Assessing NBA Players Deserving More Minutes After All-Star Break

Introduction

As the NBA season approaches its climax after the All-Star break, teams are reevaluating their rotations. With contenders looking to solidify their playoff positions and teams in rebuild mode striving to develop their young talent, the closing stretch is a prime opportunity to give more minutes to deserving players. This article highlights players across various teams who should be seeing increased playing time, based on their performance and potential.

Brooklyn Nets: Drake Powell

In a season where the Brooklyn Nets are embracing the draft lottery, it seems counterintuitive to restrict play time for budding talent like Drake Powell. While Powell has yet to break into a consistent 25-to-30 minute role, his on-court production and versatility make a strong case for more minutes. Despite struggling with a sub-30% shooting rate from beyond the arc, Powell compensates with impressive athleticism and ball movement.

His effectiveness in transition is noteworthy, shooting approximately 70% at the rim. More importantly, Powell's defensive capabilities set him apart; he effectively matches up against larger, more physical guards. His performances against prominent players like Jalen Brunson and Jaylen Brown demonstrate that Powell's skill set is exactly what every NBA team aspires to have.

Memphis Grizzlies: Taylor Hendricks

After enduring a significant right leg injury, Taylor Hendricks has found himself reassessing his role within the Memphis Grizzlies. Previously averaging under 15 minutes per game before a trade brought Jaren Jackson Jr. to the roster, Hendricks has seen a resurgence since joining Memphis.

While he may not be moving as fluidly as before his injury, his defensive versatility is still intact. Hendricks can handle high defensive plays and potentially even contribute at the center position alongside big men like Zach Edey. On offense, although yet to find his rhythm, he has shown moments of promise with a drive game that necessitates attention. The Grizzlies would benefit from exploring his potential in an increased role, particularly with high-usage screening scenarios.

Miami Heat: Kasparas Jakučionis

Kasparas Jakučionis is another recent talent needing more playing time as the Miami Heat gears up for a playoff push. Despite early-season injuries limiting his impact, Jakučionis has demonstrated the kind of playmaking that could vitalize Miami's offense significantly. His passing ability and vision around the basket evoke memories of elite playmakers.

While Jakučionis struggles with an overall field goal percentage hovering below 31%, his three-point shooting has been impressive at over 45%. Given the Heat's inconsistent offense, his unpredictable style could spur quicker ball movement and better shots, making him a key asset for Miami to capitalize on as they vie for playoff positioning.

New York Knicks: Mohamed Diawara

For the New York Knicks, recently added Mohamed Diawara has emerged as a potential asset—a necessity for a team lacking reliable reserve wings. Head coach Mike Brown has been hesitant to lean on Diawara, preferring the “safer” option in Jeremy Sochan, but Diawara's performance as a three-point shooter makes a compelling case for more minutes.

Boasting a shooting rate of 41.3% from beyond the arc, Diawara excels in situations where defenses cannot afford to leave him open. His defensive capabilities further justify his role, allowing flexibility in the lineup and maximizing offensive potential. Considering how crucial outside shooting is for the Knicks’ success, Diawara’s growth should be a priority.

Portland Trail Blazers: Vit Krejčí

For Vit Krejčí, joining the Portland Trail Blazers after a less-than-stable role in Atlanta appears to be the catalyst for a more significant impact. Since moving to Portland, Krejčí has consistently received over 20 minutes per game, a trend that should continue moving forward.

Krejčí's height at 6'8” supplemented by his three-point shooting makes him a vital asset for the Blazers, who currently rank near the bottom of the league in shooting efficiency. While his shooting can sometimes be inconsistent, draining 42% of his attempts over the last three seasons shows that he can be trusted. With a focus on increasing his minutes, Krejčí could help ignite a stagnant offense when paired with talented guards and forwards on the team.

Conclusion

The closing month of the NBA season will be critical for teams and players alike as they jockey for playoff positioning or chart a path for future seasons. Increasing minutes for players like Drake Powell, Taylor Hendricks, Kasparas Jakučionis, Mohamed Diawara, and Vit Krejčí can help teams maximize their potential while allowing these young prospects to develop and refine their games. The decisions made now could reverberate through the remainder of the season and beyond, setting the stage for the franchise's long-term outlook.