A.J. Green Is Shooting His Way to a NBA Future

(All stats accurate as of 2/27/24)

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. 

2023-24 Bench Mob All-Stars

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.  

For more on Reath, check out this article 

Craig Porter Jr. (4x BM POTD)

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. 

For more on Porter, check out this article 

Peyton Watson (3x BM POTD)

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. 

For daily Bench Mob Player of the Day tweets and other Bench Mob updates, follow @finleykuehl on X. Join the Bench Mob movement!

De’Aaron Fox’s Inexcusable Snubbing and What It Says about the All-Star Game

Every year, players are snubbed from the All-Star game. It’s inevitable. 

Often, the snubbing can be chalked up to too much talent in the league. There are never undeserving All-Stars, so making selections for the last couple spots comes down to nitpicking. It’s rare that coaches make a flat-out mistake by not selecting a player, but that’s what happened this year with De’Aaron Fox. 

When you break down Fox’s case, it’s baffling that he won’t be competing in the All-Star game. He’s top ten in the league in scoring, averaging a career-high 27 points per game. He’s one of basketball’s best slashers and mid-range scorers, and by becoming a borderline lethal three-point threat (he’s shooting a career-high 38% from deep on over seven attempts per game, and half of them are unassisted), he’s a virtually unstoppable bucket getter. He’s a great playmaker. He’s the lead point-of-attack defender on his team and one of the few All-NBA guards who compete on defense night in and night out. Long story short, he shoulders a huge load on both ends and contributes at an all-league level for a team firmly in the playoffs in a ridiculously competitive Western Conference. 

If you don’t think that’s All-Star worthy, you don’t know basketball.

Of course, saying Fox should be an All-Star means he would have to take someone’s spot. Who would that be? Winning shouldn’t hold much weight in All-Star selection. It’s an individual accolade, after all. So, that said, Fox undoubtedly has a better case than Karl-Anthony Towns who currently holds a wildcard spot. You could argue that Fox has been the better individual player than Anthony Edwards, too. If you’re in the “winning does matter” camp, then there’s zero reason why Stephen Curry should be an All-Star over Fox. The Warriors aren’t even in the play-in and Steph is having a comparable individual season to Fox. 

All of that is not to say that KAT, Ant, and Steph are undeserving. They should be in the game, but so should Fox. The real problem is that it’s time for All-Star rosters to be expanded. The NBA is more talented than it’s ever been. There are at least forty All-Star level players competing for just 24 spots and that’s unfair to the players, especially when individual accolades matter for their contracts and their legacies. Increasing the All-Star roster size to 15, the size of a real NBA team, makes so much sense it’s crazy the change hasn’t been made yet. 

De’Aaron Fox has been inexcusably excluded from the 2024 All-Star festivities, and it’s blatant evidence of a problem that needs fixing. It’s time for change. 

6 Buy-Low Trade Targets Who Could Make a Huge Difference

In trade season, fans and the media obsess over the big moves. Everybody wants to see stars switching teams or struggling teams deciding to blow it up. What isn’t talked about, though, is that little moves can still make a massive difference. Adding the right complementary piece at the deadline can lift a contender to championship status. Examples of this in recent memory include the Raptors trading for Marc Gasol in 2019 and the Bucks getting P.J. Tucker in 2021. Today, let’s take a look at some buy-low targets who could fit that bill. These guys have low trade value but could reward a team that takes a chance on them. 

Gordon Hayward

Once an All-Star, Gordon Hayward is well past his glory days. Injuries have plagued him ever since he left Utah. However, he still has gas in the tank. Because he plays in Charlotte, Hayward’s production in recent years has gone unseen by the masses. When he’s healthy he’s still a high-level starter who contributes in every facet of the game. He’s an efficient spot-up threat, a capable pick-and-roll ball handler and passer, a respectable team defender, and a killer mid-range shooter. Even if he’s lost a step or two, the talent and skill have not left Hayward’s body and teams should be lining up to rescue him from the Hornets.

The one problem is that he’s making over $31 million, a tough figure to match in a trade, especially because his current value does not align with his paycheck. The best chance he has of joining a contender this season is if he’s bought out, a possibility that has been rumored. 

