3. Tomas Satoransky will be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate
Tomas Satoransky didn’t get much of a fair shake in the playoffs. He’s a versatile player on the floor at 6’7″ and entering his third season, he looks to emerge as a playmaker in the backcourt in 2018-19.
His teammates speak of his willingness to make the extra pass as a playmaker. After all, Satoransky did put up 5.4 assists per game in 30 appearances as a starter last season. He also produced 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.8 percent from behind the arc in those appearances.
With a different rotation on the bench this season, he can be used in a number of ways, which works ultimately in his favor. Austin Rivers and Satoransky can both act as primary ball-handlers or they can get open off the ball. Given that dynamic, Satoransky has something to prove in 2018-19.
Playing with the Czech Republic national team in the offseason and securing a World Cup berth is a good boost to his confidence. Look for his play to turn heads this upcoming season and possibly earn himself some Sixth Man of the Year recognition in the process.