Unsung Hero on Every NBA Team That Will Lead Team to Playoffs in 2012 and Beyond

The NBA is full of superstars, like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul to name a few, that lead their teams to winning records, playoff appearances and NBA titles year in and year out.

Those superstars, however, couldn't get the job done by themselves without a supporting cast of players that often times don't get the attention and respect that they deserve.

As we head into the final stretch of the second half of the 2011-12 NBA season, it's time to give those "unsung heroes" on every NBA team some much deserved respect.

Ahead is one player from every NBA team that is not only his team's unsung hero, but also pivotal to his team's playoffs hopes this year and beyond.

Atlanta Hawks: Willie Green

No one knows what's going to happen with the Atlanta Hawks before the March 15 NBA trade deadline, but one thing is for sure: Willie Green will be on the roster once March 15 passes.

In just 17.2 minutes per game this season, Green has averaged 7.7 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, with a PER of 14.29.

That production is impressive, being that Green is behind Joe Johnson on the Hawks depth chart, and earns time replacing the overpaid shooting guard.

As Green continues to develop, he will give the Hawks the freedom they need to move Johnson and his massive contract, so they can build around Josh Smith and get their franchise moving in the right direction.

Green might not be the true difference maker for the Hawks this year, but there's no doubt he will be a key to the Hawks' success in the years to come.  

Boston Celtics: Brandon Bass

With the future of the Celtics' Big Three in doubt, players behind guys like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will need to step up, and Brandon Bass is doing just that.

While Bass is earning time at the center position and replacing Garnett, there's no doubt that his season averages of 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and .8 blocks per game are impressive stats for the Celtics to build around.

Bass has been a nice addition to the Celtics roster, and there's no doubt that he can step in, if the Celtics move Garnett, and provide Boston with the production they need from the power forward position.

The Boston Celtics aren't going to make a deep run in the playoffs this year, but once Danny Ainge breaks apart the Big Three and starts to build around the youth Boston has, Bass will be a fundamental piece of the Celtics' future. 

Charlotte Bobcats: Kemba Walker

There's not much to be excited about for fans of the Charlotte Bobcats, and there's absolutely no way that they'll end up in the playoffs at the end of the season.

With that being said, the key to the Bobcats future is to start building around the talent that they have in rookie point guard, Kemba Walker.

In his rookie season, without much talent around him, Walker's averaging 12.7 points, 3.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game, with a PER of 15.62.  While that's not necessarily the kind of production that most NBA franchises are built on, it's the best production that the Bobcats have.

If the Bobcats can figure out the mess known as their depth chart, by building their team around Walker in the 2012 NBA Draft, and in this upcoming summer of free agency, Charlotte stands a chance of being a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference in the years to come. 

Chicago Bulls: Taj Gibson

Taj Gibson is the kind of player that could be a legitimate starter on any other team in the NBA.

The only problem is that he plays on the Chicago Bulls, who have one of the deepest and most productive rosters in the entire NBA.

Gibson's season averages of 7.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with a PER of 16.77, are impressive when you realize that he's only on the court for an average of 19.3 minutes per game.  The production the Bulls get off the bench from Gibson is one of the major reasons why they are arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference at this point in the season.

While Carlos Boozer is the go-to-guy at the power forward position, there's no doubt that having Gibson behind him on the depth chart is a great option for the Bulls to have.

If the Bulls want to make a deep run in the 2012 NBA Playoffs and in the playoffs for years to come, they need to give Gibson more minutes, as he's one of the most efficient players they have on their roster.  

Cleveland Cavaliers: Alonzo Gee

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a ton of potential moving forward into the second half of the 2011-12 NBA season, and moving forward as a franchise for the next few years.

The main reason for that potential is the play of rookies Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, but in all honesty one of the biggest surprises for the Cavaliers thus far has been the impressive play of third-year small forward, Alonzo Gee.

In just 28.1 minutes per game, Gee is averaging 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists with a PER of 13.09, which is impressive for the third-year forward out of Alabama.

