floor spacing were big time off the bench.

Everything Garza accomplished is a testament to his unmatched work ethic. He won seven Bench Mob Player of the Day awards on the season and was named a Bench Mob All-Star for the first time.

Finalist: Caleb Love

Love was having one of the all-time great two-way contract seasons before Portland popped the tires, choosing not to convert his deal as his eligibility dwindled. He was averaging 11.3 points before the All-Star break, but logged just 13 minutes across four games after the hiatus. Still, his run in the fall and early winter shouldn’t be forgotten, and he’ll undoubtedly be ready to pick up where he left off in 2026-27.

Love was named captain of the 2026 Bench Mob All-Star team and won seven BM POTDs.

Finalist: Jordan Miller

Miller has gone through some ups and downs in his three-year career. As a rookie, he played 28 total minutes. In year two, he showed some flashes, even earning a contract conversion, but he was demoted back to a two-way last summer. Finally, he was able to break through in 2025-26, showcasing his smooth on-ball scoring and playmaking chops while helping the Clippers pull off a historic midseason U-turn. Miller averaged 10.0 points and 2.3 assists in 22.1 minutes, looking like a core piece for LA.

Miller earned 10 BM POTD this year, tying Jay Huff for the all-time single-season record. He, naturally, was also named a Bench Mob All-Star.

2025-26 Bench Mob Player of the Year: Jordan Miller

All-NBA Teams

First Team: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard

Second Team: Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant

Third Team: Jamal Murray, Jalen Duren, Jalen Johnson, James Harden, LaMelo Ball

(Note: if Luka Doncic is deemed ineligible, then Brown would be bumped up to first team, Murray would go to second team, and Scottie Barnes would get the third team nod.)

All-Defensive Teams

First Team: Victor Wembanyama, Ausar Thompson, Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Rudy Gobert

Second Team: Derrick White, Evan Mobley, OG Anunoby, Bam Adebayo, Cason Wallace

All-Rookie Teams

First Team: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, Jeremiah Fears

Second Team: Ace Bailey, Maxime Raynaud, Cedric Coward, Derik Queen, Will Riley

All-Bench-Mob Teams

First Team: Luka Garza, Jordan Miller, Caleb Love, Jamaree Bouyea, Dru Smith

Second Team: Moussa Cisse, Dylan Cardwell, Pat Spencer, Jabari Walker, Pete Nance

Third Team: Micah Potter, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Sharife Cooper, Bryce McGowens, Jalen Pickett

So, those are my official 2025-26 awards picks. Let me know what you agree and disagree with by tweeting @finleykuehl. Thanks for reading— see you next time! 

Building My NBA Dream Team

This is an article I’ve been meaning to write for a long time. The “dream team” I’ve assembled here isn’t a homage to my favorite players, rather, a manifestation of my basketball philosophy. I’ve constructed a roster that represents the style of ball I’d want my team to play as a coach or a general manager.

I’ll lay out the foundation of my philosophy here before naming the roster. Offensively, I’m very much a believer in the stereotypical modern NBA style of offense that emphasizes pick-and-rolls, off-ball split and cut actions and, of course, the three-point shot. We’ll be playing perimeter-centric hoops, but it will all stem from rim pressure. Getting paint touches off drives is the best way to open up shooters, especially when the guy driving is a real threat to score inside. We’ll be leaning heavily on my star (who I’ll reveal soon), but everyone around him accentuates his strengths and will be able to capitalize on the type of advantages I want to create. I’ll add that while three-point-maxing, Daryl Morey-style, is fun in theory, becoming reliant on the long ball is a dangerous game. Just look at those 2017-2020ish Rockets teams, or my Wisconsin Badgers. So, I want to focus on generating good looks from deep, not just chucking and hoping the numbers trend our way.

Defensively, my biggest priority is scheme versatility. I’ve watched more than enough Bucks basketball in the past five years to know relying primarily on one type of defense (drop coverage, in Milwaukee’s case) is a recipe to lose in the playoffs. That said, I sought out players who can wear a lot of hats on the defensive end and will be able to adjust schematically with no issues. I want to have counters for any type of offense we may face.

As much as I’d love to pair Victor Wembanyama with Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum, I opted to build a realistic lineup, at least in terms of talent level. I didn’t consider salaries in the slightest, I wanted to have some fun here, but I don’t think a roster similar to this one would be impossible to have at all. It’s not significantly better than what OKC, Boston or Cleveland have right now.

Now that the framework of the ideology is in place, here is my dream 10-man rotation:

PG1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Wanting Shai as my franchise guy doesn’t really need much explanation in a vacuum. You need a best-in-the-world caliber player to win a title, Shai is obviously that, and that’s why he’s here. But, I chose him over Jokic, Giannis, Luka or Wemby because he best fits what my ideal star would look like. I don’t want a small guard, and I don’t want a big man either because I don’t want to play post-up basketball. Shai is wing-sized, he can handle the rock and get his own bucket at every level at any time and he pressures the rim as well as anyone in the history of the sport. He’s going to open up shooters and torch defenses out of the pick-and-roll. He’s an impeccable decision-maker in my opinion, and I trust him more than Giannis or Luka to carry a heliocentric level of usage on a successful team. He just led OKC to a championship last June, and he’s going to do the same for my squad.

SG1: Desmond Bane

My second star is one of the most underrated players in the league right now. He’s been pegged as mainly a shooter, which is somewhat fair, because he certainly is elite from beyond the arc. But, at this stage of his career, Bane is almost better as a slasher and secondary playmaker than he is as a shooter, which is saying something. He’s a really effective driver and he can set guys up out of the P&R. He’s beyond capable of taking pressure off Shai for stretches, but he’s also a stupidly perfect pairing alongside him. The best way to slow Shai down is to sell out in the gaps and make him a passer, but defenses are going to have to think twice about helping off of Bane. Pick your poison!

