A ten-game stretch is admittedly a relatively small sample size in a long NBA season, but that shouldn’t diminish the sensational start Devonte’ Graham has had to his second year in the league.
Currently the Hornets’ nightly leading producer in points (17.9), assists (7.6) and three-pointers (3.1), Graham is quietly emerging as a sneaky early-season candidate for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year and perhaps also the Most Improved Player. Much can happen over the next 72 games, but right now, arguably no player has taken a bigger jump this season than Graham.
“To continue to play this way, to be poised and unphased, he’s grown right before our eyes,” said Coach Borrego after Graham scored a career-high 35 points against Indiana on Nov. 4. “I trust him, believe in him and I think that’s apparent. I think our guys do also. He’s a special player and a winner.”
Playing behind Kemba Walker and Tony Parker last season, Graham averaged a mere 4.7 PPG on 34.3% shooting and 2.6 APG over 14.7 MPG in 46 NBA appearances last season, making multiple assignments to the G League along the way. He shot just 28.1% from three-point range, a clip that’s skyrocketed to 42.5% this year (31-of-73).
What stands out most about the Kansas University product’s demeanor is the calmness and control he plays with on the court. A timely, precise passer, Graham is accounting for 37.3% of the Hornets’ total assists this year, the ninth-highest percentage of any player in the NBA (per CleaningtheGlass.com).
Graham is coming off consecutive games of at least 15 points and 10 assists off the bench, making him the first NBA player to accomplish this feat in four years. Hall-of-Famer Clyde Drexler was the last to record this line in three straight games, doing so back in 1986. And of the five points-assists double-doubles by NBA reserves this season, Graham has three of them.
Amongst NBA players with at least seven appearances as a reserve this season, Graham ranks third in scoring behind Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, first in assists and tied for first in three-pointers. It’s worth nothing that Williams and Harrell – both with the L.A. Clippers – finished first and third, respectively, in Sixth Man Award voting last season.
“Devonte’ puts the work in. He’s very focused, very dedicated. I expected this from him this year, but he’s showed us even more,” said fellow second-year teammate Miles Bridges. “I think he likes coming off the bench, like a Lou Williams-type of player. Comes in, gives us a lot of energy on the offensive end and the defensive end.”
Asked recently about inserting Graham into the starting lineup, Borrego stated “not right now,” choosing to let the 24-year-old thrive in his current role. This will be a year of ongoing experimentation for the Hornets and if the time comes to mix up the first unit, they’ll cross that bridge when they get to it. For what it’s worth, Graham is already sitting tied for third on the team in minutes (31.3) and third in fourth-quarter minutes (8.0) played per game this season.
Team success will always be a factor in the league’s end-of-season award voting as winners (with the exception of Rookie of the Year) rarely come from non-playoff teams. Still though, firmly being in the conversation warrants tremendous praise, particularly for a former 34th overall pick in his second NBA season like Devonte’ Graham.