NBA teams win on the margins. Big moves will take you far, but small moves around the edges will take you farther. Last month, we looked at five deepsleepers from the 2024 draft class who could be diamonds in the rough. Let’s take a look at five more.
Zyon Pullin
Guard – 23 y/o – Florida
All the best backup point guards in the NBA have a few major things in common. Guys like Tyus Jones and Monte Morris have made their careers by being super smart floor generals who limit turnovers and hit shots off the dribble. Few guys in this class, especially in the second round/undrafted range, fit that mold better than Zyon Pullin. Pullin averaged 4.9 assists per game and posted an excellent 3.77 assist-to-turnover ratio during his senior season at Florida. His intelligence as a playmaker and decision maker will serve him well in adjusting to the higher-paced NBA. Pullin is also a quality scorer off the bounce who is comfortable pullin’ up (get it) from two and from three.
Jones and Morris provide most of their value on offense, as they are smaller and slimmer guards that get hunted on defense. Pullin, though, is 6’4” with solid length and strength and will be very capable of staying afloat on defense. In a league where defensive liabilities are finding less and less success, Pullin’s defensive capabilities make him even more likely to stick in the league. Any team looking for a reliable backup point guard should be rushing to draft or sign Pullin.
Jamarion Sharp
Center – 22 y/o – Ole Miss
Everyone knows about Zach Edey, the behemoth from Purdue who dominated college basketball. But what if I told you there’s a second giant in this class? His name is Jamarion Sharp, he’s 7’5”, and he’s one of the best shot blockers in the world. The paint is an absolute no-trespass zone when Sharp is on the court. He once averaged 4.6 blocks per game in a season. Yes, you read that right. In his senior year at Ole Miss, he played just 15.8 minutes per game, but still swatted 2.4 shots a night.
Sharp uses more than just his size to block shots though. He’s surprisingly mobile for a guy of his stature. He has no trouble rotating all around the court in a timely manner and his instincts are terrific. His block numbers are no fluke, he’s a legitimate defensive monster.
The thing holding Sharp back is his overall poor offensive game. He’s a great rim runner and lob threat, but his touch is awful and he has a tough time finishing anything besides dunks. He also has zero passing skill. If Sharp can prove to be passable in a simple offensive role on an NBA court, he can prevent himself from being another Tacko Fall. If he can’t make it in the league, he will undoubtedly excel overseas.
Martez Brown
This guy’s such a sleeper there are barely any pictures of him on the internet!
Big – 23 y/o – Lincoln Memorial
Martez Brown represents a path seldom traveled by prospects: NCAA Division II basketball. Because so few players are drafted from DII schools, it’s easy to be hesitant when one does come around. However, if you forget about his college, Brown has a convincing case as an NBA player. He’s a great athlete with a formidable combination of size, bounce, and mobility. He runs the floor well, throws down devastating dunks, and hounds the glass. At Lincoln Memorial, Brown looked like a man amongst boys. In the NBA he’ll be a man amongst men, but he could be a real player if a team is willing to give him a chance.
Moses Wood
Forward – 25 y/o – Washington
Moses Wood is more than just a goofy looking guy with an awesome name. He’s one of the best shooters you’ll find in the deep depths of this draft class. In his super-duper senior year at Washington, Wood connected on 39.6% of his 6.3 three-point attempts per game. His jumper is silky smooth and he can hit a variety of triples. He’s also a decent athlete with an NBA frame.
The blaring holdup with Wood is his age. At 25 years old, he’s one of the oldest guys in the class. That really hurts him because he’s not a sure-fire instant contributor and teams likely won’t view him as a worthwhile developmental project. However, he has a pro level skill, and could be a utility end-of-bench piece for a team in need of shooting.
Drew Pember
Big – 24 y/o – UNC Asheville
Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid is of the league’s premier role players. He’s an invaluable contributor for the Timberwolves because of his combination of shooting, ball skills, and mobility. All 29 other teams would undoubtedly love to have a big man like Reid on their team, and so all 29 other teams should be taking a look at Drew Pember.
Pember stuffed the stat sheet while at UNC Asheville. In his senior year he averaged 20.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 36.6% from three on over five attempts per game. Those numbers showcase the Naz Reid-esque versatility that he brings to the court. Pember is a legit floor spacing big. He’s comfortable playing on the perimeter and can drive to hoop and finish when defenders close out too hard. He can also switch across the lineup and protect the rim defensively.
Don’t be surprised if in five years Drew Pember is the next Naz Reid, both as a player and a fan favorite.
When watching the playoffs in recent years, something has stood out to me. Many rookies have made meaningful contributions deep into May and even for championship teams in June. Dereck Lively, Christian Braun, Herb Jones… the list goes on. This had me wondering, how did those guys get there? What does it take for a rookie to play in the playoffs and make a difference?
In the past five seasons (2020-2024), 35 rookies have played over 10 minutes per game in the playoffs. That’s 33% of all rookies rostered by playoff teams in that time frame. To better understand how a rookie can earn playoff playing time, let’s analyze those 35 guys and find out how and why they succeed. First, let’s take a look at some characteristics they share.
Age & Experience
(Note: all ages are according to Basketball Reference)
More often than not, “win now” prospects are on the older side and therefore have had more time to develop their game and become more complete, polished products. That type of player is clearly more likely to find a rotation role in the NBA in their first year— only two teenage rookies have been part of playoff rotations in the last five years (Darius Bazley in 2020 and Dereck Lively II in 2024). Those two guys make up just 18% of teenage rookies rostered by playoff teams in that time frame. The majority of the pool were either 21 or 22 years old, and five guys were 23 or older.
Going hand in hand with the age data, players who spent more time in college have had more success getting playoff minutes as a rookie. Twenty-three of the 33 playoff rookies who played college ball prior to the NBA spent multiple years in school. Eleven were seniors or super seniors. Of the 10 freshmen, the majority were lottery picks (Tyler Herro and Michael Porter Jr. in 2020, Scottie Barnes and Ziaire Williams in 2022, and Chet Holmgren, Dereck Lively II, and Cason Wallace in 2024).
None of that data is too surprising— it makes sense that very young and raw guys usually aren’t ready for basketball’s biggest stage. Maybe more players need to take advantage of college and spend more time honing their craft before making the jump to the NBA.
Draft Pick
In theory, the best rookies are the ones picked in the lottery. Unfortunately, lottery picks rarely get the chance to compete in the playoffs their first year because they’re usually drafted to rebuilding teams. When they do get that chance, though, they are likely to take advantage of it. Ten of the 35 playoff rookies in the last five years were lottery picks. Twenty total lottery picks have been rostered by playoff teams in the last five years, giving lottery picks a 50% chance at being in a playoff rotation. That’s the highest success rate of any draft range.
After lottery picks, the draft range most likely to produce playoff rookies is non-lottery first round picks. Thirteen rookies drafted in that range in the last five years played in the playoffs (35% of the total non-lottery first round picks rostered by playoff teams). This makes sense because the best teams pick late in the first round. Undrafted guys surprisingly find their way into playoff rotations decently often. Nine undrafted rookies played in the playoffs in the last five years (24% of the total undrafted rookies rostered by playoff teams). Notable undrafted guys to accomplish that feat include Kendrick Nunn (2020), Luguentz Dort (2020), and Jose Alvarado (2022).
Interestingly, the second round has not been a reliable source of playoff rookies at all. Forty-six second-round rookies have been rostered by playoff teams in the last five years, the most of any draft range. Only three of them have played minutes (Ayo Dosunmu and Herb Jones in 2022 and Andre Jackson Jr. in 2024).
Position
(Note: all positions are according to Basketball Reference)
Of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years, six were point guards, 10 were shooting guards, nine were small forwards, eight were power forwards, and two were centers. Those raw totals suggest rookie point guards and centers are the least likely to play in the playoffs out of any position. Point guard is often regarded as the hardest position for players to adjust to when they get to the NBA, so that makes sense.