SF1: Jaden McDaniels

One word sums up why I like McDaniels: versatility. He does it all on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he can be the main point-of-attack stopper, but he can also switch onto anybody and make plays as a weakside helper. Offensively, he’s developed into a strong shooter, but he can also score off the bounce if he gets run off the line. We’ve seen him produce at a high level on O in Anthony Edwards’ absence before, and I’d feel pretty good about scaling him up to be a full-time third option.

PF1: OG Anunoby

Anunoby and McDaniels would be an all-time-great pairing defensively on the wing. Anunoby is as versatile as anyone in the game on defense, and he would be the key to unlocking the type of scheme malleability I want to install in this team. He’s grown into a nice complementary offensive player too. He hits his spot-up threes and he can attack a closeout. If he was a bit better as a rebounder and passer, he would be the optimal modern forward.

C1: Nic Claxton (Jarrett Allen)

I went back and forth a good bit for the center position. Rim protection is the single most important and impactful defensive trait in my opinion. That’s why I almost picked Jarrett Allen here, because he can warden the paint stoically, but he also has some juice as a hedge and switch guy. Plus, he’s more dynamic than the average play-finishing center offensively. However, I ultimately landed on Nic Claxton because he is one of the most elastic defenders at the five in the league. I trust him on switches as much as any other guy of his size. Offensively, Clax will help us run some of the split-action stuff I mentioned earlier. He’s improved as a passer in the past couple years, and he can put the ball on the floor and drive with wing-like movement patterns from the high-post area. Claxton is also a quality lob threat in the pick-and-roll.

PG2: Collin Sexton

I love Sexton for two reasons. One, he’s way more efficient than the average backcourt microwave scorer. Two, he’s a tier-one competitor. He’s overqualified as a sixth man, but that’s the role he’s been placed in this season, so I’d use him as one, and I feel very confident in his ability to spark my offense off the bench. He gets downhill and touches the paint at a high rate, so between him and Shai, defenses won’t get a break from defending drives. I’d also coach him to increase his three-point attempt rate because his current volume (about four 3PA per game) doesn’t match his talent as a shooter.

SG2: Quentin Grimes

This team wouldn’t be complete without a real 3&D guy. Grimes is a reliable movement shooter and on-ball defender who can play alongside anybody off-ball. He can do some stuff off the bounce, too. Don’t forget his Mickey Mouse March 21.9 PPG run from last season.

SF2: Aaron Wiggins

Similar to Sexton, I also believe Aaron Wiggins is very overqualified for his role as an eighth man on the Thunder. He does everything you could want from a role-playing wing, from shooting and cutting to limiting turnovers and competing on defense. Plus, his on-ball scoring package is more polished than that of most guys of his make and model. The logic of adding Wiggins and Grimes is pretty simple: they’re the type of support staff who can thrive in any situation.

PF2: Dean Wade

Wade would act as an extension of Anunoby and McDaniels on the defensive end. He’s the best wing stopper that nobody talks about. This is a guy who always plays within his role and excels in it. I don’t think you could ask for much more from a 10th man as a playoff team.

C2: Day’Ron Sharpe (Moussa Diabate)

Once again, I struggled to land on a center here. My ideal backup big would be super low maintenance with a high motor and propensity for doing the little things. Moussa Diabate came to mind right away as an elite rebounder with the athletic prowess to move his feet on defense and catch lobs. But, after some more thought, I flipped to Day’Ron Sharpe, who statistically is just as good as, if not better than, Diabate as a rebounder while also offering some passing flair and more feel offensively overall. All told, two Brooklyn Nets make my dream team. Who woulda thought it?

So, that’s my NBA dream team. I just did a lot of yapping so I’ll close things out here. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my squad, as well as who would be on your dream team. Feel free to toss your thoughts at me on Twitter (X) @finleykuehl, I’m always on there talking ball. Thanks for reading!

What More Does LaMelo Ball Need To Do?

LaMelo Ball is having the most impactful season of his career. Ironically, though, it’s also the quietest one.

We’re talking about one of the most loved stars of the 2020s here, especially amongst more casual fans. Ball has been a household name since high school. He’s a walking highlight reel with a distinct personality, and he brings an infectious level of joy and excitement to the game. LaMelo is truly one of one.

It’s hard not to be captivated by Ball as a fan, which is what’s made him such a popular figure in the NBA world. It also obviously helps his case that he’s a good player. The former Rookie of the Year made his first All-Star game as a sophomore in 2021-22, and he’s had a case to earn the honor multiple times since then. In 2024-25, he was considered by many to be an All-Star lock, and there was a significant bit of outrage when he didn’t make it.

Ball averaged 20 PPG in four of his first five seasons. He’s done some incredible things on the court so far in his career. The one thing he never did, though, was win. That’s not entirely his fault, because the Hornets have rolled out some pretty poor rosters in recent years. But, if you wanted to make a knock on him, you could’ve said he was an empty stats guy and that his playstyle didn’t translate to winning.

With the way 2025-26 is going for Charlotte, you can’t say that anymore.

The Hornets have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since 2026 began. They’re finally looking like a playoff-caliber team, and a big reason for that has been LaMelo’s growth and maturation. 

He’s always had a sporadic (if not flat-out wild) playstyle, which is just what makes him him. But, he’s reigning things in a little this season, focusing more on playing within a system and being a leader. The change is paying off for him. Right now, he’s the best player he’s ever been.

You wouldn’t know that just looking at the counting stats. He’s averaging 19.3 points, the fewest since his rookie campaign, on a career-low (and slightly gross) 39.8% from the field. However, when you watch him play, you feel the difference. He’s still taking (and making) a lot of shots, but he’s cutting down on some of the absurd looks he’s been prone to attempting. His playmaking is popping more than ever, as he finally has real weapons around him and he seeks to activate them.

