Christian Wood (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Who is next is the question on the lips of every NBA general manager looking to add a potential hidden gem from another team. Finding the diamond in the rough is how executives make their names and how teams take the next step out of nowhere. In some cases, internal development takes its course, like Julius Randle blossoming into an All-NBA talent out of nowhere. However, more often than not it takes a change of scenery and increased opportunity for a player to truly take off.
Today we will be looking at 30 players who could rise to the level of star should they find themselves wearing a new jersey. In general, star is a vague term and in this piece, it will be used with some level of vagueness. Some players would have the potential to turn into an All-Star just given the increased opportunity. Others would be able to shine as a star in their role, pushing a team into another level of title contention. Finally, star can also be about maintaining the same level of play but finally being featured in a winning culture, proving to the world that they were stars all along.
As trade season approaches, we look at 30 players who could become a star if they were moved. Who should teams consider taking a chance on?
These will not be rankings of these players, just a list of some potential standouts worthy of keeping an eye on to monitor their progress. All stats are finalized as of November 27, 2021., for the sake of clarity. Let’s get started.
NBA general manager looking to add a potential hidden gem from another team. Finding the diamond in the rough is how executives make their names and how teams take the next step out of nowhere. In some cases, internal development takes its course, like Julius Randle blossoming into an All-NBA talent out of nowhere. However, more often than not it takes a change of scenery and increased opportunity for a player to truly take off.</p>
<p>Today we will be looking at 30 players who could rise to the level of star should they find themselves wearing a new jersey. In general, star is a vague term and in this piece, it will be used with some level of vagueness. Some players would have the potential to turn into an All-Star just given the increased opportunity. Others would be able to shine as a star in their role, pushing a team into another level of title contention. Finally, star can also be about maintaining the same level of play but finally being featured in a winning culture, proving to the world that they were stars all along.</p>
<h2>As trade season approaches, we look at 30 players who could become a star if they were moved. Who should teams consider taking a chance on?</h2>
<p>These will not be rankings of these players, just a list of some potential standouts worthy of keeping an eye on to monitor their progress. All stats are finalized as of November 27, 2021., for the sake of clarity. Let’s get started.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-438831 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1354998408.jpeg" alt="Mo Bamba" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354998408.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354998408-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">Mo Bamba (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 1. Mo Bamba</h2>
<p>Finally starting to blossom this season after being trapped on the bench by Steve Clifford for years, Mo Bamba is finally starting to look like the player that got drafted sixth overall in 2018. There is plenty of competition on the roster for up-and-coming talents, and yet to start the season Bamba has shined. With restricted free agency not too far away, there is a chance that a team could look to bring him in before long.</p>
<p>First, the measurables on Bamba are astounding. The 23-year-old center stands 7’0” with a whopping 7’10” wingspan. This season has been the best of his career, averaging 10.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.8 assists and 0.9 steals per game. He is shooting greater than 70 percent from the line and 33 percent beyond the arc.</p>
<p>This is the first season he is receiving more than 17 minutes per game, a blemish on the developmental record of the previous coaching staff. Bamba was always a raw prospect, but he is still young enough that there is potential for an even greater leap in the right situation. He is developing into the ideal modern-day big man, with the potential to protect and score at the rim as well as stretch the floor when needed.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438832" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1981,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1236741023.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="1981" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236741023.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236741023-420x260.jpeg 420w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236741023-768x475.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 2. Desmond Bane</h2>
<p>Fans of the popular Dunker Spot podcast have already been clued in to just how good Desmond Bane (mane!) has been so far to start his career. Drafted with the 30th overall pick in the 2020 draft due to playing a full college career, Bane has been everything the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/memphis-grizzlies/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> could have hoped for since coming into the league. However, in a different situation, he could be even more, and far more people would be made aware of his greatness.</p>
<p>Bane is the type of prospect that could shine when paired with a top-tier playoff-ready cast of stars around him. As a rookie, he shot 43.2 percent on 4.0 3-point attempts per game. Of all players attempting at least four such shots per game, that percentage ranked ninth in the league. He shot a higher percentage than Steph Curry, Zach LaVine and Khris Middleton (though Curry and LaVine attempted triple and double the attempts respectively). This season his efficiency (along with that of the league at large) has dipped with higher usage but it is still respectable (37.4 percent on 6.5 attempts per game).</p>
<p>It is not hard to imagine Bane playing the Joe Harris role on a title-contending team, though Bane would add a little more to that. He is an able defender and a high-IQ player that always seems to do the best for his team.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438833" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1236854168.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236854168.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236854168-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 3. Malik Beasley</h2>