However, the success rates of each position paint a slightly different picture. 23% of rookie point guards rostered by playoff teams in the last five years played minutes, which is the third lowest of all positions. 20% of power forwards played and only 10% of centers played, making them the least likely positions to succeed. The most successful position has been shooting guard, with 42% of rookie two guards rostered by playoff teams in the last five years cracking playoff rotations.
Chet Holmgren and Dereck Lively II are the only two rookie centers to play in the playoffs in the last five years. Both had special rookie seasons. Holmgren anchored the first-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder while rivaling Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year. Lively proved to be the perfect big man to pair with Luka Doncic and held things down for Dallas deep into the playoffs. Lively specifically is an anomaly, as he is also one of just two teenage rookies to play in the playoffs in the same time frame.
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According to basic characteristics, rookies are most likely to play in the playoffs if they are shooting guards who were drafted in the first round and played multiple years in college. The four players from the last five years who fit that description are Matisse Thybulle (2020), Payton Pritchard (2021), Christian Braun (2023), and Ben Sheppard (2024). This equation is missing a key factor, though: actual basketball ability. There are multiple skills that can earn a rookie playoff minutes. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Attribute #1: Decision Making
Case Study Players: Jose Alvarado (2022), Ayo Dosunmu (2022), Facundo Campazzo (2021)
This one is less of a potential pathway to success and more of a requirement. NBA teams play at a fast pace, and guys have to be able to process the game quickly and make correct decisions in split seconds. Taking care of the ball is a necessity. Of the 35 rookies to play playoff minutes in the last five years, only three of them had negative assist-to-turnover ratios (Michael Porter Jr., Darius Bazley, and Wenyen Gabriel in 2020).
While limiting turnovers and making the right reads isn’t a standout skill that can create a playoff role for a rookie, being a quality secondary playmaker is. Guys who can take pressure off primary creators by taking on some playmaking responsibility, or who can run a second unit, are super valuable and open things up for their teams. Take, for example, Facundo Campazzo, who was a rookie for the Nuggets back in 2021. Denver was missing their second star, Jamal Murray, that year and needed some help in the creation department. Passing is Campazzo’s best skill, and he was able to patch that hole because of it. The Argentinian averaged a solid 4.1 dimes while only turning it over 1.5 times per game in the playoffs. He ranked in the 87th percentile of playmaking talent that season (via BBall Index).
Another example is Jose Alvarado, an undrafted gem discovered by the Pelicans. Defense is his calling card, but the little guard also provides a ton of value as a floor general who pressures defenses and makes plays for others. He averaged 2.8 assists and only 0.7 turnovers per game his rookie season, posting an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.8.
Attribute #2: Shooting
Case Study Players: Keegan Murray (2023), Desmond Bane (2021), Michael Porter Jr. (2020)
Shooting is king in the NBA, so there are plenty of opportunities for rookies who can fill it up from behind the arc. Interestingly, though, out of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years, 20 of them were below league-average shooters percentage wise. Players don’t have to shoot it to succeed. However, out of the 106 rookies rostered by playoff teams in that time frame who didn’t get minutes in the postseason, 76 of them were below-average shooters. Being a good shooter definitely gives guys a better chance of seeing the court in the playoffs, and there have been many examples in the last five years to prove that statement.
The Kings were clowned in 2022 when they drafted Keegan Murray fourth overall ahead of Jaden Ivey, who was widely considered to be a better prospect. Murray shut the doubters up quickly though, proving to be one of the top players in the class (he finished way ahead of Ivey in Rookie of the Year voting). Murray’s best skill was (and is still) his shooting. He shattered the record for most threes made in a season by a rookie. Murray’s sizzling movement shooting abilities made him a seamless fit in Sacramento’s high-octane offense, and he was able to not only be a part of the team’s playoff rotation but also be a part of their starting lineup because of it.
Michael Porter Jr. was an elite shooter from the minute he first stepped on an NBA court. He was a borderline awful decision maker and a poor defender, but his shooting made up for those weaknesses and he was a key rotation piece for the Denver Nuggets during their playoff run in 2020. Desmond Bane was a key role player as a rookie for the Grizzlies during their 2020-21 campaign because he was an ultra-efficient catch-and-shoot threat.
Attribute #3: Defense
Case Study Players: Chet Holmgren (2024), Herb Jones (2022), Luguentz Dort (2020)
Historically, rookies have a tough time on defense. Adjusting to the higher level of athleticism and physicality takes time for a lot of guys. That’s why it makes sense that out of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years, 19 of them were below average defensively according to BBall Index’s D-LEBRON metric (with 50th percentile being average). However, rookies who can excel on defense from the jump are more likely to find minutes in meaningful games. 33% of rookies rostered by playoff teams in the last five years who were above average defenders were part of rotations in the postseason, while only 21% of below average defenders found the same success.
62% of the rookies who ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in D-LEBRON got burn in the playoffs. That elite group includes Chet Holmgren, who was one of the best rim protectors in all of basketball this past season, Herb Jones, the surprise second-round pick who is now an All-Defensive First Team honoree, and Jose Alvarado, Jones’ teammate who is an absolute pest at the point of attack. The three 90th percentile defenders who didn’t play in the playoffs are Norvel Pelle (2020), Deni Avdija (2021), and Omer Yurtseven (2022).
Perhaps the best example of a rookie earning playoff minutes purely because of his defense is Lu Dort in 2020. Dort was an undrafted rookie who played just one year at Arizona State before coming to the league. He was on a two-way contract with Oklahoma City at the time, and despite being a very inefficient offensive player, he was a starter in the playoffs for the Thunder and was tasked with guarding one of the best scorers ever (James Harden) because he was a fantastic perimeter defender. Dort is an outlier in multiple ways but proves how much defense matters for young players trying to prove themselves as NBA players.
Utility Players
Case Study Players: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (2024), Andre Jackson Jr. (2024), Christian Braun (2023)
Not every player specializes in playmaking, shooting, or defense. Some guys carve out their roles by being a jack-of-all-trades and helping their teams in multiple ways. The age of the specialist is beginning to come to an end, and versatile role players who can shoot, pass, and defend are becoming trendier and trendier. Some of the 35 playoff rookies from the last five years made their mark in that fashion. Christian Braun helped the Nuggets win a championship in 2023 by competing on defense, hitting timely threes, and cutting to the hoop relentlessly. Andre Jackson Jr. was a huge spark and breath of fresh air for the Bucks this past season. The kid is an absolute winner— he flies around the court and defends his tail off. Jaime Jaquez Jr. played like a 30-year-old as a rookie, making plays out of the post and making smart decisions consistently.
Only three of the 35 rookies posted a positive assist-to-turnover ratio, shot above league average from three, and were above average defenders according to D-LEBRON: Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Andre Jackson Jr. (all three were rookies in 2023-24). One more player posted an even 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio while being above average from three and on D: Juwan Morgan in 2020. Being good in all those areas is a tall ask for a first-year player, but just being decent in every area is enough, as proven by Braun and Jaquez Jr.
Outliers
Every statistical study features outliers, data points that don’t fit into trends at all. This one is no different. Basketball isn’t played on a spreadsheet, so let’s look at some guys who, according to the data, played in the playoffs but shouldn’t have or didn’t play but should have and figure out why they aren’t hip with the patterns.
David Roddy (2023— played)
3 seasons in college (21 y/o)
23rd pick
Small forward
1.04 AST:TO ratio
30.7% 3P
33rd percentile D-LEBRON
Roddy fits the college upperclassman, first round pick archetype that has found a lot of success, but his talent-related numbers aren’t up to par with those of his playoff rookie peers. He was a well below average shooter, a poor defender, and posted a barely positive assist-to-turnover ratio while averaging just 0.8 assists per game. So why did he play? He has a burly frame that allowed him to compete physically as a rookie and he was a pretty solid finisher. He fits the utility guy description, just to a much lesser degree. Once he got to the playoffs, he shot 28% from the field and posted a -22.7 plus/minus per 100 possessions in a series that the Grizzlies lost.
