The Houston Rockets season is over. It was an incredibly successful campaign overall, and they and their fans should be proud. However, their series against the Warriors exposed some big weaknesses in their roster construction that need to be addressed if they want to truly compete in the playoffs next year.
Let’s just rip the Band-Aid off. After the playoffs, it’s clear that Alperen Sengun cannot be Houston’s franchise player for the future.
That may seem harsh or even flat-out false at first. After all, Sengun was far-and-away the best Rocket in the postseason. He averaged 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals, upping his production in almost every area compared to the regular season. He was often tasked with putting the team on his back and creating something out of nothing, and did an admirable job of delivering at times. Yet, it became obvious throughout the series that he can’t be leaned into that heavily if a deep playoff run is the goal. Game 7 was a good example of why.
In the season-ending loss, Sengun posted 21 points on 9-23 shooting while adding five assists and three turnovers. His plus/minus of -12 was tied for the game low with Tari Eason. Of course, this was the 22-year-old’s first playoff run, and excelling in a Game 7 scenario at his age with his responsibility is almost unheard of. Still, his performance left a lot to be desired in terms of his process. Sengun’s playstyle was the main cause of struggles he had in the playoffs.
Sengun’s game is built on a combination of power and finesse sometimes reminiscent of Nikola Jokic. He wants to get to his spots in the post and finish inside. However, he doesn’t have the quickness, strength, or dexterity to consistently carve out easy looks. In the playoffs, he had a tough time going against guys like Draymond Green and Kevon Looney one-on-one because he wasn’t able to move them out of the way and create space. This often led to ill-advised, awkward looking hooks and push shots that he wasn’t converting at a high level.
That’s the other problem— Sengun’s touch is not good enough for a guy whose game often relies on finesse more than anything. He struggles with efficiency too much for someone of his size. His 49.1% true shooting rate in the playoffs ranked in the 29th percentile, via Shotcreator. In the larger sample size of the regular season, his true shooting rate of 54.5% was in the 32nd percentile. It’s not like Sengun takes a ton of jumpshots— 67.2.% of his shots in the Warriors series came inside of 10 feet. He struggles to finish because his touch is not elite and he doesn’t create advantages. The only time he truly warrants a double team or extra help is when a much smaller player is switched onto him. Even then, he doesn’t always brush those flies off, and he can be prone to committing charging fouls if he ramps up his aggression when trying to attack the basket.
The big fella’s lack of advantage creation becomes concerning when considering how much offensive responsibility he currently carries for Houston. You can’t give him the ball and tell him to get a bucket at any time. Additionally, despite the fact that he’s a good passer, he can’t be a primary playmaker because he doesn’t break down defenses. Teams are unafraid to let him go one-on-one for an entire game. That’s why Houston still needs to find their true franchise player.
None of this is meant to take away from what Sengun has accomplished. The 22-year-old is an All-Star who just led a team to the number two seed in a stacked Western Conference. He’s a really good player who is only going to get better. However, his playstyle won’t ever make him a viable number one option on a contending team, and that’s okay. With his ability to screen, roll, be a connective passer, and score inside, he would be a fantastic complementary star next to a true top dog who plays on the perimeter. The Rockets need to find a guard or wing who can carry their offense and lead them in big games. If Houston wants to improve next year, they should be calling about Devin Booker, Trae Young, and LaMelo Ball this summer. A core of (insert star here), Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson would make them one of the scariest teams in the league. Then, they would need to prioritize adding some more shooters around those guys in order to provide enough spacing for them to operate. Sengun could look better in iso if he didn’t have to operate in a cramped paint.
Overall, despite their current flaws, the contending potential is there for Houston. They’re young, they have a winning culture, and they have a ton of assets. A couple big moves this summer would set them up for serious success.
Picking NBA awards was as tough as ever this year. The 65 game requirement meant that usual pen-in selections like Luka Doncic for All-NBA or now Victor Wembanyama for All-Defense/DPOY were no longer eligible, leaving races much more wide open and tough to decide. And, even with the games played restriction, there was still a long list of deserving candidates and mentions for each award. That said, I’ve narrowed down my final picks. Here are the official 2024-25 Bench Mob Blog NBA awards, including all the real awards as well as the annual Bench Mob Player of the Year and All-Bench-Mob teams.
