Star UnderDOG (StUD.) 

From a top-notch role player to a borderline star, these key threats always make a difference.

A major theme of the 2018-19 season is the improvement & consistency of role players across the league.

Here’s a few key UnderDOGs that have made the jump into Star UnderDOG territory this year (so far):

Last Season: 7.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 51% shooting

An integral part of Toronto’s East-leading 23-9 start, Pascal Siakam’s upped the ante from every area in 2018-19. Let’s run down the list:

• Defense - Originally viewed as solely a defender, Siakam is no slouch on the other side of the ball. TOR’s primary 4 man, his nightly tasks include containing bigger & smaller matchups (on switches) & limiting opportunities to penetrate & score in the paint

• Consistency - UnderDOG —> Star UnderDOG isn’t Siakam’s only promotion. After starting just 5 games last season, he’s already heard his name called in the opening intros for 30 (of 31) games - minutes jumped from under 21 to around 30 w/ added responsibility

• Scoring - 7.3 ppg as a soph was solid considering how deep the Raptors were a year ago. But with (perhaps) an even deeper lineup under Coach Nurse, Siakam’s now neck & neck w/ Serge Ibaka & Jonas Valanciunas for TOR’s tertiary scorer (14.4! ppg). Shooting, driving, finishing & scoring off the bounce have all been upgraded in year 3 - his production is highlighted by tremendous efficiency (60% shooting)

From last year’s playoff run til now, not many players have improved this dramatically.

Siakam’s new role as a multi-faceted defender, scorer & passer has given Toronto more avenues to exploit on a nightly basis.

Question now remains: what’s his ceiling?*

*all-star one day?

Last Season: 8.7 ppg, 32% from deep

If we’re judging based on talent alone, Terrence Ross has belonged in this category for a few years now. However, Delay of Game’s player rankings/hierarchy is based on some combo of team performance, individual improvements & consistency (#1 factor).

The past couple years, Ross has battled leg injuries and prior to, (w/ Toronto), he never really developed a real rhythm as an outside scorer.

Under Coach Steve Clifford, however, it’s been a different story. T. Ross’s confidence is sky high & his production has never been better:

• career-high 14.1! points/night on 40!% from deep in just over 25 minutes.

If Orlando stays in the playoff picture (currently 14-15, 8th place), Ross deserves consideration for both 6th Man of the Year & Most Improved.

Last Season: 3.3 ppg, played just 3 games

Perhaps the most surprising player to receive a promotion, DEN’s Monte Morris has been a revelation for Coach Mike Malone. Though many felt Morris had the raw talent to contribute as a 2Way rook, he’s evolved into a consistent scorer & shot creator in year 2.

Since Denver’s dealing with multiple injuries to ball-handlers/playmakers (Isaiah Thomas, Will Barton), Morris has taken the reigns as a PnR decision-maker off the bench.

Most importantly, however, he makes a strong difference on the outcome of games - look no further for Denver’s backcourt stabilizer - 10 pts & 4 dimes/night (w/ less than 1 TO) on 48!% shooting is very impressive for a second-year guard.