Ziaire Williams (2022— played)
1 season in college (20 y/o)
10th pick
Small forward
1.59 AST:TO ratio
31.4% 3P
7th percentile D-LEBRON
Young and raw rookies are less likely to find a rotation spot in the playoffs, but Williams was an exception. Why? He’s long, athletic, and was definitely a better defender than his atrocious D-LEBRON ranking suggests (numbers aren’t everything when it comes to examining defense!). In the playoffs, he averaged 6.9 points and shot 75% on two-pointers. The Grizzlies lost in the second round. Williams hasn’t developed much since, and he was not in the playoff rotation his sophomore season, so his minutes may have been more a result of Memphis needing wing minutes than him being a particularly impressive rookie.
Markus Howard (2021— played)
4 seasons in college (21 y/o)
Undrafted
Point guard
1 AST:TO ratio
27.7% 3P
6th percentile D-LEBRON
Howard was a really good college player (he was a two-time consensus All-American and was one of the best scorers in the NCAA), but his rookie season as a pro was very underwhelming. That may have been a result of his height— he’s just 5’10” and little guards have a tough time in the big leagues. Denver was forced to call upon Howard for the postseason after star Jamal Murray went down with an ACL tear. In the playoffs, he averaged 4.7 points and shot 42.3% from three. Howard is no longer in the NBA.
Jaylen Hoard (2020— played)
One season in college (20 y/o)
Undrafted
Power forward
1 AST:TO ratio
0.0% 3P
51st percentile D-LEBRON
Outside of his (very slightly) above average D-LEBRON, nothing about Hoard screams (or even whispers) playoff rookie. So why did he play? He was a solid energy guy who could defend, finish, and rebound. Portland had a pretty rough roster that year, so they were probably just trying things and seeing what stuck with their rotation. In the playoffs, Hoard averaged 4.7 points on 58% shooting. The Blazers lost in the first round.
Anthony Black (2024— didn’t play)
One season in college (20 y/o)
6th pick
Point guard
1.63 AST:TO ratio
39.4% 3P
77th percentile D-LEBRON
Black was projected to be a good defender and passer when he was drafted, and both of those things were proven to be true during his rookie year. He also surprised people by shooting almost 40% from deep (albeit on low volume). Black started 33 games for the Magic in the regular season, but couldn’t get any playing time in the playoffs. Why? Orlando needed scoring desperately, and that’s not Black’s strong suit. Once he proves himself as a quality outside shooter and starts filling up the scoring column more, Black will be a playoff guy. It just wasn’t his year.
Omer Yurtseven (2022— didn’t play)
4 seasons in college (23 y/o)
Undrafted
Center
1.20 AST:TO ratio
9.1% 3P
90th percentile D-LEBRON
Despite being undrafted, Omer Yurtseven became a regular rotation member for the Heat as a rookie because he protected the rim and was statistically one of the best rebounders in the NBA. He wasn’t able to keep his spot in the playoffs, though, mainly because All-Star Bam Adebayo took up most of the center minutes. Erik Spoelstra opted to give the sparse backup minutes to Dewanye Dedmon, a decision likely made due to Dedmon’s seniority in the league, but it was maybe the wrong one. In 10 minutes a game in the playoffs, Dedmon averaged 3.8 points on 47% shooting and had a -2.4 +/- per 100 possessions. In just 4 minutes per game, Yurtseven averaged 2.8 points on 67% shooting. Perhaps “Big Yurt” could have proven to be one of Miami’s patented undrafted gems had he been given a chance in the postseason.
Terance Mann (2020— didn’t play)
4 seasons in college (23 y/o)
48th pick
Small forward
2.94 AST:TO ratio
35.0% 3P
69th percentile D-LEBRON
Terance Mann checked pretty much every box that a rookie needs to check to play in the playoffs. He’s a wing who spent multiple years in college. He took care of the ball and made good decisions. He defended well. He was (almost) a league average shooter. So why didn’t he play? He was competing for minutes with the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as well as other solid role players like Marcus Morris and Landry Shamet. He didn’t get a chance as a rookie, but Mann has played in three playoffs since and has played really well in all of them.
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There are many teams in the NBA who will be hunting for instant impact players in the draft this summer. Some of them, like the Lakers or the Bucks, need to hit on those picks because that’s their best chance at getting better and winning a championship while their window is open. If win now guys are what those teams seek, then they should seek rookies who proved during their time before the NBA that they can play a role and excel in it. That’s the recipe to success.
NBA teams win on the margins. Big moves will take you far, but small moves around the edges will take you farther. Being able to find contributors on cheap contracts or late in the draft is huge for constructing a competitive roster. Gems like that can be found in any draft class if teams look hard enough. Let’s look at some guys in the 2024 class who are projected to go undrafted but could find a role in the league.
Boo Buie
Guard – 24 y/o – Northwestern
Point guard is probably the hardest position for youngsters to adjust to when they get to the NBA. Running an offense is a huge and difficult responsibility. If anybody in this class is ready for that task, it’s Boo Buie. Buie is a seasoned floor general who isn’t fazed by pressure. His passing vision is excellent and his IQ is through the roof. He’s as steady as it gets and can always be trusted to hold things down for his team. As a bonus, he’s a great shooter and a dogged defender.
There’s one large obstacle Buie must face, though. Making it in the NBA as a small guard is hard. Buie must be able to stay ahead of the curve defensively to avoid becoming a liability. If he can tread water on that end and keep his shooting numbers up, Buie could be the little engine that could.
Enrique Freeman
Forward – 24 y/o – Akron
Enrique Freeman is the ultimate energy four man. Crashing the glass is his calling card— he led the entire NCAA in rebounding in 2023-24 despite being just 6’7”. He does more than just grab boards, though. He’s an active and versatile defender who protects the rim from the weak side. During his five years at Akron, he made four all-conference defensive teams and won a defensive player of the year as well. On the other end, he finishes at a high level in a multitude of ways.
Freeman plays tough, works hard, and does the dirty work needed to win games. He performed well at the Draft Combine and will absolutely get looks from NBA teams. To succeed at the next level, he’ll need to improve in a couple areas. As a senior, he shot 37% from deep, but it was on just 1.5 attempts per game and he only made one three in his prior four seasons combined. Spacing is king in today’s NBA, and proving to be a consistently capable shooter would do wonders for Freeman’s status. The other hole in his game is his decision-making— he posted significantly negative assist-to-turnover ratios in every college season he played. Rotation players in the league have to be smart with the ball.
If Freeman can continue to develop his jumper and take better care of the basketball, he will find a role as a pro.
Michael Ajayi
Forward – 21 y/o – Pepperdine
Do-it-all wings are at a premium in today’s NBA. Role players playing big minutes in the playoffs are all able to do some of everything. Michael Ajayi is that type of guy. He’s very efficient from behind the arc. He can guard on and off the ball. He can put the ball on the floor and get a bucket. He can run the pick-and-roll. He rebounds the heck out of the ball. The only major knocks on Ajayi are that his finishing numbers leave more to be desired and that he only played one year at a D1 school so he is relatively unproven. Overall, though, he seems like a safe bet to be a decent player.
Boogie Ellis
Guard – 23 y/o – USC
The NBA is all about a bucket, and Boogie Ellis can give you plenty of those. The kid oozes confidence— he’s a professional scorer. That was evident in his performance at the G League Elite Camp where he scorched the nets and earned a call-up to the Combine. He’s an elite shooter on a high volume who is comfortable taking and making every type of shot.
Ellis’ biggest question mark is his position. He’s a score-first shooting guard in a point guard’s body. To stick in the big leagues, he’ll need to expand his playmaking capabilities and become a true combo guard. If he can’t do that, his scoring will be enough for him to have a long career in the G League or overseas.
