Three Role Players Who Will Take Their New Teams to the Next Level
As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, several teams have made critical offseason moves to bolster their rosters, bringing in role players who could prove pivotal to their success. While stars often dominate headlines, key role players' contributions can elevate a team from playoff contenders to championship hopefuls. This season, three standout role players have the potential to make a significant impact on their new teams, providing much-needed depth, versatility, and experience. These players may not be the focal points, but their ability to complement the stars and enhance team dynamics could be the game-changers their franchises need to take the next step.
Isaiah Hartenstein - Oklahoma City Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein's addition to the Oklahoma City Thunder could significantly impact the team's progress in the 2024-2025 season. Known for his high basketball IQ, defensive versatility, and playmaking ability as a big man, Hartenstein brings skills that perfectly complement OKC's young and athletic roster. As a mobile center with great passing instincts, he can facilitate offensive sets and create opportunities for scorers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Defensively, Hartenstein's rim protection and ability to guard multiple positions will strengthen the Thunder’s interior defense. His experience as a role player in high-pressure situations will also provide much-needed veteran stability to a young team poised to leap into playoff contention. Isaiah Hartenstein's presence in Oklahoma City enhances the Thunder's versatility and addresses critical needs like rebounding and interior toughness. Playing alongside Chet Holmgren, Hartenstein can thrive as a complementary big, allowing Holmgren to focus more on stretching the floor offensively and using his length defensively. Hartenstein’s physicality and solid rebounding instincts help solve a significant weakness for OKC, as they struggled on the boards last season. With his knack for cleaning up missed shots and boxing out opponents, Hartenstein alleviates pressure on Holmgren to dominate the glass while forming a frontcourt duo capable of controlling the paint and anchoring the Thunder’s defense. This partnership could make OKC more balanced and formidable as they continue their upward trajectory in the Western Conference.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Orlando Magic
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is set to be a game-changing addition for the Orlando Magic, addressing two of their most pressing needs: shooting and spacing. Known for his efficient three-point shooting and ability to space the floor, KCP will immediately help improve Orlando’s perimeter game, which has been a weak spot for this young squad. His presence as a reliable catch-and-shoot option will open up driving lanes for playmakers like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, allowing them more room to operate offensively. KCP also brings valuable championship experience, having won titles with the Lakers and the Nuggets, which will be crucial for a Magic team looking to leap from a rebuilding franchise to playoff contention. His leadership and knowledge of what it takes to win at the highest level will elevate their on-court performance and provide a winning mentality that could accelerate the development of their young core.
Tyus Jones - Phoenix Suns
Tyus Jones' addition to the Phoenix Suns is a crucial move that fills a significant gap in their roster, having a true point guard with the skills needed to orchestrate the offense. Unlike previous seasons where the Suns lacked a traditional floor general following Chris Paul's departure, Jones brings exceptional court vision, decision-making, and a low turnover rate, providing much-needed stability. Jones’ unselfish play will help distribute the scoring load while keeping the offense fluid, and his defensive capabilities will also be an asset on the perimeter. Tyus Jones' presence as a true point guard will be a game-changer for the Suns' big three—Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant, by making it easier for them to get high-quality shots. Jones excels at running an offense with precision, and his ability to break down defenses and find open teammates will allow Booker, Beal, and Durant to play more off the ball and focus on scoring in their optimal spots. With Jones orchestrating the offense, these three stars won’t have to shoulder the burden of creating their shots as often, leading to more catch-and-shoot opportunities and cleaner looks. His playmaking will also keep defenses off balance, preventing opponents from overloading on the Suns’ elite scorers. By setting up efficient offensive sets and getting the ball to the right players in rhythm, Jones makes life easier for the Suns' stars, allowing them to focus on what they do best: putting the ball in the basket.
As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, the impact of key role players like Isaiah Hartenstein, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Tyus Jones cannot be understated. Hartenstein’s versatility and rebounding will be crucial for Oklahoma City’s continued growth, while KCP’s shooting and championship experience will elevate a young Magic team looking to make a playoff push. With his playmaking abilities, Tyus Jones will bring much-needed balance to the Suns' star-powered roster, enabling Booker, Beal, and Durant to thrive offensively. Each player fills a vital role for their new teams, positioning them to take significant strides this season and beyond.