<p>It was only a matter of time until one of the many combo guards on the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/minnesota-timberwolves/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> was going to find themselves struggling. The duplicitous nature of the games provided by Anthony Edwards, Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell was always something of a complicated fit, and Beasley, dealing with plenty of other issues, has been the victim of circumstance this year. However, if he were to find himself in another situation that could quickly change.</p>
<p>Look no further than when Beasley was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Timberwolves. While the sample size was small due to the pandemic cutting the season short, Beasley entered the situation in true star fashion. Over the 14 games before the season ended, Beasley averaged 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He continued his scoring prowess last season, averaging 19.6 points while Edwards figured out the pace of the league and Russell spent plenty of time on the sidelines.</p>
<p>Beasley could easily be a building block for the Philadelphia 76ers in some sort of trade package for Ben Simmons. It is not the starry name that Daryl Morey seems to require, but he would compliment the roster perfectly and could alleviate some of the pressure on the rest of the roster to pace the offense.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 4 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438834" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1134,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355918540.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355918540.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355918540-768x544.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 4. Mikal Bridges</h2>
<p>This is the first example on this list that could be a player that may already be in the perfect situation for their talents. Mikal Bridges has shown exceptional growth and proved that he could be a valued starter for a team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Far too often he has been referred to as the prototypical 3-and-D wing but going forward there is a chance he grows into much more.</p>
<p>Bridges is an exceptional scorer at all levels. For the second consecutive year, he is shooting around 40 percent from distance. He has shot at least 60 percent on two-point shots in every season outside of his rookie year. He is also an ironman, having yet to miss a single game in his professional career.</p>
<p>Bridges is a star in plain sight and only seems to get better with increased opportunity. The more times the Suns go on a deep run through the postseason, NBA fans across the globe will see how truly special he is. He was not needed to have as large of a hand in statistical output in last season’s Finals, but he still had his moment. In Game 2, Bridges exploded for 27 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 5 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438835" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1480,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1236530732.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1480" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236530732.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236530732-768x710.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 5. Jalen Brunson</h2>
<p>Another product of Villanova, Jalen Brunson has been quietly growing into the type of complementary playmaker that every star should want to play with. For much of Luka Doncic’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, outsiders have been clamoring for the team to add someone to take a portion of the ballhandling duties away from Doncic, allowing him to score at will. It turns out, they have had that player on that roster throughout and if they were to bring someone in Jalen Brunson would be able to pursue shining in another situation.</p>
<p>Brunson is averaging career highs across the board in the new system that Jason Kidd is employing. In 29.2 minutes per game, Brunson is averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, his efficiency has plummeted with increased minutes, but the sample is small enough for him to right the ship in that regard.</p>
<p>Prior to this dip in efficiency, Brunson was the definitive complementary guard. As that continues to sort itself out he will be able to return to that form. The Mavericks may not be in a position to wait for that to happen, given the urgency to immediately win alongside a talent like Luka Doncic. Finding himself in a new situation could finally unlock his latent potential.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 6 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438836" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2395,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1351592332.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2395" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351592332.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351592332-768x575.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 6. De’Aaron Fox</h2>
<p>Some would make the argument that De’Aaron Fox, the former fifth overall pick, is already a star. He had a four-year upward trajectory that gave those who simply box-score watched the idea that he had already reached that level. But this season’s drop off combined with the current leadership’s drafting of point guards in consecutive seasons puts his future stardom in a precarious position.</p>
<p>Last season was the best of his career, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He has not yet developed as a shooter from distance (outside of shooting 37.1 percent on 2.9 attempts per game in 2018-2019), but he is a vicious slasher when given the opportunity.</p>
<p>The Sacramento Kings have reached something of a crossroads. They have moved on from yet another coach, with Alvin Gentry being the third coach Fox has played under in five seasons. Rather than pairing him with complementary talents, the franchise has drafted point guards in back-to-back seasons, leading to the current trend down. Fox is one of the most talented young guards in the league. However, for the better part of a generation, being a talented young prospect is not enough to succeed with Sacramento Kings.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 7 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438837" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1236853527-1.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236853527-1.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1236853527-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 7. Darius Garland</h2>
