2022-23 NBA Award Show

The 2022-23 NBA regular season came to a close almost a month ago and the playoff battle is raging on. This year, we’ve seen an unbelievable display of talent across the league. From top to bottom, the NBA is the most talented it’s ever been. Today, while I’m a little late to the party, I will be recognizing some of the very best players in basketball by handing out my picks for all of the major awards, as well as the Bench Mob Blog awards. Let’s get started!

(Note: I have chosen my own finalists for each accolade rather than using the official ones.)

(Second note: I ran a survey for my Twitter followers to find out their award picks. The BMB fan award picks will be listed next to each of mine.) 

Coach of the Year

Honorable Mentions- Joe Mazzulla, Mike Budenholzer, Taylor Jenkins, Will Hardy

Finalist: Mark Daigneault

The Oklahoma City Thunder played ahead of schedule this season, battling hard in the play-in and nearly cracking the playoffs despite being one of the league’s youngest rosters. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom is a major reason why, Mark Daigneault deserves a lot of credit as well. His defensive scheme allowed his undersized squad to compete every night. Daigneault is just 37 years old, the third youngest coach in the NBA, and has a long and fruitful career ahead of him.

Finalist: Jacque Vaughn

The Nets started the season off cold which led to the firing of Steve Nash. After Jacque Vaughn stepped in to fill the role, he had the team playing like a title contender almost immediately, primarily thanks to a monstrous team defense. Even after the shocking trade requests from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the team still finished with a top-six seed in the ultra-tight Eastern Conference behind Vaughn’s guidance. 

Finalist: Mike Brown

Mike Brown’s job steering the ship for the Sacramento Kings was nothing short of incredible. He designed an absolute flamethrower of an offense that was statistically one of the best ever. Brown’s leadership helped turn this organization from a laughing stock to a top seed in just one year and he was rightfully named the first unanimous COTY winner in history. 

2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year- Mike Brown

(BMB Fan Coach of the Year- Mike Brown. Also receiving votes: M. Budenholzer, M. Daigneault, J. Mazzulla, M. Malone, J. Vaughn, T. Thibodeau)

Sixth Man of the Year

Honorable Mentions- Malik Monk, Norman Powell, Tyus Jones, Bruce Brown, Cole Anthony

Finalist: Malcolm Brogdon

There are many teams in the league that would start Malcolm Brogdon. When healthy with the Pacers, he was a borderline All-Star. However, with the Celtics, he sacrificed usage and a spot in the opening lineup for the betterment of the team and thrived as a result. The heady point guard elevated Boston with his efficiency and floor generalship and has a chance to help them raise banner number 18 in June. 

Finalist: Bobby Portis Jr.

Bobby Portis may have taken a step back as a shooter this year, but his fierce competitive spirit never relented. He changed games for Milwaukee with his energy, crashing the glass with purpose and punishing mismatches with his back-to-the-basket game. Even though he only passed out of the post twice in 70 games (OK, that’s an exaggeration), Bobby was still an invaluable contributor for the Bucks. 

Finalist: Immanuel Quickley

Coach Tom Thibodeau finally embraced the youth movement this season, removing vets like Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose from the rotation entirely. Immanuel Quickley was a major beneficiary of this decision. He was a spark plug and breathed life into New York’s lineup whenever he subbed in. He proved to be one of the NBA’s best team defenders at the guard position, making up for his height with excellent help instincts and high IQ (no pun intended). On the other end, he boasts a ballsy pull-up game and one of the most effective floaters in basketball. Quickley delivered an abundance of electric two-way performances on his way to 6MOY contention. 

2022-23 NBA Sixth Man of the Year- Malcolm Brogdon

(BMB Fan Sixth Man of the Year- Immanuel Quickley. Also receiving votes: M. Brogdon, B. Portis Jr., B. Mathurin, N. Powell, C. Anthony, A. Reaves, M. Monk, B. Brown)

Most Improved Player 

Honorable Mentions- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Jaden McDaniels, Immanuel Quickley, Aaron Gordon

Finalist: Devin Vassell

The Spurs were largely irrelevant and uncompetitive, so you probably missed out on it, but Devin Vassell’s growth this season exceeded all expectations. With all the freedom necessary to spread his wings, Vassell blossomed into a legitimate star-caliber offensive player. He’s efficient, smart, and versatile in his scoring attack and is similar in many ways to Milwaukee’s second All-Star Khris Middleton. These qualities will make Vassell the perfect running mate for Victor Wembanyama if the ping-pong balls bounce in San Antonio’s favor. 

Finalist: Nic Claxton

Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton makes his name on the defensive end. He was a serious DPOY candidate this year, combining all-world rim protection with elite switchability. It was offensively, though, where Claxton grew the most. He was generally an unskilled scorer through his first three campaigns as a pro, but this season he deepened his finishing bag and displayed silky touch in the low post. He was a significant part of Brooklyn’s regular season success and deserved MIP consideration.

Finalist: Lauri Markkanen

From solid starter to All-NBA candidate, Lauri Markkanen made an enormous leap in the 2022-23 season. He went from primarily a stretch four to one of the best off-ball scorers in the sport, taking full advantage of his expanded role with the Jazz. Markkanen is the 2023 Most Improved Player. 

2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player- Lauri Markkanen

(BMB Fan Most Improved Player- Lauri Markkanen. Also receiving votes: S. Gilgeous-Alexander, T. Haliburton, J. Brunson, N. Claxton, D. Vassell, A. Gordon, M. Bridges)

Defensive Player of the Year

Honorable Mentions- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Jrue Holiday, Evan Mobley

Finalist: Nic Claxton

As mentioned before, Claxton was a defensive force this season. He’s a menacing shot blocker and one of the best switch bigs in the league. His lateral quickness is not normal for a guy of his size and he can legitimately swap onto all five positions and lock down. There was less attention shined on Brooklyn after the departure of KD and Kyrie, which hurt his case, but Claxton had a DPOY-caliber year regardless. 

Finalist: Brook Lopez

When they rolled out a fully healthy lineup (which wasn’t often), the Milwaukee Bucks were as impressive as anyone defensively. At the heart of this dominant defensive unit was Brook Lopez, who had a career year at age 35. Whether the metrics support it or not, his rim protection was unparalleled. Trying to finish over Lopez at the rim is like trying to eat with both hands tied behind your back: you just can’t do so cleanly. He rejected, altered, or smothered countless shots attempted in his vicinity. While his teammates Giannis and Jrue are two of the best defenders in hoops themselves, Lopez was the most important and impactful cog of Milwaukee’s defensive machine in 2023. 

Finalist: Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Grizzlies ranked second in defensive rating this season, and Jaren Jackson Jr. can be thanked for that. He’s a destroyer of worlds in the paint—shooting anywhere near him is just asking for him to swat it to the 10th row. His block totals were so insane that people began questioning their authenticity. Another key piece of Jackson’s case is his dramatically-improved ability to defend without fouling. He has earned a reputation as a hack who struggles to stay on the court but he committed the least fouls per 100 possessions of his career this year. 

2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year- Brook Lopez

(BMB Fan Defensive Player of the Year- Brook Lopez. Also receiving votes: J. Jackson Jr., G. Antetokounmpo, N. Claxton, J. Holiday, O. Anunoby, J. McDaniels

Rookie of the Year 

Honorable Mentions- Keegan Murray, Bennedict Mathurin, Jaden Ivey

Finalist: Jalen Williams

Jalen “J-Dub” Williams was ranked in the All-Star tier of my Draft Casual’s Big Board during the scouting process, and his rookie campaign showed he’s well on his way to becoming that level of player. He’s the human embodiment of the word versatile. He can create on the ball for himself and others, he makes timely cuts often off the ball, and he uses his absurd length to be a disruptor defensively. Williams fits OKC’s preferred player mold of high-feel guys who contribute in multiple facets of the game to a tee, and it won’t be long before he’s suiting up next to his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the All-Star game. 