LaMelo’s willingness to take somewhat of a backseat has contributed to more success for Charlotte, but it’s come at a cost. He’s no longer “the man” in Buzz City in the eyes of the NBA mediaspace. They’ve dumped LaMelo in favor of Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller, the shiny new toys.

Look, Knueppel and Miller are both awesome players having awesome seasons. Knueppel should be the Rookie of the Year favorite right now. Miller has future All-Star written all over him. But those two guys are not better than Melo.

With Miller, it shouldn’t even be a debate. Almost all of his value comes from scoring, specifically shooting— he takes more shots in the short mid-range than he does at the rim. He’s on a crazy hot streak, but when he inevitably cools off, it will be clear that he isn’t as important to making the Hornets go as LaMelo is.

Knueppel has more dimensions to his game than Miller, but he’s still first and foremost an off-ball shooter. He’s been an impeccable fit in Charlotte’s perimeter-heavy system, and another way to look at that is he’s being maximized by their style of play, allowing him to look better than he actually is in a vacuum. It’s tough to imagine him reaching the heights he’s touched as a rookie if he was in Washington or Sacramento. 

LaMelo, on the other hand, is the driver for the Hornets, the guy who kickstarts the engine and lights the flame with his electric creation ability. Again, for emphasis, he’s the leader for this team and the most central part of their identity. Knueppel and Miller need him more than he needs them.

None of this is meant to be anti-Knueppel or anti-Miller propaganda. It’s all just pro-LaMelo talk, something he deserves more of. The one-time national favorite is doing what people begged him to do forever, win, but now that he’s doing it, he’s been cast aside. That’s not fair. 

The bottom line? Put some respect on LaMelo Ball’s name.

How Sam Merrill and Isaiah Joe Are Redefining the Three-Point Specialist Role

Sam Merrill is playing the best ball of his career this season. He’s averaging 13.4 points and 2.2 assists while shooting an absurd 47.4% from three on 7.3 attempts per game. The former 60th overall pick has become indispensable for the Cavaliers, regularly appearing in the starting lineup. Cleveland is 7.2 points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass. His impact is off the charts. He’s one of the most underrated players in hoops. 

On the surface, though, Merrill is just another three-point specialist, a trade that’s trending toward extinction in today’s NBA. Guys who can’t adapt to different situations and contribute in multiple ways aren’t valuable in high-leverage games. Joe Harris, Bryn Forbes, Evan Fournier and many more snipers have fizzled out of the league in recent years due to their one-dimensionalness. Why hasn’t Merrill met that same fate? He isn’t actually a specialist.

Bryn Forbes could outscore Jimmy Butler in a playoff series, but he couldn’t defend a parked car. Merrill, on the other hand, is an 81st percentile isolation defender and a 93rd percentile screen navigator according to BBall Index. He’s not the type of point-of-attack stalwart you’d stick on a star like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for a full game, but he guards his yard really well. Merrill stays disciplined, bumps guys off their spots with his thicker frame, contests shots and overall just doesn’t get picked on.

Merrill is also the definition of a low-mistake player. He commits just 1.2 turnovers per 75 possessions, an 80th percentile rate. He’s not a standout playmaker, but he keeps the ball moving.

Role players who can’t guard and cost their teams possessions are liabilities, and liabilities don’t see the floor in the playoffs. Merrill played 19.9 minutes a night for the Cavs in the 2025 postseason.

It’s true that most of Merrill’s value comes from his shooting. He is, after all, a top five shooter in the world. His medley of unbelievable efficiency and sky-high volume would be borderline unprecedented if Steph Curry didn’t exist. That said, though, he wouldn’t be able to put his three-point talents on full display if he couldn’t do the little things that help teams win.

Isaiah Joe is a very similar case. He’s lethal from beyond the arc, easily the best shooter on OKC’s roster and one of the better pure shooters in the league as a whole. And, just like Merrill, he doesn’t turn it over and he holds his own on D. Oklahoma City is 2.3 points per 100 possessions better offensively with Joe in the lineup, which is in large part because of his shooting (they need it), but again, he couldn’t make that big of a difference if he wasn’t well-rounded.

Sam Merrill and Isaiah Joe (two former Bench Mob Players of the Year, by the way) are redefining what it means to be three-point specialists, allowing them to make tangible impacts on contending teams. Moving forward, smart organizations should be prioritizing these modernized marksmen over the Luke Kennards and Buddy Hields of the world. They’ll be patting themselves on the back come playoff time.

Cam Thomas, Moneyball and the Joy of Unwavering Fandom

Jon Horst is a fascinating fella. The moves he makes always seem to come out of left field. He works in silence and almost never does what’s obvious. You have to tip your cap to the guy, because the swings he takes have resulted in a championship, but also, more importantly, Giannis Antetokounmpo sticking around for all these years. He’s definitely not a bad GM, but he’s an unorthodox one for sure.

The main thing that makes the way Horst does business abstract is his taste in players. In the iconic movie Moneyball, Billy Beane seeks out players who are statistically effective but have some sort of prominent flaw. Horst does exactly that. Think about Milwaukee’s roster for second. It’s full of guys with odd and unique quirks. 

Bobby Portis, for example, can be a game-changing microwave scorer off the bench, but he might be the least willing passer in the league and he’s addicted to head-scratching long twos. 

Kevin Porter Jr. is one of the 75 most talented basketball players in the world, but he processes the game worse than some high school point guards and his shot selection is putrid.

Kyle Kuzma, to his credit, is having a genuinely solid bounce-back season after a pretty brutal 2025 playoffs, but, more often than not, he makes the sport look incredibly hard to play. The dude is just awkward.

Jericho Sims has bricks for hands.

Even Giannis himself has some fundamental flaws to his game, most notably his endlessly mind-blowingly poor performances at the free throw line.

