Elite Two-Way Wings Today and Tomorrow
Elite two-way wings are the essentials for NBA playoff teams in versatile defensive systems like the Timberwolves with Butler or the Raptors wing Kawhi. They control games without ball stopping or even having the ball to be effective. Being able to cover ground with their speed and length, these are the elite and potentially elite two-way players to watch out for next season.
Those In Their Prime
Jimmy Butler had multiple game controlling periods where he played an incredibly dynamic role with Minnesota. He greatly improved his regular season three point shooting in the first round of the playoffs, jumping 12 points from 35% to 47.1%. As well he averaged 4 assists on only 1 turnover. His play-making ability from beyond the arc or on from high post cuts helped him score so effectively. Of course he struggled with injuries where he’s only logged 2 seasons playing 70+ games. For a vet who’s logged 7 years on Thibodeau’s hard nosed coaching system, it begs the question about if Jimmy’s health on a new max deal, (in the 2019 offseason) will stand the test of time.
LeBron James
Well…. Duh. 🐐
Paul George
He’s already playing incredibly effectively now, just a matter if he can operate with a larger role for himself and a lowered Westbrook usage rate. As well, how much he can hold the team up while Westbrook recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery, most likely sidelining him for a couple weeks in the opening of the season. While in the playoffs, Westbrook posted an incredible 38.2% usage rate, 2 full points above league MVP James Harden averaged during a career year. Teams cannot win at high levels with a single ball handler, but two are much more effective. Curry and Durant, Irving and LeBron, and Simmons and Embiid are current examples showing how dynamic offenses where there is never too much pressure on one single guy to do everything. George is ready to step up if he is allowed so through more off ball plays, along with his own isolations, providing Billy Donovan emphasizes George’s off- and on-ball shooting.
Khris Middleton
Against the Brad Stevens’ Celtics, K-Mid averaged a deadly 24.7 ppg on an ungodly 59.8% FG. MIDdleton has an impressive mid range game for a 6'8, 235 wing, Middleton has all the size get the room he needs from step backs or turnaround faders, especially given his quick jumper. Even though he shot an unsustainable 61% from three, he proved he can heat up from distance consistently through the series. His impressive repertoire and crisp playstyle provide the ideal go-to scorer and spacer along with Giannis. Milwaukee only needs that third guy to step up for real contention, whether it arises with their youth like 3-and-D mobile rim protector Thon Maker or a two-way guard like Malcolm Brogdon. Or another veteran given a chance like Brook Lopez who will thrive given his shooting ability in open space and Eric Bledsoe who was not especially infuential or reliable on either end of the floor.
Kawhi Leonard
He was once a top 5 player and if he’s healthy, no reason for him not to return to his prior level. Especially given his contract year status, he will need to play and show he’s worth the $221 million ‘supermax’ contract. Just remember what he did to Harden and that Rockets team in March of 2017.
Kevin Durant
He has another ring for good reason. Since joining Golden State, his defensive ability has entered another level as a rim protector and on pick and roll switches. He really is a 7-footer with guard handles and quickness, this year he realized his ultimate defensive ability, even without the necessary footwear.
The Youth Movement
There are a large number of wings under the age of 23 that very easily with a few adjustments, and playing time have the potential to grow into effective roles on competitive teams.
Brandon Ingram
The spidery limbed, 6'9 forward has all the potential if he can master his pull up jumper and three point shot. Coming off his 21st birthday, the stakes are very high for him and the new look Lakers featuring LeBron James. However, Ingram’s frame is still a major concern, even with new age strength gain methods on the table, he needs to prove he can finish around the rim with a still very lanky frame. As well he’s still at the tweener defensive level where he’s tall enough but too thin and high center of gravity. Making it difficult to play with most 4s and had trouble keeping up with faster wings on defense. THAT SAID, Ingram is less than a month off his 21st birthday, he’s still an incredible talent. As well, he has a 7'3 wingspan as well so if he cannot materialize physically, he still has the physical prowess to be an elite defender. As well, there were small details with him that showed improvement when he drove to the rim. He often felt more comfortable driving in the lane, making every great stride count to create just enough space to score. If Ingram can find a way to not only improve his stance but lateral movement speed, his potential is incredibly appealing. Let’s also not forget the best part about his game is not even the defense, it’s his ball-handling and pick roll scoring ability. Towards the end of the 2017–18 season, Ingram played point guard and excelled. In February, he put up 5.6 assists on 2.4 turnovers, showing he is certainly ready for a larger creating role on a team with sights on playoff contention.