Armando Bacot
Center – 24 y/o – North Carolina
Armando Bacot is a very interesting case. He was a phenomenal college player— he’s leaving North Carolina as the school’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer. He’s a top-tier traditional big man who dominates the glass, protects the rim, sets stonewall screens, and scores in the post. He has a little modern flair, too— he can pass out of the high post and switch on the perimeter decently well. Despite all that, he’s rarely talked about in draft conversations. Why? Maybe it’s his age. Maybe it’s his lack of standout athleticism. Maybe it’s just that centers like him aren’t glamorous. The answer isn’t clear, but what is clear is that Bacot is darn good at basketball and is worthy of a chance in the NBA.
My journey as a (very) amateaur NBA draft scout continues. In the past, I’ve only put together big boards, so for the first time, I’m doing a mock draft. This is my “what I would do” full two-round 2024 mock draft using the official draft order. I’ve included a write-up for each first round selection. Let’s dive right in!
Atlanta Hawks: Alex Sarr (Big, France)
The Hawks need to be praising the basketball gods for blessing them with the first pick. They’re stuck treading water in mediocrity and need a big boost to get back on the competitive track. French big man Alex Sarr would be that game changer. With Sarr, you come for the defense. He has the potential to be one of the league’s best on that end because of his monstrous size and nimble feet. It’s his offensive upside, though, that you stay for. He has more skill and touch than most seven-footers, and while he’s raw, there’s a world where he becomes a two-way superstar.
Washington Wizards: Ron Holland (Wing, G League Ignite)
The Wizards desperately require a talent influx, and few guys in this class have as much natural talent as Ron Holland. The guy averaged almost 20 points per game in the G League as an 18-year-old. That’s no small feat. He’s an electric athlete with an unrelenting motor who at worst will be an energizer bunny in the NBA. His slashing, shot creation, and passing flashes suggest there’s an untapped star in him, and while it’ll take a lot of work for him to get there, he’s worth the bet for Washington.
Fred VanVleet is an excellent bridge point guard for Houston, but the team still needs their long term answer at the one. Isaiah Collier can be that guy. The ultra speedy guard has real offensive engine potential and would make life easier for Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. with his downhill playmaking. If he can develop his perimeter scoring, Collier will be running an NBA offense for the next decade.
San Antonio Spurs: Matas Buzelis (Forward, G League Ignite)
Victor Wembanyama is the future of the league and the Spurs need to surround him with star talent. Matas Buzelis is a tall, silky, multi-talented forward who could reach All-Star heights. A guy like Franz Wagner is the blueprint for Buzelis, and that type of player is in high demand in today’s NBA. He has a few kinks to work out, mainly shooting efficiency and strength, but the Spurs historically do a great job of developing players and could turn Buzelis into Wemby’s Robin.
Detroit Pistons: Donovan Clingan (Center, UConn)
The sell on Clingan is simple. He’s massive, he’s a dominant rim protector, and he can succeed in the traditional big man role on offense. He’s a sure-fire bet to be amongst the league leaders in blocks for a long time, and there’s a world where he becomes a DPOY. He’s a floor raiser and that’s the type of player the Pistons need to escape from the deep depths of the NBA’s standings.
Charlotte Hornets: Zaccharie Risacher (Forward, France)
The Hornets have their stars for the future in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Now, they need to put a competent roster around them. Zaccharie Risacher is the best 3&D prospect in this class and could play alongside Ball and Miller. His ceiling is lower than other lottery draftees, but it’s easy to see him becoming a high level starter on a good team and Charlotte needs a guy like that.
There’s no beating around the bush with this: Ulrich Chomche is miles away from being a good professional player. However, the youngest player in this class has astronomical potential. He’s 6’11” with wingspan well over 7’0”, he’s a phenomenal mover for his size, and he’s shown flashes in pretty much every facet of the game. He’s a sleeping giant that needs a team to be patient with his development, and he has the chance to reward that team handsomely. The Trail Blazers are far from competitive at this point and can afford to take that high risk, high reward bet.
San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto): Rob Dillingham (Guard, Kentucky)
How about two potential stars in one draft for the Spurs? Rob Dillingham is a pure bucket getter who overcomes his size disadvantage with sensational shot making and space creation. He’s a capable pick-and-roll director and passer, too. He’s overall a no-brainer good fit next to Victor Wembanyama and for the Spurs, period, who don’t have a point guard for the future. Even if Dillingham doesn’t reach his All-Star ceiling, he’s guaranteed to be valuable as a scoring assassin.
Memphis Grizzlies: Yves Missi (Center, Baylor)
Yves Missi is a man amongst boys. He’s absolutely colossal and he’s a freak athlete, and he uses those physical gifts to dominate the game defensively. He and Jaren Jackson Jr. would create an ultimate no-fly zone in the paint on D. With his screening and offensive rebounding talents, Missi could replicate some of the impact former Grizzly Steven Adams made on the other end. Missi’s only been playing basketball for four years, so he’s still somewhat underdeveloped, but if he pans out he could take Memphis to the next level.
Utah Jazz: Stephon Castle (Wing, UConn)
“Dawg” has become a popular term in basketball discourse, and boy does Stephon Castle have that dawg in him. He’s athletic, he’s a competitor, and he plays hard. He’s a dogged on-ball defender and a dynamic slasher who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. While his questionable jumper limits his ceiling, there’s no doubt he’ll be able to compete on an NBA floor, and he’d be a fun complement to Collin Sexton and Keyonte George in Utah’s backcourt.
Chicago Bulls: Cody Williams (Wing, Colorado)
Everybody knows the Bulls need to blow it up and rebuild except for the Bulls themselves. Regardless of which direction they choose, Cody Williams would be able to help them. His toolbox is endless, he can do some of everything and could be a jack-of-all-trades rotation wing from day one. He’s also very young and has wing creator upside. If Williams comes to Chicago, he would give their discouraged fans something to be excited about.
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston): Tyler Smith (Forward, G League Ignite)
Tyler Smith is the ideal modern power forward. He’s a legit stretch four who shot very well from behind the NBA line during his time in the G League. He can be effective as a pop man and a roll man. He can protect the rim from the weak side. He would be a terrific fit in OKC’s starting lineup and this would be a dream pick for the young up-and-coming squad.
Even though he loves Sacramento and Sacramento loves him, Malik Monk leaving California’s capital in free agency is still a looming possibility. Carlton “Bub” Carrington could replace the elite sixth man. Carrington was one of the best creators in the country this past season and he did it as a freshman. He gets to his spots, knocks down dribble jumpers, runs the pick-and roll at a high level, and makes plays for others. Even if Monk stays, Carrington would still be a good bet in the lottery and would bring star upside to Sactown’s backcourt.
Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State): Reed Sheppard (Guard, Kentucky)
Reed Sheppard is the best shooter in this draft. He shot an absurd 52.1% from three during his loan season at Kentucky, and it wasn’t on low volume or an easy shot diet, either. He’s a human torch. He’s also a sharp passer and steals guy. He could be Scoot Henderson’s future backcourt mate and would be a great get for the Blazers at the end of the lottery.
Miami Heat: DaRon Holmes II (Big, Dayton)
DaRon Holmes is a classic big with a modern flair. He’s a quality rim runner and rim protector who can slide his feet defensively and hit triples. He also plays with a high motor and would fit into the Heat culture. Holmes would improve Miami’s big man room while also creating the possibility for some fun jumbo lineups with him and Bam Adebayo.
Philadelphia 76ers: Dalton Knecht (Wing, Tennessee)
As one of the most powerful forces in basketball history, Joel Embiid commands the attention of all five defenders on the court. That means his teammates are always open, and Dalton Knecht is more than capable of converting on those easy looks. He was one of the best scorers in college basketball this season because of his fiery movement shooting and he’s ready to aid the Sixers in their quest to finally reach the Conference Finals and beyond.