Now, basketball is inherently a game of tradeoffs. No player or roster is without their blemishes, so winning games is all about maximizing the strengths of your personnel while hiding the downsides as much as possible. That said, though, this Milwaukee squad is extra weird, and unfortunately, it’s starting to show in the standings. This is the worst the Bucks have been in a long time. Even with Giannis healthy, it was clear heading into the trade deadline that there wasn’t much upside for things to get better without a classic Horst shocker. So, all eyes were on the man in the front office at the trade deadline. What would he do to try and turn things around for this team?

Well, he added another Moneyball guy, of course. Enter Cam Thomas.

Thomas is the best scorer on the planet. Just ask him, he’ll tell you. When he’s on the floor, he’s chucking up a shot every time he gets a chance. He’d rather take the most stupidly difficult middie you’ve ever seen than swing the rock. His playstyle is bonkers, as is his seeming unwillingness to change the way he approaches the game. To be fair, though, Thomas is unbelievably gifted when it comes to putting the ball in the net. He’s a 20-point game disguised as a human with an emotionless face.

You can’t blame Horst at all for taking a gamble on a talent like Thomas on such a cheap contract. There’s serious boom potential here, no matter what way you spin it.

But, at the same time, try to imagine a lineup of Thomas, Kevin Porter Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims without physically cringing or laughing out loud. There’s a relatively high chance that we’ll see that group spend significant time on the court together in the near future.

Look, things are pretty bleak for the Bucks right now. Giannis is injured. Cam Thomas is apparently supposed to be the savior. Fans are so starved for young talent that they’re rallying around Ousmane Dieng.

(Dieng, by the way, represents Horst’s other favorite type of flawed player: the “what does he even do?” prospect. Every year, the man drafts some raw kid with no clear NBA skill instead of a polished multi-year collegiate product, and he’s found little success in doing so. MarJon Beauchamp, AJ Johnson, Tyler Smith and Chris Livingston have all flamed out already. You’d think Horst would’ve learned his lesson by now.)

Despite all that, one thing is for sure: Bucks fans shouldn’t give up on this team. We’ve enjoyed quite the run of success in the Giannis era. We saw them win a freaking championship, man! Things were always going to spiral at some point, and the beginning of that fall off seems to be upon us. However, that doesn’t mean Milwaukee faithful should jump ship during the rebuilding period.

It’s gonna be frustrating to watch the post-All-Star-break Bucks if they’re going to commit to the tank. You’re probably going to want to throw your remote at your TV screen after watching KPJ and Cam Thomas take turns chucking up prayers. But, it would also be fun to see Ousmane Dieng break out into a real NBA player. It will be exciting when Thomas goes for 45 points in a meaningless game in April. If/when Giannis comes back, it’s always an absolute pleasure witnessing his greatness.

At the end of the day, part of true fandom is riding with your team through thick and thin. The Bucks are in the thick, yes, but there’s plenty of joy to be found in it. Stick with this funky, occasionally irritating yet lovable squad and it will feel extra rewarding when they return to contender status one day.

At the end of the day, at least you don’t have to be a Kings fan.

Jase Richardson Just Sneakily Won the Trade Deadline

The 2026 NBA trade deadline was full of activity and surprises and could go down as one of the most exciting ones in recent memory. Winners and losers of the deadline will be the talk of the town in the coming days. Which teams made the best and worst moves? Which players will succeed or fail in their new situations?

This article is about a winner from the deadline, but not the kind you might think. Down south in the heart of Orlando, there’s a rookie who wasn’t directly affected by the chaos at all but is a big winner regardless. That rookie is Jase Richardson. Here’s why.

The Magic weren’t too busy at the deadline, but they did move off of Tyus Jones, shipping him to Charlotte. The team added Jones in free agency last summer, but he turned out to be a huge letdown of a signing. In 48 games for Orlando, Jones averaged 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds on 34.2% from the field and 29.4% from three. The 29-year-old used to be one of basketball’s top backup point guards, but somewhere along the way he completely lost his magic, no pun intended. The only thing that kept him in the rotation was probably politics, honestly.

It took draft capital for Orlando to convince the Hornets to take on Jones, and Charlotte turned around and flipped the veteran to Dallas in short order. One more half season of poor play and Jones’ career could be over.

In his wake, Jones leaves 15.7 minutes of backcourt playing time free for the taking. Jase Richardson is undoubtedly licking his chops looking at that opportunity.

Richardson has already started to creep his way up the ladder in Orlando. In November, he was playing just 7.6 minutes per night, but that jumped up to 14.7 in December and 15.2 in January. With Jones out of the picture, he could easily see 20-25 minutes a game. He deserves that type of burn.

The Michigan State product has been really solid to start his career. He’s averaging 5.3 points (16.1 per 36) on 48/37/73 splits. That’s impressive efficiency for a first-year guard. His poise, confidence and feel stand out in the best way possible. Yes, he’s only played 35 games, but Richardson already moves like an old pro. He’s smaller in stature, limiting his defensive impact, but other than that, he’s the ideal guard for the Magic. They need as much offensive help as they can get. Richardson can be that spark.

What Richardson’s ceiling is remains to be seen, but the 20-year-old has already set the foundation for success in this league. Now, with more space to grow, he’ll be able to continue to cement himself as a prospect worth investing in. That’s why he’s walking away a winner from the trade deadline.

Don’t be surprised if Richardson’s name pops up more and more after the All-Star break. Hop on the bandwagon before it’s too late.

2025-26 Bench Mob All-Stars

Bench Mob Blog’s core mission has always been to show love to the unknown players whose stories and impact go unnoticed by the average fan. That’s why the Bench Mob All-Star tradition was created back in 2022. This is a tribute to the NBA’s best end-of-bench ballers, guys who have been making names for themselves this season in limited roles. This collection of undrafted rookies, former second-round picks and G League studs is proof that value can always be found on the margins if teams put in the work. The 2025-26 squad is one of most well-rounded and exciting ones to date, featuring many players who have had unique journeys.

