On The Up: Low-Usage Players Who Deserve a Bigger Role Next Season

Featuring a big upside play, a wish-he-would, and the prototype

The offseason is a time of waiting, both for the players and for the fans. The latter are waiting for some semblance of NBA basketball, giving them storylines to talk about and narratives to cheer for/against. The former, however, are often waiting to take the court as well, and for some, that involves waiting for a bigger role after a few years of being in the shadows.

Today, I want to talk about those guys specifically; the ones who have performed well in small roles and could be ready to make the jump in a bigger one. While it’s unlikely that any of the below would become de facto stars (though there could be one exception, as you’ll see), it’s very possible for them to clear 20+ minutes each game and show out in the process.

Let’s take a look at our low-minute, high-impact guys, starting with a player who could end up playing a very big role should another player’s restricted free agency play out in a certain way…