Delving into the struggles of 10 NBA superstars seeking assistance to elevate their teams this season.
In the highly competitive landscape of the NBA, individual brilliance often takes the spotlight. But even superstars need a supporting cast to propel their teams to success. As we navigate the early stages of the NBA season, it’s evident that certain superstars find themselves in need of additional help to fulfill team expectations.
10. Jalen Brunson
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The New York Knicks, having reached the second round of the playoffs last year, had high expectations for this season. But their current 5-5 record as the 9th seed in the East could be much better. Despite maintaining a solid defense, the team’s offensive options beyond Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett have struggled, emphasizing the need for improvement in scoring.
Jalen Brunson has emerged as a standout performer for the Knicks, averaging 22.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, carrying a significant scoring load. His impressive statistics showcase his ability to contribute both as a scorer and a playmaker. However, the Knicks need another star to complement Brunson and address their offensive challenges.
To alleviate the offensive struggles as they are currently ranked #14 in Offensive Rating, Zach LaVine, with averages of 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game with the Bulls, would be an excellent addition to the Knicks roster. LaVine’s scoring prowess and playmaking ability would provide the team with a much-needed boost. With stats comparable to Brunson’s, LaVine could share the offensive load, potentially propelling the Knicks to a higher offensive ranking and a more promising season.
9. LaMelo Ball
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The Charlotte Hornets, in the midst of a rebuilding phase, are expected to endure a challenging season. The team holds a 3-7 record, placing them 13th in the Eastern Conference. Despite the anticipated struggles, LaMelo Ball finds himself surrounded by young players, lacking substantial potential aside from rookie Brandon Miller. To expedite the rebuilding process, the Hornets may benefit from acquiring another young and talented player.
LaMelo Ball continues to showcase his individual brilliance, posting impressive averages of 21.6 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. But, the lack of a supporting cast with significant potential hinders the team’s progress. To accelerate their rebuilding efforts, the Hornets should consider pairing LaMelo with another rising star.
In pursuing an elite perimeter defender, Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets could be an ideal addition. With averages of 20.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, Bridges brings both defensive prowess and offensive versatility. Considering Charlotte’s status as the worst defensive team in the league, Bridges’ presence would significantly bolster their defense and provide LaMelo Ball with a reliable and impactful teammate to aid in their rebuilding journey.
8. Zion Williamson
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The New Orleans Pelicans, who reached the top spot in the NBA in December of the previous season, were plagued by injuries to key players, derailing their promising start. The current 5-6 record, placing them 9th in the Western Conference and outside the playoffs, is a significant disappointment. The team is in dire need of a radical change to reverse their fortunes.
Zion Williamson continues to be a force for the Pelicans, averaging an impressive 21.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. However, the team’s struggles to secure a playoff spot indicate a need for a transformative move.
To address their offensive woes and elevate their game, the Pelicans should consider pairing Zion Williamson with Trae Young. With averages of 24.4 points and 10.2 assists per game, Young brings elite playmaking and perimeter scoring, qualities crucial for a team currently ranking in the Bottom 5 in offensive efficiency across the NBA. This addition would not only complement Zion’s inside dominance but also provide the Pelicans with a much-needed boost in offensive firepower, potentially propelling them back into playoff contention.
7. Trae Young
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The Atlanta Hawks, currently standing at 6-4 and occupying the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference, have had a decent start but showcase inconsistency. The experiment of pairing Trae Young with Dejounte Murray in the backcourt has yielded a lethal offensive combination, significantly improving the team’s scoring output. Although to contend more strongly, immediate improvements are necessary, particularly on the defensive end.
Trae Young continues to be a driving force for the Hawks, showcasing his exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities with averages of 24.4 points, 10.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Despite their offensive prowess, the Hawks find themselves in need of defensive enhancements to compete at a higher level.
To address their defensive shortcomings (currently ranked 14th in the league), the Hawks should consider adding Pascal Siakam to their roster. Siakam, with averages of 19.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, brings versatility and defensive prowess. While Clint Capela excels in protecting the interior with 1.4 blocks and 9.9 rebounds, Siakam’s presence on the perimeter could significantly improve the Hawks’ overall defensive performance, providing them with a more well-rounded game to complement their potent offense.
6. Jimmy Butler
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The Miami Heat, currently standing at 7-4 and securing the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference, faced disappointment in their pursuit of Damian Lillard, who chose to join the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite this setback, the team is holding up well, with Tyler Herro stepping into the role of a scoring star, averaging an impressive 23 points per game. However, the absence of a significant supporting figure to assist Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo is evident.
Jimmy Butler, the linchpin for the Heat, maintains his crucial role with averages of 18.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Despite Butler’s consistent contributions, there is a palpable need for another impactful player to share the offensive burden.