(Note: the results of the BMB fan award survey will be included under each of my picks, where my friends and followers on X submitted their votes for each award.)
(Second note: for brevity, ineligible players such as Doncic and Wembanyama will not be listed anywhere. Honorable mention lists will only include eligible guys.)
(Third and final note: my Clutch Player of the Year pick is Jalen Brunson, with Nikola Jokic and Tyrese Haliburton as the runner-ups. Didn’t feel the need to write a whole section for the award.)
Coach of the Year
Honorable Mentions: J.B. Bickerstaff, Tyronn Lue, Joe Mazzulla, Jordi Fernandez
Finalist: Kenny Atkinson
In his first season back as a head coach after 4+ years of being an assistant, Kenny Atkinson proved to be arguably the best in the biz. He maximized Cleveland’s roster on both ends of the floor and turned them into a two-way juggernaut. This year’s Cavs won the second most games in the history of the franchise, and Atkinson’s guidance is one of the biggest reasons for their success.
Finalist: Mark Daigneault
The Thunder were an utterly dominant force this year, holding onto the one seed with basically no sweat despite the depth and competitiveness in the West. They did so with Chet Holmgren playing just 32 games and Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell missing major time as well. Mark Daigneault’s coaching turned a young, hungry, and shorthanded OKC squad into an all-time good team and he deserves a ton of credit for it.
Finalist: Ime Udoka
Few coaches in recent years have done a better job of establishing a culture than Ime Udoka. He transformed a once unstructured and immature Rockets squad into a polished defensive goliath. Houston surged to heights many didn’t expect from them this year, and Udoka’s orchestration sent them on that trajectory.
2024-25 Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson
(BMB Fan COTY: Kenny Atkinson. Also receiving votes: J.B. Bickerstaff, I. Udoka, M. Daigneault, T. Lue, J. Redick, J. Fernandez, J. Mazzulla)
Sixth Man of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Ty Jerome, Naz Reid, Caris LeVert, Keldon Johnson, Aaron Wiggins, Buddy Hield, Gary Trent Jr.
Finalist: Malik Beasley
Five players in NBA history have made 300+ threes in a season: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Klay Thompson, Anthony Edwards, and Malik Beasley. Only one of them came off the bench when they did it. Beasley was the best pure shooter in the league this season, and the work he did from behind the arc was instrumental in Detroit’s shocking turnaround. Not only was he a huge contributor on the court, the journeyman wing was also a high-quality vet who brought great leadership and vibes to Detroit’s youthful locker room. No other sixth man was as important to their team in 2024-25 as Malik Beasley.
Finalist: De’Andre Hunter
De’Andre Hunter led the association in bench points per game this season. He started the year on a heater with the Hawks, turning himself into one of the most coveted assets on the trade market. Before the All-Star break, the former 4th overall pick averaged 18.8 points. In December, he put up 22.7 points on 52/49/87 splits. Once he landed in Cleveland, Hunter didn’t miss a beat and continued to be a highly effective scoring option. While he isn’t the All-Star some may have envisioned him becoming when he was drafted, Hunter has become a star in his role.
Finalist: Payton Pritchard
While Hunter led the league in bench points per game, it was Payton Pritchard who surpassed all other sixth men in total points. The little guard made a massive impact for a Celtics team that won 61 games. Any given night, Pritchard can catch fire and cook like a number one option. In 10 games without Jayson Tatum this season, he averaged 19.0 points and 5.3 assists. Pritchard is the definition of a microwave and the ideal sixth man.
2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year: Malik Beasley
(BMB Fan 6MOY: Payton Pritchard. Also receiving votes: M. Beasley, T. Jerome, D. Hunter, C. LeVert, N. Reid, R. Westbrook)
When Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left in free agency, it was clear that another Nugget would need to step up and fill his place to help the team remain in contention. Christian Braun made that leap. The third-year wing fits like a glove in lineups next to Nikola Jokic because of his willingness to cut, run the floor in transition, and cash in big triples. Braun averaged career-highs in every single category, including field goal percentage (58.0%) and three-point percentage (39.7%), while appearing in 79 games. His improved play was integral in Denver’s playoff push.
