STAR UNDERDOGS
Star UnderDOG (StUD.)
From a top-notch role player to a borderline star, these key threats always make a difference.
Think: Derrick White (BOS), Saddiq Bey (ATL)
One of the driving forces behind Virginia’s national title victory in 2019, De’Andre Hunter is a multi-purpose forward in ATL.
2018 Rising Stars MVP: Bogdan Bogdanovic is one of the NBA's most versatile two guards.
Tre Mann is just fun to watch: tricky ball-handler w/ a never-ending supply of maneuvers to generate a shot.
Australia’s Josh Giddey is a do-it-all, passing wunderkind with countless, eye-popping dimes up his sleeve.
Chicago’s own Ayo Dosunmu: an adaptable PG who’s a special role player on his hometown Bulls.
Lonzo Ball possesses incredible basketball instincts, knows what it takes to play very effectively.
Max Strus has a torch from beyond the arc: deadeye outside shooter w/ range & defensive intensity.
The 38th overall pick in 2019, Daniel Gafford’s an outstanding athlete at both interior spots.
2022 National Champion & 2023 NBA Champion Christian Braun is a 6’7 wing w/ a strong defensive base & projected shooting prowess.
Michael Porter Jr. shows out as a smooth-scoring, hybrid wing in the Mile High City.
Gary Payton II took the long, winding road to becoming one of the league’s top perimeter defenders: contributions extend far beyond the box score - helps set a strong tone while positively impacting the game with tremendous energy.
Jonathan Kuminga has everything it takes to become extremely successful in the NBA: star written all over him.
A late-bloomer outta USC, De’Anthony Melton makes a mark as a “breakstarter” & utility shutdown guy.
Andrew Nembhard will play in the league for a very long time: intelligent, innate playmaker w/ a very natural feel for getting teammates into the right spots for success.
A former 4-star HS prospect, Derrick Jones Jr. is a FREAK athlete – DJJ soars (over the top) for flying oops, boards and flushes.
Ivica Zubac: LAC’s man in the middle – you can bank on Zu for a nice amount of points & boards each night.
No back down in LA’s Austin Reaves: quickly earned trust of his teammates and the coaching staff through clutch play and sharp attention to detail on both ends.
Scotty Pippen Jr.’s craftiness & patience are beyond his years - hard-nosed, high IQ PG who knows how to make positive plays.
Santi Aldama flew below the map at Loyola (MD) - surprise pick at 30 in 2021 - very adept, 6’11 big.
Tyler Herro: 2022 Sixth Man of the Year - go-to scorer & playmaker, can heat up and carry Miami to victory on some nights.
A former second rounder w/ league bloodlines, Gary Trent Jr. is thriving in the North: flamethrower w/ real, outside scoring ability.
Jaden McDaniels: an intriguing, 6’10 forward w/ guard-like ball-handling ability & crazy defensive versatility.
Naz Reid is realizing his tremendous talent in Minnesota: undrafted 4/5 who can hold his own.
Trey Murphy III has a nearly perfect combination for sustainable success in the league: skilled, 6’9 forward w/ an accurate, laser J.
A second round steal by the Pelicans, Herbert Jones is an absolute ace on the defensive end.
Mikal Bridges: an elite, two-way lineup stabilizer w/ experience playing multiple roles.
The 5th overall pick in 2021, Jalen Suggs is a physical, 6’4 guard w/ a fearless mentality.
A German big w/ inside-out skills, Moritz Wagner is offensively inclined - very good shooter.
Wendell Carter Jr. is a highly skilled big w/ versatile tendencies - one of the most underrated bigs in the entire Association.
1/2 of the Martin twins, Caleb’s an underrated scorer & defender on the wing - can hit a variety of buckets off the dribble - breakout star of Miami’s 2023 postseason run.
The Time Lord!: Robert Williams is an intriguing big who serves as one of the game’s most flexible rim protectors.
Drafted straight outta HS (IMG Academy), Anfernee Simons has evolved into an impressive, shot-creating combo guard.
Deandre Ayton is has some new wave attributes as a modern-day pivot: quick, skilled & powerful.
A versatile 6’7 scorer, Kevin Huerter can light it up from deep + put the ball on the floor and get to the rack.
"Double-take" scorer - athletically, Malik Monk is high class, has no trouble getting by his matchup.
Keep an eye out for Keldon Johnson: an athletic, versatile forward who co-stars in San Antonio.
A go-to wing threat hailing from Canada, RJ Barrett’s one of the faces of Raptors basketball.
The 42nd overall pick in 2018, Bruce Brown Jr. is a versatile combo guard w/ the ability to slot in at any spot.
7-foot center Jakob Poeltl is a defensive-oriented big at the 5 - designated Watch DOG, grew into his premier role as a lead rim protector.
Collin Sexton aka Young Bull - pure, unadulterated shot maker: doesn't have difficulty generating looks.
A 1% athlete at his position, John Collins is a supreme leaper w/ quick feet & good hands.
Jordan Poole is a super talented, scoring guard who’s rapidly improved into a designated, offensive weapon in the NBA.
The 2017 Rookie of the Year & 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon is an upperclassman draft steal who’s evolved into a varied, two-way guard.
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Jalen Johnson is a supremely talented forward w/ a new wave game.