As the Paris Olympics approach, basketball fans eagerly await the start of the tournament on the 27th. While the U.S. team, filled with NBA superstars, garners much attention, several other teams also boast NBA-level talent. Besides the well-known stars, there are other standout players who may have a significant impact on the games. Here are some underrated players to watch in the tournament.
Jose Alvarado: The Puerto Rican Dynamo
Jose Alvarado, who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, is a classic example of an undersized point guard, standing at just 6 feet tall. Despite often coming off the bench, he has managed to carve out a significant role due to his relentless energy and crafty playing style. Alvarado’s shooting has improved steadily, with his three-point accuracy reaching 37.7% last season. Known for his tenacious defense, he excels at reading plays and applying pressure, making opponents constantly aware of his presence.
Alvarado’s scoring ability is more prominent in international play. In the World Cup Americas qualifiers, he averaged 21 points per game. He continued to showcase his skills in the Olympic qualifiers, scoring 16 points per game, including standout performances with 23 points against Lithuania and 29 points against Italy. Teams in Paris will need to keep a close eye on this dynamic player to avoid being overwhelmed by his scoring bursts.
Santi Aldama: Spain’s Rising Star
Santi Aldama, a young forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has seen a significant increase in his playing time and responsibilities. Last season, at just 23 years old, Aldama often started as a power forward, showcasing his development. He averaged 10.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game. These numbers highlight his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Lacking explosive athleticism, Aldama primarily scores through mid-range and long-distance shooting. He uses his soft touch and high release point to score over defenders. With Spain’s national team, Aldama’s role becomes even more crucial in the absence of stars like the Gasol brothers. In the Olympic qualifiers, he averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per game, significantly improving from his performance in the previous World Cup. His high basketball IQ and versatile skill set make him a key player to watch in the Olympics.
Willy Hernangomez: Spain’s Veteran Center
Willy Hernangomez, who recently returned to Europe, plays for FC Barcelona in Spain’s top basketball league. Despite being a backup center, Hernangomez remains an effective player, averaging 11 points and 4.8 rebounds in just 16.2 minutes per game. Known for his strong physical presence and solid fundamentals, he has become a reliable option for Spain in the paint.
Hernangomez has been a staple in Spain’s national team since his youth, and with the retirement of the Gasol brothers, his role has expanded. He excels in low-post scoring and has a good understanding of pick-and-roll situations. In last year’s World Cup, he averaged 18.2 points and 5.6 rebounds, and he maintained similar numbers in the Olympic qualifiers. As Spain’s most formidable inside player, Hernangomez is set to play a crucial role in their pursuit of Olympic success.
Bruno Caboclo: Brazil’s Versatile Forward
Bruno Caboclo, standing at 6’9″, had a brief and mostly uneventful NBA career, primarily playing limited minutes. However, he has found a resurgence in European leagues, where he has developed a more reliable three-point shot. Across various leagues and international competitions, Caboclo has shot an impressive 43% from beyond the arc, significantly improving his career prospects.
In the World Cup, Caboclo averaged 16.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for Brazil. He continued this form in the Olympic qualifiers, posting 17.8 points and 7 rebounds per game. His newfound shooting ability, combined with his defensive presence, makes him a valuable asset. Caboclo has been described as a late bloomer, thriving in the more flexible playing environments outside the NBA. The Olympics present an opportunity for him to further showcase his talents on a global stage.
Conclusion
These players, often overshadowed by bigger names, have the potential to be game-changers in the Paris Olympics. Keep an eye on them as they strive to lead their teams to victory and make their mark on the international stage.(747Live)