Finalist: Dyson Daniels
The Pelicans acquired the more talented player, but it’s safe to say the Hawks feel like they won the Dejounte Murray-Dyson Daniels swap they made in the offseason. Daniels did things we’ve never seen before on defense this season, leading the league with 3.0 steals (1.2 more than second place) while also swatting 0.7 shots per game. Along with becoming an All-Defensive lock, the Great Barrier Thief also took big strides on offense. His 14.1 points per game, 4.4 assists per game, and 49.3% field goal percentage were career highs, and he showed strong poise as a driver and playmaker.
Finalist: Ivica Zubac
The Clippers didn’t just tread water without Kawhi Leonard for most of the season, they swam like Michael Phelps. Outside of James Harden, no one on the team was more crucial to their success than Ivica Zubac. The big fella played at an all-league level at both ends, converting layups and hook shots at video game rates and wardening the paint for a top-three defense. Zubac’s 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists were all career-bests.
2024-25 Most Improved Player: Christian Braun
(BMB Fan MIP: Dyson Daniels. Also receiving votes: C. Braun, T. Jerome, Q. Grimes, C. Cunningham, I. Zubac, C. Johnson, T. Herro, E. Mobley, S. Aldama)
Defensive Player of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Amen Thompson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Dyson Daniels, Jarrett Allen, Luguentz Dort
Finalist: Draymond Green
An all-time great defender, Draymond Green is still locking up (and letting you hear about it) at a best-in-the-world level in his post-prime years. He averaged over one steal and one block per game for the seventh time in his career this year. The disdain surrounding his personal push to win DPOY is unfortunately covering up the fact that he should have been in the race all along. The Warriors were one of the best defenses in the league throughout the season with Draymond as the anchor, and the post-Butler trade stretch of dominance is just the cherry on top of a convincing campaign for the Dancing Bear.
Finalist: Evan Mobley
The two most important defensive attributes in today’s NBA are rim protection and versatility. Evan Mobley is elite in both areas. He won two Defensive Player of the Month awards this season while finishing fifth in the league in blocks per game and ranking in the 66th percentile of defensive versatility across all positions (Stat via CraftedNBA. Amongst just bigs, he’s even higher). Mobley was the nucleus of the 64-win Cavaliers and their eighth-ranked defense. In 2023, he was DPOY runner-up, but this year, he’s on track to finish first.
Finalist: Ivica Zubac
The Clippers built their foundation on defense this year, finishing third in the NBA in defensive rating. That wouldn’t have been possible without Ivica Zubac. A mammoth in the interior, Zubac walled up the rim and deterred or altered countless shots with his combination of size and flawless fundamentals. Los Angeles allowed 6.9 fewer points per possession defensively when Zubac was on the court versus off it. Big Zu’s block numbers don’t jump off the screen (1.1 per game), but his impact does.
2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley
(BMB Fan DPOY: Evan Mobley. Also receiving votes: D. Green, D. Daniels, Am. Thompson, I. Zubac, L. Dort, J. Jackson Jr., J. Allen, O. Anunoby, B. Adebayo)
Stephon Castle carried a bigger load than any other rookie this season. He ranked 41st in the entire league in usage rate, largely a result of injuries to Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. That’s a daunting load for a 20-year-old guard, but Castle confidently accepted the responsibility and showcased star upside. The UConn product led all rookies in points and steals, getting it done on both ends. His tact as a driver, playmaker, and defender made him look like a veteran at times. Castle had some growing pains, as most one-and-dones do, but he proved that his potential is limitless.
Finalist: Zaccharie Risacher
No rookie was more polished than Zaccharie Risacher this season. As a starter for the Hawks, he did so many little things to help them win, from cutting, to relocating, to junking things up on defense. He did loud things too, like scoring 30+ points four times, more than any other freshman. Risacher finished the season second amongst rookies in total points, fourth in three-pointers, and fifth in minutes played. He may not be the superstar number one pick we’ve become accustomed to seeing, but he has a high floor and hasn’t even begun scratching his ceiling.