<p>One of the true blossoming stars in the league, Darius Garland is getting a chance to finally show exactly the kind of player he can be. The rosters that the Cleveland Cavaliers have put out in recent years have complicated the process of figuring out what each player is capable of. Now, without Collin Sexton out of the lineup, Garland has been thrown into the fire.</p>
<p>After years of dealing with injuries, Garland is finally experiencing some form of stability. He is averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting percentage has dipped slightly, but that comes with him attempting 2.4 more 3-point attempts per game. Garland got the stamp of approval from Stephen Curry before the season and has ridden that wave to the best start to his career.</p>
<p>This is the perfect example of a star being able to blossom as an actual star when showcased in another market. For better or worse, it typically takes a generational talent to bring the national spotlight to Cleveland. While Evan Mobley may yet be that Garland could truly explode to stardom even faster than he already is. Much has been made about the “SexLand” backcourt and it is somewhat telling that the team is seeing success with Collin Sexton out of the lineup.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 8 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438838" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1353326624.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353326624.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353326624-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 8. Jerami Grant</h2>
<p>After nearly making an All-Star game in his first season with the Detroit Pistons, Jerami Grant made his first Olympic appearance. His play has dipped to start the season, understandable considering that he is the only person in the starting lineup over the age of 23. The burden to perform at such a high level consistently has shown that Grant may not be made to be the top option on a playoff team. However, his explosion last season showed that he could be perfectly suited to be the second option.</p>
<p>Grant was fantastic with an increased role, averaging 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. He attempted nearly three more 3-point shots per game and still shot 35.0 percent. He nearly doubled his overall field goal attempts and only saw his efficiency dip slightly.</p>
<p>Being an elite complementary scorer (as Grant seems to be showing the potential to be) combined with his ability to defend multiple positions on the other end of the court is the true definition of a star. He was showing the ability to do that with the Denver Nuggets but saw that his future there was likely restricted to being the fourth option at best. He has since proved that he is capable of far more than that.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 9 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438839" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1321046256.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1321046256.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1321046256-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 9. Rui Hachimura</h2>
<p>It is easy to forget the steps forward that Rui Hachimura made a season ago. He has yet to play so far this season, unfortunately coinciding with the best the Washington Wizards have had in a generation. However, that is no slight on the leap forward by Hachimura. While his time with the franchise may be nearing an end as he will likely be a piece moved in whatever win-now move they ultimately make, the franchise receiving him in the deal will be quite lucky.</p>
<p>In his second season in the league, Hachimura averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. His rebounding and assists took a slight dip in no small part due to the statistical gravitational force that is Russell Westbrook, but the second-year forward became even more noticeably comfortable in his role. He showed an increased ability to stretch the floor while shooting over 50 percent from inside the arc.</p>
<p>One of the rare players in the league who continues to thrive in the midrange, Hachimura is also continuing to take strides as a defensive player. His level of growth has only been curtailed by his current issues keeping him away from the court. Once he is able to get back on track, the team getting him in a trade will be getting one of the hardest workers imaginable. Hachimura should be the next in a long line of tall forwards to buck the trend away from the midrange.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 10 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438840" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355407499.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355407499.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355407499-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 10. Josh Hart</h2>
<p>Some of the rebuilding fan bases last offseason had hoped that while the New Orleans Pelicans were seemingly letting some of the important building blocks around Zion Williamson walk away that Josh Hart would be among them. He chose to go back to the team, and while he is continuing to grow his profile is not. Hart is better suited to a winning situation, something multiple iterations of New Orleans basketball have not been able to provide for its players.</p>
<p>Heading into free agency, Hart’s season was something of a rollercoaster. He was limited to just 47 games due to injuries. On the other end of things, his per 36-minute numbers were impressive. He averaged 11.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Hart is an elite rebounder from the wing, notable considering that he played alongside Zion Williamson and Steven Adams. He makes the most of every opportunity, despite his streaky shooting.</p>
<p>Hart is unfortunately contractually trapped in a situation where winning seems further away by the day. Williamson is finally ready to return to the lineup, but David Griffin continues to make decisions to muddle the future. Good for Hart getting his money, now if only he can find a way to contribute to actual winning.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 11 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438841" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355166941.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355166941.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355166941-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 11. Richaun Holmes</h2>
