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Three Players to Buy Stock In Now

Do you want to be the smartest basketball fan in your friend group? Here’s some assistance. Each year there are players that have the potential to break into the mainstream if they perform in the right place at the right time. Some guys ball out after the all-star break, some guys explode during the playoffs, and others come into the season on fire. Think Desmond Bane, he came into this season shooting 45% from deep after shooting 43% the season prior. Not a huge jump, but his shot diet included many more shots off movement, and shots off the dribble, making Bane one of the most dynamic and efficient shooters in the league. Not everyone can be Desmond Bane, but here are three players to buy stock in before they make that jump.

Three Players to Buy Stock In Now

Quentin Grimes – New York Knicks

A handful of injuries on the Knicks roster have opened up some opportunities for Quentin Grimes. He’s been a big part of the Knicks’ recent eight-game win streak, mainly by contributing on the defensive end. On the season Grimes has put up averages of 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 48.3% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc. If he keeps up his current level he’ll make himself an important 3-and-D option for this team.

Most of Grimes’ impact has been felt on the defensive end. The Knicks we’re having a lot of trouble defending in transition and at the point of attack. Grimes stepped into Cam Reddish’s starting spot and got to work solving those issues. Tom Thibodeau is known as a defensive coach, and playing hard on that end is the golden path to more minutes. Grimes has stepped up to some of the toughest matchups in the league, making life harder for DeMar DeRozan, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and the like. As the icing on the cake, look at how nice his jump shot is (note the game situation):

AJ Griffin – Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young and Dejounte Murray sit firmly in the spotlight in Atlanta while the 16th pick in the draft operates in the shadows. AJ Griffin has come off the bench for the Atlanta Hawks and immediately made an impact. The 19-year-old already is putting up 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game on 46.7% from the field and 36.7% from three and already has a few game-winners to his name.

One thing that jumps out immediately is his feel for the game. He knows where to be as an outlet for his star guards, and has multiple options off the catch. He can shoot, he can pump and go, and his drives and finishes are all strong and under control. Coach Nate McMillan will have a hard time keeping him on the bench if he continues to play this hard on both ends. Take a look at his recent performance against the Orlando Magic:

Josh Green – Dallas Mavericks

While Josh Green probably deserves more minutes, he’s been quality in his time on the court. He’s an athletic swiss army knife, playing solid defense, while passing, shooting, and driving. An ideal skillset to play next to Luka Doncic. He’s put up 7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assist averages so far this season while shooting 58.3% from the field and 44.4% from deep.

For the Dallas Mavericks, Green is a welcome addition. Their offense is usually dependent on one player to break the defense and find the right pass for a three-pointer. Dallas has conditioned most of their role players to search for the three, but Green can shoot, drive, and sometimes find a pass for an even better shot, culminating in a +88 plus/minus on the season. Looking at the clips below, this is clearly an energy the Mavericks should use more of.

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