Finalist: Alex Sarr
Two Frenchmen in the top three? You betcha! Alex Sarr was Bench Mob Blog’s number one prospect in the 2024 class, and he lived up to the hype in year one. His offense was raw as expected, but he did some encouraging stuff on that end, averaging 13.0 points and 2.4 assists while flashing high-level stretch big and passing hub chops. It was defensively where he really shone, though. Sarr ranked seventh in the NBA in blocks per game. He’s a versatile monster with the potential to become an Evan Mobley type stopper. Sarr is a lump of clay who could be molded into something spectacular.
2024-25 Rookie of the Year: Zaccharie Risacher
(BMB Fan ROTY: Stephon Castle. Also receiving votes: Z. Risacher, J. Wells, A. Sarr, B. Carrington, Y. Missi, M. Buzelis, K. Ware)
Most Valuable Player
Honorable Mention: Jayson Tatum
Finalist: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The greatest player Milwaukee has ever seen put his team on his back this season. He tore up the competition on both ends of the floor, putting up Wilt Chamberlain numbers regularly on his way to a second consecutive 30+ PPG, 60+ FG% campaign. On top of his otherworldly interior scoring and defense, Giannis has officially added elite playmaking to his bag. He closed out another MVP worthy campaign with five triple doubles in his last six games and is now in full go mode for the playoffs.
Finalist: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After winning a league-best 68 games, Oklahoma City is in prime position to run through the league for a championship, and they wouldn’t be here without their homegrown superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Last year’s MVP runner-up, Gilgeous-Alexander has made it nearly impossible to deny him twice with the all-time season he just had. Not only did he pace the league with 32.7 points per game, he led the NBA in 20 point games, 30 point games, 40 point games, AND 50 point games while also making a real All-Defense case. Shai and his team are both on an all-time trajectory, and the Canadian guard is destined to win multiple MVPs (and FMVPs) in his career.
Finalist: Nikola Jokic
Every year, the Joker does things we’ve never seen before on a basketball court. In 2024-25, he became the first center and third player ever to average a triple double while nearly joining the exclusive 50/40/90 club. His final statline was 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals on 58/42/80 splits. That’s unfathomable stuff. Even if he doesn’t win MVP, Nikola Jokic is still the best player in the world, and he’ll be determined to hold on to his crown in the playoffs.
2024-25 Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(BMB Fan MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Also receiving votes: N. Jokic, G. Antetokounmpo)
Bench Mob Player of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Johnny Juzang, Jared Butler, Jamison Battle, Tosan Evbuomwan, Jeff Dowtin, Brandon Williams
Finalist: Moussa Diabate
Moussa Diabate’s Bench Mob Player of the Year case can be summed up with two stats. First, he became the first player in history to start the season on a two-way contract and lead his team in games played (shoutout to @hornetshoops_ on X for that one). Second, he ranked 18th in the league in total offensive rebounds despite finishing 226th in total minutes. In his limited playing time, Diabate was one of the most impactful reserves in the association. With Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic both having uncertain futures in Charlotte, he could be a starter as soon as next year.
Diabate won seven Bench Mob Player of the Day awards this season, tying him for second on the season leaderboard. He also made the 2025 Bench Mob All-Star team.
Finalist: Jay Huff
Jay Huff came out of the gates hot this year. He averaged 9.6 points and 1.5 blocks on 54/44/69 splits through October and November, and the Grizzlies converted his two-way contract into a standard one in the first week of the season. While his emergence was surprising to many, those who had seen Huff play in the G League, Summer League, and with the Wizards in 2023 knew his breakthrough was inevitable. In his first real NBA season, the big man showed the world what he’s capable of. He’s one of the most valuable third-stringers in the sport with his 3&D capabilities, and he could play a much bigger role on many teams.
Huff won 10 Bench Mob Player of the Day awards this season, which not only led the league, but is also an all-time single season record dating back to the first year of Bench Mob awards, 2021-22. He also made the 2025 Bench Mob All-Star team.
