The 76ers have had a truly catastrophic year. Injuries flattened the title hopes they had before the season. Joel Embiid played just 19 games before undergoing a season-ending surgery. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George haven’t been able to pick up the slack— they’ve both dealt with injuries and struggled to be efficient when healthy (although more criticism should be directed at George than Maxey). Even Jared McCain, their rookie sensation, suffered a meniscus tear in December.
After sustaining so many hits, Philly has thrown in the towel. From here on out, they’re in tank mode. They’ve been rolling out lineups full of names the average fan has never heard. That doesn’t mean you should stop watching them, though. Hidden gems are emerging with expanded opportunity in Philadelphia, and that’s always worth talking about. Here are three players on their roster worth keeping on your radar.
Quentin Grimes
In 2022-23, Quentin Grimes put together a phenomenal season. He was a starter for a Knicks team that made the playoffs. The then-sophomore averaged 11.3 points and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.6% from deep. He proved to be worthy of a larger role, and was primed for a breakout. Unfortunately, his upward trajectory was completely stunted in 2023-24. Donte DiVincenzo’s ascension, OG Anunoby’s arrival, and a full season of Josh Hart meant Grimes’ minutes and shots came a lot more inconsistently. The young two-guard struggled with the irregularity and was ultimately dished to Detroit at the trade deadline, where he performed even worse.
Things looked rough for a player who was once so promising, but Grimes didn’t give up. He was dealt to Dallas ahead of the 2024-25 season and approached the new opportunity with a chip on his shoulder. Grimes put together some big performances for the Mavs and averaged 10.2 points overall. The 76ers took notice of this and were able to snag him from D-Town in exchange for Caleb Martin in February. That deal has proven to be an absolute fleece for Philly.
Through 17 games for the Sixers, Quentin Grimes is averaging almost 20 points per game. He’s on a nuclear run, realizing all the potential he flashed back in 2023. The Texas native has been incredibly poised operating with the ball in his hands, hitting flurries of pullup jumpers from all over the floor and passing the ball intelligently. On March 1st, he exploded for a career-high 44 points against the Warriors, and he easily could have had 50 if he didn’t shoot 2-8 from the free throw line.
Grimes is set to enter restricted free agency this summer, and Philadelphia should do everything in their power to retain him. The 24-year-old could be a huge piece for them as they look to return to contention in 2025-26, and could also be part of the team’s long-term core. If they let him go, they’ll surely regret it.
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Selected 17th overall by the Lakers in 2023, Jalen Hood-Schifino had some high expectations set for him entering the league. In classic LA fashion, though, he was never given a chance to live up to the hype. The Indiana product averaged just 5.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He so seldomly saw the court that he was pretty much only known in the NBA world as the guy drafted ahead of Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Cam Whitmore. The Lakers almost killed Hood-Schifino’s career before it even began.
However, when Los Angelers waived him earlier this year, the 76ers quickly snapped him up on a two-way contract and were smart to do so. The 6’6” guard has played just three games for the team, but he’s already done some things that show why he was drafted in the first round. Against the Mavericks, Hood-Schifino put up a career-best 19 points. He comfortably played out of pick-and-rolls and knocked down five high-arching triples. The 21-year-old has plenty of upside, he just hasn’t had the proper chance to show it until now. Keep an eye on him.
Jeff Dowtin
Jeff Dowtin has been in the NBA for four years, and he’s still virtually unknown by everyone but sickos. That needs to change. The undrafted guard is a productive player across the board. He uses his stretching wingspan and unorthodox shot form to knock down pullups above defenders, proving that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. His length also allows him to disrupt the game defensively, where he’s always looking for pockets to pick. He makes great reads consistently and turns the ball over about as often as pigs fly. Dowtin has bested his previous career-high of 12 points in five separate games this season, including a 24-point outing versus the Pacers.
The scrappy guard is on a two-way contract for now, but he could earn a standard deal in the offseason. If the 76ers keep him around, he could be a rotation piece for them even when they’re fully healthy.
Payton Prichard. Malik Beasley. De’Andre Hunter. Those are the names leading the Sixth Man of the Year race heading into the second half of the season. There is no true favorite, though, and with so much basketball left to be played, the award is still anyone’s for the taking.
One dark horse candidate for the title of league’s best reserve is Caris LeVert. For years, he was one of the most impactful sixth men in basketball for the Cavaliers. He’s now a member of the Atlanta Hawks after the trade deadline, and he’s already playing the same significant bench role he was in Cleveland. The path is laid out for him to ascend the 6MOY ladder. LeVert is maximizing his value as a player. He’s a supplementary superhero, and it’s because he’s completely changed the way he plays the game.
Modern offenses emphasize two shots: layups and catch-and-shoot threes. The focus on these two high-value looks is driven by analytics, and the increasing popularity of this philosophy has led to teams scoring more effectively than ever before. Role players are programmed to only shoot if they’re at the rim or behind the arc. Guys who can’t play that way are pushed out of rotations.
Caris LeVert rebelled against that revolution when he was coming up. He was in love with the mid-range. In the three highest scoring seasons of his career (2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22), he took well over 15% of his shots between 10-16 feet. Many of those attempts were difficult and highly-contested. That shot diet would make many coaches and GMs cringe. However, he was really good at what he did.
LeVert’s creativity has always been off the charts. He’s a crafty, skilled, and uber-confident bucket-getter. The Michigan product was able to carry teams offensively for stretches because he could score from everywhere when he got hot. The virtually unguardable nature of younger LeVert’s scoring earned him the nickname Baby Durant. You can’t blame Brooklyn (LeVert’s first team) for living with his (sometimes) unideal playstyle. He had many star moments for them, including a 51-point outing in March 2020 where he single-handedly willed his team to a win over the Celtics in clutch time. There was a world where LeVert became a certified All-Star, and the Nets were right to gamble on that potential being realized.