Finalist: Walker Kessler

It’s rare that rookies are impactful defenders, so finding one that contributes on that end at an all-league level is like discovering a unicorn. The Utah Jazz acquired a mythical creature in Walker Kessler via the Rudy Gobert trade. The 7’1” first-year man from Auburn showcased impeccable fundamentals as a shot blocker and is already one of the league’s best in that category. Kessler also finished an astounding clip of his field goals (72.0% on the year) and vacuumed in oodles of boards, making him a winning contributor from day one. 

Finalist: Paolo Banchero

Once the regular season tipped off, Paolo Banchero came out of the gate head and shoulders above the rest of the class and never looked back. Standing at 6’10” with a 250lb frame, the freshman phenom already overmatches most of the league physically and used that advantage to find early success. He’s a bulldozer, a high-feel creator, a tantalizing prospect, and the 2023 Rookie of the Year. 

2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year- Paolo Banchero

(BMB Fan Rookie of the Year- Paolo Banchero. Also receiving votes: J. Williams, B. Mathurin, W. Kessler, J. Duren, K. Murray)

Most Valuable Player 

Honorable Mention- Jayson Tatum

Finalist: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Two-time MVP and my pick last year, Giannis Antetokounmpo is unsurprisingly at the forefront of conversations around the award once again. This year, he’s armed with the best player on the best team argument. Even with championship co-star Khris Middleton sidelined for the majority of the season, the Greek Freak was able to lead his squad to a league-best 58 wins. His two-way dominance was as evident as ever and, while Jokic and Embiid received most of the buzz, his MVP case is equally as convincing. 

Finalist: Nikola Jokic

Winning MVP this year would have made Nikola Jokic only the fourth player in history to earn it three straight times, putting him in the remarkable company of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. He spearheaded Denver’s one-seed campaign, putting on diming and post-scoring masterclasses nightly while blowing everybody else out of the water in virtually every advanced metric in the process. Even though he won’t be completing the three-peat, the Joker proved that he belongs in all-time companionship regardless.

Finalist: Joel Embiid

After finishing as the runner-up two years straight, Joel Embiid finally got over the hump and was named MVP last week. He accomplished it by being the most unstoppable force in the sport. Guarding him one-on-one is a death wish. Once he faces up in the mid-range or turns his back to the basket, he commands the attention of every defender on the court or he will put two points on the board. Although Embiid was the official winner, he is a close second for me behind the best player in the world. 

2022-23 NBA Most Valuable Player- Giannis Antetokounmpo

(BMB Fan Most Valuable Player- Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also receiving votes: N. Jokic, J. Embiid, J. Tatum, L. Doncic) 

Bench Mob Player of the Year

Honorable Mentions- Josh Green, A.J. Green, Josh Okogie, Jordan Nwora

Finalist: Yuta Watanabe

Reliable shooting. Glass-crashing. Nonstop energy. Yuta Watanabe does everything a coach wants from their end-of-rotation guys. Even when he fell out of Brooklyn’s regular lineup towards the end of the year, Watanabe never complained and continued to hustle his tail off every second he was on the hardwood. The dirty work he does and the threes he hits were key all season long for the Nets and his stats don’t do justice to the impact he has on victory.

Finalist: Jordan Goodwin

Jordan Goodwin started the 2022-23 campaign on a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards. Having just two games of experience under his belt before this year, he was unknown to many. Then, Delon Wright went down with an injury and Coach Unseld was in need of a new backup guard. Goodwin answered the call. He filled Wright’s role of defensive hound, marking his man up at full court every possession and picking countless pockets while limiting turnovers as a floor general on the other end. He went on to earn a well-deserved multi-year standard deal for his endeavors. Goodwin’s journey from undrafted free agent, to G-Leaguer, to two-way contract man, to legitimate rotational contributor is truly inspirational and he embodies a bench mobber.

Finalist: Isaiah Joe

For the first two years of his career, Isaiah Joe was rotting on the end of the bench in Philadelphia, never getting the chance to spread his wings as a pro. When the Sixers waived him in the offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder were quick to scoop him up. It was a low-risk, high-reward move for a rebuilding organization and it ended up being one of the best signings of the summer. Finally getting an opportunity to play often, Joe emerged as an invaluable role player for OKC because he’s one of the best three-point specialists in the association. He shoots elite percentages on spot-up and off-screen tries and, as an added bonus, holds up defensively. With his performance this season, Isaiah Joe has paved a loooong career for himself. Daryl Morey undoubtedly regrets letting him go. 

2022-23 NBA Bench Mob Player of the Year- Isaiah Joe 

(BMB Fan Bench Mob Player of the Year- Isaiah Joe. Also receiving votes: J. Nwora, J. Alvarado, Y. Watanabe, J. Okogie, J. Green, J. McDaniels, A.J. Green) 

All-NBA Teams

All-NBA First Team

G- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

G- Donovan Mitchell

F- Jayson Tatum

F- Giannis Antetokounmpo

C- Joel Embiid

All-NBA Second Team

G- Luka Doncic

G- Damian Lillard

F- LeBron James

F- Julius Randle

C- Nikola Jokic

All- NBA Third Team

G- Stephen Curry

G- De’Aaron Fox

F- Jaylen Brown

F- Kevin Durant

C- Domantas Sabonis

All-Defensive Teams

All-Defensive First Team

G- Jrue Holiday

G- Derrick White

F- Evan Mobley

F- Jaren Jackson Jr. 

C- Brook Lopez

All-Defensive Second Team

G- Alex Caruso

G- Mikal Bridges

F- Jaden McDaniels

F- Giannis Antetokounmpo

C- Nic Claxton

All-Rookie Teams

All-Rookie First Team

Paolo Banchero

Jalen Williams

Walker Kessler

Bennedict Mathurin

Keegan Murray

All-Rookie Second Team

Jaden Ivey

Jeremy Sochan

Jalen Duren

Shaedon Sharpe

AJ Griffin

All-Bench-Mob Teams

All-Bench-Mob First Team

Isaiah Joe

Yuta Watanabe

Jordan Goodwin

Josh Green

A.J. Green

All-Bench-Mob Second Team

Jordan Nwora

Josh Okogie

Jose Alvarado

Jalen McDaniels

Nick Richards

All-Bench-Mob Third Team

Terence Davis

Edmond Sumner

Ty Jerome

Jaylen Nowell

Sam Hauser

So, those are my official 2022-23 NBA awards! Let me know what you agree and disagree with, I’m always down for a hoops discussion on my Twitter account @finleykuehl. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

The Ultimate Culture Guy: How Thanasis Antetokounmpo Contributes To Winning From the End of the Bench

“Hey, we know what that’s all about. It’s all about appeasing Giannis. But to answer your question, no.”

This was an anonymous NBA general manager’s response to a question posed by writer Gery Woelfel about Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the elder brother of basketball’s best player. Would Thanasis be on an NBA roster if not for his brother’s status? 

The GM’s response is the general consensus amongst anybody not of Milwaukee fandom. The guy hasn’t exceeded 10 minutes per game in any of his four seasons with the Bucks and any burn he does get is rarely meaningful. If he never sees the court outside of junk time, there’s no way anything about Thanasis outside of his surname warrants a roster spot. The reality is the exact opposite— he’s the most valuable 15th man in the association.

To understand Thanasis’ significance, you have to pay attention to his activity on the bench. He is the ultimate good vibes guy. He celebrates every big moment like he just won the lottery, flexing, yelling, or high-fiving teammates from the bench before they run back on defense. Enthusiasm like that is contagious. Seeing someone smile makes you do the same—it’s science—and Thanasis is always smiling. 

The importance of having guys like that in a locker room can not be understated. Most of Milwaukee’s core players are already champions. In order to do it again, they must stay focused on bettering the team instead of selfishly seeking the next thing (a larger contract, more minutes, etc.). Legendary coach and current Miami Heat president Pat Riley called this post-success desire to level up the “disease of more”. Thanasis is immune to this disease. He’s perfectly content in his role and does whatever he can within it to uplift the group.  When Thanasis took a leave of absence for personal reasons in March, Giannis shared in a postgame presser how “the energy was kind of off” for the team without him. They say if you feel good, you play good, and people like Thanasis boost the mood of everyone around them. 

