NBA: Role Players who could become stars elsewhere

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 24: Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets in action during the second half at Toyota Center on November 24, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

6 of 31

(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 5. Jalen Brunson

Another product of Villanova, Jalen Brunson has been quietly growing into the type of complementary playmaker that every star should want to play with. For much of Luka Doncic’s tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, outsiders have been clamoring for the team to add someone to take a portion of the ballhandling duties away from Doncic, allowing him to score at will. It turns out, they have had that player on that roster throughout and if they were to bring someone in Jalen Brunson would be able to pursue shining in another situation.

Brunson is averaging career highs across the board in the new system that Jason Kidd is employing. In 29.2 minutes per game, Brunson is averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, his efficiency has plummeted with increased minutes, but the sample is small enough for him to right the ship in that regard.

Prior to this dip in efficiency, Brunson was the definitive complementary guard. As that continues to sort itself out he will be able to return to that form. The Mavericks may not be in a position to wait for that to happen, given the urgency to immediately win alongside a talent like Luka Doncic. Finding himself in a new situation could finally unlock his latent potential.