Finalist: Tyrese Martin
In 2023-24, Tyrese Martin wasn’t in the NBA at all. He was phased out of the league after a quiet rookie season with the Hawks. However, he earned a second chance on a two-way contract with the Nets in training camp, and he took the opportunity and showed why he deserves to stick. Martin’s coming out party was against the Suns on November 27th. He netted 30 points on 10/13 shooting with eight triples in that game and didn’t fall out of Brooklyn’s rotation after that. Like Diabate and Huff, Martin earned a contract conversion during the season. He finished sixth on his team in minutes played and seventh in total points.
Martin won seven Bench Mob Player of the Day awards this season, tying him for second on the season leaderboard. He also made the 2025 Bench Mob All-Star team.
2024-25 Bench Mob Player of the Year: Jay Huff
(BMB Fan BM POTY: Moussa Diabate. Also receiving votes: J. Butler, L. Waters III, J. Huff, J. Battle, J. Juzang, T. Martin, B. Williams, T. Evbuomwan, J. Dowtin, J. Robinson-Earl)
All-NBA Teams
All-NBA First Team: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan MItchell
All-NBA Second Team: Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden
All-NBA Third Team: Cade Cunningham, Karl-Anthony Towns, Evan Mobley, Pascal Siakam, Trae Young
All-Defensive Teams
All-Defensive First Team: Evan Mobley, Draymond Green, Ivica Zubac, Amen Thompson, Jaren Jackson Jr.
All-Bench-Mob First Team: Jay Huff, Moussa Diabate, Tyrese Martin, Johnny Juzang, Jared Butler
All-Bench-Mob Second Team: Brandon Williams, Jeff Dowtin, Jamison Battle, Tosan Evbuomwan, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
All-Bench-Mob Third Team: Lindy Waters III, Jalen Wilson, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Karlo Matkovic, Gui Santos
So, those are my official 2024-25 awards picks. Let me know what you agree and disagree with by tweeting @finleykuehl. Thanks for reading— see you next time!
With only about a week left in the regular season, the favorites for most awards are cemented. The MVP race is between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Draymond Green is making a late push for Defensive Player of the Year. The Sixth Man of the Year race is a battle for the ages between a few different candidates. However, nothing’s decided until the season ends and there is still time for campaigns to be made for deserving players. Here are three rookies who haven’t received much All-Rookie buzz but should absolutely be considered by anyone making awards picks this April.
Jamal Shead
Jamal Shead was a greatcollege player. He acquired a ton of hardware during his five-year career at Houston. As a senior, he was a consensus All-American. He also won two conference Defensive Player of the Year awards and was a Wooden Award finalist once. However, his age, height, and (slightly) subpar jumper beat out his clear winning value in the minds of NBA scouts, and he fell to the 45th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Shead’s performance as a rookie has proven that sometimes, the right intangibles can make up for concerning flaws and that it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog.
Shead has found success on an NBA floor for two main reasons. He’s super heady and he plays hard. The Texas native can execute pick-and-rolls masterfully. He makes sharp reads and snappy passes consistently. It’s really tough for rookie point guards to come in and run a professional offense effectively from the jump, but Shead’s doing it. Defensively, he employs his ability to read the floor to muck things up and get steals. If a lazy pass is thrown, Shead will fly through and pick it off. He’s not afraid to apply tight ball pressure, either. On top of all that, the little guard is shooting a decent 33% from deep on the season, and he’s not afraid to let it fly. If that percentage increases in the future, he’ll become the ideal backup point guard.
Shead has dished out the second most assists by a Raptors rookie ever this season, trailing only 1996 Rookie of the Year Damon Stoudamire. He’s fourth amongst all 2025 rookies in total assists, third in assists per game, fourth in total steals, and seventh in games played. Jamal Shead may not be flashy as Stephon Castle or Alex Sarr, but he gets it done.