To address this gap, the ideal addition would be Karl-Anthony Towns, currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns brings impressive averages of 20.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His scoring versatility, particularly his three-point shooting, could significantly benefit Miami, currently struggling in three-point percentage (Bottom 10 in the league this year). Additionally, Towns’ offensive prowess would elevate the team’s overall performance, a crucial factor as they currently rank in the Bottom 6 in offensive efficiency this year. Defensively, the Heat are already a Top 10 team, and Towns could complement this strength while providing the scoring depth needed to make them formidable contenders in the Eastern Conference.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers, currently holding a 4-6 record and ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference, have experienced a disappointing start to the season. Last year, the team secured the 4th spot in the conference, raising expectations for a more promising performance this season. But, finding themselves outside the playoff picture is a stark contrast to the high hopes that accompanied the team at the beginning of the campaign as they strive to remain competitive.
Donovan Mitchell, a standout performer for the Cavaliers, has been putting up impressive numbers with averages of 28.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Despite Mitchell’s stellar individual performance, the team is in need of additional firepower and support to climb back into playoff contention.
To address this, the ideal star companion would be RJ Barrett. Barrett, currently with the New York Knicks, boasts averages of 22.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His age aligns with the youthfulness of the Cavaliers’ roster, and his remarkable three-point shooting, surpassing 40%, could significantly boost Cleveland’s offensive efficiency. Barrett’s consistent defensive prowess would also make a substantial impact on the team’s overall performance, both in offensive ranking and perimeter defense (currently ranked 19th in both categories). Adding RJ Barrett to the roster could be the catalyst for the Cavaliers to regain their competitive edge and work towards a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
4. Ja Morant
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The Memphis Grizzlies, currently holding a 2-9 record and ranking 15th in the Western Conference, have faced a challenging start to the season. The absence of their star player, Ja Morant, until December due to a suspension in the offseason, coupled with injuries to key players like Steven Adams, has left the team struggling. This disappointing start can be attributed to the significant void created by Morant’s absence, as the team has faltered without their star player.
Ja Morant, the dynamic point guard for the Grizzlies, is sidelined until December due to an offseason suspension. His absence, combined with injuries to players like Steven Adams, has contributed to Memphis’s disappointing start, highlighting their dependence on Morant’s leadership and playmaking skills.
To mitigate the impact of Morant’s absence, the ideal star addition would be DeMar DeRozan. Currently with the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan boasts averages of 21.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His veteran presence and scoring ability would provide the leadership and experience needed in Morant’s absence. As the second-worst offensive team in the league this season, the Grizzlies require a proven scorer to guide them through this challenging period and complement Morant’s dynamic playmaking when he returns to action.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently boasting a 7-4 record and securing the 5th spot in the competitive Western Conference, entered the season with the expectation of transitioning into serious contenders. Despite the promising start, the team has encountered moments of inconsistency, a characteristic reflection of the youthful composition of their roster.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the rising star for the Thunder, has been a driving force behind their competitive performance, delivering remarkable averages of 29.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. His dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities have played a pivotal role in elevating the Thunder’s competitiveness in the Western Conference.
To further enhance their performance, the Thunder should consider the addition of Franz Wagner. Currently, with the Orlando Magic, Wagner brings valuable contributions with averages of 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Beyond his offensive prowess, Wagner stands out defensively, ranking 4th among wings in Defensive Win Shares. This defensive solidity on the perimeter is precisely what the Thunder need to complement their youthful roster. Additionally, Wagner’s ability to contribute significantly in both scoring and playmaking could alleviate the offensive burden, especially with Josh Giddey currently below the expected production level.
2. LeBron James
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The Los Angeles Lakers, currently holding a 6-5 record and ranking 8th in the competitive Western Conference, entered the season with high expectations following significant offseason changes. After reaching the Conference Finals in the previous postseason, a better performance was anticipated, but the Lakers found themselves below expectations in the early stages of the season.
LeBron James, a perennial NBA star, has been a consistent force for the Lakers, contributing with averages of 24.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Despite LeBron’s impressive individual performance, the team lacks certain elements on the perimeter, notably in defense (currently ranked 21st in the NBA) and offensive prowess (currently ranked 24th in the NBA).
To address these deficiencies, the ideal addition would be Dejounte Murray. With averages of 22.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, Murray offers a comprehensive skill set that includes perimeter defense, offensive firepower, and an impressive 41% three-point shooting in the season. Acquiring Dejounte Murray could significantly elevate the Lakers’ performance and contribute to a more balanced and competitive team.
1. Stephen Curry
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The Golden State Warriors, currently holding a 6-6 record and ranking 7th in the Western Conference, made notable changes in the offseason, including the trade of Jordan Poole for Chris Paul. While surviving several away games, which were challenging in the previous season, the Warriors have struggled to find consistent scoring beyond Stephen Curry.
Stephen Curry, the face of the Warriors, continues to deliver outstanding individual performances, averaging an impressive 30.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. However, the team lacks significant scoring options beyond Curry.
To enhance their offensive capabilities, the ideal addition would be Lauri Markkanen. Currently boasting averages of 24.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and an impressive 44.6% three-point shooting, Markkanen could provide a luxurious scoring option for the Warriors. With defensive support from players like Kevon Looney and Draymond Green in the interior, Markkanen could focus more on offensive contributions, providing the additional scoring threat that the Warriors need to complement Stephen Curry.