Teams Hayward would be a good fit on include the 76ers and the Mavericks. 

Kevin Huerter

The Sacramento Kings, 2022-23’s breakout squad, have taken a step back this season. Their offense has regressed to the middle of the pack, and their defense is below average on its best day. Their supporting cast is in need of an upgrade, and if they look to shuffle their roster around then teams should be calling about Kevin Huerter. While he’s having a down year, the man called Red Mamba has proven to be a dynamic shooter and movement threat who can be a key cog in an elite offense. He would be perfect for any team trying to bolster their attack, and because he is just 25 and has playoff experience, he would be a worthwhile addition for contenders and rebuilders alike. 

Teams Huerter would be a good fit on include the Magic, the Nuggets, and the Pistons.

Clint Capela

Not too long ago, Clint Capela was a borderline dominant interior force. In 2021, he ranked 49th on BMB’s top 100 players list after he led the league in rebounding and held things down in the paint for the Hawks deep in the playoffs. His impact has slipped significantly as the years have gone on though, and it’s only a matter of time before he loses his starting spot to the younger (and arguably better) Onyeka Okongwu. With his value at an all time low, Capela should be a target for teams looking to better their big man room. People don’t realize how hard it is to be a rim protector when the guys on the perimeter can’t guard, and Capela is a victim of that situation in Atlanta. So, in a more sound defensive infrastructure, the monstrous version of the Swiss Bank could make a return.

Teams that Capela would be a good fit on include the Thunder and the Grizzlies. 

Gary Harris

Gary Harris is a quality contributor in the league’s trendiest role: 3&D. His services are expendable for the Magic, though, as they are loaded in the backcourt and are trying to grow their young core. Therefore, they could be looking to offload Harris for a better fit. If a contender could snag him they would benefit greatly as they would be getting a solid shooter and prideful defender who could play big minutes deep in the postseason. 

Teams that Harris would be a good fit on include the Bucks, the Hawks, and the Suns.

Delon Wright

Teams searching for defensive improvement should look no further than Delon Wright, who’s one of the more underrated defenders in the sport. He’s an elite disruptor who uses lightning quick hands, cat-like reaction time, and a nose for the ball to rack up oodles of stocks. He can shoot and pass, too. The Wizards are tanking so the veteran could absolutely be had for the right price, and whoever is willing to pay it will not regret it at all. 

Teams that Wright would be a good fit on include the Bucks, the Mavericks, and the Lakers.

Richaun Holmes

Two years ago, Richaun Holmes was making a push for top-ten center status. Now, he’s barely a rotational player. His fall off has been almost inexplicable. Statistically he hasn’t gotten worse at all, he’s just stopped getting minutes. It feels like there’s no reason why he couldn’t be a steady backup somewhere, and he should be on the radar of teams that need another big. 

Teams that Holmes would be a good fit on include the Celtics and the Hornets.  

Two-Way Talents: Trevelin Queen

(All stats accurate as of 1/11/24)

Take a moment to consider this resume: MVP. Finals MVP. All-League. All-Defense.

Who do you think it belongs to? It sounds like it would be one of the best players in basketball, a guy like Giannis or LeBron. 

It’s actually Trevelin Queen’s. 

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 Trevelin Queen, the G-League superstar who has stepped up in the big league as of late. 

Since going undrafted in 2020, Queen has been one of the very best players in the NBA’s minor league, evident by his extensive list of accolades. He dominated during his 2021-22 campaign with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, winning MVP and leading his team to a championship. The year after, he made the G-League’s inaugural Next Up game, their equivalent of the All-Star game. Unfortunately, he just hasn’t been able to stick in the majors. Tenures with the Rockets and the Pacers ended up just being cups of coffee on two-way contracts and he hasn’t earned a standard deal yet. 

That could change this season. The Orlando Magic have been riddled with injuries this year. They’ve seen most of their key players outside of Paolo Banchero miss time, coach Jamahl Mosley has been forced to heavily lean on his third-stringers. The bench mob has helped Orlando stay afloat, and Queen has been an impactful member of that group of unsuspecting heroes that also includes Caleb Houstan and Chuma Okeke. 