<p>There are a few players on this list that have not been able to turn into a household name because they have been in a situation akin to the Sacramento Kings. Richaun Holmes chose to return to the Kings because that is where the most money is and where he finally found his footing as a professional. But for those who actually tune in and see what he does on a regular basis for the Kings, it is abundantly clear that Holmes is capable of much more.</p>
<p>Despite being a regular starter over the last three seasons (including this one), Holmes has still yet to average at least 30 minutes per game. Updating this to per 36 minutes numbers, he is averaging 17.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. So far this season he is shooting just under 70 percent on 2-point shots. Despite not being able to stretch the floor he is a foundational traditional offensive big.</p>
<p>For a team lacking a rim presence on the offensive end of the court, Holmes provides a reasonably priced option that can score and rebound at an All-Star level. If Alvin Gentry taking over changes the offense in a way to accentuate him further, Sacramento may be the spot for him. If not, he would be perfect for a number of teams.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 12 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438842" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1352720270.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1352720270.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1352720270-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 12. De’Andre Hunter</h2>
<p>For the Atlanta Hawks, there has been plenty of discussion about potentially having too many players to feature any of their young guys to their maximum effect. That combined with injuries have stopped De’Andre Hunter from truly taking over. It happened last season as he was starting to look like one of the most improved players in the league. He came back this season and was slow to start before being bit by the injury bug again. However, the consolidation trade with the Hawks is coming and teams should be calling about Hunter.</p>
<p>Last season he played just 23 games and averaged 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game on shooting splits of .484/.326/.859. He is a career 35.2 percent and is a capable defender. Health is currently the biggest issue holding him back, slowing down the blossoming of his stardom.</p>
<p>Hunter, like two other players still to come on this list, is destined to get lost in the shadow of the mythology of Trae Young. Bringing in, via draft and free agency, such a strong collection of wings prevents any of the younger players on the roster to shine on a nightly basis. Hunter is turning into a star when healthy already and just needs to be featured more (and better luck with injuries) to realize that potential.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 13 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438843" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1353326448.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353326448.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353326448-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 13. Josh Jackson</h2>
<p>Some players need a couple of chances to recreate their narrative. Once you are projected as a top-tier talent, fans will only look for that and not see when someone is actually making progress, just not at the level they were drafted as. After coming out of college, Josh Jackson was a top-five pick and projected as a franchise-altering talent. His time with the Phoenix Suns was messy and disjointed, to say the least. When he moved on, being with the Memphis Grizzlies allowed him a chance to reset expectations. Since joining the Detroit Pistons, he is starting to figure things out.</p>
<p>Jackson is a star in his role, finally embracing everything that he truly can be. He is good for a few stellar chase-down blocks per week. He is a solid transition attacker and solid team defender. Jackson helps set the culture, caping up for his teammates and adding a level of toughness that transcends his years of experience.</p>
<p>It is fair to say that Josh Jackson will almost certainly never quite hit the level that he was projected to hit coming out of college. But the expectations are being reset and put in the right situation Jackson can still be an essential part of a contending team. That is being a star in one’s role.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 14 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438844" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355208711.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355208711.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355208711-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 14. Keldon Johnson</h2>
<p>Some people may already be keenly aware of the burgeoning star power that Keldon Johnson exudes. He was named to the Olympic team after just two years in the league and looked the part, surprising many who were not watching a middling San Antonio Spurs squad miss the playoffs last season. It proved that Johnson is ready for more and can be more with higher-end players around him. San Antonio feels like they may be several years away from that.</p>
<p>Keldon Johnson is ready now. He is off to the hottest start of his career, averaging 15.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. His efficiency has dipped with increased opportunity but still hits a respectable 46.1 percent from the floor. He stretches the floor just enough, hitting 39.2 percent on a small volume.</p>
<p>Johnson has been in a Spurs system overflowing with potential wings but has started to differentiate himself from the pack. He may have the most star potential on the team as a go-to scoring threat and should be able to parlay his Olympic pedigree into some sort of fortuitous teammate down the line. Unless the Spurs consolidate around him and another foundational piece, his move on from the team may be the best thing for him.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 15 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438845" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1350902512.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1350902512.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1350902512-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 15. Caris LeVert</h2>