With Omri Caspi struggling to keep his starting job ahead of Gee on the Cavaliers' depth chart, it's feasible that Gee will be the consistent starter at the small forward position, like he has in the past few games.

Gee is the Cavaliers' unsung hero because he's the kind of guy that has built his NBA career on intangibles like hustle, tenacity and hard-work.

Dallas Mavericks: Brandon Wright

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the oldest teams in the NBA, which is one of the reasons why they are such a dangerous team in the Western Conference.

The Mavericks' lack of youth is also one of the reasons why their championship days are numbered.  

With players like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Brandon Haywood near the end of their career, the real difference maker for the Mavericks moving forward is going to be the youth they have to build around.

One of the brightest spots on the Mavericks depth chart is power forward Brandon Wright, who in just 14.8 minutes per game is averaging 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, with an impressive PER of 21.41.

While Wright is behind Nowitzki on the depth chart, it's time to give him more minutes replacing Haywood at the center position, so that he can bring the Mavericks more efficiency off the bench.

The key to the Mavericks' future is the youth on their team, and their main go-to-guy for that is Wright, who if given the chance, can be a productive member of the Mavericks rotation.  

Denver Nuggets: Kenneth Faried

Kenneth Faried, so far this season, has been exactly the player that the Nuggets expected him to be when they drafted him in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Faried is a monster on the boards, and he's also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the offensive side of the ball.  In just 19.3 minutes per game, Faried is averaging 8.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, with a PER of 22.93, which is the best among rookies this season.

With Faried earning minutes in the Nuggets' starting rotation as of late, and with Nene Hilario missing games due to a calf injury, there's no doubt that the Nuggets have one of the steals of the 2011 NBA Draft.

Faried is the double-double kind of player that the Nuggets can continue to build around for the future, as players like Hilario and Al Harrington get older.  Faried is the spark off the bench that the Nuggets lacked last season, and he undoubtedly will continue to be the kind of spark the Nuggets need to make runs in the Western Conference playoffs in the future.

Detroit Pistons: Rodney Stuckey

Rodney Stuckey is quietly helping Pistons' fans forget just how much of a waste Ben Gordon has been since joining the team last season.

In the past two weeks, Stuckey has averaged 22.8 points per game with a PER of 19.88, which has helped the Pistons earn wins against teams like the Lakers, Raptors and Hawks.

While there's a high likelihood that the Pistons won't make the playoffs this year, there's no doubt that Stuckey will help Detroit return to their winning ways of the early 2000s, when they made it to the playoffs each year.

With rookie Brandon Knight and sophomore Greg Monroe getting all the attention in Detroit, Stuckey is undoubtedly the unsung hero of the Pistons roster, and he will be a solid piece of the Pistons' future in the years to come.

Golden State Warriors: Dorell Wright

The Golden State Warriors are an inconsistent team, and they've proven over the past few years that they can't contend in the Western Conference with the talent and the roster that they currently have.

While players like Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry and David Lee get all the attention in Golden State, guys like Dorell Wright and Klay Thompson often go unrecognized for their contributions to the team.

Wright is one of the more consistent players on the Warriors team, and it's not because of his 9.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game average.  It's because of the consistent production that he brings to the Warriors defensively.

With the Warriors being one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, giving up 100.1 points per game, Wright's defensive play is something that they can build around moving forward.

With trade rumors circulating about the future of Ellis, the player that will be the unsung hero of the Warriors' future, which will hopefully include playoff appearances, is Wright, and his tough-nosed style of play.   

Houston Rockets: Patrick Patterson

The Houston Rockets are in the heart of the playoff race in the Western Conference, and it's in large part due to the play of guys like Chandler Parsons, Chase Budinger, Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin and Luis Scola.

But the unsung hero of the Rockets' 2012 playoff push has been the play of Patrick Patterson coming off the bench for the Rockets.

In just his second season in the NBA, Patterson is averaging 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, in just 22.5 minutes per game.  Patterson is quickly developing into a legitimate power forward, with an improved post-game and improved tenacity on the defensive side of the ball.

With uncertainty surrounding the Rockets heading into the last few days before the March 15 trade deadline, the one certainty on their roster is that Patterson will be a player that they can count on for upcoming years.