Defense is the main reason Queen has become a valuable part of Orlando’s lineup. The Magic boast one of the league’s best defenses and have built their identity on that end. Queen fits right in. Since entering the rotation, he’s been tasked with significant responsibility defensively, defending upwards of 15 shots on multiple occasions and being matched up with the likes of De’Aaron Fox and Anthony Edwards, and he has proven to be worthy of it. He’s a determined wing stopper with a high motor who works hard to make life tough for opponents. Whether it’s containing drives, disrupting the passing lanes, or delivering a sweet chasedown block, Queen is always making stuff happen on D. 

His numbers back up the tape. EPM (estimated plus/minus, a popular advanced metric) ranks him in the 85th percentile league-wide defensively. He is second on the Magic in steal percentage and third in defensive box plus/minus. 

Queen hasn’t produced much so far offensively, but he has a lot to offer on that end. He’s finished top ten in the G-League in scoring twice, after all. Small flashes of his scoring ability have come to light during his stint in Orlando, and if he continues to get real playing time, it could shine even brighter. The game isn’t all about getting buckets, though, especially as a role player. In the G, Queen can shoot whenever he wants (he’s averaged upwards of 18 field goal attempts in his past three seasons), but in the NBA he gets limited shots and has to find other ways to contribute. He’s displayed heads-up passing as a Magic, making well-timed extra passes and even making plays out of the pick-and-roll from time to time. This unselfishness and quick decision making, along with his defense, will help him fit into a role and solidify himself as a real NBA player.

Being a G-League superstar is no small feat, but Trevelin Queen plays with the goal of eventually making it to—and staying at—the next level. With the way he’s played for Orlando, he is well on his way to earning a guaranteed NBA contract and achieving that goal. 

Ideal Destinations for 7 Hot Trade Targets

NBA trade season is upon us. As we approach the halfway mark of the 2023-24 season, rumors have begun flying around and deals are starting to get made (OG Anunoby was an amazing pickup for New York). Some notable names are circulating in trade talks, and with so many teams looking to compete, everyone is looking for the move that will take them to the next level. Today, let’s take a look at the ideal destinations for some of the big fish on the market. 

Pascal Siakam→ Golden State Warriors

Potential Deal: Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, lottery protected FRP to TOR, Pascal Siakam to GSW

All signs point to a Pascal Siakam trade being imminent. The Raptors are hovering around the middle of the pack standings-wise with no clear route to ascension, and the recent OG Anunoby trade suggests they are gearing towards a youth movement. Scottie Barnes’ All-Star leap this year has solidified him as their franchise guy. Siakam, who is almost thirty and plays the same position as Barnes, just doesn’t really fit the equation anymore. Major outlets are chugging out reports surrounding his name, and there was even a short while on Friday night where it seemed like Siakam was going to Sacramento. The former All-NBA forward is still in his prime and could provide a big boost to the right team.

Enter the Golden State Warriors. The sun has set on their dynasty, and they’re now trying to make the most of the last years of Stephen Curry’s prime. They are struggling to do so this year and are in desperate need of a talent upgrade if they want to make any real noise in the loaded Western Conference. Siakam could be the answer for them. He’s very versatile on both ends, has solid passing feel, and has experience playing center, all traits that make him well-suited for Golden State’s movement based, small-ball offensive scheme. 

No one move can make this version of the Warriors a championship team, but they’re clearly an organization trying to compete, and doing so would be a lot easier with Siakam on their side. 

Lauri Markkanen→ Oklahoma City Thunder

Potential Deal: Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng, an obscene amount of FRPs to UTA, Lauri Markkanen to OKC

After a three-year rebuild, the Thunder are back, and that’s an understatement. They’ve blazed onto the scene as one of the best teams in the league, period. Their championship window is cracked, and adding the right player to their nuclear nucleus of talent could open it all the way. Lauri Markkanen is that guy. The Finnish forward is the hottest commodity on the block right now. He’s an all-league talent who could make any team better. The Thunder, though, jump out as the best potential landing spot for him, because he would be the perfect Robin to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Batman. Markkanen is one of the best off-ball players in the sport, and Shai is one of the best advantage creators. The idea of Markkanen spotting up or cutting to the hoop while Shai drives is enough to make a hoops nerd drool. It’s a match made in heaven. Additionally, outside of Chet Holmgren, OKC is severely lacking in size and Markkanen would help in that department. 