As he got older, though, things got murky. LeVert couldn’t consistently produce at a level that justified his tendencies. When he joined Cleveland in 2022, it was clear that he would have to accept a smaller role to succeed for a winning team. They say real hoopers always figure it out, and that’s what LeVert did. He embraced a more off-ball-centric role and got better in it with the passing of each year. This current season has arguably been his best since his first with the Cavs, even though his scoring average is lower than it’s been since his rookie year.
The main part of LeVert’s new job description is to cut down on middies and focus on layups and threes. He’s taking the most threes of his career this season, with just shy of 50% of his shots coming from outside. The Ohio native is very content parking in the corner and letting it fly when the ball comes his way. He’s hit 47.2% of his corner threes this year, and that marksmanship makes him a great fit next to ball-dominant stars like Trae Young. When LeVert isn’t catching fire from deep, he’s knifing his way to the rim with the same dexterity that made him an on-ball weapon.
While LeVert has excelled scoring in modern fashion, the most impressive part of his game currently is his passing. As he’s gotten older, his feel as a playmaker has grown steadily. The veteran wing can dish all types of dimes, but he’s at his best leveraging his scoring gravity to generate kickouts while driving. According to Centers Culture, 30.9% of his assists come from drives, a 93rd percentile rate. LeVert has found the perfect balance between calling his own number and letting his teammates cook, and that’s increased his malleability even more than his improved complementary scoring.
Don’t get it twisted— Caris LeVert can still fill up the scoring column in a jiffy. However, his willingness to oscillate between Baby Durant mode and role player mode, and his effectiveness in both roles, have made him one of the NBA’s premier bench players. Don’t be surprised if he rockets up Sixth Man of the Year rankings in the coming months.
The Bench Mob All-Star team is a tradition unlike any other in sports media. The mission of this blog is to show love to unknown end-of-bench players who make an impact that the average fan doesn’t see. Unlike the official NBA All-Star team, this one is made up of the best bench mob ballers in the league. The roster features former second round picks, G League veterans, rookies, and everything in between. These guys are putting themselves on the map and staking a claim for a bigger role. They’re proof that good players can be found anywhere if teams are willing to search for them.
Let’s meet this year’s squad.
(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!)
(Second note: shoutout to the following players who have outplayed their prior bench mob status this year and become members of the “too good club”: Scotty Pippen Jr., Keon Johnson, Brandon Boston Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Justin Champagnie.)
Jay Huff (Captain, 8x Bench Mob Player of the Day)
Jay Huff dominated in college. He dominated in the G League. He dominated in Summer League. At every level, the big man proved he deserved at least a fair shake at being an NBA player. He played seven games for the Wizards in 2023 and played well, but he wasn’t re-signed by the team and ended up spending 2023-24 riding the bench for the Nuggets.
The Grizzlies, who have one of the best scouting departments in the league, saw the work Huff was putting in. They signed him on a two-way contract in July and let him play real minutes from the jump this season. The Virginia product responded by scoring double digits in three of his first four outings. Memphis converted his contract to a standard one on the day of the fourth game. It was clear they found a gem.
Huff’s story is an inspiring one. He exemplifies resilience. He bounced around the league for over three years before finally getting an opportunity to be in a rotation. The seven-footer grinded in silence so he was ready when his time came. Now, he’ll be draining threes and blocking shots for years to come on basketball’s biggest stage.
Huff’s eight Bench Mob Player of the Day awards is tied with the record for most in a season, which is currently held by Isaiah Joe, who won eight in 2022-23.
Moussa Diabate (6x BM POTD)
Older fans love to grumble about how players nowadays don’t care about rebounding and boxing out. That can’t be true, though, because Moussa Diabate is almost single-handedly keeping the art of crashing the boards alive. The Frenchman ranks top fifteen in the NBA in offensive rebounding and he doesn’t even play 20 minutes a night. Because of his rebounding ability, as well as his prowess as a lob threat and interior defender, Diabate has emerged out of nowhere as Charlotte’s backup center. He’s currently the best two-way contract player in the league and it shouldn’t be long before he gets a guaranteed deal.
Johnny Juzang (5x BM POTD)
Most people likely know Johnny Juzang from his college days. He led UCLA on multiple deep tournament runs, including a Final Four appearance in 2021. The silky scorer had the makings of a solid pro, but he went undrafted in 2022. The Jazz gave him a chance on a two-way contract and he has since blossomed into a key bench piece for them. Juzang is a legitimate shooting threat on the wing with the chops to attack closeouts and score off one or two dribbles as well.
Jared Butler (4x BM POTD)
As coach-turned-broadcaster Stan Van Gundy loves to say on TV, there’s no such thing as garbage time. For many players, it’s the only chance to show they belong as a pro. That’s the case for Jared Butler, and he’s made it clear he should be getting a lot more playing time. The Baylor product is ridiculously productive. Per 36 minutes, he averages 21.9 points and 8.2 assists. In the four games where he’s played 20+ minutes this season, he’s averaged 18.0 points and 5.8 assists. Despite those stats, Butler was still inexplicably buried in Washington’s depth chart. Now, though, he’s headed to Philadelphia via trade where he should be able to put his talents on full display.
Butler was a member of the 2023-24 All-Bench-Mob First Team, but this is his first Bench Mob All-Star appearance.
Dru Smith (3x BM POTD)
The Heat are known for their legendary ability to sniff out undrafted talent, and Dru Smith is their latest discovery. He’s a hard-nosed defender with a trusty three-ball who does everything Erik Spoelstra loves from his players. In many ways, Smith is similar to former Miami guard Gabe Vincent and could play an equally important role for the team in future playoffs runs. Unfortunately, he suffered an Achilles injury in December, so he’ll have to wait until next year to make his postseason debut.
Lindy Waters III (4x BM POTD)
After spending his first three seasons with the Thunder, Lindy Waters was traded to the Warriors on 2024 draft night. It was an inconsequential move at the time, but Waters turned out to be a real contributor for the Dubs. His movement shooting skills made him a natural fit in Golden State’s offensive system. The Oklahoma native shot 40% from three in wins as a Warrior. He’ll now be joining the Detroit Pistons as part of the Jimmy Butler deal, where his shooting will be useful in lineups next to Cade Cunningham.
