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Thanks to Kemba Walker falling out of the rotation entirely, Evan Fournier has been the Knicks' best acquisition, essentially by default. His 8.3 rebounds per game are a team-high, and he's scored in single digits just twice so far, inserting himself into the Rookie of the Year conversation. Scottie Barnes has been a revelation for the Raptors. In that sense, Nance is the archetypal Trail Blazer. Does his team-friendly two-year, $20.4-million deal pair nicely with solid two-way contributions? Yes. the missing piece on a title contender? No. However, that started during his injury absence, meaning he may help right the ship now that he's back. Patrick Beverley appeared to provide the Timberwolves with a spark early, but they've slipped into a slump lately. The 35-year-old is averaging 10.9 points and shooting 38.5% from downtown since entering the Nuggets' starting lineup in early November. Jeff Green has stepped up in Michael Porter Jr.'s absence​​​​​​. Denver Nuggets (13-13) Garrett Ellwood / National Basketball Association / Getty Reggie Bullock penned a 3-year, $30 million deal with the Mavericks in August, and after a slow start, the 3-and-D savant's improved off-the-ball play and timely cuts have harmonized well with Luka Doncic's playmaking. The German point will surely receive a larger payday this coming summer. Boston Celtics (13-14)ĭennis Schroder is providing steady guard play for the Celtics after agreeing to a 1-year, $5.9-million deal when the free-agent market fizzled out. The future Hall of Famer chips in 13.5 points on 41.2% shooting from distance. While Russell Westbrook acclimates to being the Lakers' third star, Carmelo Anthony has impressed as L.A.'s sixth man. The biggest indication of Mason Plumlee's influence at the defensive end is that the depleted Hornets are 3-5 amid his current absence, conceding an NBA-worst 126 points per game over that span. Think the Lakers regret all the depth they gave up in the Russell Westbrook blockbuster? Kyle Kuzma has averaged 13.4 points, a team-high 8.3 rebounds, and a career-best 2.9 assists a night with solid defense. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot has been a so-so stand-in since sliding into Atlanta's starting five for DeAndre Hunter, draining seven of a Hawks franchise-record 25 3-pointers in a win over the T-Wolves. Atlanta Hawks (13-13) Harrison Barden / Getty Images Sport / Getty The 23-year-old leads the team with 1.2 blocks per game. Isaiah Hartenstein wasn't the flashiest offseason addition, but he's quietly established himself as a strong rim protector coming off the Clippers' bench. The 76ers produce a 110.9 offensive rating when the pair share the floor. Georges Niang's efficient 3-point shooting has made him a natural fit alongside Joel Embiid. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-12)įollowing what he called "the hardest year of my career" in Minnesota, Cavaliers newcomer Ricky Rubio has parlayed a standout Olympic display into a career-high 13 points in place of the injured Collin Sexton. The eight-year veteran is registering 2.7 dimes per contest and ranks in the 76th percentile among big men in assist percentage. Steven Adams is one of the league's top playmaking centers. The Bulls seem to have hit on all of their key offseason moves, especially leading scorer DeMar DeRozan - a major reason the club has enough of a cushion in the standings to withstand an apparent COVID-19 outbreak. At age 35, the feisty floor general is putting up 13.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Kyle Lowry continues to make up for a slow start to his Heat career. Miami Heat (16-11) Issac Baldizon / National Basketball Association / Getty Allen slotted in wonderfully for DiVincenzo among the starters, keeping the Bucks near that top seed.

With Donte DiVincenzo only now approaching a return, Grayson Allen was a savvy, low-cost trade pickup for Milwaukee. Opponents are shooting just 50.4% within six feet of the hoop when Whiteside's the primary defender. Utah Jazz (19-7)Īs the understudy to a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Hassan Whiteside hasn't offered much reprieve around the rim.

The Olympic hero is averaging a career-best 12.7 points and shooting 44.3% from deep on 6.9 attempts per outing. Patty Mills' addition has proved prescient in Kyrie Irving's continued absence. The veteran big man averages 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in just 15.9 minutes per game. JaVale McGee is contributing solid minutes as a backup center for last campaign's Western Conference champions. His leadership, defense, and playmaking are among the reasons why Golden State is back amongst the NBA's elite teams.

Andre Iguodala's return has helped the Warriors on both ends of the floor.