Let’s meet the team.

(Note: Bench Mob Player of the Day is an award handed out daily via X to the bench mobber who had the best game the prior night. Follow @finleykuehl to keep up with the winners!) 

Caleb Love (Captain, 7x Bench Mob Player of the Day)

Too many high school and college stars fizzle out at the next level because they’re not willing to restart from the bottom and put in the extra grind. Caleb Love is determined to avoid that fate. Since going undrafted last June, the former NCAA All-American has been on a mission to prove that he belongs in the pros, and he’s been more than successful so far. Not only is the Blazers rookie having one of the best two-way contract seasons of all time, he’s also been one of the better freshmen in the league overall, an impressive feat considering how stacked this 2025 class is. Damian Lillard has taken Love under his wing and given him the nickname “Top-10 Pick,” and Love has really been playing up to that moniker. He ranks eight amongst rookies in PPG at 11.4 and fourth in total 3PM at 87. 

The Arizona product’s microwave scoring and competitive drive have been invaluable for a Portland team that has been bit by the injury bug this year. All in all, Love has planted the seeds for a fruitful career that many thought he wouldn’t be able to have.

Love is the second rookie to be named captain of the Bench Mob All-Star team, with Herb Jones being the first to do so in 2022.

Dru Smith (7x BM POTD)

The basketball gods have not been kind to Dru Smith. He went undrafted in 2021 and spent a full season in the G League before signing his first NBA deal. He started to gain some traction in the rotation with the Heat in 2023, but then suffered a season-ending ACL tear. In 2024, bad luck struck again in the form of an Achilles tear. Despite all his setbacks, Smith has kept his nose to the grindstone. Now, he’s finally healthy, and he’s been the best version of himself.

Smith has become part of Miami’s nightly bench unit, earning his keep with his defensive tenacity. He ranks fifth in the entire league in total steals on the season. The Missouri product smothers ball handlers and never runs out of gas. He’s also a useful piece offensively who creates advantages by getting downhill and touching paint. If the Heat make the playoffs this spring, expect to see Smith on the floor when it matters most.

This is Smith’s second Bench Mob All-Star appearance— he was also a member of the 2024-25 squad.

Jordan Miller (6x BM POTD)

The Clippers had a dumbfounding start to the season, but now they’re one of the hotter teams in hoops. They wouldn’t have the same level of positive momentum without Jordan Miller. The third-year forward is playing the biggest role of his career, averaging 19.3 minutes, and he’s helped Los Angeles climb back up the standings with his offensive craft and versatility. Miller’s bag inside the arc is a thing of beauty. He mixes in decels, Euros, fakes and crossovers to get to his spots and hit middies and layups. He’s a streaky but respectable three-point shooter, too. In some ways, the former second-round pick has helped the Clips replace Norman Powell in the aggregate, Moneyball style.

Miller was on a two-way contract in 2024-25, earned a conversion, but was then demoted back to a two-way over the summer. Now, he’s made it very clear that he deserves a full-time standard deal.

Jamaree Bouyea (6x BM POTD)

Bouyea has been a revelation for a Suns team that’s seriously overperforming. Phoenix dug the shifty guard, who has played for five other teams, off the scrap heap. They gave him the runway to succeed and he’s taken off. Bouyea has the ball on a string and shakes and bakes defenders to get buckets. He’s also a defensive disruptor who plays bigger than his size. The 26-year-old is posting career highs in points per game, field goal percentage and three point percentage. The Bucks undoubtedly regret waiving him in October.

Luka Garza (5x BM POTD)

Garza, a collegiate juggernaut, has found his niche in the NBA by scaling down and playing to his strengths. The big man’s post bag is as deep as the Pacific and he has uncanny touch for a guy of his size. He’s always been a per-minute monster who can fill up the scoring column in short spurts, but Boston has given him the chance to see more extended run. He’s scoring 7.7 points per game on excellent efficiency, all as a result of the unbelievable amount of work he’s put in behind the scenes.

Pat Spencer (4x BM POTD)

Pat Spencer is one of one. He’s an enthralling showman with braggadocious flair and the game to back up his smack talk. The 6’2” guard was actually a superstar lacrosse player before he joined the league, but you’d think he’s been dribbling a basketball since he was in the womb with how well he processes the game. Spencer is a smooth-as-butter fit in Golden State’s complicated system because of his IQ and motor. He’s genuinely taken over games this year, delivering clutch performances, and he’s done all of it while looking like a corporate employee, making him all the more loveable.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin (4x BM POTD)

Cleveland’s emerging spark plug, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, didn’t even play serious basketball until he got to college. Now he’s an impactful bench player in the best league on Earth. How is that even possible? Well, Tomlin was blessed with physical gifts and he knows how to use them. The Harlem native is lengthy and bouncy and he hustles non-stop. He puts himself in position to score easy points inside, and whenever he gets a catch on a cut, he’s looking to detonate on the rim. In just 17.1 minutes per game, he’s averaging 1.4 offensive rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks. The Cavs as a whole haven’t consistently shown heart this season, but Tomlin always does.

Dylan Cardwell (3x BM POTD)

Nobody has more fun playing basketball than Dylan Cardwell. A smile never leaves his face when he’s on the floor. His celebration bag is bottomless. Some guys only show happiness like that when they’re having a big scoring night. That’s not true of Cardwell because he never has those. That’s right, he’s a rebounding and shot-blocking specialist (a phenomenal one at that), but he absolutely loves his thankless job. The rookie is breathing energy and joy into a lifeless Sacramento team. He’s going to stick around in this league for a long time.