Tyrese Martin (4x BM POTD)
One year ago, Tyrese Martin wasn’t on an NBA roster. He played 66 total minutes as a rookie in 2022-23 and wasn’t given another contract. Determined to stick, Martin turned to the G League, where he averaged 17.9 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Iowa Wolves. His efforts earned him a two-way deal with the Nets. For Brooklyn, the UConn product has consistently seen big minutes as the team has dealt with injuries. His major breakout game came on November 27th, where he scored 30 points on 10/13 shooting in a win over the Suns. Martin’s well-rounded offensive game should keep him in the league for a long time to come.
Jamison Battle (3x BM POTD)
Probably the most important thing for a draft prospect to have is at least one true NBA-level skill. For Jamison Battle, it was shooting, and he’s put that talent on full display so far as a rookie. The undrafted southpaw has an absolute torch on him— he’s been one of the best freshman shooters this season, hitting well over 40% of his deep tries. Because of how well he’s shot it, Battle has made a convincing case for the Raptors to keep him around long-term.
Jalen Wilson (3x BM POTD)
After a dominant Summer League performance that earned him MVP of the tournament, Jalen Wilson was named to the preseason All-Bench-Mob First Team. The second-year man has lived up to those expectations. He’s the perfect plug-and play forward, a guy who can do some of everything out there. Brooklyn has been comfortable running Wilson in a variety of lineups and asking him to do everything from shooting off the catch, to crashing the glass, to playmaking. It’s easy to see him doing the same thing for a contender in the near future.
Tosan Evbuomwan (4x BM POTD)
When the Nets signed Tosan Evbuomwan (pronounced eh-WOAH-mah) in the middle of the season, he was immediately thrust into the rotation. Many players would have taken a few games to adjust to the big change, but Evbuowman got right to work. The Princeton product has been key in helping the team compete with more talented opponents. He’s one of Brooklyn’s most aggressive and impactful scorers, which has allowed him to settle easily into a microwave role off the bench.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (2x BM POTD)
Some players stop giving maximum effort when they’re on bad teams. It can be hard to stay energized and motivated when you lose all the time. That’s not the case for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, though. The 2021 second round pick has been one of the few consistently available Pelicans this season, and his health shows in how hard he plays. Robinson-Earl has done all he can in his bench role to put New Orleans in a position to win. He’s a versatile four man whose speciality is rebounding— he ranks top five on his team in both offensive and defensive rebound percentage.
Justin Edwards (2x BM POTD)
Justin Edwards was one of the most surprising undrafted names of the 2024 draft. He was a five-star recruit in high school and showed intriguing flashes during his lone season at Kentucky. Yet, 29 teams passed on him on draft night. The 76ers rolled the dice on Edwards and they definitely don’t regret it. The athletic wing has been a bright spot in a brutal season for Philly. He’s entered their nightly rotation, carving out a spot as a sparkplug scorer.
It hasn’t even been 24 hours since the NBA world was changed forever by the Luka Doncic trade, and another blockbuster just went down. The Doncic deal was such a seismic bomb that this one feels very tame in comparison, but it too is a total league-changer. Here is the full trade:
San Antonio Spurs receive: De’Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin
Sacramento Kings receive: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first round picks
Chicago Bulls receive: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, one first round pick
Here my immediate thoughts on the trade for each team involved.
Spurs
Victor Wembanyama is already a borderline top ten player in just his second year in the NBA, and he’s ready to compete. So far this season, the rest of the Spurs roster hasn’t been able to help him do that, but that’s about to change. De’Aaron Fox is an All-NBA caliber player in his own right who will immediately take the franchise to another level.
Throughout his time in Sacramento, Fox proved he’s the type of guy you want leading your team. He’s low maintenance and low drama. He cares about winning more than anything. And, of course, he’s insanely good at basketball. Since his first All-Star year in 2023, Fox has only gotten better and better as he gets closer to his prime. He’s an unstoppable force inside the arc and his growth as a shooter and defender have made him even more impactful. The Texas native will elevate all of the young Spurs by being a leader on and off the court as well as by giving them the opportunity to play in more competitive games. He’ll help Wemby specifically by taking on significant decision-making pressure, allowing the young superstar to focus on being a game-breaking scorer.
This trade immediately propels the Spurs into legit playoff contention, especially because they were able to hold onto all of their key rotation pieces. De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama is an incredibly versatile and talented lineup that will be able to make noise in the West both in the short and the long term (Fox is just 27 years old). Overall, this trade is nothing but a win for San Antonio and it’s the perfect kickstart to the Wemby era.
Kings
When homegrown star De’Aaron Fox requested a trade, the Kings were presented with two choices. They could have entered a full-on rebuild by trading not just Fox, but also other core pieces, for a combination of picks and prospects. Instead, they chose a package that would allow them to remain competitive. All-Star Zach LaVine will be joining a Sacramento team that is still searching to replicate the magic of their 2022-23 campaign.
The trio of LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan is super fun on paper. DeRozan and LaVine went to the playoffs together in 2022 with the Bulls, and the roster surrounding them in Sactown is better than what they had in Chicago. LaVine and Sabonis should form an extremely dynamic and dangerous two-man game built around handoffs and cuts. Factor in Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, and Keon Ellis and it’s clear this team will be able to win games even without Fox. The question is, though, will it be enough to be worth foregoing a rebuild? The answer is likely no, but only time will tell. The Kings will have the opportunity to totally blow things up in the offseason if they don’t like their new look.
Considering they got three first rounders in addition to LaVine, and that Fox wanted to be traded, calling this trade a loss for Sacramento would be far from fair. The only true downside here is that Keegan Murray will remain stuck in a limited off-ball role even though he has the potential to be a low-level star.