Kyshawn George
As a prospect, Kyshawn George’s intrigue stemmed from his smooth ball handling and shooting. Big wings with the ability to dribble, pass, and shoot are at a premium in the modern NBA. However, it’s been the other end of the floor where George has shone the most so far as a pro. The 24th overall pick has been a destructive force as a defender with his length, instincts, and fluid movement. He’s already among the league’s best shot blockers at his position, and he also helps the Wizards win the possession battle with his ability to accumulate steals. The Swiss sensation has proven he can impact the game without scoring while continuing to get more and more comfortable from the NBA three-point line as the season’s gone on. He’s a jack-of-all-trades with the potential to become a master of multiple skills.
George is eighth amongst all rookies in total blocks and second when you narrow it down to non-bigs. He’s fifth in three-pointers made, 12th in total points, and second in total steals (tied with Isaiah Collier). Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington have received most of the buzz, but Washington has a clear third All-Rookie candidate in Kyshawn George.
Karlo Matkovic
Few rookies have displayed rotation-quality play, especially among non-lottery picks, more often than Karlo Matkovic this season. A 2022 stash pick, the Bosian big took a couple years to iron out his game before transitioning to the NBA and it paid off. He’s established a baseline for himself as a reliable backup who can soak up minutes and be productive, and has room to grow too at just 24 years young.
Matkovic does a ton of useful things on both ends of the floor. He’s a utility big in both a traditional and a modern sense. Matkovic sets good screens, eats on the glass, scraps for easy shots inside, and protects the rim. He’s also a capable handoff orchestrator with intriguing passing chops. Empowering big men to be offensive hubs is trendy in today’s NBA, and Matkovic being able to play that role will make him a coveted piece as long as the demand for dimers is still high. He’s also pretty comfortable letting it fly from outside, and has been especially effective shooting from the corner where he’s been successful over 40% of the time on the year.
Among 2025 rookies with 20+ games played, Matkovic is seventh in rebounds per game and seventh in blocks per game. He’s 15th in total offensive rebounds amongst freshmen and 28th in minutes played. New Orleans’ unfortunate season has put them in the blind spot of many fans, but Matkovic is deserving of recognition for the way he’s produced.
Yes, it’s March hoops. And yes, it’s only been three games of the Timme experience. But, it’s already safe to say this guy can fit right in on a court with the best players in the world. Why? He checks a lot of boxes as a backup center. He’s the type of big who can at the very least eat up minutes and be productive when a rotation mainstay is injured. Timme is active on the offensive glass and can catch and finish or score off post-ups. He also has a clear feel for the game offensively and makes smart, unselfish decisions out of the short roll, a skill becoming more and more valued by NBA teams. The big fella has even started putting in extra work on his three-ball since college.
Timme has his flaws. He’s grounded, he’s not awesome on defense, and so on. Yet, he stepped onto an NBA court for the first time and immediately made an impact by grabbing a double-double. In his second game, he scored 19 points! Every dog has its day, sure. There’s no guarantee that Timme will be a good NBA player. But he belongs.
Despite an illustrious college career in which Timme was a consensus All-American three times, among many other awards, he went undrafted in 2023 and didn’t make it to the NBA until this March. It took maybe the best center in college basketball almost two whole years to finally get his chance in the big league. Now that he’s here, he’s making it look like he should have gotten here a lot sooner. So, what’s the lesson?
Don’t count out good basketball players.
In 2021-22, Collin Gillespie capped off an excellent college career with an All-American campaign. He was an elite college point guard who directed successful Villanova offenses at a high level and shot the leather off the ball. He, like Timme, went undrafted. Now, though, he’s the starting point guard for the Phoenix Suns, a role he flat-out earned by outplaying Tyus Jones.
In 2020-21, Herb Jones was not only an All-American but also the SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He slipped to the second round of the 2021 NBA draft, but went on to become a full-time starter from day one and, eventually, one of the best defenders in the sport.
Jared Butler was the Most Outstanding Player for a championship Baylor team, went late in the second round, and is now one of most undervalued backup guards in the league. Tre Jones was an All-American and the POY and DPOY of his conference as a sophomore, fell to the second round, and went on to become an incredibly steady backup point guard. People doubted all-time NCAA great Luka Garza’s ability to translate to the NBA, but he’s kept a job for four seasons and will likely continue to stick around. The bottom line here is that prospects who prove to be phenomenal and polished basketball players at lower levels usually have a good chance at being contributors in the NBA, but are generally undervalued on draft night.