<p>Before all of the stars aligned and joined forces with the Brooklyn Nets, there was a time that Caris LeVert and D’Angelo Russell looked to be the star duo that could get the franchise back on track. Russell made an All-Star appearance and the team made it to the postseason. Since then, both have been traded (the former twice) and now LeVert is one of the multiple decent players mired in one of the more confusing decent situations in the league.</p>
<p>LeVert has well-documented health issues, having played less than 50 games in each of the last three seasons. However, when he is on the court there is a truly apparent scorers’ mentality. He looked like a future All-Star paired with Kyrie Irving in their first season together, taking over during the bubble games to push the team into the postseason.</p>
<p>In the six seeding games LeVert averaged 25.0 points, 6.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. The highlight was the final game, where he dropped 37 on the Portland Trail Blazers in a narrow loss that only the Blazers needed for standings purposes. Since then he has struggled with weird amounts of usage, but in the right system, LeVert can thrive. If all the health concerns are truly behind him now would be the perfect time to take a chance, as the Indiana Pacers should be on the brink of blowing things up.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 16 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438846" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1353930823.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353930823.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353930823-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 16. Nassir Little</h2>
<p>One of the deeper cuts on the list, Nassir Little has shown more potential as a defensive impact player than anyone who watched him in college would have suspected. He has been able to guard most wings, more than many of the members of the Portland Trail Blazers can say for themselves. However, he has shown progress in every facet of his game, one of the young standouts on an otherwise veteran roster.</p>
<p>So far this season he is posting a per-36-minute line of 13.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 assists per game. He posts decent efficiency, albeit on limited attempts to date. For an offense with so many high-usage players, Little has found a way to make the most of every chance he is given.</p>
<p>If the Blazers were to make some sort of move to bolster their current roster, Little is the kind of piece that could potentially entice a team into taking a chance. His offensive game is almost entirely unexplored but the potential is real. He was one of the top recruits in a high school class that included RJ Barrett, Zion Williamson, Darius Garland and more. The potential has been clear for years. Now some team needs to be willing to put in the time to develop it.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 17 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438847" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1353260234.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353260234.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1353260234-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 17. De’Anthony Melton</h2>
<p>De’Anthony Melton is the kind of hidden gem, much like Nassir Little, that is hiding in plain sight waiting to be plucked. He was drafted in the second round by the Houston Rockets, played in the Summer League and was traded to the Phoenix Suns before the season even started. As a rookie, he was the league leader in steals per 100 possessions. Melton was traded after that season, along with Josh Jackson, in a salary-cutting maneuver.</p>
<p>Melton is still developing the rest of his game, but he remains one of the most effective players at disrupting passing lanes in the league. He is a decent shooter from distance, attempting the majority of his shots as above the break 3-pointers. Last season (his best to date), Melton shot 40.5 percent on those 162 attempts.</p>
<p>So far this season that is still where he attempts the most shots, but he has started off a little cooler, but that should correct itself over time. His situation with the Memphis Grizzlies is a perfect one for development, with little pressure to do anything more than what he is currently comfortable doing. However, once he is ready to take the next step, a change of scenery may be essential for him to take his talents over the top.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 18 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438848" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355209756.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355209756.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355209756-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 18. Dejounte Murray</h2>
<p>Another San Antonio Spur that has been given less of a spotlight than he deserves, Dejounte Murray is one of the older prospects on the team. Still just 25, Murray has played five full seasons and is only now getting ready to entire his prime. He has long been a solid defensive guard, good enough for the Spurs to invest a contract extension into his development seasons ago to develop what he could be. However, with so many players occupying such an extended period of time on the wing, Murray’s impact has been stunted throughout his tenure.</p>
<p>This is the first season he is finally being given full-time starters minutes combined with usage and is thriving. Last season he was given the minutes, but this is on another level. He is averaging 18.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game. His efficiency is his biggest red flag but making up for it on the defensive end is an impressive compromise. Russell Westbrook has made it a career of inflated stat-lines on less than stellar efficiency.</p>
<p>Now, in fairness, Murray is not the athletic force of nature that peak Russell Westbrook was. However, this list is not projecting a future MVP of the league. Murray has the ability to be a complimentary star in the right situation.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 19 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438849" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2923,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355535585.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2923" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355535585.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355535585-768x702.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 19. Jordan Poole</h2>