The Jazz have quietly been trending upward lately, and Markkanen is still just 26, so it would take a lot to pry him away, but if the Thunder could use their treasure chest of draft picks to their advantage and acquire the 2023 MIP, they would become a whole lot scarier. 

Zach LaVine→ Philadelphia 76ers

Potential Deal: Tobias Harris, lightly protected FRP to CHI, Zach LaVine to PHI

Coby White’s breakout and Andre Drummond’s return to prime form during Nikola Vucevic’s absence have given fans something to get excited about, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Bulls are the most hopeless team in the NBA right now. Yes, more than the Pistons, because at least they have some kind of direction. Until Chicago decides to move on from their “big three” of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Vucevic, they will be stuck in mediocrity. 

Thankfully, though, LaVine and the Bulls seem to be in agreement that he will be moved in the near future, which is good news for teams looking to bolster their squads at the deadline. LaVine is a certified All-Star and an elite bucket-getter, and his value is at an all-time low, meaning a contender could get him for the low. The 76ers should be one of the teams calling about the star shooting guard. They lack reliable scoring/creation outside of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, which could become a problem in the playoffs. LaVine could patch that hole and help Philly finally reach the Conference Finals (and beyond). 

Alex Caruso→ Sacramento Kings

Potential Deal: Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte, lightly protected FRP to CHI, Alex Caruso to SAC

Sacramento’s electric 2022-23 campaign was no fluke— they’re once again competing for a top seed in the West. As good as they’ve been in the regular season, though, they aren’t quite championship level. A move that could help them get there is trading for Alex Caruso. Caruso isn’t just one of the best defenders at his position, he’s one of the best defenders in basketball. He could single handedly boost Sactown’s defense to competency, healing their main weakness. On a smaller scale, he would take pressure off De’Aaron Fox, who has been asked to do a lot on that end due to lacking defensive personnel around him. Further, the Bald Mamba is enjoying a career year from behind the arc and would fit right in with the Kings three-point heavy attack. The price to get him is not cheap, but it would absolutely be worth it for the Kings as they look to make their first deep playoff run in a long time. 

Malcolm Brogdon→ New York Knicks

Potential Deal: Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, SRPs to POR, Malcolm Brogdon to NYK

OG Anunoby was a great get for the Knicks, but they now have an Immanuel Quickley-sized hole in the backcourt. Luckily for them, there is another 2023 6MOY candidate (winner, actually) available to fill it: Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon is a heady, all-business veteran and an endlessly steady presence on both ends who coach Thibodeau would probably fall in love with and play for 40 minutes a night. As the Knicks continue to get better and better, adding Brogdon would be the next step in bringing a Larry O’Brien to the Big Apple. 

Buddy Hield→ Orlando Magic

Potential Deal: Gary Harris, Chuma Okeke, heavily protected FRP to IND, Buddy Hield to ORL

The Magic have been one of the biggest surprises of this season so far. They’re playing like a real playoff team fueled by their top-five defense and All-Star level play from Paolo Banchero. That said, though, they would have a tough time doing any real damage in the postseason because they can’t shoot. They’re near the bottom of the league in both three-point makes per game and three-point percentage. If they want to have a fighting chance in the big dance, that needs to change. Buddy Hield is one of the better pure shooters in NBA history and would open up more space for Orlando’s stars to operate while helping solidify their spot in the standings. 

Moses Moody→ Memphis Grizzlies

Potential Deal: John Konchar, SRPs to GSW, Moses Moody to MEM

Jonathan Kuminga has been the talk of the town lately, but he’s not the only youngster on Golden State who’s buried in the depth chart and unhappy about it. Former lottery pick Moses Moody has been in and out of the lineup and it’s clear that he isn’t going to get the opportunity he needs to develop with the Warriors. Memphis is a young and hungry team with a weak wing room who could give Moody the chance to spread his wings while still being part of a competitive culture. 

