Top 5 Players Who Are in Need of a Fresh Start at the NBA Trade Deadline
John Canady
Host · Writer
5) Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr. was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft with high expectations after an impressive freshman season at Auburn. However, in three seasons with the Houston Rockets, the forward has yet to put it all together. With Ime Udoka and his squad looking to contend sooner than later, Smith Jr.'s development is the last thing on the Rockets' mind. All things considered, the 21-year-old could be the beneficiary of a trade out of Houston.
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1) Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin was drafted with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The guard has shown nothing but flashes in his time on the court, but in 181 career games, he has started 75 and only as needed. Mathurin has the talent to be a certified star in this league, but he has yet to emerge as that during his time with the Indiana Pacers. With teams inquiring about the Arizona product, a fresh start for the 22-year-old could be best for his career.
2) Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers
Anfernee Simons was drafted as a late first-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2018. Since then, the guard has developed into one of the most underrated players in the league. Averaging 18.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from field goal range and 37.2% from three, it's clear the 25-year-old could immediately boost any playoff-caliber team. With Simons's talent being wasted in Portland, a trade should be at the top of his and the Trail Blazers' list.
3) Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga was selected with a high lottery pick during the Golden State Warriors down year in 2021. The versatile forward has shown flashes throughout his time in Golden State, but he's been reluctant to sign an extension with the Warriors after conversations went nowhere in the offseason. Amid a career year averaging 16.8 points despite being moved to the bench, it may be in general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.'s best interest to move Kuminga before he loses him for nothing when he hits free agency.
4) Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers
Robert Williams III landed in Portland after a blockbuster trade sent Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics. During his time with the Trail Blazers, Williams III hasn't made much of an impact, but it's largely been due to injuries and his lack of time on the court. However, the former first-round pick has been a hot name in trade rumors, and it could be best for both sides to make a move ahead of the deadline.
5) Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr. was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft with high expectations after an impressive freshman season at Auburn. However, in three seasons with the Houston Rockets, the forward has yet to put it all together. With Ime Udoka and his squad looking to contend sooner than later, Smith Jr.'s development is the last thing on the Rockets' mind. All things considered, the 21-year-old could be the beneficiary of a trade out of Houston.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin was drafted with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The guard has shown nothing but flashes in his time on the court, but in 181 career games, he has started 75 and only as needed. Mathurin has the talent to be a certified star in this league, but he has yet to emerge as that during his time with the Indiana Pacers. With teams inquiring about the Arizona product, a fresh start for the 22-year-old could be best for his career.