<p>One of the most fun cases of a star breaking out this season, Jordan Poole is already in the perfect situation for any player. Playing alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and (eventually) Klay Thompson makes life easier for everyone. However, Poole is showing that he may be the kind of player just beginning his ascension. He may end up getting too expensive for the Golden State Warriors to afford, making this his debut as a true star of the future.</p>
<p>Figuring out his 3-point shot in his second season was essential for his transformation, but this season has been an even bigger step. So far he is averaging 18.1 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. In the first 19 games of the season, Poole has dropped 20 or more seven times, including back-to-back games with 32 and 33 points.</p>
<p>Poole will never be able to be the go-to scorer in Golden State, but he will be necessary to ease Klay Thompson back into the scheme slowly. Beyond that, he may end up choosing to pursue a higher usage rate elsewhere somewhere down the line. It would not be the first time a player pursued stardom following the receipt of a few rings.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 20 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438850" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2245,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355344945.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2245" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355344945.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355344945-768x539.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 20. Immanuel Quickley</h2>
<p>One of the standout rookies a season ago, for some reason the New York Knicks seem to have decided that Immanuel Quickley is not the point guard they are ready to build around. Derrick Rose is still featured more than prominently, and the team signed starter Kemba Walker in the offseason. While it has been pretty clear that Quickley may not be Tom Thibodeau’s brand of guard, he has shown plenty over the last season and change to be considered a key contributor somewhere going forward.</p>
<p>In just 19.3 minutes per game last season, the rookie guard averaged a surprising 11.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. This translates to 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. This is not a traditional point guard stat line but fits perfectly in the mold of the microwave scorer that has succeeded for generations. Lou Williams has been a star in that mold and Quickley brings plenty of the same game to the table. Quickley is already a better shooter from distance, which bodes well for the evolution of the archetype. Williams has been a star in this league, in a role not traditionally thought of as stardom. If Tom Thibodeau cannot see that, that is his team’s loss.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 21 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438851" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2341,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1323587621.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2341" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1323587621.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1323587621-768x562.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 21. Onyeka Okongwu</h2>
<p>The drafting of Onyeka Okongwu was confusing as soon as it happened. The potential of the big man from the University of Southern California was clear, but the Atlanta Hawks had just traded for Clint Capela and were staring down an impending extension for John Collins. One year later, Collins earned his extension and Capela led the league in rebounding for one of the most surprising teams in the league. Now Okongwu is recovering from surgery and finds his place in the rotation compromised. That should not change the math on his future: Onyeka Okongwu will be a star in this league.</p>
<p>Okungwu played in just 50 games as a rookie, playing just 12.0 minutes per game. The sample size is far from representative of anything, but the eye test showed something in the postseason run that has to be appealing to the scouts paying attention. He posted a respectable defensive rating (admittedly flawed stat, but one of the few we have) as a rookie in the playoffs on a less-than-talented defensive unit. He profiled in college as an elite lob threat and with the potential to stretch the floor. His fit with the Hawks is complicated, to say the least, but he was a no-brainer lottery selection just one draft ago.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 22 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438852" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1152,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1354994831.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1152" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354994831.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354994831-768x553.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 22. Cam Reddish</h2>
<p>In the same vein as Okongwu, Cam Reddish has been in a positional quagmire on a young team growing around him. It is tough to give all of the young players on the roster equal developmental time and Reddish got enough to a slow enough start to put him behind some of his contemporaries. Over his first two seasons, he appeared in just 84 games. He posted a line of 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. His shooting splits are truly depressing, so why the optimism?</p>
<p>Reddish is the type of prospect, like the aforementioned Josh Jackson before him, that desperately needs a change of scenery to reinvigorate his career. He entered college as one of the highest-rated prospects, only to fall behind teammates Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett. He was drafted within a few picks of Hawks’ teammate De’Andre Hunter to play essentially the same position. Reddish has never been given a true chance to realize the mountain of potential that he has.</p>
<p>Reddish shoots a solid 82.3 percent from the line for his career and is slowly seeing the rest of his efficiency creep up. Without the ball in his hands more he is not going to be able to work through whatever hiccups he may have. However, like Okongwu, the star potential for Reddish has not diminished despite the time that has been lost.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 23 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438853" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1350265283.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1350265283.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1350265283-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 23. Naz Reid</h2>