Thanasis is the league’s premier hypeman, but his true influence runs deeper than that. More than anyone else, he can keep Giannis’ mental game sharp. Anyone who’s watched Giannis knows his emotions can sometimes run hot, and Thanasis is always there to be a calming voice in his ear. It’s common to see him pull his younger sibling aside, presumably delivering brotherly words of wisdom to help the MVP stay focused and play at his best. 

Thanasis’ on-court ability is overlooked as well. He was a second-round pick in 2014 and spent two seasons in the D-League before briefly donning a Knicks jersey in 2016. Now as a Buck, he’s flashed real talent whenever he’s let loose, which is usually in matches where Milwaukee’s roster is severely depleted. In 13 career outings where he’s played 20+ minutes, he’s averaged a very respectable 10.1 points. That figure balloons to 18 PPG in games where he logged 30+ minutes, albeit just four contests. He posted a career-high 27 points in Milwaukee’s regular-season finale versus Cleveland last year.

Standout athleticism is not a trait exclusive to Giannis in the Antetokounmpo family. Thanasis can do real damage slashing and cutting to the basket. He’s constantly looking for a chance to rip the hoop down with a rim-rocking slam and goes about it fearlessly. He can always be counted on to throw down an exclamation-mark jam at the end of a Bucks blowout win.

It’s fair to say Thanasis isn’t even Milwaukee’s worst player (sorry, Meyers Leonard), but even if he was, he’s still a culture guy who raises morale, never complains about his role, works hard, and gives 110% when he does step on the hardwood. And, even if he couldn’t provide the same impact on another team, why not celebrate Thanasis for starring in his situation instead of knocking him because that situation is unique? Any GM should recognize what having a guy like him means for a team with championship aspirations. He’s the optimal last man for the Bucks and deserves respect. 

The Unsung Heroes of the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season (4/7/23)

The talent level in the NBA is at an all-time high. With all the blinding star power shining every night, too many talented players slip through the cracks and fall under the average fan’s radar. So with the 2022-23 regular season nearly complete, I wanted to show appreciation to some of those unsung heroes that have made this season such a memorable one. Let’s dig straight in. 

Zach Collins

Zach Collins was the main spark of this article. After an injury held him out for the entirety of the 2020-21 campaign, he came to the Spurs with a lot to prove and has surpassed all expectations. He jumped out of the gates playing like one of the best backup bigs in the business and is now flourishing as a starter since Jakob Poeltl’s departure. He’s a stout interior defender, a floor-spacer, and an impact rebounder who does all the dirty work. An enforcer in the truest sense, Zach is never afraid to stand up for his teammates and has been involved in multiple scuffles as a result. He bounced back from injury better than ever and at just 25 years old, he’s cemented a spot in San Antonio’s long-term plans.

Joe Ingles & Jevon Carter

This Milwaukee Bucks squad is perhaps the best of the Giannis era. While Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez enjoying career years plays a large part in that, the biggest difference-maker is the depth on Coach Bud’s bench. Milwaukee’s roster boasts eleven playoff-caliber players, something no other team in the league can hold a candle to. The leaders of the stacked bench mob are Joe Ingles and Jevon Carter.

Ingles, who spent his entire career with the Jazz before this year, tore his ACL last season which could have spelled disaster for a guy in his mid-thirties. Instead, he’s been as productive as ever in his return to the court. He’s a fierce competitor and trash-talker who has been a steady veteran presence for this Bucks unit with his reliable shooting and secondary playmaking. He’s slow but precise in his movement and while he doesn’t provide much rim pressure, his court vision is excellent and he can find guys in their spots consistently. He even directs pick-and-rolls as a ball handler and is essentially the point guard at times. Considering his solid defensive ability too, Ingles has probably been Milwaukee’s sixth-best player and will be a vital member of the rotation in the postseason. 

After the 2022 trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets waived Jevon Carter to open up a roster spot for Goran Dragic. That decision blew up in their faces. Carter is miles ahead of Dragic (who, funnily enough, is also a Buck now) on both ends and has been a rock in Milwaukee’s lineup in the midst of a storm of injuries. He’s hounded opposing ball handlers and knocked down flurries of ballsy pull-up triples in all 79 Bucks contests this season. Coach Budenholzer received a lot of criticism for leaving Carter on the bench in the playoffs last year, but the steady little guard has made committing that mistake again impossible with his play in this Milwaukee campaign.

Dennis Schroder & Troy Brown Jr.

The post-bubble era has been a wild ride for the Los Angeles Lakers. Their rosters have been incompetent and their superstar duo has spent almost as much time in street clothes as they have on the court. This year’s trade deadline breathed some life into their chances at making noise in the crowded West as Rob Pelinka made multiple deals to add legitimate talent alongside LeBron and AD. Even before the deadline, through thick and thin, Darvin Ham has consistently seen winning contributions from Dennis Schroder and Troy Brown Jr.

Schroder, a veteran guard in his second stint in the City of Angels, has quietly been one of basketball’s best backup point guards. His effective inside-the-arc scoring, heady floor generalship and P&R directory, and solid point-of-attack defense have been critical in keeping the Lakers afloat no matter who’s healthy. He’s been the butt of many jokes about when he declined a contract worth upwards of $80 million, and while that decision is still questionable, he’s set himself up for a nice little payday this offseason.  

Brown Jr., who was picked just outside of the lottery in 2018, struggled to find a real role as a pro during his time with Washington and Chicago. He took a one-year, bet-on-yourself deal last summer and it has paid off. He’s brought a lot of hustle to this Lakers squad both defensively and on the glass. As a bonus, he’s making good on a career-high percentage of his deep-range tries. He’ll likely move on to a new home after his contract expires and he’ll help bring success wherever he goes. 

Quentin Grimes

Behind the arc is where Houston product Quentin Grimes impressed the most as a rookie, but he’s rounded his game out as a sophomore and become a key component of this playoff Knicks team. His name has been tossed around in All-Defense discussions because of his ability to dance around screens and stay glued to his man. On the other end, he’s been aggressive in attacking closeouts and using that advantage to finish at the rack or dish a well-timed dump-off to an open comrade. Of course, he still swishes treys with his beautiful stroke and has become a quintessential 3&D off-guard as a full-time opener for New York.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Few players embody the title “three-point specialist” more than Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Mavericks. He rarely produces in other areas but can win Dallas games when he heats up from outside. They’re 6-3 on the season when he hits six or more triples. His highs are high and his lows are low but when he’s cooking he makes a big impact on victory and, as a bonus, launches some mind-boggling heat-checks that make his best outings a blast to watch. 

Royce O’Neale

Before Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving requested trades out of the blue, the Nets were on a roll and looking like an upper-echelon contender. Their roster went through a massive recasting, with four new starters joining the lineup, but Brooklyn’s resident iron man remained after the dust settled. He’s missed only five possible contests while playing a career-high in minutes, providing high-level catch-and-shoot ability, wing defense, and ball movement every time he’s on the hardwood. It’s a shame the Nets imploded because O’Neale would have really aided them in competing for the Larry O’Brien and he deserves that opportunity. 

Naz Reid & Taurean Prince

All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined with a calf strain for a large chunk of this season, leaving a gaping hole in Minnesota’s scoring output. They needed someone to step up and Naz Reid delivered. He’s a fluidly skilled center/power forward combo who can handle the ball and get to the cup while also being a capable floor spacer. In some ways, he replicates what Towns brings to an offense. Reid has lept into the top tier of backup bigs and will command considerable money for his services as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Taurean Prince has been as dependable as they come on the wing for coach Chris Finch. He’s a spot-up threat and a serviceable defender who’s been a staple in Minnesota’s rotation all year. Prince won’t wow you with his statistical output but he’s the type of guy that can be trusted to play significant minutes in playoff settings (think Pat Connaughton in Milwaukee’s 2021 Finals run or Markieff Morris for the Lakers the year prior). He also exploded for a fiery 35-point, 8-3PM performance in March in which he shot 92% from the field and 100% from deep which is pretty wild. 