Two-Way Talents: Duop Reath

It doesn’t matter who the Portland Trail Blazers put on the court this season, they just aren’t winning. They’re stuck near the bottom of the Western Conference and despite having a talented roster headlined by high-level starters like Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon and up-and-coming stars in Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, they haven’t found a lineup that solves their woes. Nearly every player on the team has hung a negative plus/minus per 100 possessions. The one exception is an unlikely one: two-way contract man Duop Reath. 

Chances are your first thought after reading that was, “WHO?” Unless you’re an NBA sicko, you probably couldn’t name undrafted rookies from bad teams, Reath included. That needs to change, though, because Duop Reath deserves to be recognized. Across 20 games and 305 minutes where he has been on the court, Portland has outscored opponents by 11.5 points per 100 possessions.

Welcome back to Two-Way Talents! This series highlights two-way contract players across the association that are balling out and staking a claim for a bigger role. The goal is to give unknown players the attention they deserve. This installment is about Duop Reath, the rookie who has been Portland’s most positive presence this season. 

While Reath is new to the NBA, he is not new to professional basketball. After going undrafted in 2018, he signed a deal with a professional team in Serbia and proved to be a very productive player. In 2020, he won a bronze medal with the Australian National Team in the Olympics, and during his 2022-23 campaign in China he averaged 18 points and eight boards, and finished second in the CBA in blocks per game. It was perhaps that season that earned him his long-awaited NBA opportunity with the Blazers. 

Now that he’s gotten that opportunity, he’s seized it. Reath has become a staple in Portland’s rotation, playing around 15 minutes a night and even starting four contests He’s carved out his niche by playing to his atypical strengths. 

There are very few true centers in the NBA who even take enough threes to be considered a respectable shooter, let alone make enough. Reath, though, is part of that minority. He is most comfortable and effective playing on the perimeter. The 6’11” big man launches four triples per game, knocking down a decent 35% of them. He’s a pick-and-pop threat and gets a lot of looks out of that action. Because he can hit open shots, defenses are forced to honor him and guard him on the perimeter, opening up driving lanes for other Blazers. He’s also a determined screener who consistently creates advantages for teammates in that way. 

As teams have recognized him as a shooter, Reath has also shown the ability to attack aggressive closeouts by putting the ball on the floor and getting to the cup. He has touch with both hands and uses his length to finish over people. His driving chops are even more unusual for a big than his shooting, and they’re part of what makes him such a fun and impactful offensive player. 

Defensively, Reath offers some utility in multiple schemes. He doesn’t excel in one specific coverage, but he can hold up at the level or in drop when defending the pick and roll. He has the mobility to challenge players on the perimeter and the size to alter or reject shots at the rim. 

Drop coverage
At the level/switch

Finding a comparison for Reath is tricky because his skillset is so uncommon. He most closely resembles Myles Turner or Brook Lopez, as all three bigs can shoot and drive. However, Reath is burlier than Turner and more athletic than Lopez, making him a true one-of-one player. His defense has a ways to go before he could reach the level Turner and Lopez are at, but the path for Reath to get there is achievable. 

In the midst of an unexciting Trail Blazer season, Duop Reath’s out-of-the-blue emergence has been a bright spot worth talking about. If you haven’t already hopped on the Reath bandwagon, now’s the time, because the two-way baller is here to stay. 

Aaron Holiday Is Helping the Rockets Take Off

(All stats accurate as of 12/8/23)

Hoops runs in the Holiday family. There’s not just one, or two, but three Holiday brothers in the NBA. In 2019, they became the first trio of siblings to play in the same game. Everybody knows the middle child, Jrue, whose resume includes All-Star and All-Defense appearances as well as a championship. Many fans are probably familiar with the eldest brother too, Justin, who has played over 10 years in the pros. The youngest of the three, though, is more unknown in the NBA world.  

Drafted in 2018 by the Pacers, Aaron Holiday carved out a rotational role early on in his career. He started half the games he played in his sophomore season. Since being traded by Indiana in 2021, he has bounced around the league, playing some productive minutes but never finding a home. He touched down in Houston via free agency this past summer, and the move got very little attention from fans or media. With the way he’s playing since he entered their rotation, though, he deserves more buzz. 