<p>If you are in the market for an energy big man, Naz Reid is the kind of young player flying under the radar that you should be paying increased attention to. He brings a level of physical force that is a perfect complement to the more finesse-oriented game that Karl-Anthony Towns employs. Given that he is currently being used in spurts as a reserve, his statistical impact has not yet been fully felt.</p>
<p>His per-36-minute numbers for his career jump off the stat sheet. He is averaging 20.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. He is a career 33.9 percent shooter from distance on 2.6 attempts per game. Reid is the kind of player you probably did not know about until he puts a body into your star on the second night of a back-to-back.</p>
<p>As long as there is a place in the league for a big man whose motor never seems to stop going, crashing the glass consistently, Reid will have a chance to be something special. The situation has to be right for a big that is not a defensive force of nature, but there is the chance he could be something much more than he already is.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 24 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438545" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2234,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1351698444-1.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades: One Ben Simmons trade for every NBA team" width="3200" height="2234" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351698444-1.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351698444-1-768x536.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 24. Collin Sexton</h2>
<p>Joining his “SexLand” partner on the list, Collin Sexton feels like he needs the drastic change of scenery to finally take off. He has been in a situation where the highest-paid player on his team has been less than receptive to his presence. His backcourt partner is developing a more diverse game at a faster rate than he is. Finally, in the offseason where the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted the newest face of their franchise, they also chose to not give Sexton a contract extension.</p>
<p>Regardless of all of the obstacles, Sexton showed last season that he could be the primary scoring option on a team that could win games. Eventually, the bottom fell out on the Cavs, but that can be directly connected to the entirely disjointed nature of the roster. In his third season, he averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 assist, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. He is a career 37.8 percent shooter from distance. The highlight of his season, when the national stage started to take notice, was when he dropped 42 points on the Brooklyn Nets.</p>
<p>Sexton has every chance to be a complimentary star with the right partner. This organization has seemingly done everything at every turn to not compliment his growth. Hopefully, the next one will do even better.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 25 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438854" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2135,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1354539801.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2135" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354539801.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354539801-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 25. Myles Turner</h2>
<p>For what seems like the tenth season in a row, NBA fans have weighed the possibility of trading one of the Indiana Pacers big men. Myles Turner has felt like a trade piece since the moment he took the court. Nothing seems to be working with the Pacers despite having their third coach in three seasons. Shaking up the roster may be the only thing to finally change things.</p>
<p>Turner has been on the periphery of the Defensive Player of the Year award for the last few years, dominating in the counting stats. He led the league in blocks two of the last three seasons at 2.7 and 3.4 per game respectively. To start this season, he is leading the league again. He is a floor-spacing, rim-protecting big man in a league that is always looking for that archetype to fortify their roster.</p>
<p>Rudy Gobert is a better defensive player, one of the generational talents on that end of the floor. But while he has gotten played off the court in the postseason, Turner has a better chance of maintaining his skillset as the game changes. With a different organization Turner would finally be given a chance to do something he has never done before: play in the second round of the playoffs.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 26 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438855" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355209770.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355209770.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355209770-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 26. Devin Vassell</h2>
<p>As the third of four San Antonio Spurs on the list, Devin Vassell was buried so deep on the bench last season he is still brushing dirt off. As a promising rookie, he played just 17.0 minutes per game for a lottery team playing for a chance to make it into the play-in. Now he is getting more run and is showing some of the potential that got him drafted in the lottery.</p>
<p>In just 25.8 minutes per game Vassell is averaging 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game on shooting splits of .467/.393/.727. He has scored in double-figures in 10 of his 17 games. He was a knockdown shooter in college and is blossoming into that now that he is actually seeing the floor this season.</p>
<p>Much like the next prospect and the two that we previously discussed, not all of the Spurs on this list necessarily need to be moved to realize their potential. If the wing rotation was whittled down, Vassell could thrive in this system. However, with so many people struggling to get ahead of his growth will continue to be curtailed. Unfortunately for the next person on the list if he enjoys his time in Texas, he could be the one finding himself looking for somewhere else to call home.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 27 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438856" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355206989.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355206989.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355206989-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 27. Lonnie Walker IV</h2>