Davion Mitchell & Trey Lyles

The Sacramento Kings are undeniably the most exciting story of the season. After piecing together a refurbished roster through the trade market, free agency, and the draft, they snapped their woefully extended lottery streak by not only clinching a spot in the ‘offs but by securing a top-three seed in the Western Conference. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis (who are both having All-NBA caliber seasons) headline the Beam Team but around them is an incredibly balanced group that has made this surgance possible. 

Sacramento’s historic high-octane offense has been the platform for their takeoff and enough to overcome defensive deficiencies. That said, sophomore guard Davion Mitchell has been a buoy for them on D. He’s been praised for his lockdown capabilities since college and is living up to the hype, putting a real stake in All-Defense discussions. In some ways he’s a smaller Jrue Holiday on the perimeter, using impeccable core strength and lateral quickness to blow up plays and completely shut down his matchup. 

I owe a huge apology to Trey Lyles. In an article two years ago where I jumbled together some positive thoughts on the Spurs, I threw a stray at him, flat-out saying “Trey Lyles sucks”. I’ve come a long way with my writing since then and Lyles has progressed equally. His do-it-all attitude at the four has been huge for Sacramento’s bench unit. Catch-and-shooting, timely cutting, rebounding; whatever you need, he’s got you covered. So, Trey, I apologize and I’m glad to see you succeed. 

AJ Griffin

The only rookie on this list, AJ Griffin has flown under the radar of not only fans but somehow also his coaching staff. He’s been a professional in nearly every aspect of shooting from the second he stepped on an NBA court for the first time, whether it’s spotting up, turning and firing on the move, or stepping in for a one-dribble pull-up when he gets chased off the line. He’s also a solid defender on the ball and has delivered two game-winning buckets this season. All of that said, Griffin’s role in Atlanta’s rotation has been minor compared to the value he can provide. He was even getting DNP-coach decisions in early March, an inexcusable offense from Quin Snyder. Whenever he’s been given the proper minutes, Griffin has shown out and he feels like a lock for All-Rookie.

Aaron Nesmith

Despite being a lottery pick in 2020, Aaron Nesmith’s first two years in the league were void of both playing time and productivity. Then, last offseason, he was tossed into the trade that landed Boston Malcolm Brogdon which was just what he needed to grow. Nesmith has been a common member of Indiana’s starting five which he’s done by hanging his hat on the defensive end. He’s been relentlessly focused on getting stops while doubling as a viable spot-up shooter on the other end, fitting the always trendy 3&D label. The 2023 campaign has been like a second draft for Nesmith and he’s made the most of it.

Delon Wright & Daniel Gafford

While their mediocre record suggests otherwise, the Wizards have been a sneaky fun watch this year. Two major reasons for that are Delon Wright and Daniel Gafford.

Wright trails only former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis in box plus/minus this season amongst all Wizards. He makes them a better team when he subs in because of his ball-hawking, intelligent ball movement, and shooting. The veteran combo guard isn’t flashy but gets the job done at a high level night in and night out.

Gafford is one of the most thrilling watches at the center position. Every time he dives to the hoop or soars to catch a lob he does so with the intention of tearing the basket down. On defense, he prowls the paint waiting to exterminate any shot thrown in his direction. Simply put, the man’s a beast and he can dominate games with bounce, intensity, and vigor. 

Dennis Smith Jr.

If there were a comeback player of the year award in the NBA, that honor would go to Dennis Smith Jr. Injuries turned a bright future into a bleak one that seemed at risk of ending when Portland waived him last season. Then, his hometown Hornets offered the 25-year-old another shot, one that he took full advantage of. Smith has shined defensively, using his athletic gifts to be an absolute menace despite standing at just 6’2”. Even considering his lack of a perimeter jumper, he’s extended his career with his newfound All-League guarding ability and it’s been one of the cooler subplots of this season. 

This article could go on forever and ever if I mentioned everyone that came to mind when thinking of unsung heroes, so before I wrap things up here are some others: Doug McDermott, Chris Boucher, Donte DiVincenzo, Aaron Holiday, Coby White, Devonte’ Graham, Cam Reddish, Miles McBride, T.J. McConnell, Jaylin Williams, & Svi Mykhailiuk. 

Part of what makes following the NBA so much fun is appreciating the contributions brought to the table by every single player, from the top dogs to the two-way guys, and the core mission at the Bench Mob Blog is to help everyone do just that. So, if you don’t know much about these guys, check ‘em out sometime. In the meantime, send your favorite unsung heroes to me on Twitter @thebenchmobblog. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

Should MarJon Beauchamp Be In Milwaukee’s Rotation? (3/6/23)

When making a first-round draft selection last summer for the first time since 2018, there were a lot of directions the Milwaukee Bucks could have headed in. A floor general point guard, a backup big man, and a movement shooter would have all patched holes in their depth chart. Most importantly, though, whoever they selected needed to be capable of cracking the rotation and contributing right away. Jon Horst opted to add 21-year-old wing MarJon Beauchamp, who played his pre-league ball for the G-League Ignite, with the 24th pick. 

At first, it seemed as though Beauchamp could play real minutes right away. He was a rotational regular from November through January and even started nine contests when the usual openers were injured. However, as everyone has gotten healthy, he has almost disappeared from the lineup as of late. His playing time has been scarcer than hairs on the top of Tom Thiboedeau’s head (might be time to give it up, Thibs). 

Coach Bud has received heavy criticism from fans for rarely letting Beauchamp see the court, which begs the question: should MarJon Beauchamp really be a full-time member of Milwaukee’s rotation?

Well, in order to get meaningful burn for a contender, a rookie absolutely has to be able to do one thing at an NBA level. Offensively, that isn’t the case for Beauchamp at this point.

While he projects as a three-level scorer, MarJon has spent the majority of his time behind the arc in his freshman campaign. Almost 60% of his shots come from that range, and while he’s had some hot shooting nights, he isn’t reliable at all. He’s been inefficient on every shot type despite ranking in the 84th percentile of shot quality (via BBall Index) and that would make him a liability in the playoffs.

Overall 3PT%31.7%
Corner 3PT%32.0%
C&S 3PT%32.2%
Pull Up 3PT%30.0%

The other notable struggle for MarJon on O is ball security. He ranks twelfth on the Bucks in total minutes this season but has a turnover percentage that exceeds the rate of every night-in, night-out guy for the squad besides Joe Ingles and Jrue Holiday (in case you were curious, Thansasis paces the team). He gets too sped up at times and is prone to traveling and bad passes. It’s perfectly normal for a rookie to have to adjust to the quick pace of the big league but there’s less room for error on a team trying to compete.

While his offense is a work in progress, it’s the other side of the ball where Beauchamp makes a case for minutes. He’s long, athletic, and has put on some rock-solid displays of individual defense this year. Weaker defenders get relentlessly picked on by smart offenses but he does not fall into that category.

Unfortunately for MarJon, the players he’s competing with for minutes (mainly Jae Crowder, Pat Connaughton, Joe Ingles, and Wesley Matthews) are all more battle-tested and proven on D than him. He’s also more susceptible to blow-bys and off-ball lapses than his veteran peers.

Simply put, the current version of MarJon Beauchamp is not good enough to warrant significant playing time in important contests for Milwaukee down the stretch of the regular season. That said, throwing a youngster into the fire and letting them play through and learn from their mistakes is far and away the most effective method of player development. Beauchamp has all the tools to be a legitimate contributor as soon as next year and as this season winds down it would benefit the team to allow him to spread his wings as a pro while letting some of the older guys save their legs for the big dance in April.

So, to answer the original question, yes, Beauchamp should be part of the lineup for the Bucks. He has the potential to be a key part of the second leg of Giannis’ career and playing him now is the first step in him reaching that position.

