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Introducing the NBA Bubble’s All-Redemption Starting Five

By Collin Loring

Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Ben McLemore #16 of the Houston Rockets during the first half. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Ben McLemore #16 of the Houston Rockets during the first half. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NBA bubble (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard: Ben McLemore

Ben McLemore‘s best season of his career is his latest, as a spot starter for the title-contending Houston Rockets. But his path to Texas wasn’t always smooth or without obstacles.

After being drafted seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2013, McLemore almost found himself out of the league as early as last season, which was only the seventh of his career. Most guys drafted in the lottery are selected and held as the likes of a franchise cornerstone.

light. Related Story. 25 best players to play for the Houston Rockets

But of all teams who’ve been bad for the last decade, the Kings are one of the worst when it comes to developing young talent. Making it no surprise that McLemore was given only a short leash in each of his next two landing spots: Memphis and a 19-game reunion with Sacramento.

His luck changed though when the very team with a system he could thrive in signed him to a two-year deal with the Houston Rockets. It was only partially guaranteed, but there’s no doubt Daryl Morey will be guaranteeing the next season of McLemore’s contract.

He’s played great for Houston inside the bubble, averaging: 13.3 points and a steal per game while knocking down an even keel 40 percent of his shots from behind the arc. McLemore will have a large role in what the Rockets hope is a deep playoff run.