Like his brother Jrue, Aaron Holiday is a stout guard with a flair for defense. Although he stands at a mere six-foot flat, Holiday is packed solid with a strong core. He weighs in at 185 pounds, giving him a BMI that falls in the (very) slightly overweight range. He uses that frame to his advantage on defense— he’s undeterred by screens and unshaken by push-offs. Offensive players have to WORK to create separation when being guarded by Holiday. On top of his physical tools, Holiday has a dogged and determined mindset. He takes pride in locking up, often picking up ball handlers full court, and that tenacity is what makes him such a good defender. 

Holiday’s defensive-minded playstyle is what made him a perfect addition for Houston. The team had struggled tremendously since James Harden’s departure in 2020. They were severely lacking energy and grit and quite frankly just didn’t care. Culture was nonexistent. This past summer, the front office made it a point to address those issues, bringing in head coach Ime Udoka and a group of veteran players who would help turn things around in H-Town. Holiday was part of that mix, and he’s been a key cog of the top-five defense created by the offseason overhaul. He’s part of Houston’s three best defensive lineups (according to DRTG, minimum 15 minutes played), a testament to the value he provides. 

A specific reason why Holiday is such an important contributor to Houston’s defense is because a fundamental part of their game plan is switching screens, both on and off the ball. Holiday’s frame allows him to effectively cover both guards, big wings, and occasionally forwards, meaning he fits right into the scheme. 

Take this possession, for example. Holiday’s man sets a screen at the top of the arc for Luka Doncic, one of the NBA’s most formidable offensive forces. Holiday steps right up to the level of the screen and he and his teammate, Fred VanVleet, execute the switch seamlessly. Holiday is then matched up against Doncic in isolation, which would have most players shaking in their sneakers. Doncic can usually get wherever he wants on the court, whenever he wants, especially against a smaller defender. Not on Holiday, though. When Doncic tries to go to his signature stepback, Holiday stays glued to him and challenges the shot excellently without fouling. 

Defense is his strong suit, but Holiday is no slouch offensively either. His skillset makes him a snug fit in any attack as a complementary piece. He’s at his best spotting up and hunting triples— he’s knocked down 52.8% of his catch-and-shoot threes this season, a sizzling figure. On December 6th versus the Thunder, he tied his career high by hitting six threes. He’s comfortable playing some point guard, too. He’s a solid pick-and-roll ball handler who can get to the rim and finish or make a good read and hit the roll man. He’s just smart with the ball overall and doesn’t make things harder than they need to be. He’s averaging just 0.4 turnovers and dishing out 2.2 dimes per game on the season.

Holiday’s contribution extends beyond just on-court productivity. As a sixth-year pro, he’s been asked to play a leadership role on this young Houston team, helping the youngsters grow into the best versions of themselves. In an interview with HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Holiday spoke on this new challenge.

“This is probably the first place I’ve really had to be a leader. Other places, I’ve led in certain ways, but coming here, I felt that I could really help these guys out… All I try to instill is working hard and playing the game the right way… these guys are talented and just need a little bit of guidance.”

Guidance and veteran presence is exactly what the Rockets needed, and Holiday has answered the call. He’s been an immensely valuable member of the team, embracing his role on and off the court and helping establish a winning culture. The other Holiday brother is making a name for himself in H-Town. Take notice. 

Two-Way Talents: Craig Porter Jr.

Hello, and welcome to Two-Way Talents! This series highlights two-way contract players across the association that are balling out and staking a claim for a bigger role. The goal is to give unknown players the attention they deserve. 

The first installment of Two-Way Talents is about an undrafted rookie on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Craig Porter Jr., who has entered the rotation as a result of injuries but could make a case to stay in it.

On Halloween, the Cavaliers were missing Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome, and Ricky Rubio. The backcourt rotation was thin, and Coach Bickerstaff turned to Craig Porter Jr. to fill in off the bench. Porter was ready and answered the call in a major way.

In 22 minutes, the rookie posted 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. The Cavs went on to lose the game, but Porter was a winner that night. He caught Coach’s eye and earned another shot in the following day’s rematch versus the Knicks. He had a quieter outing that night—just 4 points, a rebound, and a steal in 11 minutes—but he did a few nice things defensively that didn’t show up in the box score. 

