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.
Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas is a DOG: super scoring guard who can break for 30-40+ w/ regularity.
Mikal Bridges: an elite, two-way lineup stabilizer w/ experience playing multiple roles.
The #1 overall pick in 2016, Ben Simmons is wired w/ an uncommon combination of elite physical tools & a natural feel for the game.
Tre Mann is just fun to watch: tricky ball-handler w/ a never-ending supply of maneuvers to generate a shot.
Grant Williams has Star UnderDOG written all over him - developing into a special role player.
Versatility is the name of the game for Chicago’s Patrick Williams, a promising forward w/ high two-way potential.
Alex Caruso: an athletic, 6’5 lockdown defender & playmaker who single-handedly influences a more passioned effort in the lineup.
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.
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.
3x NBA Champion Kevon Looney is a defensive-oriented, hybrid big who adds a great deal of versatility to Steve Kerr's front line.
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.
Myles Turner, Indiana’s starting pivot, is skilled, plays w/ passion & understands what he needs to bring for the Pacers to come out on top.
TJ McConnell, a tough table setter undrafted outta Arizona, is a vital playmaker & defender off the bench.
Bones Hyland can hoop: instant-offense combo guard who always puts forth a spirited effort on the court.
Ivica Zubac: LAC’s man in the middle – you can bank on Zu for a nice amount of points & boards each night.
A ridiculously athletic wing, Norman Powell can make a tremendous difference on both sides of the ball.
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.
Gabe Vincent’s value is at an all-time high: headstrong PG, capable from anywhere beyond the arc.
Highly productive player – Christian Wood’s an athletic big w/ varied skill on offense.
Luke Kennard can put the ball in the basket, has made his name as a sniper & outside scorer.
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.
Tyler Herro: 2022 Sixth Man of the Year - go-to scorer & playmaker, can heat up and carry Miami to victory on some nights.
A nice-sized, all-around swingman, Josh Richardson’s a constant force in the league.
Bobby Portis: an energetic, fiery four man who plays a key role as Milwaukee’s third big.
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.
Grand Theft Alvarado: Jose’s a highly competitive PG who provides an important energy shift whenever he’s in the lineup.
A second round steal by the Pelicans, Herbert Jones is an absolute ace on the defensive end.
A 2018 second-rounder, Mitchell Robinson is a GREAT athlete w/ incredible instincts (& explosion) as a shot-blocker & on the glass.
The 5th overall pick in 2021, Jalen Suggs is a physical, 6’4 guard w/ a fearless mentality.
UNC’s Cole Anthony is a great fit in Orlando - room to grow into a star on the rebuilding Magic.
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.
Markelle Fultz: #1 overall pick in 2017; extremely natural traits as a two-way “creator”
A late-bloomer outta USC, De’Anthony Melton makes a mark as a “breakstarter” & utility shutdown guy.
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.
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.
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.
Jeremy Sochan will not make many friends on the opposing side: brings such a refreshingly unique approach to basketball - Sochan’s upside (on both ends) is seemingly unlimited.
Tre Jones is coming along at a very nice pace in San Antonio: highly skilled playmaker who knows what it takes to lead.
Keep an eye out for Keldon Johnson: an athletic, versatile forward who leads the way 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.
A former second rounder w/ league bloodlines, Gary Trent Jr. is thriving in the North: flamethrower w/ real, outside scoring ability.
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.
A relaxed floor general from the North, Tyus Jones is one of the steadiest & most intelligent point guards in the league.
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Jalen Johnson is a name to watch: supremely talented forward w/ a new wave game.