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NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options

By Hans Themistode

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options: 10. Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks

There’s a clear pecking order with the Dallas Mavericks. The first, second, and even third option, oftentimes, is Luka Doncic. Then, if the young superstar doesn’t have it going, Kristaps Porzingis is given the opportunity to shine.

Over the past few seasons, the one player who’s normally given the most opportunities behind both men has been Tim Hardaway Jr. And while he’s still a terrific player, we believe he now falls to third in the pecking order of things.

Replacing Hardaway Jr., in our opinion, as the Mavericks third-best scorer, is diminutive point guard Jalen Brunson.

After a few seasons of holding his own in the league, Brunson has turned into a certified difference-maker. Currently, he’s averaging a career-best 15.5 points per game, a shade more than Hardaway Jr.

Regardless of Brunson having the edge in the scoring department over Hardaway Jr., that isn’t the only reason why we believe he’s their third-best scorer. Unlike Hardaway Jr., Brunson can create shots both for himself and his teammates. He’s also a much more efficient player as well.

If we mix all of those ingredients together, there’s simply no way we can place Hardaway Jr. above Brunson.