The NBA is filled with more talent than ever. As such, coaches have to make difficult decisions in allocating minutes to their best players. Let’s look at five players excelling in their current role but could offer even more if given a greater opportunity.
Note: “Per 36 Minutes” stats are frequently mentioned because it’s the simplest way to gauge what a player could do if he played more.
Tari Eason (22.9 MPG) — Houston Rockets
Houston’s reserve could be the favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year if the Rockets gave him more playing time. Eason has made the most of his limited minutes this season. Incredible roster depth has led to Eason hovering around the 21-22 MPG range through three seasons despite playing well since he was a rookie. He’s a disruptor on the defensive end who always seems to make things happen.
Eason is averaging 10.1 RPG, 3.3 SPG, and 1.6 BPG per 36 minutes. His three-point shot isn’t falling, but he made 36 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc last season and has made strides offensively in other areas. It’s about time Houston head coach Ime Udoka inserts Eason into the starting lineup in favor of former No. 2 pick Jabari Smith Jr. who has struggled mightily.
Ty Jerome (18.8 MPG) — Cleveland Cavaliers
Former University of Virginia guard Ty Jerome has bounced around the league but is starting to establish himself as a key reserve for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Jerome has always shown a nice feel for the game as a passer and shooter. His aggressiveness as a scorer has been turned up a notch with the Cavaliers. He’s averaging 11.8 PPG in less than 20 minutes per game. And, he’s doing it extremely efficiently shooting 57 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.
The Cavaliers were a bit banged up a couple of weeks ago, forcing Jerome to make two starts and play 27.9 MPG over a four-game span. In that stretch, he averaged 22.3 PPG and 5.0 APG with .604/.556/1.000 shooting splits. Cleveland doesn’t need to make any drastic changes given their hot start. However, Jerome could afford to play a bit more as the season ramps up.
Jonathan Issac (16.9 MPG) — Orlando Magic
Jonathan Issac’s biggest issue has been staying healthy. He’s good to go right now, and it seems like the Magic are not using him to his full capability. Orlando has a deep roster even with star Paolo Banchero out. Issac is finding it difficult to take minutes away from a frontcourt that consists of Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, and Mo Wagner.
When he’s on the floor, Issac is arguably the best defender in all of basketball. His athleticism and instincts are stellar for a player in a 6-foot-10 frame. Offensively, Issac still has a ways to go. However, we’re talking about a defensive superstar who shot just under 38 percent from three in ’23 and ’24. Maybe a trade is in the works, but Issac needs to be on the floor.
Donovan Clingan (17.0 MPG) — Portland Trail Blazers
Only a handful of rookies each year play a big role for their team instantly. So, it’s not too surprising to see the Blazers slow-play Donovan Clingan’s development. The big man should be in line for an increase in minutes shortly, and the former UConn Husky has already shown that he’s ready to contribute. Clingan has flashed potential on both ends of the floor. The 7-footer has even shown a willingness to shoot threes and has made 3-of-9 attempts through 17 games.
That being said, defense is where Clingan stands out. The 8-14 Blazers have been markedly better defensively when Clingan is on the floor. He’s averaging 4.6 blocks per 36 minutes, a mark higher than Victor Wembanyama who led the league in blocks as a rookie last season. Portland has been especially stingy when Clingan shares the floor with another Blazer reserve. When Clingan and Dalano Banton (16.9 MPG) are both playing, the Blazers have a 103.4 defensive rating. It’s only been 83 minutes total, but that mark is better than Oklahoma City’s No. 1 ranked defense (103.9).
Jonas Valanciunas (19.9 MPG) — Washington Wizards
The Wizards are the worst team in the league. They’ve lost 15 in a row and rank 28th in points per game and 29th in points allowed per game. Both of their wins this year came against the Atlanta Hawks who picked No. 1 overall in the last NBA Draft. Washington’s poor play is partly by design. They were starting three rookies at one point. Winning games is not a priority for a team that is looking to stockpile more draft picks.
With that being said, a contending team should seriously look at adding Jonas Valanciunas to their rotation. The 32-year-old big man has been excellent in his first year with the Wizards. His per-36 numbers are all up from last year, and he’s been automatic as a low-post scorer. Shooting over 90 percent from the free throw line as a center is extraordinary. He’s probably not a starter in the NBA anymore, but Valanciunas could be a big-impact player for a team that could use size down low.