Jaylen Brown
The very next pick, Jaylen Brown came in as an athletic wing who had not yet found a consistent dribble move and shot (29.4% on 3s). Now Brown is an offensive tenacity off the ball. Grabbing offensive rebounds and shooting a near 40% clip from beyond the arc. Sadly with three, arguably four better ball handlers on the floor with Irving, Hayward, Tatum, and Horford it will be hard to say where Jaylen Brown would find a ball handling role. That said he’s excellent as a spot up shooter who rebounds and defends excellently, yet there’s still more refinement to his game.
Josh Jackson
Showing playmaking and shotmaking ability in the last 20 games, Jackson showed a dynamic offensive presence with euro steps, crossovers, and step back jumpers. In the final 15 games of the 2017–18 season, Jackson was putting up nearly 22 points per game and 6 boards with 3 assists to a mediocre 3 turnovers. Along with a incredibly quick 6'8 frame Jackson is a jumper away from being a star. That being said his mechanics from Kansas had a major hitch that will take time to perfect a more compact stroke that has shown progress during Summer League. Possibly playing Booker at point and Jackson as a jumbo two guard would be a perfect playmaking and scoring tandem. Jackson has the unique amount of athleticism, footwork, and ball handling ability to get just about anywhere he could want in the paint. Jackson has shown he can make the right decision when he creates or off of cuts, it’s just a matter of how consistently he kicks the ball out or tries to drive on a double or triple team. Jackson has all the ability to be another playmaker on this team, but the Phoenix staff will need for him to keep his head on a swivel since the NBA level physicality and speed has yet to catch up with him. Right now, Jackson will clearly be the third option behind Booker and Ayton, which frankly is not a problem, Jackson generated a large part of offense at Kansas from off-ball cuts from maestro Devonte Graham. Booker, Shaq Harrison, and Elie Okobo don’t appear to be on that level yet but Jackson will still undoubtedly benefit from other teammates taking some of the creation pressure away from him. This next year Jackson should flourish defensively, less pressure on the offensive end allows for that much more energy to be put forth on the opposite end of the floor. Jackson complements a lackluster defender like Booker very well, providing a guy who can mitigate Booker’s defensive woes but also protect the rim a little too. In the final 15 games of the 2017–18 season, Jackson put up two steals a game and 0.6 blocks, along with a modest 22 points per game. Jackson moves exceptionally well laterally, along Booker and Ayton he should flourish in a regressed, yet ever dynamic role.
Jayson Tatum
Tatum’s odd situation with Hayward out allowed him to play the increased role and playing time to adjust to the league. Tatum’s exceptionally advanced footwork will make him a natural offensive star, however his average quickness may keep him from being a defensive stud. With only a 205 pound frame without additional weight and strength training, Tatum will not realize the full potential on defensive end. Luckily for Tatum a 6'11 wingspan and twitch instincts make up for his average speed. Let’s not forget, he is still only 20 years old.
Jonathan Isaac
Even with last season being a let down offensively for Isaac, he has improved his frame by at least 10 pounds and flushed out his jumper considerably. During summer league he was consistently hitting contested turnaround jumpers with confidence. With more touches, Isaac will flourish in an adequately spaced Magic team featuring Gordon, Fournier, and Vucevic. His off the dribble moves still leave a lot to desire especially finishing in traffic, but he does have a very quick first step. With his incredibly long strides, he can easily blow by many defenders with his greyhound type quickness. The game has yet to slow down for him as he tends to botch quite a few contested layups. But his incredible 6'10 frame allow him to get very far as he shot 69.8% within 10 feet last season. His mid-range game will be essential for him to take the next big stride, with exceptional height and pretty decent touch, a healthy Isaac should thrive given the touches. That being said there is no real long term point guard on this team, Isaac may have to create for himself and his team much more which should give us an idea whether he will be ready for such a role.
Kevin Knox
This year’s ninth overall pick, at only 19 Kevin Knox is set to have a fascinating year with New York. Standing at 6'9, 215 pounds Knox showed how versatile on the offensive end he could be this season. He showed the ability to control his positioning on drives, always getting his lengthy frame in between him and the defender, maximizing space on layups and floaters. There’s no doubt Knox at the very least can become an excellent straight line driver and competent spot up shooter. But where Knox will make a huge difference is at the wing position alongside Porzingis. When Porzingis returns and Kanter is at the 5 or even Robinson, Knox will have to play more perimeter oriented basketball. Quite simply the team will need him to score off the dribble and play-make a lot more than at Kentucky. Which is fine, he’s only been 19 for a little over one month, the fact of how far along he’s maximized a low usage role goes to show his work ethic and ability to adapt to new coaching styles. Knox’s next step will be how he navigates pick and rolls and how efficiently he can score on that front. Knox has stated he has a new mentality and believes the Knicks can make the playoffs this season, optimistic words from a 19 year old.
