NBA Week 4 Rewind: Warriors remain historically dominant
By Tom West
Under-the-radar Players to Watch Next Week
Whether you don’t want to miss any players stepping up or you just want someone to add to your fantasy team, here are a few names to look out for next week.
Nicolas Batum is having one of the most efficient and well-rounded seasons that no one seems to be talking about. He’s a 6’8″ wing player who’s always excelled as someone who can do a bit of everything, whether it’s defense, shooting or passing. He’s a nightly threat to flirt with a triple double, and he’s been a great fit with the Charlotte Hornets doing just that. Except for a 4 point scoring display against the Knicks last week, he had two more solid performances including a 24 point, 8 rebound, 1 steal, 2 block night in Brooklyn.
When looking back to last Sunday, his 33 points against the Trail Blazers briefly put him on the map as someone who actually deserves some attention. He’s averaging career-highs in points per game (16.8), three point percentage (45.6) and player efficiency rating (18.1), and he’s putting together a good season all around.
Brandon Knight keeps dropping career-highs as he gets his 2015-16 campaign underway. He’s pushing the pace, he’s confident with his shot, and he’s elevating his game alongside the stellar play of his backcourt partner Eric Bledsoe. Just last week, Knight recorded his first career triple double (30 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists) against the Lakers on Monday. Then, after setting a career-high for points in a game with 37 in week 3, Knight surpassed that mark again in week 4 with a 38 point night in a win over the Nuggets.
As a result of such performances, Knight is averaging career-highs in points (21.7), rebounds (4.6), assists (5.2), steals (1.5), field goal percentage (43.9), three point percentage (40.7), and PER (20.3). It gets boring to list all those numbers, but Knight really is playing at career-high levels in every way his Phoenix Suns could hope for.
Enes Kanter may be a liability on defense, but he continues to deliver as a major spark plug off the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He gobbles up offensive rebounds every night, and his finishing at the rim and 10 foot jumper allow him to put up points in a hurry. His 13.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game sound fairly modest, although he’s only playing 21.8 minutes a night. Per 36 minutes, his efforts in the paint are truly obvious with his averages of 21.6 points and 14.4 rebounds.
In fact, Kanter even leads the NBA in offensive rebound percentage (17.7) so far this season — placing him above rebounding beasts like Andre Drummond and DeAndre Jordan. At the very least, it’s hustle points and rebounds that Kanter can always deliver when he’s in the game.
Rajon Rondo, who was mentioned in this segment last week, is another player you need to keep an eye on. He’s tallied four triple doubles already this season and another last week including an 18 assist game against the Heat. While he does all he can to help the Kings string together some wins, he deserves far more recognition.
So, until the next episode of NBA Rewind next Monday, enjoy all the game has to offer in week 5 as stars rise and the Warriors look to make even more history.