<p>As more of the wings have been brought in, Lonnie Walker IV has found it increasingly difficult to keep his foothold in the Spurs developmental plans. In his fourth season, he has seen his minutes being to diminish for the first time in his career. He is attempting roughly the same number of shots per game as he did a season ago but is making nearly five percent fewer shots per game. This is also the first season he is shooting below 35 percent from distance.</p>
<p>Walker is continuing to develop as a rebounder and playmaker, but something eventually has to give with the Spurs. As they are settling into the rebuilding phase for the first time in decades some of the picks are going to have to be moved on to allow the rest to grow. Josh Primo was drafted in the lottery this season and is currently spending most of his time in the G-League.</p>
<p>Walker needs to get on the court consistently to finally realize exactly what he is capable of. The Spurs need to prioritize the younger wings on their team as they progress through the rebuild. For the best of both, Walker should hope to find himself in a situation that better suits him going forward.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 28 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438868" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355751886.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355751886.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355751886-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 28. PJ Washington</h2>
<p>While the Charlotte Hornets are one of the young, fun teams to watch as they improve in front of fans’ eyes, PJ Washington finds himself in an interesting position. He has played in just nine games this season as the roster is learning to win. Miles Bridges is the young star on the team turning into an All-Star, thriving from playing alongside a masterful passer like LaMelo Ball. Given that they play the same position, Washington would theoretically move to center. Given that the team traded for Mason Plumlee while drafting Kai Jones and JT Thor, the fit there gets complicated as well.</p>
<p>However, PJ Washington still has a world of potential to take advantage of. In his first two seasons, he averaged 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He was able to space the floor, knocking down 38.1 percent on 4.3 3-point attempts per game. Health and consistency would go a long way to establishing his stardom, but as we have seen this season with Bridges opportunity and patience helps as well.</p>
<p>The Charlotte Hornets made a telling choice with their roster decisions this offseason. Washington does not seem to be part of that future. Much like John Collins a season ago, Washington could be the kind of big man the next generation of playoff teams is built around.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 29 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438872" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2137,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1232798862.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2137" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1232798862.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1232798862-768x513.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 29. Coby White</h2>
<p>In a season where everything is going right for the Chicago Bulls, the Coby White situation seems to be flying under. After being drafted as the partner for Zach LaVine in the backcourt just two years ago, White finds himself getting just 16.7 minutes per game. He did not play in the first 13 games and in that time new additions Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan have shined. Now that White has potentially been replaced in the rotation for the future, he could find somewhere else to thrive.</p>
<p>Much like his regular backcourt mate, White is a scorer at heart. Over his first two seasons, he averaged 14.2 points per game on shooting splits of .406/.357/.849. As a young player next to one of the more dominant partners imaginable, White stood out as a complementary option. He has scored 30 or more six times in his career. Putting him in an offensive system where he could be unleashed, instead of being coached by Jim Boylen and Billy Donovan, could be exactly what he needs.</p>
<p>Pairing White with a defensive guard (like either of the two new additions to the team) could help allow him to comfortably be his offensive best. As the Bulls go in another direction as a franchise, Coby White should as well.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 30 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438873" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2202,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355921990.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2202" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355921990.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355921990-768x528.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 30. Christian Wood</h2>
<p>Finally, we come to a player who has finally established his place in the league but has publicly been angling to join a winning situation. Christian Wood showed with the Detroit Pistons that he was a talent worth investing in. He joined the Houston Rockets after his one season with the Pistons with plans of winning. Then James Harden and Russell Westbrook were traded and Wood found himself back at the bottom of the standings.</p>
<p>Wood has been a stellar offensive contributor for a few seasons now. In his first season as a featured leader, Wood averaged 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game on shooting splits of .514/.374/.631. This season he is averaging 11.0 rebounds per game, good for ninth in the league. Considering he regularly looks emotionally checked out for a team that has lost 16 of their 18 games, rebounding at such a high rate is respectable.</p>
<p>Wood was a borderline All-Star last season, prevented from making it because of the lackluster record of his team. If he was moved by the Rockets to a winning situation (potentially in a Ben Simmons trade?) he would pair perfectly with a traditional big man while stretching the floor on offense.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="NBA: Most likely first time All-Stars from each team" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/28/nba-most-likely-first-time-all-stars-from-each-team/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/28/nba-role-players-become-stars-elsewhere/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/28/nba-most-likely-first-time-all-stars-from-each-team/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA: Most likely first time All-Stars from each team </a> </div>
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