2022-23 Bench Mob All-Stars (2/16/23)

The 2023 NBA All-Star participants have been announced, meaning all the biggest names in the game are dominating both the headlines and social media discussion. Today, I’m here to turn the spotlight on guys who, while they won’t be playing in Salt Lake City, are All-Stars in their roles. 

If you’ve been following the Bench Mob Blog, you know I prefer to show love to under-the-radar players over their more popular peers. For the past two seasons, I’ve handed out a Bench Mob Player of the Day award to a hooper who stood out in a supporting role the previous night. More than twenty players have already won that title multiple times this year, and for the second time, I’ve chosen a dozen to represent the Bench Mob on an All-Star team.

This squad is compiled of guys ranging from middle-of-the-rotation contributors to end-of-the-bench ballers. Whether they play thirty minutes in a game or three, they bring it every time they’re on the court and step up whenever their name is called. 

It’s time to meet the 2022-23 Bench Mob All-Stars.

Isaiah Joe (Captain, 6x BM POTD)

Leading the roster is Oklahoma City Thunder wing, Isaiah Joe. The third-year man was cut by Philadelphia in the off-season after receiving limited minutes and scooped up by OKC, where he’s found a home. He’s an absolute gunslinger from beyond the arc and has fit next to All-Star and elite creator Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perfectly because of it. Ball-knowers across the league were clamoring for him to appear in the three-point contest, and while that ended up being a pipe dream, he’s getting his flowers here. 76ers GM Daryl Morey undoubtedly regrets letting Joe go. 

(P.S. check out this article I wrote on him over at LG Hoops) 

Yuta Watanabe (6x BM POTD)

Before Kyrie Irving requested a trade out of the blue, the Nets were playing arguably their best basketball of the Durant era and were firmly in championship contention. Their superstar duo predictably assumed most of the credit, but Brooklyn has one of the deepest benches in the association doing the dirty work it takes to win. A key member of that crew is Yuta Watanabe. Just like Isaiah Joe, Yuta is shooting the ball excellently and was leading the league in three-point percentage for a large chunk of the year. He’s also endlessly active and flies everywhere on the court to snag rebounds or block shots. His numbers don’t do justice to how much he does to impact success. 

Josh Green (6x BM POTD)

The Mavericks have a gaping hole to fill at the defensive point of attack with Dorian Finney-Smith on his way to Brooklyn and young wing Josh Green is ready to fill it. He’s a jump-outta-the-gym athlete who is quick laterally and boasts a near seven-foot wingspan which he uses to collect oodles of steals. On the other end, he’s a low-volume, high-efficiency scorer who gets easy looks by cutting hard, sprinting the floor in transition, and knocking down threes. He’s also a sneaky good connective passer. Dallas is gunning for a ring and Green’s two-way play will make him a crucial piece for them in the postseason. 

Jose Alvarado (5x BM POTD)

Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram. C.J. McCollum. Jonas Valanciunas. Trey Murphy. The list of talent on the Pelicans feels virtually endless and that’s caused 2022 All-Bench-Mob First-Teamer Jose Alvarado’s season to fall through the cracks. The second he checks into a game the energy on the court shifts. He’s a pace-pusher and walking paint touch who never fails to bring the juice. He’s also a nagging pest defensively who loves to get under opposing ball handlers’ skin. Jose has become one of the league’s top backup point guards while playing just over twenty minutes per contest and is well on his way to earning a second All-Bench-Mob honor. 

Jalen McDaniels (4x BM POTD)

Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of direction have turned the Hornets into NBA purgatory this season. A diamond in the rough has been the lesser-known McDaniels brother, Jalen. The 25-year-old is big, skilled, and versatile on both sides of the ball. He stretches the floor and is switchable on defense, making him a textbook modern four-man. He will now get a chance to aid a contender and bring attention to his name in the postseason after being traded to the 76ers at the deadline

Jordan Goodwin (4x BM POTD)

With Delon Wright out for significant time with a hamstring injury and Bradley Beal in and out of the lineup, Washington was in desperate need of guard minutes, and Jordan Goodwin, who is on a two-way contract, answered the call. He picked his man up at 94 feet all night, picked countless pockets, and rarely turned the ball over while making a convincing case to remain in the rotation even with the team at max strength. The buyout of Will Barton suggests a well-deserved contract conversion is coming soon for Goodwin, which would allow him to join the Wizards full-time in their playoff push. 

Josh Okogie (4x BM POTD)

The mind-boggling blockbuster trade that brought the Slim Reaper to the Valley means it’s now championship or bust for the Suns, and in order to reach their lofty aspirations they’ll need help from their human Energizer Bunny, Josh Okogie. Okogie is a springy defensive spark plug with a non-stop motor. He swats shots, crashes the glass, and simply gives 110% every second he’s on the hardwood. Coach Monty Williams is going to have a tough time leaving him on the pine in the big dance. 

Jaylen Nowell (5x BM POTD)

One word can be used to illustrate Jaylen Nowell: bucket. He’s a crafty creator who gets it done from all three levels. He doesn’t provide much else and has dud performances if his shot’s not falling, but when he’s feeling it he can score like a star. He changes games off the bench with his basket-getting and he’s now a two-time Bench Mob All-Star, the only player to accomplish that feat. 

Ty Jerome (3x BM POTD)

Golden State’s roster features the best two-way contract pair in the NBA, and representing them here is Ty Jerome. Jerome has been a winner since college (where he won a national championship with Virginia) because he’s incredibly efficient with the ball. He’s shooting 50/40/90 splits and averages 2.9 assists to just 0.6 turnovers for the Dubs this year. Just like Jordan Goodwin, he’ll likely ink a full deal soon so he can participate in the postseason as a key reserve for Steve Kerr. 

Edmond Sumner (3x BM POTD)

Injury caused Edmond Sumner to miss the entire 2021-22 season, but he didn’t skip a beat and has returned better than ever. He’s fast as lightning slashing to the rim and finishes with finesse when he gets there. He’s also a 90% free-throw shooter and a serviceable defender. Whenever KD and Kyrie were out (before the trades), Sumner always stepped up. He dropped 20+ points in four outings without the stars and has earned a spot on this team.  

A.J. Green (3x BM POTD)

An undrafted free agent out of Northern Iowa, A.J. Green (not to be confused with the NFL wide receiver) got a chance in the pros with the Bucks after the draft. He shot the skin off the pill in Summer League, securing his spot on the roster, and that translated to the real deal. There was a long stretch of games where Milwaukee couldn’t hit an outside jumper which caused Coach Bud to call Green’s number. Green got hot and helped turn things around, connecting on treys off the catch and on the move, and is now the only rookie on the Bench Mob All-Star team. 

Haywood Highsmith (2x BM POTD)

Rounding out this squad is Heat forward Haywood Highsmith. Highsmith played Division 2 college basketball, winning National Player of the Year in his senior campaign, and is now making a name for himself in the NBA. He provides gritty on-ball coverage and smart team defense while bringing constant heart and hustle. He’s established a place in the league and his story is yet another installment in Miami’s renowned player development program.

Malaki Branham Is Finding His Stride (1/28/23)

The San Antonio Spurs are fully committed to the Wembanyama sweepstakes. 

Coach Popovich has given the reigns of the team to the young players and is prioritizing development over winning. So far, that approach is paying off. Core pieces Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell have both proven why they belong in that category, with the latter in the midst of a star-caliber breakout year. Other guys like heady starting point guard Tre Jones and defensive-minded wing Romeo Langford have set themselves up for lengthy pro careers. 

As the season has progressed, the Spurs have received more and more contributions from their 2022 draft class. 9th overall pick Jeremy Sochan has shown a hunger to improve (demonstrated by his one-handed free throw shooting) and his production has increased every month in his full-time starting role. Also finding a groove as of late is the 20th overall pick, Malaki Branham. 