Los Angeles Lakers: Tristan da Silva (Forward, Colorado)
If the Lakers still believe in their ability to compete throughout the twilight of LeBron’s career (if he stays in LA, that is), then Tristan da Silva would be the perfect pick for them. The Colorado product has no holes in his game— he’s an efficient shooter, a defensive switch knife, and a nice passer. He could wear many hats for Los Angeles and is ready to contribute to winning from day one.
Orlando Magic: Jared McCain (Guard, Duke)
The Magic were one of the biggest overachievers of the 2023-24 season, and they did it by locking down on defense. They have no troubles on that end— it was their lackluster scoring attack that led to their downfall in the playoffs and they need to focus on adding firepower this offseason. Jared McCain is an elite shooter who can scorch nets off the catch and off the dribble and he could bolster Orlando’s offense tremendously.
Toronto Raptors (via Indiana): Kel’el Ware (Center, Indiana)
As the league has become more infatuated with spacing, stretch bigs have become a hot commodity. Kel’el Ware is a seven-footer with a reliable three-ball who could hang out behind the arc and open up more space for Scottie Barnes to get to the rack. He’s also a rock-solid traditional center who can catch lobs, set screens, and block shots.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyshawn George (Wing, Miami)
Outside of Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers struggle to get buckets. They ranked 20th in the league in points per game on the season, the third lowest amongst playoff teams. Kyshawn George would give them a much-needed scoring punch on the wing. The freshman is a silky and efficient shooter with some intriguing ball handling and passing chops as well.
New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee): Mark Sears (Point guard, Alabama)
The Pelicans operated with a by-committee playmaking effort this season, and it worked fine for them, but they could use a true point guard. Mark Sears is exactly that. He’s a textbook floor general who creates advantages and easy looks for his teammates. The lefty guard can also get his own shot from all three levels using his crafty handle and strength, a talent that has earned him Jalen Brunson comparisons. Further, he’s an outstanding catch-and-shoot guy who would be very comfortable playing off the ball next to Zion Williamson. Sears may be small, but he is mighty.
Phoenix Suns: Nikola Topic (Guard, Serbia)
Phoenix has a hole the size of the sun at point guard. Relying on Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, two score-first two guards, to be primary playmakers clearly isn’t a recipe for offensive success. Serbian product Nikola Topic, who some consider a lottery guy, is a top-tier floor general in the class. He has some significant scoring deficiencies, but considering the current firepower in Phoenix, those weaknesses could be at least partially hidden.
Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans): Kyle Filipowski (Big, Duke)
Brook Lopez is still a valuable player, but his (lack of) speed has limited his impact on defense as he’s gotten older and the Bucks could use a young center capable of playing multiple coverages. Kyle Filipowksi is mobile for a seven-footer and can guard at the level in the pick-and-roll. He can play drop coverage and shoot threes too, making him a worthy apprentice for Lopez.
New York Knicks (via Dallas): Zach Edey (Center, Purdue)
For college legend Zach Edey to really translate to the league, he’ll need to play for someone who can accommodate for his slowness and post-up-heavy playstyle. The grit and grind Knicks are the perfect team to do that because they play at the slowest pace in the NBA. Isaiah Hartenstein could leave in free agency and Mitchell Robinson has struggled to stay healthy, so adding some insurance at center would be a good move for New York, and if Edey is able to pop in their system he would be way, way more than just an insurance player.
New York Knicks: Ryan Dunn (Forward, Virginia)
Nobody in this class screams “Tom Thibodeau” like Ryan Dunn does. Dunn’s a defensive maniac with a formidable combination of size, smarts, and hustle. If he reaches his ceiling, he could have a Herb Jones level impact, and Thibodeau could bring that level of play out of him. Dunn to the Big Apple would be a match made in heaven.
Washington Wizards (via Clippers): Adem Bona (Center, UCLA)
This pick is far from exciting, but Bona would be a nice pickup for Washington with their second first round pick. He fills their biggest position of need and fills it well. Bona is bouncy, mobile, and relentless and can provide a ton of value defensively in multiple schemes.
Mike Conley is aging incredibly well, but he will only be able to ward off father time for so long and the Wolves need to begin searching for his successor. Tyler Kolek is the ideal candidate. He’s a cerebral floor general with a trusty pullup trey and a fierce competitive spirit. The kid’s a flat-out gamer who can help Anthony Edwards and company achieve greatness.
Denver Nuggets: Johnny Furphy (Wing, Kansas)
Anybody could look good playing next to Nikola Jokic, but Johnny Furphy would be an extra crisp fit next to the MVP. The Australian is a superb off-ball mover with a silky jumper who always makes the right decision. In today’s NBA you can never have too many versatile dribble-pass-shoot guys, especially come playoff time, and adding Furphy would make the 2023 champs look even better.
Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City): Bobi Klintman (Forward, Sweden)
The Jazz are a ways away from being a true playoff team and therefore can afford to draft project players who need more time to develop. Bobi Klintman fits that bill, and he’s a fun upside swing because he’s a fantastic mover for his size and shoots the ball pretty well too. If he gets the reps he needs, Klintman could be a very good jumbo 3&D guy.
Boston Celtics: Kevin McCullar Jr. (Wing, Kansas)
The Celtics are cemented in win-now mode, and few guys in this class are more ready to contribute to success right away than Kevin McCullar. The college veteran is one of the best on-ball defenders in the draft and can hit some spot-up threes too. Those two skills are the premier parts of Boston’s identity, making McCullar a potential home-run for them at the end of the first round.
Toronto Raptors (via Detroit): Pacome Dadiet (Wing, France)
Utah Jazz (via Washington): Trevon Brazile (Big, Arkansas)
Here at the Bench Mob Blog, the mission is to shine light on guys who get it done off the pine. I’ve always been drawn to them and I have a soft spot for loveable benchwarmers who spend more time clapping and dancing on the bench than getting buckets on the court.
I also have a love for statistics and I spend plenty of time pouring over all the advanced stats the NBA world has to offer. So, I decided to combine both of those interests and create a one-number stat that measures the contribution of bench players. I call it “MOB.”
Unfortunately, MOB doesn’t stand for anything. It’s just a simple, snappy title. The metric itself is simple, too. It uses basic counting stats to quantify a player’s statistical input to their team relative to how many games they started. The formula is as follows:
(% of total team points) + (% of total team rebounds) + (% of total team assists) + (% of total team steals) + (% of total team blocks) – (% of games started x 25)
The equation might not make much sense written out like that, but it’s pretty straightforward. An example might help you understand. Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 1333 points this season, which is 13.7% of the 9703 points the Atlanta Hawks scored as a team. He also added 7.4% of Atlanta’s rebounds, 11.3% of their assists, 15.6% of their steals, and 7.0% of their blocks. The formula adds all of those numbers together and then subtracts the percentage of games Bogdanovic started (weighted slightly less than the stat percentages). After that subtraction, we’re left with one number: 44.55. That’s Bogdanovic’s MOB score, and it ranks 11th out of 367 bench players (bench player being defined as a player who started 50% or less of their games played in 2023-24).
Today, I’m going to give you the top ten bench players of 2023-24 according to MOB score. Let’s dive in!
#10- Paul Reed (Philadelphia 76ers)
MOB Score: 44.90
Paul Reed’s slogan is “out the mud” and it’s fitting because he’s made it out the mud in the NBA. In his first two years in the league, he played less than ten minutes per game and he barely eclipsed that amount in year three. He showed flashes in those seasons, but in 2023-24, he finally put it all together. He went from the coach’s dog house to being Philly’s junkyard dawg. Reed played in all 82 games for the 76ers and did all the dirty work for his squad, racking up boards and stocks and playing hard on defense.
#9- Russell Westbrook (Los Angeles Clippers)
MOB Score: 45.15
He’s well past his MVP days, but Russell Westbrook is still a very valuable player because he’s embraced a diminished role and prospered in it. Mr Triple Double’s downhill playmaking is still as good as ever and he provides a big energy boost on both ends every time he checks in. Showing the ability to thrive as a sixth man has extended Westbrook’s career and he’ll help this Clipper core compete for as long as they’re together.