As he develops, expect Patterson to transition into a legitimate sixth man off the bench for the Rockets in a stacked Western Conference. 

Indiana Pacers: George Hill

George Hill is the unsung hero of a stacked Indiana Pacers' depth chart because he's a versatile player that can fill in at both the point guard and the shooting guard position.

With the Pacers' lack of depth behind Paul George at the shooting guard position, it's nice to have Hill's consistent production of 9.3 points per game with a PER of 14.98 as an option to replace him.

Hill is also known for his tenacity on the defensive side of the ball with an average of 1.1 steals per game on the year so far.

Bench production is often times a key to winning in the playoffs, as evidenced by the Mavericks run in the Western Conference last year, and having Hill's solid production off the bench is a solid foundation for the Pacers heading into the second half of the 2011-12 season.

Hill will help the Pacers contend in the playoffs this year and for the years to come, as he gives the Pacers the spark off the bench that they rely on. 

Los Angeles Clippers: Mo Williams

When Chauncey Billups went down with a torn Achilles tendon a few weeks ago, the Clippers were left with a massive hole in their roster at shooting guard.

While the Clippers are still looking to add talent to the shooting guard spot on their team, there's no doubt that Mo Williams has done an impressive job filling in thus far, with averages of 14.1 points, 3.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game, and a PER of 16.63.

While Williams isn't the most versatile player on the Clippers roster, shooting 44 percent from the field, there's no doubt that he's doing a solid job of coming off the bench and providing a spark for the Clippers.

If the Clippers know what they're doing, they'll insert Williams into the starting lineup and give him more minutes per game.

If Williams can continue to play at the efficient level that he has, there's no doubt that he can help them make a serious run in the 2012 NBA playoffs, and more. 

Los Angeles Lakers: Matt Barnes

The Los Angeles Lakers are as up and down as an emotional teenager, and aside from Kobe Bryant's consistent offensive production, and Andrew Bynum's dominance in the paint, there's not much consistency on the Lakers' team.

One player that is consistent though is small forward, Matt Barnes, who's averaging 6.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, with an above-average PER of 14.31.

Not only is Barnes a consistent part of the Lakers' offense, he's also one of the more athletic defenders that the Lakers have, which comes in handy against teams with athletic small forwards like the Heat, Thunder and Bulls.

Barnes doesn't get a lot of credit for what he does for the Lakers, and for that reason alone he's their unsung hero.

With all the talk surrounding the Lakers' interest in small forward, Michael Beasley, I think they'd be better off giving more minutes to Barnes, as his play in every aspect of the game is a real difference maker for the Lakers, and their playoff hopes. 

Memphis Grizzlies: Marreese Speights

When Zach Randolph went down in the Grizzlies' fourth game of the season with a knee injury, many thought the hopes of a trip to the 2012 NBA playoffs was in jeopardy.

Marreese Speights didn't agree with those people, as his averages of 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, with a PER of 14.52, have helped the Grizzlies remain relevant in the Western Conference.

While Speights earns most of his minutes sharing time with fellow power forward, Darrel Arthur, Memphis would be better off just giving all of those minutes to Speights, as he's the more athletic of the two power forwards on the Grizzlies roster.

It will be interesting to see what Memphis does with Speights when Randolph returns, but one thing is for sure, the Grizzlies' future at the power forward position at the time being is founded in the play of Speights—and that's a good thing.

The Grizzlies could very well have one of the best power forward tandems in the NBA once Randolph returns, and that is based on the success of current starter, Speights. 

Miami Heat: Norris Cole

One of the biggest issues for the Miami Heat last year in the playoffs was the lack of production that they got from their second unit coming off the bench.

Luckily for the Heat this season, those concerns from last season have been answered by none other than Norris Cole, who was drafted late in the first-round of the 2011 NBA Draft.

While Cole isn't the future of the Heat by himself, he's a solid contributor off the bench, with averages of 8.2 points and 2.5 assists per game on the year so far.  What makes Cole such a special talent is that he has the potential to go off for double-digit points when his team needs him to, as evidenced by his 16 double-digit games this season.