Branham has played an expanded role for the Silver and Black since Devin Vassell went down with a knee injury and it’s allowed him to find confidence and comfort on the hardwood. Since Vassell went down, the Ohio State product has posted 8.1 points per game, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.5 steals on 41/27/73 splits. While those numbers absolutely don’t leap off the page, the tape shows how Branham has been coming into his own. 

Compared to Khris Middleton in the scouting process, Branham’s bread and butter is operating inside the arc. He’s been very efficient in the in-between so far in his rookie campaign, shooting upwards of 49% from there. His stroke is smooth and repeatable and it’s easy to picture Middleton when watching him rise up and knock down shots.

Along with a strong pull-up game, Branham boasts silky smooth touch on floaters. If the mid-range isn’t available, he takes an extra dribble and tosses it in over his defender.

Most freshmen aren’t proficient isolation players and Branham is no different so he needs some help getting open. He does an excellent job utilizing on-ball screens to get his shot off. He ranks in the 84th percentile amongst P&R ball handlers in points per possession (via BBall Index).

He curls tightly around picks and patiently probes the defense, searching for space to elevate. His poise in the pick-and-roll suggests he could develop into a top option offensively (further justifying the Middleton connection).

The intriguing P&R play doesn’t end at scoring. Branham occasionally delivers well-placed passes to his roll man when he doesn’t have a shot, a skill that could be expanded upon in the future.

Defensively, Branham hasn’t been asked to do much so far. He has spent the majority of his time matched up with low-minute, low-usage opponents (via BBall Index) and hasn’t looked overqualified for the job.

His upside on that end, however, is worth monitoring. His wingspan exceeds his height by over five inches which allows him to bother shots and come up with steals here and there. If he fills out his wiry frame he could evolve into a reliable point of attack defender.

As a fan of a rebuilding organization, it’s important to ignore the ever-growing tally in the loss column and instead find joy in the little things. It’s been fun to watch Malaki Branham finding his stride in the pros and both Spurs supporters and NBA lovers should be excited for what’s to come from him.

Five Potential Trade Candidates for the Milwaukee Bucks (1/12/23)

Is it time to start worrying about the Milwaukee Bucks?

Giannis and company have dropped seven of their last twelve contests, including a four-game skid when matched up against other top Eastern Conference squads and a near thirty-point loss to the bottom-feeding Hornets. Even wins have been concerning. The Bucks allowed a massive run to the Toronto Raptors at the end of regulation, capped off with a Gary Trent Jr. three-ball to force overtime. The Raptors had all the momentum on their side and likely would have walked away with a W had regulation been even a minute longer. 

Struggles like this are uncharacteristic for a Bucks team that usually cruises through the regular season, and it has fans clamoring for a change. While you could point to the slew of injuries (namely to top-tier second-option Khris Middleton) and call for patience, it’s not an overreaction to say this roster needs an upgrade. That being said, today I’m breaking down my thoughts on some potential trade candidates for the 2021 champs. 

Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott

Once Philadelphia’s consultation prize in the Jimmy Butler trade, Josh Richardson took quick pit stops in Dallas and Boston before ending up in the Alamo City with the Spurs. While in San Antonio, Richardson has been a reliable veteran presence on both ends for Coach Popovich. He’s connected on 38.8% of his triples with the Silver and Black and he’s also a skilled mid-range pull-up shooter. Milwaukee’s role players have vanished at times this year so adding a consistent wing who can hit shots and guard on the perimeter couldn’t hurt in the 3&D era. 

Additionally, a deal could be put together to acquire Richardson’s teammate Doug McDermott. Dougie McBuckets is a career 40+% shooter from behind the arc and is a more versatile gunslinger than resident spot-up threats Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen. The latter has been criticized for only letting it fly when he’s wide open and Giannis needs willing shooters around him. McDermott’s ability to sprint off screens, quickly square up, and knock it down would also create more movement in an offense that sometimes relies on isolation too much. 

Unfortunately, which both vets making upwards of $12 million annually, Milwaukee wouldn’t be able to match the salary of both without giving up a key bench piece like Bobby Portis or Joe Ingles. A package to get one or the other could look like Grayson Allen, Jordan Nwora, and two second-round picks. 

Alec Burks

Milwaukee’s roster is void of creation outside of the big three and that has become clear in Khris Middleton’s extended absence. Playoff basketball is a lot more grinded out than the regular season and much more time is spent in the half-court which makes it tough to play guys who can’t make something happen with the ball.

Twelfth-year two-guard Alec Burks is all about buckets and he does it efficiently. He’s averaging 14 points per contest on 46/45/81 splits, scorching the net from all three levels. He’s a lethal catch-and-shoot threat (95th percentile in C&S 3PT% via BBall Index) and can get his own with a flurry of pull-ups (86th percentile in Pull Up 3PT% also via BBall Index) which would make him a seamless fit off the pine for Coach Bud. 

Despite their losing record, the Pistons are reportedly not willing to part ways with their vets unless it’s for a “tremendous” offer. To pry the man they call Houdini away from Motor City, Jon Horst would likely have to include one of his few first-round picks along with Grayson Allen. 

Robert Covington

Moving away from shot-making, another role the Bucks need filled is the hard-nosed defensive-minded forward (the P.J. Tucker type). While Jae Crowder is the popular name in that department, another option is Robert Covington of the Los Angeles Clippers. Covington has struggled to find a regular spot in Tyronn Lue’s ultra-deep bench unit and could be snagged for the low by another contender. 

Covington, who made an All-Defensive team during his time with the 76ers, checks all the boxes for what Milwaukee needs at the four. He’s 6’7” with a 7’2” wingspan, he’s tough, and he’s switchable. He’s averaged 1+ steals and 1+ blocks in five different seasons and is always lurking in the passing lanes and on the help side. Offensively he’s as streaky as they come, but he matched his career-best success rate from three in the 2021-22 season. When he’s on he’s on (he knocked down 11 triples in a late-season matchup versus Milwaukee last year) and if he found some consistency from downtown Covington could play a significant part in a championship run. 

As mentioned before, Covington’s market value has likely dropped along with his minutes, and buying low on him would be a smart low-risk, high-reward for the Bucks. 

Cam Reddish

Opinions on Reddish at this point in his young career are incredibly polarized. Some still believe in the former lottery pick’s upside while others think he should be out of the league. His sporadic playing time this season with New York has made it tough to gauge just how good he is. That being said, taking a chance on him could be a worthwhile gamble for a Bucks team lacking young talent.

While shot creation and scoring were originally supposed to be his thing, performing well on the other end is now the key to seeing the court for Reddish. Doing exactly that is how he earned eight appearances in the starting lineup for the Knicks before returning to his spot on the end of the bench. He’s solid on the ball and also comes up with a lot of steals. Standing at 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan, Reddish could patch the same hole the aforementioned Robert Covington would. 

It wasn’t long ago that Reddish was playing big minutes for the Hawks in the Conference Finals. He still has a lot of potential and if Milwaukee’s developmental staff can unlock it he could be a starring member of the second leg of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career. 

So, those are five players I think the Milwaukee Bucks should take a look at as we approach the trade deadline. Which of those guys would you most like to see them trade for? Are there any other guys on your radar? Let me know on my Twitter, @thebenchmoblog. Thanks for reading and see you next time!

2023 All-Stars So Far (1/4/23)

There is some incredible basketball being played this NBA season. 

As we approach the halfway point of the 2022-23 season with the start of a new year, six players averaging 30+ points per game, the MVP race is a dogfight, and both conferences are ultra-competitive. As a result, making All-Star selections come February will be challenging (to say the least). There is a crowd of deserving guys and snubs are inevitable (might be time to expand the rosters). 

That being said, today I’m handing out my All-Star nods based on the first three months of the season. While these are guaranteed to change later, possibly in a week, I wanted to stop and appreciate some of the outstanding hoops I’ve watched. Let’s go!