#8- Kyle Anderson (Minnesota Timberwolves)
MOB Score: 45.35
What Kyle Anderson lacks in speed (which is a lot), he makes up for with feel, smarts, and length. He’s a defensive ace who bothers all five positions and wardens the passing lanes. On the other end, he’s a savvy passer and driver. Anderson has received less love than another Timberwolf on this list, but he was almost equally as important as his teammate to Minnesota’s fantastic season.
#7- Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves)
MOB Score: 48.38
The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year recipient was knocked by this metric due to the amount of games he started, but that shouldn’t diminish the contributions he made to the Timberwolves this season. The big fella was nothing sort of phenomenal in his role. He’s an offensive spectacle who shoots and handles the ball like a guard despite his 6’9”, 264 pound frame. There’s a reason why Minnesota fans practically worship the guy. He’s a flat-out bench mob superstar.
#6- Cole Anthony (Orlando Magic)
MOB Score: 49.00
The young Magic massively overperformed this season and Cole Anthony was a key part to their rise. He’s a high-confidence guard who can get buckets in a flurry and also run the show as a floor general. It feels like no coincidence that the season where he moved to the bench full time was also perhaps his best. He’s perfect for the sixth man role.
#5- Andre Drummond (Chicago Bulls)
MOB Score: 49.15
Andre Drummond has come a long way in his career. He’s rebuilt his image from an overrated empty stats guy to a beloved backup big by leaving his ego at the door and taking pride in being a role player. Drummond attacks the glass with relentless enthusiasm and it’s a joy to watch. Being an All-Star is cool, but so is being a star in your role.
#4- Caris LeVert (Cleveland Cavaliers)
MOB Score: 50.93
Caris LeVert is the perfect bench combo guard. He has the on-ball creation ability to spearhead units and fill up the scoring column on his own. He also has the off-ball chops and defensive intensity to slide in as role player in lineups with stars. LeVert could be starting on plenty of other teams, but he’s found a home as the sixth man in Cleveland.
#3- Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz)
MOB Score: 51.63
The Jazz have a monster stashed on their bench in Walker Kessler. The 2023 Rookie of the Year finalist is one of the best shot blockers in basketball. He swatted 2.4 attempts per game,which ranks second in the league, in just 23 minutes a night. Kessler isn’t just a rim protector, he does other big man things at a high level too. It may seem surprising to see him ranked this high, but it makes sense when you realize just how impactful he is in his limited burn.
#2- Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings)
MOB Score: 52.00
Malik Monk is electric. He’s a soaring athlete with lightning quickness who darts his way to the cup and throws down some thunderous jams. He’s a microwave scorer who can rain threes when he catches fire. He’s a dynamite playmaker who can take over without even shooting the ball. Monk was a popular pick for 6MOY and for good reason.
#1- Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
MOB Score: 52.23
The best bench player in the league according to MOB is Bobby Portis. The Bucks fan favorite had his struggles early this season, but he overcame them and returned to the reliable double-double machine we know and love. His production and love of the game are undeniable and he deserved Sixth Man of the Year just as much as the other two finalists for the award. Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!
So, those are the ten best bench players of the 2023-24 season according to my new MOB metric. In case you were curious, here’s the rest of the top fifteen:
#11- Bogdan Bogdanovic
MOB Score: 44.55
#12- Precious Achiuwa
MOB Score: 42.03
#13- Peyton Watson
MOB Score: 41.55
#14- Jaime Jaquez Jr.
MOB Score: 40.13
#15- T.J. McConnell
MOB Score: 39.80
If you want to see more of the MOB metric, let me know and I will find a way to present the full data! Thanks for reading and see you next time!
Calling Victor Wembanyama’s dominance as a rookie historic would be a massive understatement.
The Frenchman led the league in blocks at 3.6 a game, becoming just the second rookie to accomplish that feat. He blocked more shots per game than an entire team (the Miami Heat). He recorded a 5×5 game, joining an exclusive list of just 15 players ever to post that statline. He led the young Spurs in total points, rebounds, steals, blocks, field goals made, and free throws made. He even has a chance at winning Defensive Player of the Year, something no freshman has done in league history.
The list of records he set and insane stats he put up this year goes on forever. Wembanyama is a supernatural talent on track to outperform the insurmountable expectations put on him. He’s the future of the league, the future of basketball, and he’s so good that calling him transcendent would be disgraceful.
Wembanyama’s received no shortage of coverage and recognition this year, and rightfully so. And yet, lost in all the hype surrounding his size, defense, shooting, and unbelievable highlights has been another elite skill of his: his passing.
Outside of Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis, you’d be hard pressed to find a better big man passer than Wembanyama. He ranked seventh in assists per game amongst centers for the season, but the straight assist numbers alone don’t do him justice. Let’s roll the tape.
Wembanyama’s unreal size is a huge weapon in his passing attack. His alien-like length allows him to reach the ball through tight gaps that most players can’t. He’s a wicked bounce passer who sizzles the ball through impossibly small windows. If players had NBA2K badges in real life, Wemby would have hall of fame needle threader.
His towering height lets him see right over defenders and send the rock flying right over their heads. In the same way they say tall quarterbacks have an edge in football, Wemby has an advantage as a passer because he can survey the floor from above.
One can’t be a good passer off physical tools alone, though. Wembanyama has third-eye vision and can dish dimes with pinpoint accuracy. He sees the court like a point guard and is always aware of where his teammates are. He’s capable of making every kind of pass— he ranks in the 100th percentile of passing versatility, via BBall Index. Wemby would rock as a rock-swinger at any size.
Wembanyama is phenomenal as a pure passer, but what makes him truly special in that department is his playmaking. He doesn’t just capitalize on advantages created by others, Wemby warps defenses and gets his teammates open. When he’s on the court, everybody eats.
Because he’s such a scoring threat, opposing teams send the kitchen sink at Wembanyama defensively. The big fella often sees two, three, even four defenders when he catches the ball. Whenever there’s a double team, that means someone’s open, and Wemby finds that free man consistently.
Further, Wembanyama attracts extra defensive attention when he drives to the rim. No one man can stop him from scoring in the paint, so whenever he’s getting downhill, help defense rushes to step up. Even though he could probably score through all the defenders in his path, Wemby unselfishly dumps the ball off to teammates waiting eagerly in the dunker spot or behind the arc.
The most outstanding part of Wembanyama’s playmaking is his ability to direct the pick-and-roll. He’s comfortable handling the ball and making reads out of basketball’s most common and dangerous action.
Early in the season, Wemby struggled a lot with pressure and had turnover problems. Because of that presumed chink in his armor, defenses often choose to blitz him to try to force him to cough the ball up.
That weakness is no more, though. When Wembanyama faces a biltz, he just calmly zips the ball to the roll man for an easy two. The fact that he patched that hole in the middle of the season speaks to his work ethic and his hunger to become one of the greats.
Based on scoring alone, Victor Wembanyama is a human cheat code. He can score from anywhere and there’s nothing you can do about it. His playmaking, though, is what will make him one of the best offensive players in history once he hits his prime. So when you’re discussing Wemby’s greatness, don’t forget to mention his passing, because it’s just as incredible as the rest of his game.
The Memphis Grizzlies have had a disastrous year. Injuries have come down on them like snow during a Wisconsin winter, and it’s kept them weighted to the bottom of the standings in the West. It can be hard to find the bright side when everything is going wrong, but there are definitely diamonds in the rough of this Grizzlies season, and one of them is two-way contract man Scotty Pippen Jr.
Welcome back to Two-Way Talents! This series highlights two-way contract players from 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 Scotty Pippen Jr., the son of an NBA legend who is quietly making a name for himself in the midst of chaos.
Following a rookie campaign where he seldom saw the court and an unencouraging 2023 summer league outing, Pippen was cut by the Lakers in October. Considering how hard it is for little guards to stick in today’s NBA, the waiving seemed like it could be an early death sentence for his career. That was not the case, though, as the Vanderbilt product has climbed off the edge of the cliff and found his footing for the time being. The Grizzlies, desperately in need of able-bodied players, called up Pippen from the G-League on a two-way deal in January and he’s used the opportunity to prove his worth as a pro.