So, why is Porter getting a chance? What do Cleveland’s coaches like about him? They’ve established a defense and “dawg” based culture, and Porter fits right in. He was a good defensive player in college and it looks like he’s keeping that same energy in the pros. Through his two appearances, he’s shown the chops to be a quality point-of-attack weapon and that is the skill that will keep him in the rotation. He navigates screens well, both on and off the ball, and does a good job of challenging shooters.  

Porter’s defensive playmaking poise is even more impressive. He has extremely active hands and racks up oodles of steals and blocks. Check out this awesome snag block he made to blow up New York’s transition opportunity. 

The numbers back up the tape for Porter. In his senior year at Wichita State he collected 3.0 stocks per game, and he leads all Cavaliers that have played at least 30 minutes this season in steal percentage and defensive box plus/minus (Basketball Reference’s per-100 possession measurement of defensive value). 

Offensively, Porter hasn’t brought much to the table so far and will need to grow to stick in the league. He’s displayed some craft at the rim, but he’s attempted just one three (which he missed) through three games. In college he was an average shooter on relatively low volume. He’s just 6’2”, and small guards who can’t shoot have a hard time making it in today’s league. The three-ball is his swing skill, and if it comes along his ceiling is probably a Jevon Carter level player (or, on the very high end, Mike Conley). 

With Ricky Rubio out indefinitely for personal reasons, there is a hole to be filled at Cleveland’s backup point guard spot. Craig Porter is getting his audition, and so far, he’s making some noise. Keep an eye on this two-way baller as the season rolls on. 

2023-24 Breakout Candidate: Quentin Grimes

The past three seasons have been a roller coaster for the New York Knicks. The excitement after a surprise playoff appearance in 2020-21 faded quickly due to a painfully mediocre 2021-22 regular season. One thing became clear after that year: they needed to embrace the youth movement. Talent and juice were lacking and Ws did not come consistently. Fading veterans like Evan Fournier, Derrick Rose, Kemba Walker, and Taj Gibson were given significant roles while talented young players like Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes were denied the freedom they needed to develop. Things were bleak. 

This past season, Coach Tom Thibodeau made the screamingly obvious change. Older players were traded or benched in favor of the youngsters, and the switch paid off. Quickley and Grimes made leaps and helped boost their squad back into competitiveness. The Knicks finished 5th in the Eastern Conference, advanced to the second round after making quick work of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and fought hard in a combative six-game series versus the eventual Finals runner-ups, the Miami Heat. 

Now, heading into the 2023-24 season and with the Eastern Conference as competitive as ever, New York will need their young core to take another step forward in order to repeat last year’s success. Of that core, nobody is more primed for a breakout than Quentin Grimes.

At just 23 years old, Grimes is already a full-time starter for the Knicks. Only seven other players 23 years old or under were regular starters for playoff teams in 2022-23 (Evan Mobley, RJ Barrett, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Keegan Murray, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ja Morant), putting the third-year two-guard in outstanding company. His game is more mature than his age, and he’s earned his spot in the opening five by playing his role exquisitely. His textbook 3&D skill set makes him a seamless fit next to New York’s star duo, Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Grimes is a good player now, but he has another level that could be unlocked this year.

Through his first two years in the league, Grimes’ claim to fame has been his three-point shooting. He holds the franchise record for most triples made in a game by a rookie with the seven he splashed versus the Bucks in December 2021. He’s also already 29th on New York’s all-time 3PM list and is on track to crack the top 20 (at least) by the end of next season. He’s an excellent catch-and-shoot threat and a knockdown corner shooter (47.4% on corner treys in 2022-23) who punishes defenses that send too much help at Brunson or Randle. 

His catch-and-shoot game is pure, but what makes Grimes as good of a sniper as he is is his ability to hit shots in a variety of ways. He can convert off handoffs, pin-down screens, or even just simple relocations, making him an even more effective weapon in New York’s offense. He’s mastered the ability to get his feet set and shoulders squared while on the move, and that skill combined with his quick release and elevation make him lethal when coming off a screen. 

Beyond shooting, Grimes excels at other little things that make him the ideal off-ball offensive player. He’s a savvy cutter with a knack for catching defenders ball-watching and darting to the rim. He posted 1.4 points per possession on cuts last season (via Synergy), an elite output (1.0 is considered great). 