Moussa Cisse (3x BM POTD)

Moussa Cisse is proof that counting stats are far from everything when it comes to player evaluation. Across his five year college career, he averaged a modest 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Those figures don’t exactly scream “NBA player,” but he’s popped at the highest level. The undrafted rookie’s towering frame, blanketing reach and explosive leaping ability make him a formidable rim protector and lob threat. There’s no razzle-dazzle to his skillset, but he still makes plays that make you exclaim out loud. He’s given the Mavericks some great minutes this season, making a case for a contract conversion, especially with Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively in street clothes.

For more on Cisse, check out this article.

Jabari Walker (3x BM POTD)

Dominick Barlow, who’s become a regular starter, has been the standout two-way story for the Sixers, but Jabari Walker is doing his thing, too. The rugged power forward is an enforcer on the glass, ranking third in offensive rebound percentage on Philly’s roster and fourth in defensive rebound percentage. He’s also a versatile defender who uses his burly frame to wall up and stop drivers in their tracks. Walker’s ruggedness has been key for the 76ers as they’ve quietly looked like dark horse contenders.

Walker was a member of the 2023-24 All-Bench-Mob Third Team, but this is his first All-Star selection.

Christian Koloko (3x BM POTD)

Koloko’s journey is one of persistence. He’s been through a lot in his young career, most notably a blood clot that kept him sidelined for the entirety of his sophomore campaign. Now fully healthy, he’s fighting to get back on track, but it hasn’t been easy. Two teams let him go this season alone: the Lakers and the Grizzlies. However, the Hawks have welcomed him with open arms since he joined them in January, throwing him right into the fire as a backup. He’s been a much-needed interior presence for Atlanta, notching 4.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest, looking almost every bit the player he was projected to be in the 2022 draft.

Zeke Nnaji (3x BM POTD)

Few teams have been hit harder with injuries as the Nuggets this year, but they’ve weathered the storm with strong contributions from their reserves. Zeke Nnaji, who’s a veteran for Denver at this point, has had some of the best stretches of his career, going toe-to-toe with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid and coming up victorious. Once a stretch big, he’s transitioned into an opportunistic finisher and a quality interior defender. Maybe his contract isn’t so bad after all.

The Heat Did It Again With Pelle Larsson

Every year, it feels like the Miami Heat unearth another second-round or undrafted gem. Their scouting department is the stuff of legends. Their work on the margins has been instrumental in their continued prosperity as an organization— they even made a Finals run on the backs of Caleb Martin, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent (well, and Jimmy Butler, of course).

This season, 2024 second-round pick Pelle Larsson has emerged as a trusted contributor for the Heat. He’s started 26 contests, playing 23.5 minutes a night and averaging 9.7 points. With each passing game, Larsson looks more and more like Miami’s next success story.

The first thing to know about Larsson is he’s one tough cookie. Don’t let his preppy appearance fool you. “Heat Culture” isn’t as prominent as it once was, but Larsson is helping keep it alive. He’s a fearless slasher who embraces and initiates physicality. Driving and getting to the free throw line are the 24-year-old’s strongest traits, literally and figuratively. He draws 4.3 fouls per 75 possessions (87th percentile) and finishes through contact at a 68th percentile rate (per BBall Index). Someone runs an account on X called “did Pelle get hit in the face?”, and on Heat gamedays, the answer is yes more often than not.

Larsson excels in catch-and-attack scenarios against closeouts, but he’s at his very best in transition. He runs the floor hard and finds the right lanes to position himself for easy buckets. He’ll even get up and catch a lob here and there. The Arizona product generates 1.18 stable points per possession in transition, which grades in the 79th percentile. He doesn’t just score in the open floor, he creates looks for others, too.

The Swedish wing complements his forceful approach on the court with keen decision-making. He’s not much of a true playmaker (yet), but he’s the definition of a connector. He’s a sharp passer in the half court who knows how to read help defense and find his allies in their spots. Larsson generates 4.36 high value assists (assists on threes or rim attempts) per 75 possessions, a 77th percentile rate.

On defense, Larsson is technically sound. He’s disciplined when guarding the ball, always playing D with his feet rather than his hands. He does a solid job containing his man and grades out as an 89th percentile perimeter isolation defender according to BBall Index. The sophomore does have some athletic deficiencies, though, and he’s a little too vulnerable to blow-bys and high-release jumpers to be considered a truly good defensive player at this time. He averages just 0.8 steals (20th percentile) and 0.35 blocks (34th percentile) per 75 possessions, unimpressive figures that correlate with his below-par physical tools.

Still, Larsson’s combination of finishing, passing and defensive know-how have made him a viable rotation player in this league already, and he has plenty of room left to grow. One way he could raise his ceiling is by becoming a more effective shooter. He shot 39.7% from three and 81.4% from the charity stripe in his college career, but those numbers are down to just 32.9% and 71.6% so far in the NBA. He’s not a high-volume guy, taking just 2.9 three-point attempts per game this season, and his misses fall all over the place on the rim. If he can channel some of his college self and get his efficiency from beyond the arc up to at least a league-average level, he’d be close to the ideal playoff role player.

Another skill Larsson could explore further is pick-and-roll ball handling. The Heat run a P&R-averse offense, so he doesn’t get a ton of reps, but he could likely play really well off ball screens because of his passing and slashing chops, as well as his patience. Being able to operate as a tertiary creator to some degree could elevate Larsson from role player to full-time starter status.

Pelle Larsson isn’t going to be an All-Star. Realistically, he won’t be anything close to that. But, he doesn’t need to be that. He’s already a highly useful supporting wing, the type of guy coaches want on the floor and teammates want to go to war with in important games. Larsson is enjoying a quality 2025-26 season, and he’s well on his way to proving himself as Miami’s next second-round gem.

5 Margin Moves That Would Make a Difference at the 2026 Trade Deadline

It doesn’t really feel like it, but NBA trade season is upon us. Usually, multiple deals would have happened by this point of the season, but we’ve only seen Trae Young moved so far. That said, with the East being wide open and the West being tightly contested, many teams will surely be looking for ways to get better and find an edge in the coming weeks. Here are five mock trades that are far from blockbusters but would help teams improve on the margins and gear up for the home stretch of the year.