Bulls
This trade is an example of why teams shouldn’t sit on their assets for too long. Zach LaVine is a phenomenal basketball player, one that many teams would kill to have. He’s been on the trade market for years, but Chicago continued to put off trading him. Their consequence for doing so is that all they got in return for their star is one pick and some salary filler. It’s hard to imagine them not getting a more lucrative package had they traded him a long time ago.
That said, though, the first round pick they received is their own for 2025, rather than Sacramento’s or San Antonio’s. That means they can safely tank for the rest of this year knowing they’re guaranteed to have their own pick in the end. That’s a massive win, especially considering the 2025 draft class is supposed to be a good one. It’s an overwhelmingly positive thing that Chicago is starting their rebuild; they just should have done so earlier.
There has never been a crazier trade in NBA history than the one that went down tonight. That’s not even a hyperbole. The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis deal is so unbelievable, so earth-shattering, that the entire NBA world stopped in its tracks to question its legitimacy.
Where can we even begin in breaking it down?
Luka Doncic, when it’s all said and done, has a chance to be a top fifteen player to ever play the sport. He’s a Hall of Famer already at just 25-years-old, an absolutely franchise-altering force. With him on their team, the Mavericks were guaranteed to compete for championships for the next seven years at minimum.
Why on earth would you trade him away? Especially for a package including just one single measly first round pick?
ESPN lead reporter Shams Charania reported that the Mavs approached the Lakers with this deal, meaning Luka likely didn’t request out of Dallas. Therefore, there is only one main plausible explanation at this point in time. Luka has been a durable player overall in his career, but the Mavericks must be seriously concerned with the outlook of their young megastar’s health. He’s had lingering knee problems for a while, with the discomfort dating back to at least last year’s playoffs. The Slovenian also consistently comes into the season with questionable conditioning. Basically, the Mavericks must not believe Luka is physically capable of leading the team to a decade of success.
Now, with a core of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, Dallas’ championship window has gone from wide open to barely cracked. The duo of Davis and Irving will be enough to keep the team firmly in the playoffs for at least this year and next, but after that, things could get bleak fast. Their future has gone from one of the brightest in basketball to completely uncertain.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have now secured their next era-defining superstar. Dating back to Jerry West in the 60s, LA has almost always had an all-time great player at the helm. There’s something about that Hollywood magic that attracts the greats. Ending up with Luka Doncic out of absolute nowhere is probably their greatest pull yet. When LeBron (sadly) retires in the next couple years, Los Angeles will be able to not only remain extremely relevant but also extremely competitive. They’re set, it’s as simple as that.
Seeing Luka playing next to LeBron will be so awesome. When else has a top three player ever played with a future GOAT candidate? Their fit together on the court could be slightly clunky as both are ball-dominant playmakers, but it will be fun to watch regardless. Plus, the greats always figure things out.
Are the Lakers championship contenders now? Hot take: no. LA’s supporting cast is pretty underwhelming. They’ll need guys like Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent to make MASSIVE contributions and that just doesn’t seem likely.
Now is not the time for basketball discussion, though. This trade and its implications transcend what happens on the court. It’s also mind-blowing in every sense of the word.
More commentary to come on this deal. Goodnight, NBA fans.
Pat Spencer is one of the greatest collegiate lacrosse players ever. He’s the all-time Division 1 leader in assists, and he also ranks second in points. In 2019, he won the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman trophy. You would think, based on his resume, that he’d still be playing lacrosse somewhere. However, when he became the inaugural draft pick of the Premier Lacrosse League (an American professional league) in 2019, he never suited up. Instead, he opted to pursue basketball.
As crazy as that sounds, he made the right decision.
Welcome back to Two-Way Talents! This series highlights two-way contract players across the association that are balling out and staking a claim for a bigger role. The goal is to give unknown players the attention they deserve. This installment is about Pat Spencer, a lacrosse legend who is proving it’s never too late for a career switch.
After completing his four years as a lacrosse player at Loyola university, Spencer used his graduate eligibility to play basketball at Northwestern. He hadn’t played organized ball since high school, but he must have been putting in reps at the rec center because he became a key player for the Wildcats right away. The 6’3” guard averaged 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while starting 29 of his 31 games played. His performance in his lone year of college hoops was enough to land him in the G League after going undrafted in 2020.
Fast forward a few years, and Spencer is now on a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. He’s not just rotting away in the G, though. He gets legitimate minutes when the team suffers injuries and is a candidate to get his contract converted. Why has he earned the trust of Golden State’s staff? He plays the game the right way and fits into their system like a glove.
The Warriors play a legendary style of basketball. Their system is unique to them and it’s been the main catalyst (besides Steph Curry, of course) of the success they’ve had in the past decade. Unlike most of the league, the Dubs don’t set many ball screens or spam the pick-and-roll. Instead, their possessions feature fluid freestyle dance routines of off-ball picks, cuts, and handoffs. The ball never sticks in one man’s hands, and no man stops moving. Only certain players can play this read-and-react form of basketball, and Pat Spencer is one of them.
Watch here as Spencer drives off the handoff. He spots Siakam over-committing from the help side and kicks it out to an open Kyle Anderson, foregoing a good, but not great, look at a pullup middie. When Anderson attacks Siakam’s closeout, Spencer fills his place in the corner and then receives another handoff before curling into an easy jumper. Remind you of someone? (Hint: he’s the greatest shooter ever.)
On this play, pesky Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado disrupts an incoming Warriors zoom action. Spencer isn’t fazed. With Alvarado out of position after jumping the handoff, there’s an open lane for a back cut. Spencer reads and reacts, darting towards the basket right away for an easy floater.
Play after play, Pat Spencer makes the right decision. If he takes a shot, it’s going to be a good one. He might not convert every time (he’s shooting 37.8% from the field on the season), but a coach could never complain about his shot selection. If he doesn’t shoot, he’s going to find the open guy. Passing is the Maryland native’s biggest strength— he leads the Warriors in assists per 36 minutes with 7.9 and is second on the team behind Stephen Curry in assist percentage. Here Spencer slips out of a ball screen, sucks in the help, and dishes a dime to a wide open shooter. Watch the bench after Anderson’s shot— both coaches and players alike loved this play.
