Writer Uses Lakers Guard as Prominent Example of One-Dimensional Players
The appreciation for two-way players has been on the rise of late in the NBA, with front offices finally recognizing their value. They can change the game on both sides of the floor and are among the most coveted players in the league.
This isn’t to say that other types of players aren’t valuable because having some pure scorers or defenders on the roster can help build a more well-rounded team. But in this modern NBA, you need players that can at least be average on both sides of the floor when the game matters most.
These one-dimensional players tend to get played off the court when the stakes become highest, yet we still see many of these players getting paid decent money.
Just within your Los Angeles Lakers, we saw two examples of this last season in the playoffs. Both Jared Vanderbilt and D’Angelo Russell were played off the court due to their limitations on one side of the court.
Vanderbilt was strong on defense, but his shooting disadvantages were causing problems for LA on offense. He doesn’t make enough money to make it a massive issue, but with Russell, it’s more apparent.
Russell was played off the floor in the Western Conference Finals due to his issues on the defensive side of the ball. It also didn’t help that his shot wasn’t falling either, and it tanked his reputation.
He settled on a new two-year deal with LA that is worth $36 million. It’s well below what his regular season averages likely dictate, but his one-dimensional game in the postseason caused it.
Brad Botkin of CBS Sports looked into one-dimensional players across the league and used Russell as an example of this.
“Indeed, the Lakers had to cut D'Angelo Russell, a one-time $117 million player who just signed again for nearly $20 million per year, out of their closing lineups in the playoffs”
Per CBS Sports
The league still gives out large amounts to these limited players, likely due to the need and availability of potential players. If Russell can come back this season and be even average on defense, it would be a massive gain for LA.
They need him on the floor when it matters most due to his shooting and passing ability. If he can’t improve, then it will only hurt his chances of getting another big deal when his current one ends.
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