As Mario Chalmers continues to improve, there's a high likelihood that he will leave Miami once the big-time contract offers come in, as he can make more money elsewhere, and it's nice to know that if Chalmers leaves, the Heat still have a solid option at the point guard position.

Cole will be the difference maker for the Heat down the stretch of this season, in the 2012 NBA playoffs, and for the Heat's playoff appearances to come in the next few years as well.  

Milwaukee Bucks: Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova is certainly the unsung hero of the Milwaukee Bucks, as he's quietly accounted near double-double averages this season of, 11.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, with a solid PER of 19.78.

In the absence of Andrew Bogut, Ilyasova has stepped up his game and helped the Bucks remain somewhat relevant in the Eastern Conference.

What Ilyasova also brings to the Bucks rotation is the ability to defend in the paint with his 6' 10'' and 235 lb. frame.  Ilyasova has always been a good player, but this year, he's starting to set himself apart from other talent, by upping his game.

If Ilyasova can manage to keep his production up, especially once Andrew Bogut returns, there's no reason to believe that the Bucks can't become a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.  

Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams

Now that Ricky Rubio is out for the remainder of the 2011-12 NBA season, the weight of the Timberwovles playoff hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of fellow rookie, Derrick Williams.

Luckily for Minnesota, Williams as of late, has been playing at a rate that leads the Timberwovles to believe that Williams is ready to carry that burden, with averages of 14.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in his first five games since the 2012 NBA All-Star break.

Williams brings something to the Timberwovles roster that they've lacked at the small forward position throughout the past year or two—efficiency.

Williams, with a 15.23 PER is playing at a much more efficient rate than most other players on the T'Wolves bench, and his production is one of the major reasons why Minnesota is in the playoff race in the West.

If Williams can manage to keep playing at the high level that he is right now, the Timberwolves stand a legitimate chance of sneaking into the 2012 NBA playoffs, and being a serious contender in the future. 

New Jersey Nets: Marshon Brooks

I wouldn't say that Marshon Brooks has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2011 NBA Draft, because, well, we all knew he could score coming out of Providence.

The fact that Brooks is averaging 13.7 points per game, and doing so while shooting 44.2 percent from the field, makes his production more impressive.

While there's uncertainty surrounding who will be on the Nets roster after the March 15 trade deadline and after the 2011-12 NBA season, there's no doubt that if Brooks stays on the roster, the Nets will have a bright future ahead of them.

Brooks is the unsung hero for the Nets this year, and that's not something that will change as long as he keeps producing at the high level he has so far this year. 

New Orleans Hornets: Jarrett Jack

After losing Eric Gordon early in the season, the New Orleans Hornets' season fell apart, and they haven't pulled it back together yet.

In spite of the Hornets inconsistency this season, one bright spot for New Orleans has been the play of point guard Jarrett Jack, who's averaging 14.8 points, 5.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, with a PER of 16.67.

Jack is undoubtedly carrying the Hornets franchise this season, and no matter who comes back to the roster next season, one thing is for sure—that Jack will be the point guard that the New Orleans Hornets will focus on building around.

It's not often that you come across a point guard who is able to facilitate the game to his teammates while still managing to be efficient offensively, and that's just the kind of player Jack is for the Hornets.

New Orleans will be competitive in the future, and it will be rooted in their ability to bring in talent and build around their franchise point guard, Jack.  

New York Knicks: Iman Shumpert

I know it might sound outlandish to think that Iman Shumpert is the point guard of the future for the New York Knicks, and I don't really think that's what he is.  I do; however, think he's the spark the Knicks need to be competitive in the Eastern Conference in the second half of the season.

Jeremy Lin is great, and his success story is inspiring, but he doesn't bring the physicality and tenacity to the point guard position that Shumpert does, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

That's something the Knicks desperately need.

At 6' 5'' and 220 lb., Shumpert has the ability to dominate on the defensive side of the ball, as he has done this season, averaging 1.9 steals per game.  Shumpert also does a better job protecting the ball than Lin, averaging only 2.3 turnovers per game as compared to Lin's average of 3.5 turnovers per game.