Additionally, Grimes is a closeout killer. When defenders are slow and off-balance on their contests, or when they close out tightly to prevent an inevitable long-range bucket, he blows right by them and takes it to the rack. When he gets there, he’s a fantastic finisher. He graded out in the 100th percentile of BBall Index’s rim shot making metric last season. He can lay it up with finesse or power.

With his perimeter and interior scoring prowess, and the advantages he creates by attacking closeouts, Grimes bends defenses much more than the average role player and has shown real capacity for capitalizing on that gravity. He is a much better passer and playmaker than the box score numbers suggest (2.1 assists per game in 2022-23). He generates a ton of high value shots for teammates (layups and threes) by driving and finding bigs waiting in the dunker’s spot or shooters spotting up outside. He graded out in the 96th percentile of Basketball Index’s Passing Creation Quality metric last season. 

Being able to put the ball on the deck and make something happen is a crucial skill in a playoff setting. Specialists are struggling to find minutes in the postseason in recent years. Teams are running shooters off the line and forcing them to make decisions. Shooters have to be able to make defenses pay in that situation or they can’t stay on the floor. Duncan Robinson, the Miami Heat’s all-time 3PM leader, fell out of the rotation in the regular season but was able to climb back in and contribute to his team’s Finals run with a newfound capability to attack closeouts. Grimes already has this in his bag and will never be exploited in that way.

Grimes’ value as a complementary player doesn’t end on offense. On the other end, he’s a tremendous point-of-attack defender who makes life difficult for some of basketball’s best players. The advanced stats sing his praises and the tape tells the same story. 

The premier facet of Grimes’ guarding ability is his pick-and-roll defense. He shrugs off screens like they’re nothing and stays glued to his man like a shy child to his mother. Even if he does get caught up on the pick, he recovers quickly and alters shots with rearview contests. And, in the rare case where he gets stuck behind completely, he works to funnel his man into the waiting arms of menacing shot-blocker Mitchell Robinson. The pick-and-roll is both one of the sport’s most common and effective actions, so being able to weaken it at the level Grimes does is an extremely valuable talent. 

Quentin Grimes is unquestionably a rock-solid pro already in his young career. However, the avenue for growth for him is clear-cut and realistic and 2023-24 could be a huge campaign for him. One thing that would help Grimes achieve a breakout is higher volume. The man needs more shots! That seems like a “well duh, you could say that about anybody” claim, but the numbers prove he is more effective when featured more in the offense. 

In 2022-23, Grimes attempted 8.5 shots per game (5.7 3PA). He averaged 11.3 points on 46.8% from the field and 38.6% from three. In 25 games where he attempted 10+ field goals, he averaged 17.9 points on 49.5% from the field and 41.7% from three. When he’s given a chance to shine, Grimes takes full advantage of the opportunity.

Getting Grimes more shots wouldn’t even require force-feeding him and taking the ball out of the hands of New York’s stars. Putting him in more off-ball actions and helping him get a few more good looks per game is all it would take to maximize the damage he can do (and make the team better in the process!). 

In terms of actually developing his game, the next step for Grimes is to become a more capable on-ball creator. He’s such a dangerous off-ball threat that he rarely puts the ball on the deck and creates in 1v1 situations, or out of the pick-and-roll. 99.4% of his three-point makes and 77.6% of his two-point makes last year were assisted, according to Basketball Reference. He’s shown small flashes of off-the-bounce shot making and P&R playmaking, and making those a more prominent part of his playstyle would take him to another level as an individual player. Even just utilizing one (or two) dribble pull-ups more often would give defenders another thing to worry about when guarding him and increase his impact. 

NBA University, a well-known account on X that promotes in-depth basketball content to general audiences, recently posted the prompt, “name a young guy or role player who is under-appreciated nationally”. Grimes fits both categories. His standout role player qualities have made him a key contributor to the Knicks through his first two professional campaigns and he doesn’t get talked about enough. Additionally, he has a higher ceiling to scratch than most realize, and this upcoming season could see him kicking his game into another gear. Watch out for a breakout year from Quentin Grimes in 2023-24.