Onyeka Okongwu: Atlanta’s Unexpected Cornerstone

For years, analysts have recognized the potential in Onyeka Okongwu, and the Atlanta Hawks center is finally realizing it. A sixth-overall pick in 2020, Okongwu’s trajectory took an unexpected turn with the blockbuster trade that sent Clint Capela back to Houston in exchange for Kevin Durant and Jalen Green. While the subsequent acquisition of Kristaps Porziņģis initially seemed to relegate Okongwu to a reserve role, fate – and Porziņģis’s well-documented injury history – intervened.

Porziņģis’s recurring health issues have opened the door for Okongwu to shine. Stepping into the starting lineup, the former Chino Hills standout has averaged an impressive 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.3 combined steals and blocks in the seven games where he’s been given the opportunity. Even coming off the bench, he contributes a solid 14.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Okongwu’s development is his improved three-point shooting. Previously a 32.2% shooter from beyond the arc, he’s connecting on 41.4% of his attempts this season, ranking second among NBA centers alongside Nikola Jokić and Naz Reid. He’s already drained 36 three-pointers in just 18 games, surpassing the totals of established sharpshooters like Nikola Vučević, Myles Turner, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Fueling the Miami Heat’s Surge

Many predicted a challenging start for the Miami Heat following Tyler Herro’s ankle surgery in September. Instead, the Heat are currently 13-6, boasting the second-highest-scoring offense in the league at 122.9 points per game. A significant contributor to this success is Jaime Jaquez Jr., who has emerged as a dynamic force off the bench.

After a perceived sophomore slump, the UCLA product is fulfilling the promise he displayed as a rookie. Despite a relatively cold shooting night from three-point range (7/32), Jaquez is averaging 16.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His impact extends beyond the box score, as the Heat are a remarkable +12.9 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court. He’s currently the frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year award, and head coach Erik Spoelstra is encouraging him to continue his aggressive play.

“Jaime is really growing,” Spoelstra stated recently. “He’s so poised now with an aggressiveness. He’s making just enough plays to keep the defense honest.”

Rookie Watch: Coward and Dёmin Making Their Mark

Cedric Coward: From Division III to NBA Starter

Cedric Coward’s journey to the NBA is nothing short of remarkable. After beginning his collegiate career at Division III Willamette University, he’s now a starting player for the Memphis Grizzlies. As highlighted in our 2025 SuperWest rookie profiles, Coward’s potential to complement fellow Washington State alum Jaylen Wells was evident, and that prediction has come to fruition.

In his last six starts, Coward has averaged 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 12-for-32 from three-point range. Alongside Wells, Vince Williams Jr., Zach Edey, and Jaren Jackson Jr., he forms a lineup that boasts a +28.9 net rating, providing a much-needed boost to the Grizzlies in the wake of Ja Morant’s injury.

“I think it’s a blessing that me and Jaylen [Wells] can play and make an impact on the team,” Coward shared in an interview with NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner. “Being from the same school, I guess that’s a coincidence.”

Egor Dёmin: Turning Potential into Production

Egor Dёmin’s NBA career got off to a rocky start, with many questioning whether the highly touted prospect could live up to expectations. However, his performance since stepping into a starting role following Cam Thomas’s injury has been transformative. He’s drained a three-pointer in each of his first nine starts and is averaging at least eight points in seven of those games, with six games of at least four assists.

After a dismal 1-11 start, the Nets have shown signs of life, winning two of their last five games. Dёmin attributes this turnaround to the coaching staff’s belief in the team. “Understanding that the coaching staff is believing in me and believing in all of us, I think this is where we can get even more power and even more energy to play as hard as we can,” he said after a recent victory against the Boston Celtics.

The Opportunity: Brandon Williams’ Second Chance

Brandon Williams’ path to the NBA has been fraught with adversity. A four-star recruit out of Arizona in 2019, a knee injury derailed his sophomore season and ultimately led to him going undrafted. Despite flashes of brilliance with the Trail Blazers, he was waived before the following season. After stints with the College Park Skyhawks and the Orlando Magic, Williams found a lifeline with the Dallas Mavericks.

Leading the G-League Tip-Off Tournament in scoring earned him a contract with the Mavericks through the end of the 2025-26 season, and he’s seizing the opportunity. Despite a recent arrest on marijuana possession charges, Williams is becoming a valuable contributor, averaging 12.4 points and 1.6 steals over his last 15 games. “I worked a lot this offseason on learning coverages,” Williams explained. “I know I can get by my man, but it’s about reading that next line of defense.”

Veteran Leadership: Harden and Powell Still Delivering

While the league’s younger stars are grabbing headlines, several veterans continue to demonstrate their value.

James Harden: Carrying the Clippers

At 36, James Harden is doing everything in his power to keep the Los Angeles Clippers competitive despite a challenging season. He’s averaging 33.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists over his last nine games, shooting 45.5% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. However, these Herculean efforts have only resulted in two wins, highlighting the Clippers’ struggles.

Kawhi Leonard’s return is expected to provide a boost, but Bradley Beal’s season-ending injury casts a shadow over the Clippers’ championship aspirations.

Norman Powell: Thriving in Miami

The Clippers may regret trading Norman Powell to the Heat, as he’s flourishing in South Beach. Powell has scored 19+ points in 13 of his 15 games, shooting an impressive 49.4% from the field, 44.1% from three-point range, and 88.4% from the free-throw line. He was a snub for the All-Star game last year, but his current form positions him well to finally achieve that dream.

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