The Knicks can succeed with Shumpert coming off the bench, but they will truly be a contender in the East when they realize that his physicality and ability to create mismatches is an asset that they need to take advantage of.

Lin and Shumpert can be a dynamic point guard tandem in the NBA, but the Knicks need to realize that Shumpert must be the foundation of that tandem, not the other way around.  

Oklahoma City Thunder: Serge Ibaka

When you think of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the first thoughts that come to mind are Kevin Durant and his silky smooth jumper, Russell Westbrook's crazy hops and James Harden's obnoxiously awesome neck beard.

Serge Ibaka and the defensive presence that he brings often goes unnoticed.

In just this third year in the NBA, Ibaka's developing nicely into a solid pose forward/center, with averages of 8.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game, with a PER of 17.66.

Ibaka brings a much needed intensity to the defensive side of the ball for the offensively minded Oklahoma City Thunder.  Ibaka even recorded a triple-double this year with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks.

While Ibaka doesn't get as much attention as he deserves, there's no doubt that he's the foundation of the Thunder's defense, which will be the difference maker in their run in the 2012 playoffs and beyond.   

Orlando Magic: J.J Redick

With all the talk in Orlando revolving around center Dwight Howard lately, it's easy to forget the guys not wearing a No. 12 jersey with the Magic.

One of the best talents that the Magic have aside from guys like Howard, Ryan Anderson and Jason Richardson, is shooting guard J.J. Redick, who's averaging 11.2 points, 2.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds with a PER of 15.71.

Since coming out of Duke in 2006, Redick has developed into a consistent and productive shooting guard for the Orlando Magic, and he's the kind of player that is a real difference maker coming off the bench.

With opposing defenses focusing on Howard in the paint, having a shooter like Redick around the perimeter is an incredibly valuable asset for the Magic to have.

No matter what happens to Howard in the next few months, there's no doubt that Redick will continue to be the leader of the Magic's second unit coming off the bench.  He will also be the difference maker when it comes to the Magic's success in the 2012 playoffs and beyond.

Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young is one of many talented young players on the Philadelphia 76ers roster, and he's certainly one of the best talents they have.

In just 28.2 minutes per game, Young is averaging 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds, with a stellar PER of 19.70.

At 6' 8'' and 220 lb. Young is an athletic forward that is a handful for opposing defenses.  Although he's only coming off the bench behind All-Star small forward, Andre Iguodala, there's no doubt that Young has the talent to be a starting forward for a majority of other teams in the NBA.

On one of the deepest benches in the NBA, it's easy to overlook the importance of Thaddeus Young coming off the bench, but there's no doubt that the spark he provides the 76ers is one that they need heading into the back end of the 2011-12 NBA season.

Young might not get all the attention he deserves, but there's no doubt that his pure athleticism will be at the foundation of the 76ers success in this year's playoffs and more.

Phoenix Suns: Jared Dudley

The Phoenix Suns are one of the most inconsistent teams in the NBA, and that isn't going to cut it in a stacked Western Conference.

With uncertainty surrounding the future of the Suns' franchise, as Steve Nash and Grant Hill are nearing the end of their careers, it's time for the Suns to start building around younger players on their roster.

One of the players the Suns need to starting building around is small forward Jared Dudley, who's having quite a year, with averages of 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and a PER of 16.02.

While Dudley doesn't get the attention he deserves, there's no doubt that he's one of the most consistent and productive players that Phoenix has. 

Dudley has developed into a solid option for the Suns, and he's undoubtedly one of the pieces of the Suns franchise that will help get Phoenix back to the Western Conference playoffs.

Portland Trailblazers: Nicolas Batum

The Portland Trailblazers have cooled off after a hot start to the 2011-12 season, but one player on the roster that's still playing at a high-caliber level is small forward, Nicolas Batum. 

Batum is having the best year of his four-year career, with averages of 14 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1 steals per game, and a PER of 18.66.