Possible Late Bloomers
Taurean Prince
On an Atlanta team thick in it’s rebuild, Lloyd Pierce should be looking to Taurean Price just as much as Trae Young for scoring. Playing all 82 games last season, Prince proved he can be a key piece on the offensive end, where after the All-Star break he averaged 19 points, 5 boards, and 3.5 assists on 41% from three. His defensive numbers are still a tease but he has the frame at 6'8, 220 to battle with a number of positions. Prince dramatically improved his three pointer by 6 percentage points to 38.2% last year, this year the team will need to see him operate more inside with traffic. At times he showed defensive flashes but (research about defense)
Justice Winslow
Can handle defensive and playmaking load but has yet to figure out offensive game. Winslow has shown the ability to playmake effectively but he has yet to have the game slowed down for him. Time and time again off picks or pressure he tends to pick up his dribble, negating any ability to create for anyone. That being said, in full court offense, Winslow’s athleticism allows him to traverse so much space in the open floor. Standing at what looks to be 6'6, with a 6'9 wingspan, Winslow is still an elite defender, being able to guard anyone 1–4. Whether his offense developes is still very questionable, but he will easily be serviceable in Spoelstra’s lineups as a defensive rock.
Up the Pipeline
Jalen Green (San Joaquin Memorial H.S., Class of 2020)
The freakishly athletic 16 year old phenom presents an all around game assuming his body and height fill out. Presenting elite defensive awareness along with a very consistent jumper, for Green the sky is the limit. Standing at 6'5, 170 pounds, Green projects as a two-guard/small forward. Complementary 6'8ish wingspan will help him become a defensive force on the perimeter. Already he is easily the top defender in his class, even better, Green plays point guard for his high school team featuring consistent shooting and playmaking ability from his absurd athleticism. Currently ranked №2 on 247Sports and №3 on ESPN’s top 60 rankings, Green boasts quite the resume already featuring a gold medal for team USA’s U16 team at barely 16 years old. On a stacked team with energetic big Scottie Barnes (№2 via ESPN) and rim protecting, floor spacer Evan Mobley (№1), Green and company will be coming to put their mark on college basketball in the coming years.
Nassir Little (UNC)
Playing under Roy Williams this year, Little will let everyone know very soon that no one can get by him. At 6'6, 225 pounds with a 7'2 wingspan Little has the ideal measurements to make him a defensive force. Little is everything but what his name suggests on the defensive end, making every moment personal and his ultimate initiative to end those battling him. His frame is already NBA ready, he will want to improve his shot creation especially around pick and rolls. That’s one of the few harps with his game however, his shot is fairly smooth with his elbow is pointed straight down keeping it on line. He scored 28 points leading his East All-American team on defense to a three-point loss. Little loves to bring the ball up the floor off of rebounds too, preferably in the fast break, but he can navigate the pick and roll fairly well too. Little should be able to guard 1 through 4 with his intangibles, size, and length.
R.J. Barrett (Duke)
The most NBA ready player to come out of the draft this year, R.J. Barrett has positioned himself as the consensus number 1 overall pick and as a guy any team can play through. At 6'7, 200 pounds, Barrett features a silky smooth dribble and pull up ability, where he never quite looks out of control with the ball. Defensively as well, Barrett has the length and timing to make an elite level impact at any point of the perimeter. Barrett should lead Duke’s superteam very far this year. Barrett presents all the qualities in a natural leader, a guy who is always tempered and in control of the game. He should set an immediate example for his teammates to follow from the beginning this year.
Cam Reddish
Another silky smooth athlete, Cam Reddish is a point guard skill type in a forward’s body. At 6'7, 195 pounds Reddish does not have the same incredible athleticism of his counterparts in Barrett and Williamson, but he has the IQ and shot-making ability to change an offense if he puts all the pieces together. At times Reddish has shown a habit of getting down on himself after poor play, this I’m sure will be one of Coach Krzyzewski’s goals in establishing a professional mindset.