This is a picture-perfect pick-and-roll possession. The ever-crafty, ever-patient Spencer manipulates the defense to create an easy layup for Looney.
While it may seem like Pat Spencer is a system player, his basketball IQ and unselfishness make him extremely malleable. Every team would love to have a player like him. If he can start hitting threes more often (currently 20.0% from deep on the season on low volume), he could be trusted to play meaningful minutes in the postseason because he just doesn’t make mistakes.
The Warriors, and Northwestern before them, took a gamble by betting on a guy who spent his collegiate days playing an entirely different sport. It’s paid off, though, as they’ve unearthed a born basketball player in Pat Spencer.
The NBA trade deadline is almost here! We’ve already seen multiple deals go down this season involving notable names like Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Nick Richards. Hopefully, though, there is a lot more player movement to come. Here are seven mock deals that would shake up the league before February 6th.
Trade #1
Hawks receive: Brandon Ingram, Karlo Matkovic
Pelicans receive: Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., 2028 FRP via ATL, 2027 SRP via LAC, 2028 SRP via HOU
The Pelicans have had a nightmare season so far in 2024-25. Even though they’ve looked more competitive in recent weeks as their key players have gotten healthy, they’re still buried deep in the standings and it would take a miracle for them to make the playoffs. Even before this year’s struggles, there were many questions about the ceiling of the team’s core. This lost season is the perfect time for them to retool the roster, and they could start by trading Brandon Ingram. Ingram, a one-time All-Star, has done a lot for this franchise. However, he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and with no guarantees he’ll return, it would be smart for New Orleans to trade him before potentially losing him for nothing.
The Hawks are a very intriguing suiter for the slender star. They have been better than many expected this season and have a real chance at making the postseason. Their success has been fueled by their well-rounded squad headlined by Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels. Atlanta is missing one thing, though, and that’s another go-to scorer who can take over on any given night. De’Andre Hunter has been masquerading as a second option, but he’s too unproven (for now) to be relied upon to that capacity. Acquiring Brandon Ingram would give the Hawks a second player who can create for themselves and others in a playoff setting, immediately making the team a sneaky threat to the top dogs in the East. They’ve beat Cleveland twice and Boston once this season already— imagine what they could do if they added Ingram.
Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. are both on expiring contracts. Atlanta wouldn’t miss them, as their backup center Onyeka Okongwu often plays more than Capela, and Nance Jr. isn’t consistently in the rotation. Karlo Matkovic, a 2024 Summer League standout, would replenish some depth in their big man room. Both teams would have control over their own destiny after this trade, with the Hawks having the option not to extend Ingram and the Pelicans having more money to spend elsewhere with the contracts of Capela and Nance Jr. coming off their books. Overall, this would be a win-win.
Trade #2
Warriors receive: Nikola Vucevic
Bulls receive: Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson, Gui Santos, 2026 FRP via GSW
In the twilight of Steph Curry’s career, the Warriors are looking to give their franchise GOAT one last hurrah. There’s one problem though— they’re not good enough to do so. As currently constructed, the Dubs are too inconsistent and young to compete for anything besides a chance to lose to the Thunder in the first round. Steph needs help. Enter Nikola Vucevic.
Vucevic has quietly been operating at an All-Star level this year. He’s back to shooting well over 40% from deep while still operating in the post and rebounding the ball as reliably as ever. His offensive skill set would be a nice fit in Golden State’s offense and he’d give the team many more possibilities at the five than they currently have with Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney. Don’t ask about the defense, that’s what Draymond Green is there for.
The Bulls, unlike the Warriors, should be trying to lose. Therefore, they’d be happy to part ways with one of the guys anchoring them to mediocrity in exchange for an always valuable first round pick. The pick is the main appeal for them here— Payton II and Anderson would likely be buyout candidates as the team heads in a more youthful direction.
This move wouldn’t turn Golden State into a contender overnight, but it would make them considerably better. At the same time, they wouldn’t be sacrificing any key pieces of their future. Considering the comments Curry and Draymond Green have made about sacrificing long-term assets, this trade would be the perfect one to keep them happy.
Trade #3
Thunder receive: Cameron Johnson
Nets receive: Isaiah Joe, Ousmane Dieng, 2025 FRP via LAC, 2025 SRP via ATL, 2027 SRP via OKC
The Thunder are the best team in basketball right now (besides maybe Cleveland). They already have everything it takes to win a championship, from a top-five player in his prime to an elite defense. On top of all that, they have a gluttonous excess of draft picks stockpiled. Why not use some of them to get even better? If the young superteam has one weakness, it’s their lack of true three-point snipers. Cam Johnson would eliminate that hole.
Johnson is one of the hottest commodities on the trade market. He’s had a phenomenal season for the tanking Nets, putting up a very efficient 20 points a game. The former Tar Heel is one of the premier off-ball threats in the game. He would be the final stone in OKC’s infinity gauntlet, making them borderline unstoppable. His fit there would be enough to make a hoops nerd drool. Johnson would be lethal flying off an Isaiah Hartenstein handoff or spotting up while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives. Making this trade happen would certify Oklahoma City as title favorites.
(Note that all of this talk about OKC being the favorite is dependent on Chet Holmgren returning in time for the playoffs.)
Trade #4
Rockets receive: Collin Sexton, Patty Mills
Jazz receive: Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, 2027 FRP via HOU
The Rockets have been a force to be reckoned with this regular season, but they lack the scoring punch needed to make a deep playoff run. Many people are against the team putting in its chips early and acquiring a big star to fill that gap. This deal is a less risky alternative. Collin Sexton is one of the most underrated players in ball. The “Young Bull” is an efficient microwave scorer from all three levels who plays with his heart on his sleeve. He hustles hard every night and sets an example as a leader. Sexton is built to play winning basketball, and yet, he’s never been to the playoffs in his career. Landing in Houston would change that. Sexton could elevate the team as a super sixth man or even take Fred VanVleet’s starting spot, as the vet has underperformed this season from an offensive standpoint.
