Underrated/”On The Come Up” Week
Delay of Game’s first themed week of the season features underrated, young players who are either set to breakthrough next season or are just starting to receive credit for their skills and/or potential.
Let’s take a look at who’s on deck for this week:
10/3 • Nic Claxton (BKN)
Outside of the obvious integration of All-Star Ben Simmons into the lineup, Nic Claxton is a huge key to Brooklyn’s success in 2022-23. Last year, Claxton experienced a nice minutes boost and produced career-highs in points & boards.
If he gets the starting nod at the 5 spot, his interior defense, PnR finishing and rebounding becomes all the more valuable.
10/4 • Ayo Dosunmu (CHI)
With Lonzo Ball sidelined until at least the beginning of 2023, Ayo Dosunmu figures to take over his starting PG spot to kick off the year. Dosunmu’s second round slide proved a hand in glove fit for his hometown Chicago Bulls - in 2021-22, Ayo scored just under 9 points/game on 52!% shooting, an extremely impressive mark for any guard, let alone a rookie.
Dosunmu’s poise, attention to detail and versatility could pay off big time for the Bulls in 2023.
10/5 • Dalano Banton (TOR)
If you’ve never heard of Dalano Banton, now’s the time to familiarize yourself with him. If you have been following the Raptors over the past few, post-Kawhi years, their strategy revolves around stacking the deck with talented, 6’7-6’9 players with multiple layers to their game.
Banton fits the bill to a tee: he’s great at pushing the ball in the open court, can handle and score off the dribble. As his outside shot further improves, look for Banton to play crucial minutes in Nick Nurse’s second unit - the budding chemistry with (fellow second-year) Scottie Barnes is worth monitoring.
10/6 • Jaden McDaniels (MIN)
Similar to Claxton, a recent, blockbuster acquisition has changed both the immediate prospects & potential for the T-Wolves & rising, 3rd year forward Jaden McDaniels. One of Minnesota’s most versatile defenders as a sophomore, McDaniels is way ahead of the curve in terms of his impact on the floor.
Last season, he played in 70 contests (with 31 starts) and produced just over 9 points & 4 boards/night. With Rudy Gobert now anchoring the middle, McDaniels has the luxury of being even more aggressive defensively, which should bleed into easier/more scoring opportunities.
10/7 • Caleb Martin (MIA)
After earning one of Miami’s final roster spots in 2022, Caleb Martin wasn’t viewed as much of a factor in the rotation at the start of the season. As soon as a real chance opened up, though, Martin never looked back: his defense & shooting on the wing proved valuable throughout the rest of the regular season & playoffs.
While Martin’s a natural 3, he’ll likely spend a lot of time at the 4 spot with the departure of PJ Tucker to Philly. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple spots makes him a commodity for Coach Erik Spoelstra.
10/8 • Onyeka Okongwu (ATL)
Nagging injuries might have been the only thing holding back Onyeka Okongwu from breaking out his first couple years in the league. Whenever he’s on the floor though, there’s a tremendous difference in the energy and activity on ATL’s front line.
He complements John Collins defensively and also serves as a perfect backup to Clint Capela - Okongwu can mimic a lot of Capela’s skills (with a twist of his own, particularly as a below the rim finisher), maintaining a great level of flow for Trae Young at all times.
If Okongwu can stay on the court, Year 3 figures to be a huge breakout campaign.
10/9 • Chimezie Metu (SAC)
Like Okongwu, Chimezie Metu’s another USC big man on the rise. Sacramento’s fifth-year F/C played the best ball of his career in ‘21-’22, avg. just under 9 points & 6 boards in 60 games. After adding rookie Keegan Murray and the continued, steady play of Trey Lyles, the Kings suddenly have a crowded front line.
Metu’s ability to protect the basket & space the floor as a multi-level scorer should give him an edge. Either way, the league is definitely privy to his talent: if minutes aren't readily available, expect teams to come calling.