The NBA preseason is approaching and to celebrate that, let's take a look at some Western Conference teams' secret weapons, specifically the Lakers, Kings, and Warriors.
All three teams have high hopes for this upcoming season. The Lakers hope to get back to the Western Conference Finals and advane, the Warriors look to rebound from their second round exit, and the Kings hope to continue their rise in the Western Conference.
Each of these teams have star players that other teams' defenses will pay attention to. When that occurs, what do you do to avoid going stagnant? You turn to the secret weapon. The guy that the defense wishes they had a scheme for, but never do.
For example, Austin Reaves was the secret weapon for the Lakers last year. However, given the year he's had and the summer he's currently having, what he is able to do now is far from a secret. In fact, teams will probably be a lot less lenient when it comes to letting Austin Reaves dribble, drive, and score. Don't worry though Lakers. You got a new secret to keep.
Lakers secret weapon: Cam Reddish
A young guard who hasn't really lived up to his potential goes to LA and suddenly everything changes. Sound familiar? This could be the case for Cam Reddish. After bouncing around the league for four seasons, Reddish signed a one-year, veteran's minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
A development program with LA's track record should bode well for Reddish. The smooth 6'8 guard will need to work on his efficiency and playmaking. However, the chance to share the court with Anthony Davis and LeBron James should only set Reddish up for success.
When asked what Lakers fans will enjoy most about Reddish and his game, Reddish told Spectrum Sportsnet:
The ability to do it on both sides of the ball. Bring that energy on defense. And then, offensively, being able to do a variety of different things, Make plays and things like that.Heading into the fifth year of his career, Reddish's usual role will change. For the first time in his career, he'll be on a team that's established, not rebuilding. There's no big contract waiting for him. If he wants that, he'll have to earn it. Considering what the Lakers have done for players like Malik Monk, Lonnie Walker IV, and even Austin Reaves, Reddish is in very good hands with this organization.
Warriors secret weapon: Moses Moody
It's easier for a team's front office to take risks when they know they have young guys willing to step up and play a much bigger role. Moses Moody is one of those guys. If you're not convinced on Moses Moody, all it takes is a quick afternoon of highlights and you'll be sold. (This is the first time I've seen someone get a rebound off a missed free throw, secure the ball, and dunk it. All with one hand, all with no run up).
On the court, Moody plays much bigger than he is. He's certainly not afraid of any dirty work and never hesitates to hustle for a rebound or loose ball. He's reliable on the defensive end with a 6-foot-6 frame and 7-foot-1 wingspan. According to Bleacher Report's Dan Favale, Moses Moody made the list as one of the NBA players who could thrive in bigger roles next season.
With Poole and DiVincenzo gone, keep an eye on Moody's minutes this preseason. It appears he's preparing to step into a more defined, major role with the Dubs this season.
Kings secret weapon: Keegan Murray
In addition to seeing Sacramento's playoff curse lift last season, we also witnessed Keegan Murray improve every game.
Here's a fact: Nobody has made more three-pointers as a rookie than Keegan Murray. (He netted 206 last year.) During his rookie campaign with the Kings, Murray averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist per game. If his performance in this past summer league is any sign of what's to come ... then something serious might be brewing in Sacramento.
This summer, as Murray suited up for the Kings during the California Classic, we saw exactly how much difference a year of NBA experience can make. The Kings won both their games and Murray finished as the event's top scorer, tallying 70 points in 62 minutes played.
Murray scored 29 points in his first game, only to follow that up with a 41-point outing against the Heat in the second game. However, the fact that this was not the catch-and-shoot Murray we've all grown accustomed to should excite Kings fans. The second-year player seems to have added more layers to his game, diversifying his scoring portfolio. This included multiple drives to the basket, playing with a lot more physicality on both sides of the ball, and of course, this monstrous slam. It's clear that Murray has grown into a more complete player, and his performance in the California Classic is a sign of what's to come for the Kings.