Eastern Conference Starters

G: Donovan Mitchell 

Electric two-guard Donovan Mitchell has been playing like the best guard in his conference. After all, the man dropped 71 freaking points in a game. He’s posting career-highs in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage and has pushed the Cavaliers over the edge into the true playoff competitor tier. He’s also shown consistent defensive effort, silencing the critique many gave him after his tenure in Utah. 

G: Jaylen Brown

Representing the best team in the league (record-wise) in the starting lineup is Jaylen Brown. He too is putting up a career-high mark in points per game, creating shots at all three levels and looking like the best second option in hoops. His two-way impact for a top squad in basketball lands him a spot amongst the league’s brightest stars. 

F: Kevin Durant (Captain)

After a couple of seasons’ worth of turmoil and controversy, the Nets are streaking and looking like the contenders they’re supposed to be. Spearheading that is the Easy Money Sniper. With a new wave of super-duper stars beginning their reign, Durant has been left out of best in the world/MVP talks that he very much belongs in. He’s scoring on mind-boggling efficiency even for his sky-high standards while having possibly the best defensive campaign of his career, reminding everyone why he’s one of the greatest players ever. 

F: Giannis Antetokounmpo

While Giannis’s title as best in the world is being challenged this season, that doesn’t take away from who he is. He’s led an injury-ridden Bucks roster to a record well over .500 with his usual interior dominance, shedding even the biggest defenders like they’re nothing on his way to a thunderous slam. Recent struggles have led to quick criticism for the Greek Freak— but said struggles come from games where he dropped 45 points. Standards that high is one of the reasons why Giannis still holds the throne. 

F: Joel Embiid

The first center to average 30+ since Moses Malone in 1982, Joel Embiid is on another level this season. He’s elevated himself into the highest echelon of players by becoming virtually unstoppable inside the arc. He’s finished 19 contests with more than 30 points, including two fifty-pieces, and only four with less than 25. If the 76ers can play themselves a few spots higher in the standings, the MVP award might finally belong to the Process. 

Eastern Conference Reserves

G: Trae Young

Despite a down year efficiency-wise, Young is averaging a 27-point double-double. He remains one of the league’s most thrilling offensive players when he’s feeling it and the All-Star game would be incomplete without him. 

G: Kyrie Irving

Off-court antics dictate most of the conversation around Irving but his on-court talent is undeniable. He makes the most difficult shots look effortless with handles so smooth they’re simply otherworldly. With the way both he and his team have been playing lately, Uncle Drew is a no-brainer pick for All-Star so far. 

F: Jayson Tatum

Tatum coming off the bench is criminal, but it has to happen because of positioning. That being said, JT has solidified himself as a full-blown superstar because of his all-league play on both ends for the top-seeded Celtics. He’s one of the most complete players in the NBA and is in the handful of true MVP candidates at this point in the season. 

F: Pascal Siakam

Spicy P had an All-NBA campaign in 2021-22 and is building off that this season, playing the best ball of his career. He’s a force to be reckoned with inside the arc, slashing his way to the paint or nailing a flurry of pull-up jumpers nightly on his way to a career-high scoring average all while leading the league in minutes. Siakam is well on his way to another all-league nod.

F: DeMar DeRozan

The Bulls may be underperforming and underwhelming, but DeMar DeRozan has continued his late-career resurgence. His mid-range excellence is unwavering and he’s making a case to win the inaugural Clutch Player of the Year honor. He entered the exclusive 20,000-point club this season and should make his sixth All-Star appearance in February. 

WC: Julius Randle

This may seem like a surprising pick, but it’s very much deserved. The Knicks are competing for a spot in the postseason and Julius Randle is leading the charge. He’s wreaking havoc in the paint where he’s been very efficient, bullying defenders to get to his spots. He’s looking like the 2020-21 Randle that made an All-NBA team and should be in the All-Star game again.

WC: Tyrese Haliburton

After showing flashes of stardom in his first season and a half with the Kings, Haliburton has blossomed into a star in Indiana. He’s the engine of a top-ten offense and he’s been sensational in that role, dishing out a double-digit assist average while being one of the most efficient passers. Combine that with his highly efficient three-level scoring and it’s clear that Haliburton deserves to be a first-time All-Star. 

Honorable Mentions: Darius Garland, James Harden, Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis

Western Conference Starters

G: Stephen Curry

Yes, the Warriors are severely underperforming, and yes, he’s hurt right now, but through the 26 games he’s appeared in Steph Curry is averaging 30 points per game on 50/40/90 splits. He’s 35 and is still hooping like he’s in his prime. He should be an All-Star starter if he returns to the hardwood in time. 

G: Luka Doncic (Captain)

At just 23 years old, the Slovenian Sensation Luka Doncic is already contending for best player in the world. His offensive talent is so out of this world that it’s borderline magic (hence his nickname). He’s been on a record-breaking tear in the last couple of weeks and has earned the ability to draft his All-Star teammates in February.

F: Zion Williamson

The Pelicans are in the tight race for the one seed in the West even with Brandon Ingram sidelined for an extended period of time. The primary reason for that success is Zion. The 6’6” forward built like a football player has elevated his game to an All-NBA level. He’s the only player on the same level as Giannis when it comes to slashing and has used his powerful combination of strength, bounce, and touch to be one of the most efficient paint scorers in the league. 

F: Anthony Davis

An untimely foot injury has brought a halt to the Brow’s best season since 2019-20, but if he recovers by the break he’s a lock for the starting lineup. He looks like the top-five AD of old on both ends of the court and was perhaps the Defensive Player of the Year favorite before his injury. 

F: Nikola Jokic

The most unassuming superstar in basketball is on his way to potentially completing an MVP three-peat. The Nuggets are looking like a championship team and Nikola Jokic is the hub of their top-five offense. He’s scoring on career-best efficiency while distributing a career-best assists per game, cementing himself as a top-three player.

Western Conference Reserves

G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai is having nothing short of an incredible year. He’s averaging an efficient thirty points per game, he’s the front-runner for Clutch Player of the Year, and he’s pretty much the only reason the Thunder don’t have the worst record in the association. He’s this good at just 24 years old and has many fans drooling at the mouth thinking about how great he’ll be in his prime. 

G: Devin Booker

Choosing methodical scoring machine Devin Booker to be an All-Star was as easy as he makes getting buckets look. The best shooting guard in the NBA is as reliable as they come and Phoenix’s struggles in his absence have proven he is crucial to their championship aspirations. 

F: Domantas Sabonis

The Kings have been an exciting surprise team this year. They’re firmly in the playoffs right now, mostly due to their high-caliber fast-paced offense. Domantas Sabonis is a key cog in their attack. He’s arguably the best big-man passer outside of Nikola Jokic, a fantastic roll man, and a patient and strong post scorer. De’Aaron Fox will likely miss out on the All-Star game (spoiler alert) due to the West’s guard depth, but Sabonis should represent the Beam Team in Salt Lake City.

F: LeBron James

Father Time is slowly beginning to creep up on LeBron, but he keeps warding him off with performances like his 47-point near-triple-double masterpiece on his birthday. The King may be long removed from his throne but he’s still an All-Star at age 38.

F: Paul George

Kawhi Leonard has been an inconsistent presence for the Clippers, but they are still a playoff team because Paul George is picking up his slack. The ever-efficient swingman is playing his usual standout two-way basketball and his aesthetically pleasing offensive game is meant to be on display in the All-Star festivities. 

WC: Damian Lillard

Abdominal surgery robbed us of Dame Time for a large chunk of the 2021-22 season but he’s back in full force. The Trail Blazers have cooled down since their hot start but their all-time leading scorer has not and is on track to making his seventh All-Star appearance in February

WC: Ja Morant

The league’s resident human highlight reel is once again leading the young and hungry Grizzlies to a top seed. Along with his mind-blowing layup package and high-flying slams, Ja is rounding out his scoring arsenal by drawing more fouls and hitting more mid-range jumpers this season. The All-Star game wouldn’t be the same without his aerial antics.

Honorable Mentions: De’Aaron Fox, Anthony Edwards, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr.