The production and efficiency that Batum brings to the Trailblazers night in and night out is the kind of production that the Trailblazers need this season heading into the heart of the second half of their schedule.

With players like Jamal Crawford and Gerald Wallace nearing the end of their more productive days in the NBA, Batum is the talent of the future, along with LaMarcus Aldridge, in Portland.

While Aldridge gets all the attention, there's no doubt that Batum is the unsung hero of a Trailblazers' team that has a bright future ahead of them.

Sacramento Kings: Marcus Thornton

The Sacramento Kings are one of the youngest and most undisciplined teams in the NBA, and that's a major reason why they are sitting at the bottom of the rankings in the Western Conference.

While the Kings certainly aren't in the running for an appearance in the 2012 NBA playoffs, there's no doubt that they have a bright future ahead of them, with talent like Isiah Thomas, Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins.

Another player that gives the Kings hope moving forward, that doesn't get as much attention as he should, is third-year guard, Marcus Thornton.

Thornton is developing into quite a talent, with averages of 18.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game on the year, and a PER of 17.47.

With the talent the Kings have, there's no doubt that with the right leadership and coaching they can be a dangerous team in the West.  Thornton's play will be at the foundation of their success in coming years. He is a solid talent for the Kings to hold on to and build around. 

San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard

With names like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, it's easy to overlook the supporting cast on the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs are one of the best teams in the Western Conference and a large part of their success is rooted in the play of their bench, led by none other than Kawhi Leonard.

While Leonard has found his way into the starting lineup from time to time, there's no doubt that he's incredibly valuable to the Spurs' success no matter where he's at in the rotation.

With averages of 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, and a PER of 16.25, Leonard is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with at the small forward position.

While the foundational talent of the Spurs is getting older, there's no doubt that Leonard is a solid piece of the Spurs' success moving forward into the 2012 NBA playoffs and beyond.

Toronto Raptors: Amir Johnson

While the Toronto Raptors aren't necessarily a playoff contender this season, there's no doubt that the strongest asset they have moving forward is their defense, which ranks 12th in the NBA, allowing an average of only 93.9 points per game.

At the heart of the Raptors defense, is power forward, Amir Johnson, who just so happens to be the unsung hero of the Raptors as well.

Johnson isn't the most productive offensive player on Toronto's team, averaging only 7.4 points per game, but on the defensive side of the ball it's a whole other story.  

In just 25.1 minutes per game, Johnson is averaging 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, which is a solid foundation for the Raptors' future.

With talent like Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan on the roster, it's easy to overlook Johnson's production, but there's no doubt that his defensive focus will be a solid piece of the Raptors' future this season and for years to come.  

Utah Jazz: Al Jefferson

While I'm not shocked that Al Jefferson didn't make his first All-Star appearance in 2012, there's no doubt that he was absolutely snubbed.

With averages of 18.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, Jefferson is playing at one of the most productive and efficient levels of his career, while helping the Jazz remain relevant in the Western Conference.

Jefferson has always been underrated throughout his career, and his years in Utah have been no different.

I'm not sure why Jefferson doesn't get the respect he deserves, but one thing is for sure—Jefferson is a key piece of the Jazz's future in the Western conference, both this year and beyond.

Jefferson is one of the most productive centers in the NBA, and if he keeps playing that way he will undoubtedly help the Jazz return to their glory days of consistent runs in the Western Conference playoffs.  

Washington Wizards: Jordan Crawford

The Washington Wizards' biggest strength is their youth, and it just so happens that their biggest strength is also their biggest weakness.

With guys like Nick Young, JaVale McGee and John Wall getting all the attention in D.C, it's easy to forget about the guys on the Wizards' second unit, like Jordan Crawford.

There's no doubt that Crawford is an immature player who often takes poor shots, but he also happens to be one of the best pure scorers on an underwhelming Wizards' bench.

In his second year in the league, Crawford is averaging 12.9 points, 2.9 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game, with a PER of 14.05.

Crawford is quickly becoming a legitimate option at the shooting guard position for the Washington Wizards, and he will undoubtedly be at the foundation of the Wizards' success in the years to come.

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