Stars of The NBA Restart

With high hopes from fans, the NBA did not disappoint with four great games on the first day of the NBA restart this week, giving fans a chance to see Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard for the first time in three months. While the games have just been scrimmages, the games are an opportunity for the bench players to show out and make plays. While the starters on every team have been playing around 20 minutes per game it has not held some of them back from giving some great performances. With more even play in the scrimmage games, all 13 players will have their chance to shine. 

Bol Bol 

Bol Bol shocked NBA fans with his incredible first game performance, scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocked shots and knocking down 2 threes. In the second scrimmage game, Bol didn’t show as strongly but still posted 15 points with 3 rebounds, 2 blocks with 2 threes. Although Bol still is a raw talent and shoots inconsistently from the field, his impact on these games has been huge. Scoring over 10 in his first two games, Bol looks like a steal of a pick at 44. Many players lack confidence when coming into the NBA and a player like Bol, who dropped from a potential lottery pick to the second round, might make a player lose confidence. It obviously didn’t affect Bol.  At least so far.

Kelly Olynyk 

Kelly Olynyk was having somewhat of a down year this season, averaging a career low in points per game. But so far in Orlando, Olynyk has looked stronger, scoring 12 points with 6 rebounds and 4 assists in his first game. Olynyk went off in his second showing, dropping 28 points while grabbing 8 rebounds, as he was able to knock down 3 threes. The confidence from Olynyk in the second game was a huge part of his success and he was playing like no one could stop him. And on one did! If the Heat are to make a run for the championship, Olynyk will have to be a big part of that with consistent three-point shooting and confidence with his low post scoring. 

Kyle Kuzma 

Kyle Kuzma has had an interesting career to say the least and this season does not fall short. Ever since Kuzma broke out in his rookie year there have been debates about how good he can be. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis as teammates there are potentially less shots available for Kuzma and he hasn’t made the most of those opportunities. This had also made him an option in trade talks while the Lakers look for another player to build a three headed monster in Los Angeles. In Orlando Kuzma has looked stronger on the inside as a better re-bounder pulling down 7 in both of his games thus far. In his first game against Dallas, Kuzma scored just 9 points on 30% field goal percentage, an average game for him, but Kuzma exploded from three in his second game netting his first 4 attempts making 5 throughout the game as he went on to score 25 points. This is the type of play the Lakers expect from Kyle Kuzma. 

Paul George 

Paul George showcased exactly what NBA fans needed in his first game back, scoring 18 points with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. His smooth play is what made this game so fun to watch, laying out beautiful passes as well as knocking down a buzzer beater to end the first half. While not standing out in his second game George still deserves the nod as he started off the return to basketball in a fine form. George is an impressive scorer and a polished player, and everyone knows he’s capable of playing at a higher level than he has been this season. 

Tyler Herro 

Herro has become a fan favorite as a rookie knocking down big shots. He’s capable of creating and making shots which is an interesting quality for a rookie. Herro scored 15 off the bench in his first game against Sacramento he also grabbed 6 rebounds in his first game back. He was even better in game 2 with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Tyler Herro has never been shy from taking shots as he has a very high ceiling and as his skill improves the Heat will become better and better.  

James Harden 

James Harden showed everyone just how good he really is playing unbelievably well in his first scrimmage against the Raptors despite the loss. Harden scored 24 points, dished out 10 assists and pulled in 4 rebounds not to mention the 2 steals and 3 threes in just over 25 minutes on the court. Harden is an unstoppable scorer and has shown his new more athletic body off after a hard-working three-month break. His offensive talent is unprecedented as he’s the greatest scorer in the league. If he keeps up this impressive play the Rockets have a real chance at the championship. 

Rui Hachimura 

Hachimura will have to lead this Wizard team if they have a chance to make it to the post season without Bradley Beal being available in Orlando. The Wizards have a slim playoff chance and Hachimura will have to lead the team as a rookie. In his first game back, he posted 18 points and 9 rebounds while taking a loss to the Nuggets. In his second contest he was able to record a double double with 15 and 10 rebounds in another loss to the Clippers. Without Bradley Beal he will have to become more of a leader on offense but his great start in Orlando was impressive. 

Boban Marjanovic 

Marjanovic has always been a quality player but has never had the opportunity to show his real skill. Against the Lakers in the first game of the restart, Boban looked good scoring 17 points and grabbing 13 rebounds with 2 blocks for a win. He has shown his improvement as a three-point shooter making one of his two attempts, and Marjanovic shot an efficient 6 of 9 en route to his 17 points. His improvement as an offensive player makes him a fan favorite capable of putting up big numbers. The Mavericks have a high playoff chance being led by Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis but every big game by Boban makes Dallas better and better. 

Michael Carter-Williams 

2014 rookie of the year Michael Carter-Williams has faced a tough career after a big drop off since the trade to Milwaukee. He has seen a revival of his career with the Orlando Magic and his hard work and tough spirited play is what gives him a spot on a playoff team. His play in the NBA bubble has shown that he is a capable player, scoring 16 in his first appearance. Carter Williams was shooting above 50% in his second game, but poorly from the field, as he still managed to score 15 points and pull in 8 rebounds while playing good defense throughout. 

Seth Curry 

Seth Curry has always been known as Stephen Curry’s brother, but he has developed into a very good NBA player. Curry possibly played the best game of the NBA restart scoring 23 points on 8 of 8 shooting making 6 of his 6 three pointers in just 15 minutes. His great shooting performance shows how great of a player he has become. Curry can be a huge part of a playoff team  as the Mavericks have a star power and depth to make a winning team. In a league where a deep bench is necessary the Mavericks keep looking better and better. 

This article is original content published by sports writer Matthew White. Please feel free to link to and discuss this article but do not copy content.

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