The Jazz may be hesitant to part with their lead guard, as he’s just 26 and has been so good for them. However, the team isn’t going to start competing seriously anytime soon, and this return package for Sexton would help them more in the long run. Cam Whitmore is just 20 years old and was once considered a top-five caliber draft prospect. He’s been somewhat buried in Houston’s depth chart but could really flourish in a bigger opportunity in Salt Lake City. The first-round pick is nice, too.
Trade #5
Grizzlies receive: Jerami Grant, Duop Reath
Trail Blazers receive: Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, 2026 SRP via MIA, 2027 SRP via ATL, 2030 SRP via DAL
Perhaps no team in the league is deeper than the Memphis Grizzlies. Their front office has an eagle eye for young talent— they’ve found countless hidden gems in recent years, from Desmond Bane to Jay Huff. If this squad wants to make a deep postseason run, though, they could benefit from consolidating their depth into some higher-end talent. Jerami Grant is a quality starter at minimum who has averaged 20+ points in three different seasons. He could be the glue that holds Memphis’ starting lineup together with his well-rounded game. Grant is having a down year, averaging 15 points on an abysmal 38% from the field. However, Portland is one of the worst situations in the league right now. The stocky forward would likely return to form for the much more structured and competitive Grizzlies.
Memphis wouldn’t have to part ways with any important young players to get this deal done since Grant’s stock is low. Marcus Smart has been injury-prone since becoming a Grizzly, making him easily expendable for a team that is built on a next-man-up mentality.
Trade #6
Magic receive: Corey Kispert
Wizards receive: Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan, 2026 FRP via ORL
Despite facing injury after injury to key players, Orlando has maintained a top seed in the East throughout the season. Their ability to completely muck up games with their stifling defense is reminiscent of 90’s style basketball— they hold opponents to the second least points per game in the NBA. Unfortunately, while the young Magic excel at stopping baskets from being made, they themselves can’t score. The team ranks 30th in points per game and 28th in offensive rating! They’re also dead last in three-point percentage and three-point makes. If the Magic want to hang with juggernauts like Boston and Cleveland in the playoffs, they need more guys who can put the ball in the hoop. Corey Kispert does exactly that.
Kispert isn’t a creator, but he’s about as good as it gets as an off-ball scorer. He’s a career 38% three-point shooter who can confidently knock down any type of triple in the book. When defenses take away his outside shot, the 6’7” wing is a decisive cutter and closeout attacker. He would mesh very well with Orlando’s stars on offense. Kispert is set to make just $13 million a year through 2028-29, an incredibly cheap deal for a good role player in today’s climate.
Washington, like the aforementioned Jazz, is far away from being a playoff team. Corey Kispert is a valuable asset already entering his prime age-wise, and trading him now would be smart for their rebuild as they would net a first-rounder and also clear up more minutes for younger prospects like 2024 draftee Kyshawn George.
Trade #7
Clippers receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Terance Mann, P.J. Tucker, 2026 SRP via LAC
No Kawhi Leonard, no problem. Even in the absence of their franchise player, the Clippers have been able to stick firmly in the playoff race. Leonard is back now, and if he ramps up to star form and stays healthy, this team has the potential to win a series or two come April. Bruce Brown would help them do just that. Brown is a championship role player currently stuck on a rebuilding team, and his junkyard dog services would be much more valuable if he was brought to Los Angeles. He would fit right in with the defensive culture the team has established this season.
The Raptors have a history of falling in love with lengthy, versatile wings. They might be able to unearth some of Terance Mann’s lost potential. P.J. Tucker is just in this trade for salary purposes— he is currently away from the Clippers and hasn’t played a game this season. Nobody knows what he’s up to.
The Brooklyn Nets are in full tank mode. Throughout the early season, they’ve been a frisky trap game machine that has won more games than the front office would probably prefer. However, the Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith trades (as well as the Cam Johnson trade likely coming soon) have already taken the wheels off the forward momentum this team had, as they are 3-9 since trading Schroder and 1-5 since trading Finney-Smith. The Nets should comfortably be one of the worst teams going forward this season, and that’s exactly the plan.
In a rebuilding season like this, with the team’s priority not being winning, focus instead turns to the development and evaluation of players on the roster. Many young guys usually get a chance on tanking teams, and the Nets have not differed from this practice, as 13 of their current players are 25 years old or younger. The question now is, which players should be part of the organization’s long-term plans? Here is a list of every young Net ranked and tiered by what role and importance they should hold going forward.
TIER 1: TRUE CORE PIECES(?)
1: Nic Claxton
2: Cam Thomas
Claxton and Thomas are clearly the two top prospects on this team, and they are the only two who are guaranteed to be good players for years to come. Claxton, who has dropped off since his DPOY-caliber 2022-23 campaign (perhaps due to being in a worse situation), is still an all-league defender with incredible versatility on both ends of the floor. The big man’s wiry frame allows for artfully fluid movement, and he uses that trait to capably cover any position on defense and attack the paint in a variety of ways offensively. Thomas is an All-Star level scorer, which is no secret at this point. Few players in basketball have been better pure bucket-getters than him this season. However, his mostly one-dimensional game makes him a super tough player to evaluate. What type of role could he play on a contender?
Despite being miles ahead of their Brooklyn peers in the talent department, both these guys are candidates to be traded in the near future. For that reason, they can’t be called true franchise building blocks. Claxton, who will turn 26 in April, is already a proven force in this league who will likely draw impressive trade offers from playoff teams as soon as the upcoming trade deadline. Thomas’ rookie contract expires this summer, and the Nets may not want to be the team that pays a guy with such uncertain competitive value and scalability. Ultimately, this Brooklyn squad is a blank slate, which is what makes them such an interesting team right now (if you’re an NBA nerd, that is). Their true core piece will be whoever they draft in the lottery in June.
