NBA Week 3 Rewind: Stephen Curry, Warriors can’t be stopped
By Tom West
Under-the-radar Players to Watch Next Week
From players who haven’t got much praise to someone who might help your fantasy team, here are some names to watch out for next week.
Rajon Rondo has started putting up some seriously impressive numbers when the Sacramento Kings seemed on the verge of breaking down. His playing time has reached the point where he’s played all 48 minutes in back-to-back games last week, and with that role he’s up to 12.5 points, 9.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Yet, that’s always been something Rondo can do. He stuffs the stat sheet better than most players in the NBA, and his 14 point, 15 assist, 11 rebound night against the Pistons this week is a testament of that.
Defensively, though, they’re better off without him. The offensive rating of their opponents raises by 9.4 points per 100 possessions with Rondo on the floor. However, seeing as he’s averaging 45.5 minutes a night over their last five contests, that doesn’t give a great indication of what they’re like without him if he’s almost always in the game.
That being said, Rondo is still putting on well rounded performances that shouldn’t just be overlooked because the Kings are struggling as a franchise. He’s had more triple doubles in the last five seasons (16) than any other player, and already has three over his last five games. The other important takeaway from Rondo’s last three games (with two triple doubles) is that the Kings have won all of them.
As long as DeMarcus Cousins continues to dominate with his current average of 28 points per game and Rondo gets him enough touches while setting up shooters on the perimeter, he can be a real bright spot for the Kings. A bright spot that’s needed more than ever as they deal with major off-court issues and a 4-7 start.
Evan Fournier has been one of the most unexpected and productive scorers of the early 2015-16 NBA season so far. He’s always been a shooter who can have a role due to his perimeter talents, and this season he’s taking steps forward to make a major difference for the Orlando Magic. With current career-highs in points (18.8), rebounds (4.3), assists (2.9), and PER (15.7), those steps are noticeable already.
He’s emerging as yet another exciting young player on a roster already featuring Aaron Gordon, Victor Oladipo, Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja. When they figure it out and maybe add another piece or two, the Magic have a core in place that’s heading for a much brighter future.
Mo Williams has been doing all the Cavaliers could have asked of him so far. Until Kyrie Irving returns, Williams will continue to receive heavy minutes as the starting point guard, but at 33 he’s proving that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
He’s really stepped up as the stand-in starter, and his 15.6 points on 47.9 shooting (not to mention a 37.5 percent three point stroke) and 5.1 assists per game are certainly getting the job done. With his shooting touch from outside, ability to create off the dribble, ball control, and patience when the running the offense, Williams has been a key part of Cleveland’s 8-2 start. And seeing as their offensive rating soars by 10 points per 100 possessions with him in the game, it’s clear he’s making a difference.
When considering the Cavaliers’ future, it looks like Williams could wind up being a highly valued and underrated scoring spark off the bench.