Wendell Carter Jr. continues to stuff the stat sheet for Orlando, the perfect do-it-all center for a team littered with skill at every position. Carter can take charge of the offense and playmake out of the post, or he can set screens and finish plays at the rim. His ability to space the floor and compete in multiple areas of the floor defensively also holds immense value.
He’s not what he once was, but even at this advanced stage of his career, Mike Conley remains one of the steadiest hands in the sport. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, he possesses an excellent eye for teammates, and he scores enough to keep the defense honest.
Scottie Barnes has struggled periodically with a lack of aggression this season, but at the end of the day, there just aren’t many players with his size, movement ability, and passing acumen. The reigning Rookie of the Year is going to have a long career because of his ability to contribute in so many different ways.
J.J. Redick called him a beacon of efficiency. Well positioned to benefit from Denver’s primary playmakers, Michael Porter Jr. provides tremendous value as a knockdown shooter and talented slasher with plenty of untapped potential.
Al Horford, save for that one unfortunate season in Philadelphia, has been Mr. Reliability for well over a decade now. He’s too smart, too cunning to fail. He’s one of the savviest defenders in the sport and a razor-sharp connective playmaker on offense. Horford picking apart defenses from the elbow is a tale as old as time, as is his unwaveringly effective spot-up jumper