Hoops Habit
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20 Minutes Or Less: NBA All-Stars

By Josh Eberley

January 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Festus Ezeli, 17.6 MPG

The Warriors backup big man is a RFA this off-season and the Warriors would be doing themselves no favors by letting him walk. Ezeli may never be one of the league’s elite players, one of the perennial NBA All-Stars, but his contributions are important.

Ezeli has improved his rebounding percentage and player efficiency rating every season. His advanced stats are very impressive. For example, the Warriors are +14.4 per 100 possessions when he’s on the court. His 18.1 player efficiency rating (PER – 18.1) is fifth on the team and trumps that of Warriors starters Andrew Bogut (15.7) and Harrison Barnes (13.6).

Ezeli could start on a lot of teams, in fact the 11 games he started for the Warriors this season were all wins. But what Ezeli gives the Warriors off the bench is invaluable, high motor, great rebounding, shot blocking, and overall rim protection.

While Barnes may steal the show this offseason in free agency keep your eye on Ezeli. It would not surprise me one bit if a team tried to pry him away from the Warriors on a large multi-year deal.

Next: Manu Ginobili