TIER 2: SOLIDIFIED ROTATION CALIBER
3: Noah Clowney
In the age of stretch bigs, Noah Clowney fits right into the fad. The Alabama product has converted 38.5% of his 5.3 three-point attempts per game, a combination of efficiency and volume that marks a legitimate threat from outside. He’s poured in some huge performances as a starter and as a bench guy this season, including a 20-point outing in a stunning win over Milwaukee in which he knocked down six of his nine deep tries. The sophomore already has his trusty shot as an NBA level skill, and he has the potential to do a lot more at a high level. Like Claxton, Clowney can move pretty well defensively and offers some solid weakside rim protection and switchability. The 20-year-old has a lot of growth left to do, but it’s safe to bet on him playing a rotation role in the league for years to come.
4: Keon Johnson
Keon Johnson is a consistent jumper away from being a Bruce Brown-esque junkyard wing. He’s one of the most underrated athletes in the association, boasting some extremely impressive quickness and burst that he uses to harass opponents defensively and lacerate the lane relentlessly on offense. The Tennessee product has been given the biggest opportunity of his young career this season, and he’s produced very well. In his last 10 games, he’s averaging 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His increased playing time has allowed for his skill to start catching up to his natural tools, and it won’t be long before he’s a highly coveted role player.
5: Day’Ron Sharpe
Backup centers in the NBA usually are given a pretty straightforward job description. Rebound, set screens, protect the rim, and (sometimes) replicate the starter’s playstyle as best as you can. Day’Ron Sharpe excels at these tasks. The 2024 Bench Mob Blog All-Star has a knack for making his ball handlers look better with his P&R skills, as he’s a high-feel screener and roller with awesome lob-catching ability. He’s also an energetic rebounder who sometimes looks small out there compared to other centers but makes up for that deficit with heart. Sharpe’s ceiling is lower than that of Clowney and Johnson, but his floor is just as high, if not higher.
TIER 3: INTRIGUING FRINGE GUYS
6: Jalen Wilson
Well-rounded forwards fill a ton of rotation spots across the league, and Jalen Wilson fits that archetype. The 24-year-old won a national championship with Kansas during his college days, and he’s brought a winning playstyle to the pros. Like many young players at his position, though, Wilson will need to be a dependable marksman to truly succeed in the league. He is currently a 32.1% three-point shooter for his career.
7: Ziaire Williams
Considering he was drafted 10th overall in 2021, Williams can probably be considered a bust at this point. That said, though, he still has avenues to contributing to a team on a night-to-night basis. He’s been able to play some nice spot minutes for Brooklyn this season, even starting some games, because of his bothersome defense on the wing. Like Wilson, Williams can really stick if he improves his jumpshot.
8: Tyrese Martin
If Martin wasn’t already almost 26 years old, he would be higher on this ranking. The former 51st overall pick is essentially a rookie, as he played just 66 total minutes during his real first year and wasn’t on an NBA team at all in 2023-24. Martin, who burst onto the scene with his 30-point masterpiece versus Phoenix on November 27th, offers a fascinating combination of shooting, ball handling, and passing on the wing. His three-point efficiency has steadily declined since he first entered the rotation, but if he can bring that number back up, he can find a home in the league.
9: Tosan Evbuomwan
The newest Net, Tosan Evbuomwan has already been thrown straight into the fire, playing 20+ minutes in each of his first three games with the team. He was clearly ready for his chance, dropping eight points and six rebounds on January 6th versus Indiana and 13 points and seven rebounds in the following game versus Detroit. The two-way contract man has impressive ball skills for a power forward, possessing the ability to slash to the hoop and finish with craft and finesse. Also, as a rookie in 2023-24, he shot 37.5% from three. At just 23 years old, Evbuomwan is a project worth investing in.
10: Trendon Watford
Fourth-year man Trendon Watford is like an older version of Evbuomwan. He can make plays for himself and others with the ball in his hands, just not consistently enough to make him an impact player nightly. Still, he can put up some notable performances, such as his 10-point outing against Charlotte on November 19th in which he dropped seven points in the fourth quarter to help lift the Nets to a win. Watford could be a useful player somewhere, it just might not be Brooklyn.
11: Reece Beekman
Beekman, another two-way contract player, joined Brookyln as part of the Dennis Schroder deal. The rookie was a prolific defender in college and has already shown some of that juice in the spot minutes he’s received since becoming a Net. Like most little guards, the 6’1” Beekman will need to consistently hit shots from behind the arc to be a rotational piece. If he does, he could be a super nice player.
TIER 4: UNFORTUNATELY, PROBABLY NOT NBA PLAYERS
12: Dariq Whitehead
Dariq Whitehead, a 2023 first round pick, scored 75% of his career points in one game in early December when he dropped 18 against the Bulls. Otherwise, he’s been extremely injury-riddled and has played just seven total games in the NBA. The Duke product hasn’t produced well in the G League when he’s played down there, and if he can’t consistently stay healthy, the Nets would be better off rolling the dice on another player.
13: Maxwell Lewis
Speaking of injuries, Maxwell Lewis suffered a left tibia fracture in his first appearance as a Net this season after being traded there from the Lakers. When he was in LA as a rookie last season, he posted 11 total points and 10 total turnovers in 34 games played. Lewis is very raw and still has upside, but he hasn’t really flashed anything intriguing so far and he might not get a chance to do so anytime soon after his bad break.
The Jimmy Butler era is coming to a close in Miami, and it’s not the happy ending fans would have wanted. Butler came out in an interview and said he is losing his joy playing basketball with the Heat. This is evident on the court, as the superstar’s effort isn’t there on a night-to-night basis and the team’s performance is taking a hit as a result. The bottom line is Butler and the Heat organization aren’t getting what they want from each other, and therefore a breakup is inevitable.