Put Some Respect On D’Angelo Russell’s Name (12/4/22)

Once a well-loved player in the NBA community, opinions on D’Angelo Russell have changed for the worse.

Russell made his first and only All-Star appearance in 2019 for the fan-favorite Brooklyn Nets squad known for their epic bench dance routines. Since then, the former second-overall pick made a quick pit stop in Golden State before ending up in Minnesota with the Timberwolves. Even though he moved north, the league-wide perception of him went south since his arrival. Russell has gained a reputation as an inefficient chucker and his stock has plummeted because of it. Unreliability as a scorer has plagued him— he either can’t miss or can’t fill his spot in the scoring column. His true shooting percentage falls in just the 42nd percentile in the league this season (via BBall index).

While concerns relating to Russell’s unpredictability are valid, it’s important to recognize that bucket-getting is not his primary role. He’s the third option on the Wolves behind multiple-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and young stud Anthony Edwards. He makes his mark as a floor general.

Russell is the engine that keeps his team going. He quarterbacks the offense at a truly elite level and he’s up there with the ten to fifteen best playmakers in basketball. Minnesota has won three of four contests this season in which Russell dished out 10+ dimes, reflecting how impactful he is when he’s creating for others. 

A large part of what makes Russell such a standout passer is his patience. He’s never in a hurry and is rarely fazed by pressure, allowing him to scan the floor and make the right read. 

Here he displays that poise in transition. Buddy Hield is on his hip the whole way up the court but he doesn’t get flustered. Instead of giving it up early to Edwards on the wing, he pushes the pace and gets downhill all the way inside the free-throw line. That paint touch draws the attention of menacing rim protector Myles Turner (as well as Bennedict Mathurin who doesn’t know where his man is). With all eyes on him, Russell dumps off a well-timed pass to Jaden McDaniels for a slam. 

In the half-court, Russell is a pick-and-roll maestro. He ranks in the 92nd percentile in P&R ball handler points per possession (via BBall Index). 

He often uses hostage dribbles as a tool to open things up for his roll man. Take this possession for example. The Pacers run drop coverage against the Russell-Gobert pairing because Gobert is not a threat from behind the arc. Russell uses a hostage dribble to get Hield on his back, giving him the advantage and forcing Jalen Smith to keep an eye on him in order to prevent an easy pull-up. This leaves Gobert open on the dive and Russel finds him with a quick bounce pass.

Russell has been able to set Gobert up for lots of easy looks in the NBA’s most common action. Gobert’s big-body screens and roll gravity combined with Russell’s ability to weasel through the defense and command attention make for a lethal duo. 

Beyond inconsistent scoring, the other knock on Russell has always been his defense. Lacking effort on that end has put his name in the worst defender in the league conversations in recent years. This season, as the Wolves are looking to compete to make a deep playoff run, Russell has elevated his defensive performance. He’s trying a lot harder on the side of the ball that wins championships and he’s made legitimate improvement because of it. 

Here he comes up with a huge stop in clutch time. He hounds Max Strus, sliding his feet well and preventing the knockdown shooter from using a screen to create separation. He forces Strus into a tough stepback, getting a hand up and causing the airball. 

Russell ranks in the top fifteen in total steals and top ten in total blocks among guards this season, a result of his increased activity. Even though he still isn’t the best on-ball defender he finds ways to contribute to the defensive effort.

So, say what you want about the numbers, but D’Angelo Russell has become a player whose impact and importance go deeper than the box score. Don’t get it twisted, he can still get buckets, but his offensive coordination makes him an invaluable player even when his shot isn’t falling. That’s why even if he isn’t the All-Star he once was Russell is still a great player. Give the man the respect he deserves. 

Things Are Finally Looking Up for the Sacramento Kings (11/21/22)

The Sacramento Kings have been the laughingstock of the league for a while now. They haven’t earned a playoff berth in a whopping 16 seasons, an absolutely woeful streak. Their stay in NBA purgatory has been extended by questionable draft decisions, poor defense, and a lack of game-changing free-agency acquisitions. They’ve tried to be competitive in recent years but haven’t had the talent or on-court performance to even crack the play-in. 

It’s early, but that could change this year. The Kings are currently 5th in the Western Conference and are enjoying a six-game win streak including victories over the Warriors, Nets, and Cavaliers. They’ve been firing on all cylinders offensively, reflected by their 119.3 offensive rating which ranks second in the association.

The major cause for this recent success has been De’Aaron Fox’s emergence as a true All-Star caliber point guard. The former fifth-overall pick showed flashes of real stardom in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns, but there were holes in his game holding him back from vaulting himself up there with the very best talents in basketball. He’s closing that gap quickly with the way he’s been playing as of late. 

Fox has joined the exclusive club of players who are virtually unstoppable at the rim. He’s shooting an unbeleivable 90.2% on shots from 0-3 feet. His blinding speed allows him to blow past anybody in front of him. He mesmorizes defenders with a combination of crossovers before accelerating to top speed in the blink of an eye and laying it up, leaving his man in the dust. 

The primary area of growth for Fox this season has been his perimeter scoring. He’s become a lethal mid-range assassin, connecting on 40.7% of his long mid-range tries and 57.9% of his short ones. Defenders are constantly aware of getting cooked on a drive but are now forced to play further up on him to prevent a pull-up middie. 

Better yet, Fox is hitting a career-high 38.2% of his 4.9 three-point attempts per game. The deep ball has long been the missing piece of his game and he’s finally finding consistent success from downtown. The more respect he gets outside the arc, the easier it becomes for him to make his way to the rim. 

Fox’s expanded scoring arsenal has popped in crunch time this season. He’s iced game after game throughout Sacramento’s current win streak, putting up 4.8 points per game (one of the highest marks in the league) on 64.5% from the field in the clutch.

Almost equally as impressive as Fox has been Domantas Sabonis. The Kings acquired the two-time All-Star at last season’s trade deadline and received a lot of flack for doing so. Tyrese Haliburton was showing signs of stardom so shipping him to Indiana was frustrating for a fanbase in need of hope. The trade has ended up being a lot more even than most realize. 

Sabonis is a post maestro. He can take most players one-on-one with his back to the basket using a variety of moves, as well as brute strength, to finish. He’s also a fantastic passer, as good as any big man outside of Nikola Jokic. He gets a lot of attention when he posts up which results in lots of easy looks for shooters.

Here’s a play that illustrates the value of Sabonis in the high post. After he gets a catch at the top of the key, Murray and Davis run a split action. Davis backcuts the downscreen and Aldama drops back with his eyes glued on Sabonis, expecting the pass the big man has made many a time. Tyus Jones also scrambles after his man, a miscommunaction between him and his teammate. Instead of hitting the cutter, Sabonis pumps a well-timed pass fake and then finds Murray wide open for a three. Bang. 

Along with killing it on the block or the nail, Sabonis is highly effective as a roll man. He’s a first-rate screener who forms an excellent pick-and-roll duo with De’Aaron Fox that puts defenses in a “pick your poison” situation. If the defense respects Sabonis’ finishing abilty, they’re allowing Fox to get downhill one-on-one with an advantage. If they try to keep Fox out of the paint with a double, he’ll find Sabonis for an easy lay. 

Outside of their two stars, Sacramento’s supporting cast has been awesome. Kevin Huerter is off to a sizzling start from behind the arc to start the year, taking advantage of Sabonis’ screening to make open shots plentiful. Malik Monk has added playmaking ability to his game, serving as a quality P&R ball handler as well as a movement shooter. Davion Mitchell is an impeccable point-of-attack defender. This is easily the best group of teammates Fox has had around him since he was drafted. 

After over a decade and a half of misery for the Sacramento Kings and their fans, things are finally looking up. They’re tearing it up on offense, picking up win after win, and showing no signs of slowing down. Even if they regress to the mean, they’ve gone from the butt of jokes to a fan favorite on Twitter which reflects how much fun they’ve been this year. That being said, something tells me it won’t be long before the Beam Team is turning the sky purple in the postseason.