The biggest contribution Pippen has made to Memphis is the stable presence he provides as a point guard. He’s a heady decision maker and passer who can be trusted with the ball in his hands, and those skills have been invaluable for a team rolling out rag-tag lineups of inexperienced youngsters and G-Leaguers.
Pippen rarely tries to do too much. Instead, he’s always looking to make the simple pass to the open man. He dishes out 22.5 potential assists per 100 passes, placing him in the 91st percentile via BBall Index. He excels at making kickout passes both when driving and when coming off a screen. He sets teammates up wonderfully, placing his dimes right in their shooting pockets so they can let it fly seamlessly.
Being able to apply rim pressure and collapse defenses is an important skill for a guard and Pippen possesses it. His punch and spray game is on point and he has no trouble getting to the paint. That said, though, his finishing ability leaves a lot to be desired. He ranks in just the 17th percentile in rim field goal percentage via BBall Index. He lacks the size, burst, bounce, and strength to really be effective as a slasher and, on top of all that, his touch is subpar. And yet, despite all those issues, Pippen is still able to create advantages and run an offense by just getting into the paint in the first place, and that makes his struggles less of a problem going forward.
To succeed as a little guard, you need to be able to do two things: shoot and stay afloat on defense. Pippen, who is 6’1”, does both.
Defensively, he provides value as a stocks collector. Using his 6’6” wingspan, he’s able to disrupt attackers and rack up steals (1.4 per game on the season). He even delivers a wicked block here and there. While his size and stature limit the damage he can do guarding the ball, Pippen is seriously wreckful and determined defensive force overall.
The three-ball wasn’t Pippen’s calling card coming out of college, but he’s clearly worked hard on his shot and the work is coming to fruition in his second year in the league. He’s connected on over 47% of his deep-range tries, displaying comfort taking catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble looks alike. Keeping up that level of shooting will be the difference between a long-term stay in the NBA and returning to the G-League for the two-way baller.
Looking at Pippen’s game as a whole, many comparisons can be made to former Grizzlies backup point guard Tyus Jones. Jones has established himself as an elite sixth man by cutting back on mistakes and quarterbacking offenses at a high level, and with each game he plays, reaching those heights looks more and more possible for Scotty Pippen. So, keep an eye on him, because the kid’s here to stay.
Dalano Banton’s basketball journey has been a quiet one.
Not a highly touted high school prospect, the Toronto native began his collegiate career in 2018 at Western Kentucky where he averaged three points in 15 minutes per game. He then transferred to Nebraska where he posted almost 10 points along with six boards and four dimes per night as a redshirt sophomore, an improved statline from his freshman campaign but still nothing to write home about. When Banton declared for the NBA draft in 2021, most major outlets predicted him going undrafted. He avoided that fate, though, as the Toronto Raptors (who are known for their love of lengthy, versatile wings) selected him with the 46th pick.
Despite showing productive flashes with his hometown squad, Banton didn’t stick in any kind of role for the Raptors during his first two seasons as a pro, playing just 10 minutes per game as a rookie and even fewer in year two. Therefore, when he inked a contract with the Celtics this past summer, the signing was an afterthought and got buried in the buzz of free agency. When he was traded from Boston to Portland at the deadline, the move wasn’t any more newsworthy.
Just like the rest of his quest, Banton’s tenure with the Trail Blazers has flown under the radar. Only now, he’s doing something worthy of noise. The 24-year-old is breaking out in a big way with his new team.
Since arriving in Rip City in February, Banton has assumed a significant rotation role. With this fresh start, he’s been proof that opportunity is everything in the NBA, as he’s been playing the best basketball of his life. As a Blazer, he’s averaged over 15 PPG, 4 RPG, and 3 APG while shooting 43% from the field and 36% from three. Those are at least partially eyebrow-raising numbers, and by far the best of Banton’s career, but his play becomes even more exciting when you look at the tape. There’s no evidence that can prove this to be true, but the kid just moves like a star.
Banton’s a jumbo guard, which has always been the appeal of his game, and the intrigue is turning to reality for him. At 6’9”, Banton’s a legit ball handler who moves fluidly and effortlessly with the rock in his hands. He uses long strides and quickness uncommon for a guy of his height to knife his way to the rim. He won’t wow you with his burst or bounce, but using his craft, touch, and length, he just finds ways to get to the rack.
Here, Banton is facing Reggie Bullock, a steady defender. He sizes Bullock up at the elbow, and then just puts his head down and finishes over him with the tough inside-hand scoop. It wasn’t even bad defense, Banton’s just too long and too skilled.
His efficiency isn’t particularly inspiring, as he’s converted just 49% of his driving layups (via Bucket List). His lacking strength and athleticism give him trouble amongst the trees. But it’s important to remember that Banton is still raw as a third-year player getting his first consistent playing time in the NBA and has plenty of developing left to do. The finishing flashes he’s shown are too impressive to be ignored.
Banton’s guard chops don’t just come to light in the scoring department. He’s a good passer, too, and knows how to use the advantages he creates when he gets downhill. When he sees help defense rotate on his drives, he can make the simple, timely kick out pass. In the pick-and-roll, he likes to link up with his screener for alley-oops. He can make more advanced reads, too, and find open shooters out of the P&R. Playmaking is not his primary role, but it’s a real part of his toolkit and something that makes his upside even more enticing.
As mentioned before, Banton’s guard traits have long been his selling point. The thing holding him back from letting those skills shine, besides lack of opportunity, has been his poor jump shooting. Through two seasons in college and two in the league, he didn’t shoot above 30% from deep once and his free throw percentages weren’t much better. In today’s era, that’s a major red flag.
Banton is now turning those flags, in TikTok terms, beige.
By no means is he Steph Curry, or even a guy like Grayson Allen, but Banton has added at least a respectable three-ball to his arsenal and it’s done wonders for him. His stroke is quick and he doesn’t hesitate to let it fly, and that’s why he’s found a 36% success rate from beyond the arc as a Blazer. Cementing the outside shot as a weapon of his will be the key to his long-term success.
For someone with a, to put it lightly, questionable shooting history, Banton is surprisingly unafraid to let it fly off the dribble, and that willingness is another reason to be bullish on his potential. It’s been fool’s gold before, but it’s hard not to fall in love with a 6’9” guard confidently knocking down stepback threes.
All in all, while his skillset is out of the ordinary and he’s far from a perfect player, there’s a lot to be excited about with Dalano Banton and his future. And considering his silent grind to get here, it’s about time that he got some attention.
The struggles of the Milwaukee Bucks have been a prominent topic of discussion in NBA media throughout the season. With so many issues to choose from, including Damian Lillard’s concerning performance, coaching drama, and a lackluster bench, it’s been easy for people to pile on Milwaukee and relentlessly criticize them.
Lost in that buzz of negativity has been the emergence of A.J. Green. Amidst uncertainty and inconsistentcy, the undrafted sophomore has found his niche for a contender and proven he has a future in this league. That niche? Draining threes.
Green has taken 88% of his shots from deep this year. His job is to hunt triples and he’s employee of the month. He never does too much, he just hangs out beyond the arc and waits for when Giannis or Dame draw help. Once they do, he’s right there to capitalize on the advantage. He’s cashed in 46% of his spot-up treys on the season, and that ability to make defenses pay for sending extra bodies at Milwaukee’s stars has made him a super valuable weapon in lineups with the Greek Freak.
He does more than just spot up, though. He’s very comfortable as a movement shooter and is deadly coming off handoffs or pitches. He’s made 47% of his shots of that variety on the year. Because he’s generally a low-minute guy, Green isn’t really a big focus for opposing defenses at this point, but once he inevitably ends up on scouting reports, he’ll be able to bend defenses with the threat of his shooting when he’s flying around in actions off the ball.