(Note: all of these deals were deemed possible by Spotrac’s trade machine. If you notice any financial issues here, don’t come at me.)

Trade #1

Bulls receive: Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors receive: Zach Collins

Kuminga’s time with the Warriors needs to come to an end. The team continues to keep him around just to completely refuse to play him— he hasn’t checked into a game since December 18th. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s borderline unfair, regardless of how good they think Kuminga actually is. Here, the former seventh-overall pick would find himself in a fresh situation where he would not just play, but potentially thrive.

Kuminga’s true talent and impact are tough to gauge, but at his best, he’s posted some impressive numbers. He averaged 15.3 points on 48/40/71 splits in the 2025 playoffs. His strengths as a play finisher and mid-range shotmaker are fueled by his athleticism and positional size. In Chicago, he could pop in the fast-paced system Billy Donovan has been working to build. It’s clear that Kuminga just doesn’t mesh with the way the Warriors play basketball. He needs more freedom, and he could find it in Chi-Town. Plus, unlike Golden State, the Bulls have traditional point guards in Josh Giddey and Tre Jones who could set Kuminga up in his spots. There’s a world where Kuminga just isn’t that good, but Chicago can afford to take that gamble because pretty much nothing could be worse than Patrick Williams.

Golden State has undoubtedly burned away a lot of Kuminga’s value by stowing him away on the bench, so getting any sort of draft capital for him is probably out of the question. However, in this package, they’d be adding a role player who could really help them out. Zach Collins is a tough-as-nails big man with standout feel for the game. The Dubs lack traditional center play, and Collins does quality work on the glass and in the paint on both ends. He is also very comfortable directing handoffs and split actions as a high post hub. Overall, Z-Bo would be more useful for the team than Kuminga is right now. As an extra sweetener, the Warriors would be shedding $4m of salary here.

Trade #2

Magic receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic

Clippers receive: Jonathan Isaac, 2027 SRP via BOS

The Magic need a guy who can make some freaking shots. They’re 27th in 3P% and 25th in three-point attempts per game. With Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black all being below-average shooters, the team just isn’t going to be too successful if they don’t add someone who can hit some threes. Desmond Bane was supposed to help, but even he’s shooting a paltry 33.5% from deep on the second-lowest volume of his career. Bogdan Bogdanovic is about as proven of a gun-for-hire as Orlando could get. The veteran shooting guard is a lifetime 38.1% three-point shooter who has drained countless timely treys both in the NBA and on the international stage for Team Serbia. He’s playoff tested and ready to compete.

Bogdanovic has fallen out of favor in Los Angeles as young guys such as Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller have begun to ascend, so in this deal the Clippers would be landing a bench piece they’d likely get more use out of. Jonathan Isaac’s offensive deficiencies have buried him into a 10th-man role, but he’s an elite per-minute defender who offers way more scheme versatility than Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez. Ty Lue’s crew was a top-three defense in 2024-25, but they’ve fallen all the way to 22nd this year. Isaac would trigger some positive regression.

Trade #3

Lakers receive: Day’Ron Sharpe, Ziaire Williams

Nets receive: Gabe Vincent, Adou Thiero, 2028 FRP via LAL (lottery protected)

Things have gotten stale for the Lakers as they’ve slipped further away from the top of the Western Conference standings. They could use upgrades in a lot of areas on both sides of the ball. This trade would improve their 26th-ranked defense while also giving JJ Redick two guys he can consistently trust to play minutes (he’s had to experiment with lineups throughout the year). Sharpe is one of the best backup centers in hoops, a 98th percentile defensive rebounder and 73rd percentile rim protector (per BBall Index) who excels as a roll man on offense. Deandre Ayton can’t be counted on to give effort and play hard, but Sharpe can. Williams is a bothersome wing stopper who’s worked on his three-point shot over time. Sharpe and Williams are legitimate contributors at 24 years old which is why they’d command a first round pick.

Brooklyn would be happy to bring in some draft capital here while also clearing up more minutes for their developmental muses moving forward as they continue their tank. Adou Thiero is a fun athletic prospect who was selected 36th overall last June.

Trade #4

Pistons receive: Svi Mykhailiuk

Jazz receive: Marcus Sasser, 2027 SRP via DAL

Detroit is having an awesome year, rising to the pinnacle of the East behind the efforts of their formidable defense. Their offense doesn’t always pack a punch, though, and they definitely miss Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. to some degree— they’re just 26th in the NBA in three-pointers made per game. Svi Mykhailiuk is a solid rotation wing who would give the Pistons a little boost offensively. The Ukraine Maker is quietly averaging career-highs in points per game (9.0) and assists per game (2.0) while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc with the Jazz this season. He’s started all 35 games he’s appeared in, but Utah has started giving him, Jusuf Nurkic and Kyle Anderson DNP-CDs as they try to bottom out for Boozer. There’s no reason why the Pistons couldn’t get Mykhailiuk for an interesting young player and a pick.

Trade #5

Hornets receive: Simone Fontecchio

Heat receive: Tre Mann

The hive has been buzzing in Charlotte recently, with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and company getting hot and picking up impressive wins against OKC and the Lakers. The vision for this team is starting to become actualized, so why not keep accelerating the growth? Tre Mann looked like a future 6MOY in 2024-25 before he went down with a season-ending injury. Since returning, he’s been limited to reserve duties for the Hornets, playing a career-low 17.6 minutes per game. He’s a fun player, but Simone Fontecchio would be more helpful for this squad. The Italian is a catch-and-shoot ace and a respectable positional defender who could play off of Ball and Miller. Mann does his finest work as an on-ball creator, which is why he’s struggled to mesh with Charlotte’s core, but Fontecchio wouldn’t have that problem.

