I was thinking about how Nick Young turned into a legit 3&D guy in his last year in LA and his year for Golden State, and how he will always be a meme, but ended his career as a legitimately useful role player.
Rajon Rondo's role in the Lakers title I think is overlooked, but he was also very good for the Kings and Pels. Shot above 40% from 3 for Lakers and Pels in the playoffs. Doesn't get talked about enough that Rondo got much better as a shooter in his late career. Obviously he was never Steph, but got reliable.
Ish Smith is a guy who if he hasn't played on your team you don't understand why he's still in the league, but everywhere he goes the fans of that team really appreciate him.
For my friend back in the day it was Biyombo for the Raptors.
I'm sure there are more egregious examples of players the general NBA fanbase doesn't appreciate but fans of the team they play for recognise play a vital part. Any examples?
Seems like some people have a negative impression of Buddy Hield but he’s always been a very solid player on the Pacers, great for the locker room and one of the best 3pt shooters of all time
It’s almost all Kings fans that dislike him and I don’t think you’ll convince any of us to give him another shot haga
Why?
To be clear, he doesn’t like us either lol. Basketball reasons (constant turnovers, bad defense) and terrible attitude in and out of the locker room. Made backhanded comments about the city and fanbase. Our locker room morale improved significantly after he and Bagley got moved. He was caught saying “Fuck Sac” on a hot mic last season, which I feel like most players don’t say out loud, even if they feel that way. He’s a great shooter, but neither side felt like his time here went the way we would’ve hoped.