Green is a deadeye shooter, but that’s not special. Plenty of guys can shoot in the modern NBA. What makes him a real rotational-caliber player is the fact that he’s not one-dimensional. Specialists are a dying breed, and to get minutes in games that matter, players have to be able to do multiple things. Green’s versatility as a shooter puts him a level above the average spot-up guy, but what truly separates him from specialists is his defense.
While stereotypes surrounding players of Green’s archetype suggest he would be a poor defender, he is more than meets the eye on that end. The fundamental element of good defense is effort, and Green gives that. That alone prevents him from being a liability. He doesn’t just give effort, though, he yields results. He’s a quality on-ball defender who gets stops in one-on-one situations. He navigates screens and keeps his man in front. Bottom line, you can’t pick on Green, and that fact will allow him to contribute in the postseason.
The most impressive part of Green’s development has been that he’s doing all of it in less than 10 minutes per game. He’s been buried in the depth chart behind other more experienced wings on Milwaukee’s roster, but he stays ready and shows up when his number is called. He’s averaged a respectable 9 PPG in games where he’s played 15+ minutes this season. On February 8th, in a battle versus the Timberwolves, he dropped a career-high 27-piece with nine three-point makes.
The next step for Green will be to add another level to his offensive game. As mentioned before, his playstyle is three-point heavy. He has taken just 3% of his shots at the rim in his career and has attempted only 12 free throws. In a playoff setting he would be pressured on the perimeter, and he needs to be able to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts as a counter. Being able to drive and finish at the rim when defenses close out hard on him would make him much more dynamic and hard to guard.
Fueled by fiery three-point shooting and sound defense, the man with a baby face and a silky jumper nicknamed Dairy Bird has established himself as an NBA player. A.J. Green is here to stay, folks. He’s going to be torching your favorite teams from outside for a long, long time.
NBA All-Star festivities are right around the corner, which means it’s once again time to name the Bench Mob All-Star team.
The Bench Mob All-Star tradition is unlike any other in NBA media. The mission is to shine light on the unknown end-of-bench ballers in the league who are making an impact under the radar. The All-Star team features the cream of the crop, the guys who are doing the Bench Mob proud and making names for themselves this season.
Let’s meet this year’s squad.
Sam Merrill (Captain, 6x Bench Mob Player of the Day)
Sam Merrill was the Mr. Irrelevant of the 2020 draft and spent his rookie campaign getting an A on the group project with the 2021 champion Milwaukee Bucks. After being traded in the offseason, he was waived and found himself in the G-League. There, he worked hard and shot the skin off the pill, grinding for his chance. That chance has finally come with the Cavaliers this season, and man has he capitalized on it. He’s flat-out been one of the best shooters in basketball. He’s hitting trifectas at an elite clip on insanely high volume and a diverse shot profile. He ranks in the 95th percentile of 3PT% and the 99th percentile of 3PT attempt rate (via BBall Index). He was huge for Cleveland in the absence of Darius Garland, opening things up with the threat of his shooting and helping the team climb the standings. Merrill’s unexpected rise to rotation player status is the reason why he headlines this year’s Bench Mob All-Star squad.
Duop Reath (5x BM POTD)
Duop Reath’s journey to the NBA took longer than expected. He went undrafted in 2018 and has only just made it to the big league. Now that he’s here, though, he’s made it clear that he belongs. The big fella opens things up for Portland with his offensive versatility and plays solid defense, too. The Great Barrier Reath, as he’s come to be known, makes a positive impact every time he’s on the court. That’s why he’s become a solidified member of the rotation and why he’s earned a Bench Mob All-Star selection.
The Cavaliers have built their identity on the defensive end, and Craig Porter Jr. has fit right into that culture. The undrafted rookie slid into the lineup when Cleveland was clobbered with injuries and patched the holes admirably with his contributions defensively as a point-of-attack weapon and a steals guy. While he’s seen a decline in minutes as of late, Porter’s early-season efforts proved that he has a future in the league when nobody expected it.
Kudos to Koby Altman and the rest of Cleveland’s front office, because they’ve uncovered two Bench Mob All-Stars.
Coming into the season, the Nuggets’ bench was a question mark. Would they have enough help from the second unit to win another championship? They have found their answer to that question in second-year man Peyton Watson. Watson has quietly been one of the best defenders at the forward position this season. He ranks in the 94th percentile of Dunks&Threes D-EPM stat. He’s a spectacular athlete with the heart to match who makes highlight blocks and shuts down stars nightly. His upside is sky-high, as he’s just 21, and he is going to help Denver compete for titles for a long time.
Isaiah Jackson (6x BM POTD)
Isaiah Jackson plays less than 15 minutes per contest, but that doesn’t stop him from being one of the best shot blockers in the league. He ranks 20th in blocks per game this season and plays way less than everyone above him. He’s the perfect energy big man off the bench and has been an important cog for the up-and-coming Pacers, especially during their in-season tournament finals run. Being so productive despite touching the court so little is why Jackson is a no-brainer Bench Mob All-Star.
Moses Moody (4x BM POTD)
A former lottery pick, Moody is young, talented, and has proven to be a solid contributor on both ends whenever he’s been given the chance to show it. And yet, despite Golden State’s mediocre record and roster, he’s being held back in a relatively small role off the bench. Moody is making the very best of his limited opportunity and that’s why he’s a Bench Mob All-Star.
Matt Ryan (3x BM POTD)
Three years ago, Matt Ryan (no, not the NFL quarterback) was working at a cemetery and DoorDashing on the side. He chose that path with the goal of eventually making it to the NBA, passing up on going corporate, and against all odds, he got there. He’s more than just a feel-good story, though, because now he’s with the Pelicans and he’s scorching the nets. He’s shooting 47% from deep on the year on five attempts per game, providing the spacing that New Orleans needs next to their stars. It’s obvious that Ryan was a Dasher in his past because he just keeps on delivering and that’s why he’s a Bench Mob All-Star.
A.J. Green (4x BM POTD)
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” is a mantra of sorts for bench players in basketball, and A.J. Green clearly lives by those words. His playing time has been inconsistent this season, but whenever one of Milwaukee’s three head coaches has called his number, the sniper from Cedar Falls has answered on the first ring. He’s a shooter shooter, and with every triple he swishes, he makes it clear that he’s here to stay in the NBA. So move over, Steph Curry, the real baby-faced assassin has arrived.
Dominick Barlow (4x BM POTD)
There hasn’t been much to get excited about with the Spurs (besides that Victor Wembanyama guy, of course), but one bright spot has been the emergence of Dominick Barlow. The first player in NBA history to play his pre-league ball with Overtime Elite has found his niche as a backup big for the Silver and Black, using his size to protect the paint and vacuum up rebounds. He’s shown he deserves to be a pro and he could be a fun frontcourt running mate next to Wemby in the future.
Amir Coffey (3x BM POTD)
The Clippers have quietly been arguably the best team in the association this year, and their depth has played a significant role in that success. Amir Coffey has been one of those key reserves for coach Tyronn Lue. He’s having a very efficient campaign from all three levels, and he’s brought some juice on defense, too. Coffey’s reliability for an elite team is why he’s a Bench Mob All-Star for the second time, making him the third player to do so.
Ricky Council IV (3x BM POTD)
Ricky Council hasn’t gotten much burn for Philly, playing less than 10 minutes per game on the year, but he’s killed it whenever he has seen the court. He’s averaging over 40 points per 100 possessions (over 30 per 36 minutes) and over seven boards, too. That sort of garbage time dominance made it impossible to leave Council off this squad.
Day’Ron Sharpe (2x BM POTD)
Rounding out the roster is Brooklyn’s bench energizer, Day’Ron Sharpe. The big man plays with endless activity, crashing the glass relentlessly and making plays defensively. The impact of heart and hustle cannot be understated and Sharpe has both which is why he’s earned this selection.
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