#playmaking

#playmaking

Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook has agreed to sign with the Sacramento Kings, ESPN confirmed Wednesday through his agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management. The 2017 MVP joins the Kings ahead of his 18th NBA season, giving Sacramento an experienced option in a backcourt that lacked depth a year ago. Westbrook, who turns 37 in November, spent last season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games while shooting 44.9% from the field.

In his preseason debut for the Miami Heat, Kasparas Jakucionis showed plenty of flashes that he could one day develop into the star playmaking point guard that fans have long desired. After an up-and-down summer league performance, Jakucionis gave Heat fans much to look forward to in his 25 minutes played against the San Antonio Spurs. Jakucionis finished with eight points, 10 assists, and two steals against the Spurs in his preseason debut.

I was just letting the game come to me, Kuminga said. I feel like if one of them, or Steph (Curry), was open, for me it was just about finding the open person. I felt good doing it, because I was letting the game come to me.

He could rather easily wind up getting lost in the rotation shuffle, especially if sophomore swingman Pelle Larsson can make a big leap. For now, though, Miami is positioning Jaquez for a breakout by including him in its starting five for its first two preseason contests. It's a sensible approach given the Heat's lack of playmaking and desire to pick up the pace, but there aren't many arrows pointing toward an actual turnaround.

If Jovic can keep this efficient level of play for the Heat, there's reason to believe that he could emerge as somewhat of an answer for the team at the point forward position. Even when their backcourt is fully healthy, there have been questions about whether they have enough playmaking on the roster. After electing not to address that concern this past offseason, perhaps this is a role that Jovic could end up filling.

When he was drafted by San Jose, a large chunk of fans were incredulous that General Manager Mike Grier didn't take Matvei Michkov instead (ignorant of the reality that Michkov almost certainly didn't want to come to the Sharks, given that he said no to Washington and Arizona). When he spent his post-draft year with Boston College, NHL scouts focused on his linemates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault instead, ignoring the reality that it was Smith's playmaking and play-driving ability carrying the line.

Bub Carrington may be one of the most overlooked players heading into next season for the Washington Wizards. The Pittsburgh product was drafted inside of the NBA Draft lottery by Washington in the 2024 NBA Draft after sending Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon and the pick that eventually landed the young guard in D.C. Carrington's arrival was overlooked by the team's loaded rookie class that feautured both Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George,

William Eklund's path to the San Jose Sharks has been one of the most closely watched prospect journeys in the league. Drafted 7th overall by San Jose in the 2021 NHL Draft, he came into the organization with huge expectations as a future face of the franchise. After spending time developing in Sweden with Djurgårdens IF and splitting a couple of seasons between the Barracuda and the Sharks, Eklund finally became a full-time NHLer in 2023-24, and he didn't disappoint.

Not only is Herro coming off a career year in which he made the All-Star Game, but he's the team's leading scorer, and paced them in assists as well. Miami's offense was already at a disadvantage with him. It has no top-tier creator. Herro is their best passer, which is a testament to his evolution, and also not ideal. Without him, the Heat's offense could be subject to complete and utter implosion.

There's a reason why a player like Trae Young is in a different conversation than someone like Cam Thomas or Tyler Herro. Say what you will about his flaws, but Young is undeniably among the top-tier, elite playmakers, if not, the absolute best. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged double-digit assists: 10.2 in 2022-23, 10.8 in 2023-24, and 11.6 in 2024-25. In fact, Young's most recent campaign saw him lead the league in assists, finally claiming the top spot after coming close in previous seasons.