Of course, for all the success stories just listed, there are also Cassius Winstons, Kofi Cockburns, and Cameron Krutwigs. Great, great college players who didn’t work out at all in the NBA or just didn’t even make it there. No drafting philosophy has a 100% hit rate though. Overall, the more we see elite college players who were counted out in draft conversations end up being something in the NBA, the more mind-boggling it is that they continue to be passed on. The dismissal of players like Drew Timme needs to stop going forward, especially from teams with late first round or mid second round picks.
In the NBA, the playoffs make or break reputations. Strengths and weaknesses are magnified. Players who exceed expectations on the biggest stage are elevated in the eyes of fans across the globe. Those who underperform rarely shake the playoff dropper title. Here are five players who have the opportunity to boost their perceptions in a massive way and have the most to gain in the 2025 playoffs.
Cade Cunningham
The world is Cade Cunningham’s oyster. As a 23-year-old All-Star from a small market making his postseason debut, he’s in the perfect position to truly introduce himself to the world as one of the sport’s future superstars. Despite the amazing season he’s had, there are still many who doubt the former first overall pick’s potential. A huge series (or two) would erase all that and pack the Cade hype train well past capacity. The Pistons are likely going to match up against the Knicks, Bucks, or Pacers in the first round, three teams that don’t excel at defending in the half court. If Cunningham picks them apart, he’ll put himself in some lofty conversations. Regardless of how he plays, though, how he’s viewed on a general scale for years to come will be determined by his first playoff action.
Julius Randle
Randle is one of the most polarizing stars in the NBA, if not one of the most doubted. The playoff stinkers he put up in 2021 and 2023 have tarnished his reputation despite his overall steady regular season play. Now entering his first postseason in a new context, he could turn a new leaf. The two time All-NBA honoree has found a groove in his role for the Timberwolves as of late, and the team has been successful with him healthy and on the floor. They’re 10-3 since the All-Star break with Randle in the lineup. The threat of his downhill scoring, as well as playmaking ability, have made him a much-needed pressure reliever for Anthony Edwards. If Randle can keep rolling and help the Wolves steal a couple games in a first round series (or maybe even flat-out win a series), his positive value could finally start to be widely recognized.
Jalen Green
Jalen Green is having the most consistent and impactful season of his career. Yet, he still can’t escape mass criticism. He’s a flawed player, but he’s more important to the Rockets than people would like to admit. As a young squad with no established top dog, Houston needs Green’s ability to make something out of nothing and create shots for himself. The team’s half court offense will bog down quickly in the playoffs if Green isn’t making things happen off the bounce. The pressure is on for Jalen Green to show up and show out in the 2025 postseason. If he does, he’ll be able to separate himself from the inefficient chucker mantle that follows him tirelessly.
Mikal Bridges
The Knicks have had serious ups and downs this season, and the rocky nature of their performance has of course led to finger pointing. One thing people love to bring up is that the team traded FIVE first round picks for Mikal Bridges. Selling essentially the entire future of your franchise in exchange for a non-All-Star is a boneheaded move in a vacuum. However, it looks slightly better in the context of New York, as they truly believe they can win a championship with the core they’ve assembled. If Bridges can elevate both his game and his team in the playoffs, he can silence the noise surrounding the trade that brought him to the ‘Bockers.
Donovan Mitchell
The title of best shooting guard in the world is free for the taking. Donovan Mitchell has arguably held it for a good part of the past two seasons, but Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker still have strong claims as well. Mitchell is in prime position to prove himself as not only the best at his position, but also one of the best in the sport overall. He’s entering the playoffs as the leader of a dominant Cavaliers team with serious championship aspirations. Cleveland has three other All-Stars, but in the most crucial moments, they’ll go as far as Mitchell can take them. If Spida can put the city on his back, he’ll put himself in the upper echelon of current NBA players and all-time Cleveland greats.
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.
The Bench Mob Blog 