Miami might get more out of Mann. They’ve committed to a ball-screen-avoidant attack, and the Florida product is a sharp ball handler and isolation scorer who could be a spark for what’s currently the 21st-ranked offense in the association.

NBA Content Creator Spotlight

Bench Mob Blog is now in its sixth year of existence. Building and maintaining this blog has been an incredibly fun and rewarding journey for me, and one of the best parts of the journey has been all the connections I’ve made along the way. My strong presence on Twitter has allowed me to cross paths with so many awesome people in the content creation space. I love what I do, I love the game of basketball and I recognize the grind of being a small creator in a crowded and competitive industry. That’s why I find it so important to support the people who are not only putting out thoughtful, quality work, but also those who are in this for the right reasons. Passion and positivity stand out in an online sphere dominated by click hunting, trolling and even bigotry. Today, I want to shout out 10 writers, YouTubers, Tweeters and other creators who not only are connections of mine, but also are the exact type of people who I want to see succeed in the NBA media world.

Jacoblocks

If my memory serves me right, Jacob and I first connected circa 2023 through the now-defunct blog LG Hoops. Since then, he’s been one of my absolute favorite people in this space. Jacob is a dedicated YouTuber who gives knowledgeable and spirited commentary on his New York Knicks and the league as a whole. His channel is one of my go-tos when it comes to finding something to watch while I eat. He and I have collaborated a few times, both on his channel and on podcasts, and talking ball with him is always a great time. Jacob’s channel has just over 430 subscribers right now, but he deserves to see that number to double (if not quadruple) this year. Go watch Jacoblocks!

Roundball Renaissance

Roundball embodies the type of positivity that shines through in what can be such a negative space. Who else is making full-length videos just gushing about Jevon Carter and Miles McBride? His YouTube channel, which I have appeared on, is full of informed analysis from creative angles. He loves and appreciates this game, and the humanity and humbleness he displays feel genuine even through a screen. His usual closing to his videos, “be kind, tell somebody you love them”, always resonantes with me. What I said about Jacob’s subscription count applies to Roundball, too. Go join the Roundball Renaissance!

Eamon Cassels

My guy Eamon has been doing some really impressive work over the past year. When I first connected with him, he was covering the Celtics for Last Word on Basketball, but he’s since become the site expert for FanSided’s Dunking With Wolves, producing some of the best Timberwolves coverage out there. Even cooler, though, is his podcast, The Cassels Cast, where he discusses a wide range of NBA and NFL topics weekly with some fun guests, including myself, Jacoblocks and Bruce Veliz (who I’ll introduce shortly). If he wants it, a career in sportswriting feels fully attainable for Eamon at this point. Go read his work and listen to The Cassels Cast!

Zac Day (Brew Hoop)

All of my colleagues at Brew Hoop do fantastic work. I wanted to give a special tip-of-the-cap to our newest editor Zac because he’s written some uniquely captivating stories that I can’t get enough of. An English teacher by day, Zac has a virtually unmatched command of language and a knack for storytelling. His screenplay-style pieces are truly unlike any other sports article I’ve read and they rock. Go read Zac’s work, and every other Brew Hooper’s, too!

Shax

A lot of people in the NBA media space act like they understand the game but actually don’t (I’m looking at you, Awful Coaching). That’s why people like Shax who have unbelievable basketball minds are a breath of fresh air. Shax is incredibly dedicated to his craft. He hand-tracks a laundry list of Xs and Os stuff and other analytics for every single Knicks game, breaking down hoops at an extremely high level. A lot of his work is free, which is wild, and you should absolutely check it out while that’s still the case. Go follow Shax!

Josh Medeiros

If you’re into the history of the NBA, Josh is your guy in that department. He co-hosts a podcast called Once Upon a Dribble that tells the stories that matter from the league’s past. He often highlights forgotten primes from players many fans have only heard of through MyTeam on 2K, teaching the youth a thing or two about real ball knowledge. Josh is also just one of the all-around good guys in the NBA Twitter community. Go follow him and check out his podcast!

Bruce Veliz

Speaking of good guys, Bruce is a beacon of positivity on NBA Twitter. It seems like he loves what he does and it shows. He’s highly supportive of fellow creators, too. Bruce covers the Phoenix Suns for SBNation’s Bright Side of the Sun and the NBA as a whole for his YouTube, Swish City. He and I recently collaborated on an article about Jamaree Bouyea, one of this season’s best two-way contract breakout stories. Go follow Bruce and read his work!

TipOff

TipOff is one of the best in the graphic design game right now. They consistently churn out in-depth statistical analysis work that’s presented cleanly and effectively (my data storytelling professor would be proud). I’ve had the pleasure of working on a series of posts about two-way contract gems with them that have been noticed by the players we’ve highlighted. Accounts like TipOff’s give me hope that AI will never completely erase human design work. Go follow them!

Dizzle Dynasty Crew

Nobody is doing fantasy basketball coverage as thoroughly as the good folks at Dizzle Dynasty. Their extensive rankings and round-ups could turn anybody into a perennial champion in their fantasy leagues. The Dizzle crew are real hoops sickos— I did a podcast episode this fall with Zach and Brian all about two-way contract players. Go explore the Dizzle Dynasty universe!

Ben Sig

Ben doesn’t do any writing or YouTubing, but he’s one of my favorite Twitter follows. He knows as much about the G League as anyone I’ve come across, and he keeps tabs on and analyzes all the players and transactions that the average fan blips past. If I was a G League GM, I’d hire him to my scouting department. Go follow Ben!

After reading this article, I hope you not only check out these creators, but also approach your sports media consumption with smaller outlets in mind. People love to complain about the state of national media and how it’s more about hot takes and clickbait than uplifting basketball. If you want to see change, you should support Jacoblocks, Roundball Renaissance, Eamon Cassels and everyone else who’s in this lane for the love of the game. They can and will be the difference makers.