Butler claims he is open to playing for any of the other 29 teams in the league, and there will certainly be multiple interested suitors. Jimmy’s track record speaks for itself. He’s unstoppable when he wants to be and he can lead teams to success when it matters most. A guy with that sort of pedigree is incredibly valuable, even when he’s aging and potentially not the same level of player he used to be. That’s the question, though: what version of Jimmy Butler would a team get if they traded for him? Who’s willing to take a gamble on the 35-year-old making nearly $50 million who can’t even be trusted to consistently give effort in the regular season? Heck, who should be interested?
Enter the Houston Rockets.
One of the youngest teams in basketball, the Rockets have taken the NBA by storm this season. After being painfully awful for years post-Harden, they’ve erupted to the top of the Western Conference in 2024-25 and have held a top five seed for months. They’re winning games behind the efforts of their hivemind defense that has junked up games all year long, and nothing about it screams, or even whispers, fluke. Ime Udoka has turned this team into a legitimate powerhouse.
They do, however, have one major flaw that will hold them back from maintaining this type of competitiveness come playoff time. Teams that go on deep runs always have a guy, someone they can lean on to take over big games or even entire series. We’re talking a guy like Jimmy Butler. Houston doesn’t currently have a true number one option, let alone someone who can put the entire city on his back in the postseason. That’s why they need to go rescue Butler from South Beach.
The fit just makes too much sense. Butler has built his reputation on being a grinder, someone who takes pride in doing the dirty work and wants the win more than anyone. The Rockets have established a defensive culture where everyone gives their all on that end. Offensively, they want to slow the pace and push defenses to their limits by relentlessly attacking the paint. Simply put, they play Butler Ball. They just need the man himself to step in and be their leader. Acquiring Jimmy wouldn’t mess up Houston’s identity, it would make it stronger. He would be someone the young and hungry team could lean on both on the court and in the locker room. It’s a match made in heaven.
Some have argued that the Rockets should wait before putting their chips in and trading for a big star. Their entire core is young, they have no reason to rush. That’s fair, and H-Town’s management may feel that way. However, it’s worth considering that Butler is on just 1+1 deal, with his second year (2025-26) being a player option. This wouldn’t have to be a long term investment. It also wouldn’t be a move that destroys everything the organization has built. Fred VanVleet’s contract alone would make the money for a Butler trade work, but it could also be done through a combination of Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, and Reed Sheppard. No deal drawn up would come even close to depleting Houson’t war chest of assets, as they’ve accumulated a deep group of promising players as well as a sizable selection of picks. Most of Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore would be able to remain in Houston and play alongside Butler.
Of course, all of this fantasizing is assuming Butler would snap out of his slacker streak when he joins his new team. It’s a gamble, no doubt, but it wouldn’t be a costly one and the odds that he would be happy and motivated as a Rocket given the culture of the team seem high. Overall, Houston is the ideal destination for Jimmy Butler. The pairing may not happen, but if it doesn’t, both parties will regret it when the playoffs are over.
Anytime is a good time to work on and better yourself, but the new year is the popular time to make changes that improve life. With 2025 just hours away, here is a collection of NBA-inspired thoughts and resolutions to keep in mind as you enter a new season of your life.
Be yourself
The world has never seen a basketball player like Victor Wembanyama. His physical attributes are extraterrestrial and his skills are otherworldly in their own right. He is special because he is truly unique, a one-of-one person, and he won’t change for anybody. There is so much power in being unapologetically yourself and sticking to the things that make you you. In 2025, be the Wemby of your family, school, job, or basketball team. Channel the combination of talents you have that no one else does and you will shine.
Be well-rounded
Gone is the age of specialists in the NBA. Players need to be good at multiple things to succeed. The Boston Celtics dominated the league in 2023-24 because they had no holes. All of their players, especially superstar Jayson Tatum, embody what it means to be versatile. In life, you can dominate like the Celtics if you expand your game. Try new things. Hone multiple skills. If you’re good at many things, you’ll be valuable in any situation.
Add by subtracting
When Paul George left the Clippers for the 76ers last summer, Norman Powell described the move as “addition by subtraction”. He got some flack for the statement, but he’s come out backing up what he said this season by playing career-best basketball and helping keep the Clippers firmly in playoff contention. This year, find the obstacles blocking you from being great and get rid of them. Whether it’s fake friends, lack of motivation, or a bad coach, subtract the negativity from your life and become the star you know you can be.
Bet on yourself
One of the greatest undrafted players the sport has seen, Fred VanVleet has gotten to where he is today under the guidance of his mantra: bet on yourself. In 2025, bet on your success and double down. Take chances and risks with the belief that things will work out. Apply to your dream school. Ask that person for their number. Start that new blog. If you believe in anyone on earth, make sure it’s you!
Find voices of guidance
The young Spurs have overperformed this season, and a big reason why has been the steady veteran presence and leadership provided by future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul and NBA champion Harrison Barnes. As a young person, it’s invaluable to have a role model or two who you can go to for advice and knowledge when you need it. Even when you’re older, you still need to have people whose wisdom and opinions you trust surrounding you. Having positive voices who can show you the ropes and help guide you through the ins and outs of life will help you reach new heights.
Work hard at everything you do
Everyone knows the story of the improbable rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Once a gangly awkward teenager starting life in a new country, the Greek Freak ascended to NBA legend status by grinding nonstop and never giving up. In 2025, put your best effort into everything you do. Strive for excellence with every school assignment, blog post, or drill at practice. You can’t be great if you don’t put in the work!
Smile more!
Did you know that it’s psychologically true that if you fake a smile, you will eventually start to feel happy? It’s no fun being sad, and life is infinitely better if you can find joy in anything you do. Approach every day with the same positive, room-enlightening attitude that Boban Marjanovic brings to the basketball court. When you do, you’ll find that everything is better.
Feel free to share your own resolutions for 2025 with @finleykuehl on X. Happy New Year, Bench Mob fans.
The Bench Mob Blog 