The Most And Least Reliable NBA Player On Every Team

374836f3-eaa4-47a9-a4d0-753a53dde558

Reliability is underrated when it comes to a player’s value for an NBA team. We are used to players constantly sitting out due to “load management”, a term used to describe keeping athletes healthy over an entire season by picking games to rest them. With so much money invested in players, franchises hardly want to take risks and we are seeing examples from players such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George among others. We have collected the single most and least reliable players on every NBA team.

Atlanta Hawks

Most Reliable: Dejounte Murray

Least Reliable: Wesley Matthews

Dejounte Murray has proven to be a pillar of consistency for the Atlanta Hawks. Known for his elite defense, Murray appeared in an impressive 78 games this year, showcasing his durability and reliability on the court. His defensive prowess not only disrupts opponents’ offenses but also sets the tone for the Hawks’ defensive strategy. Murray’s consistency in providing strong defensive play game after game makes him the most reliable player on the Hawks’ roster.

On the other end of the spectrum, Wesley Matthews has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, which has impacted his availability and performance for the Atlanta Hawks. This year, Matthews only appeared in 36 games, highlighting his inconsistency due to health issues. Additionally, at 37 years old, Matthews has seen a decline in his shooting efficiency, posting a poor 35.1% shooting from the field.

Boston Celtics

Most Reliable: Derrick White

Least Reliable: Al Horford

Even if Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are stars, they have shown tendencies to play below their usual levels which they hope to correct this postseason. Derrick White has emerged as a reliable and consistent player for the Boston Celtics. He has shown a high basketball IQ by consistently making smart decisions with the ball, never taking bad shots, and contributing to the team’s ball movement. Defensively, White has been a standout player and that has even put him in contention for an All-NBA Defensive Team selection.

At 37 years old, Al Horford has naturally seen a decline in his consistency, especially on the offensive end. Although he appeared in 65 games this season, Horford’s role has been reduced to that of a backup, indicating his diminishing role and impact on the team. As a veteran player, he is often kept rested to manage his minutes effectively as a role player.

Brooklyn Nets

Most Reliable: Mikal Bridges

Least Reliable: Ben Simmons

Mikal Bridges has established himself as an incredibly reliable player for the Brooklyn Nets, having played in an impressive 472 consecutive games since being drafted in 2018. Known for his consistent defensive effort, Bridges has also been steadily improving his offensive game, making him a potential candidate for an All-Star selection soon.

Ben Simmons’ tenure with the Brooklyn Nets has been marred by inconsistency and availability issues. He missed the entire 2021-22 season due to injury and holdout and only managed to play in 42 games the previous year. This season, Simmons appeared in just 15 games, further highlighting his unreliability. Additionally, Simmons has struggled with his shooting, making him a liability on the offensive end despite being on a max contract. His inconsistent availability, poor shooting, and overall unreliable performance might make Simmons the least reliable player in the NBA.

Charlotte Hornets

Most Reliable: Brandon Miller

Least Reliable: LaMelo Ball

Despite being a rookie, Brandon Miller has been the most reliable player for the Charlotte Hornets this season. Miller has managed to post impressive numbers, averaging 17.3 points per game in 74 games played, despite the team’s overall struggles with only 21 wins. His consistent scoring and availability on the court have made him a bright spot for the Hornets during a challenging season.

LaMelo Ball is undoubtedly the best player and the only true star on the Charlotte Hornets’ roster. However, his availability has been a major concern. Ball played in 51 games during his rookie season, followed by 36 games last year, and only 22 games this year. His inconsistent availability could be a contributing factor to the team’s poor performances, as his absence has left a significant void in the team’s lineup.

Chicago Bulls

Most Reliable: DeMar DeRozan

Least Reliable: Zach LaVine

DeMar DeRozan has proven to be the most reliable player for the Chicago Bulls, demonstrating his durability and consistency on the court. He has played in at least 74 games for each of the last three seasons, earning two All-Star selections during that time. As the primary offensive option for the Bulls, DeRozan has shouldered the scoring load and has been a consistent performer night in and night out.

Zach LaVine has struggled with injuries throughout his tenure with the Chicago Bulls, impacting his availability and reliability. In seven seasons with the Bulls, LaVine has only appeared in at least 65 games twice, and this year he played in just 25 games due to injuries. Additionally, the constant trade rumors surrounding LaVine have added to the instability and uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Most Reliable: Isaac Okoro

Least Reliable: Dean Wade

Isaac Okoro has emerged as the most reliable player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, consistently bringing energy and effort on the defensive end. Despite not being a star player, Okoro understands his role within the team and competes hard on both ends of the floor. He appeared in 69 games this season and 76 games last year.

Dean Wade has struggled with availability during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, making him the least reliable player on the team. Despite being a role player, Wade played in only 44 games last year and 54 games this year, indicating his inconsistency and unreliability due to injuries or other reasons. While the team’s stars may not always be available, they are not as inconsistent as Wade, who has failed to maintain a regular presence on the court.

Dallas Mavericks

Most Reliable: Luka Doncic

Least Reliable: Kyrie Irving

Luka Doncic has solidified himself as the most reliable player for the Dallas Mavericks, demonstrating his durability and consistency on the court. He has played at least 65 games for four straight seasons and played in 70 games this season, ending up as the NBA’s scoring leader. Doncic is a consistent offensive force and is always available to carry the Mavericks throughout the season.

Despite being an excellent second option for the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving has struggled with availability and reliability. Irving has only been with the Mavericks for around one and a half seasons but has already faced challenges in staying available. He played in only 58 games this year and hasn’t played in at least 65 games since the 2018-19 season with the Boston Celtics. While Irving’s off-court distractions have decreased compared to his time with the Brooklyn Nets, he still deals with nagging injuries that impact his availability.

Denver Nuggets

Most Reliable: Nikola Jokic

Least Reliable: Jamal Murray

As a two-time MVP and the best player on the team, Nikola Jokic has played in at least 65 games every season of his career. This season, he played in 79 games and has managed to play in over 80 games twice in his career, including his rookie campaign. Jokic is a massively impactful player who can dominate the boards, score, and serve as the primary playmaker for the Nuggets all at once.

Jamal Murray is a critical player for the Denver Nuggets, especially in the postseason, but his availability has been a concern. He played in only 59 games this season, and while he managed to play in 65 games last year, he played in just 107 games over the three seasons before that. Despite his injury issues, Murray is healthy for the 2024 postseason, which is crucial for the Nuggets’ championship aspirations.

Detroit Pistons

Most Reliable: Jaden Ivey

Least Reliable: Killian Hayes

Jaden Ivey, drafted No. 5 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, has quickly established himself as the most reliable player on the team. Ivey played in 74 games last year and 77 games this year, showcasing his durability and consistency on the court. He is a consistent defender and has shown the mentality and willingness to improve as a shooting guard.

Killian Hayes, despite showing potential, has struggled with availability and reaching the next level due to injuries and inconsistent play. He played in only 26 games during his rookie season and managed to play in just 42 games this season. Despite being in the league for four years, Hayes has been unable to consistently reach the level of play expected of him. However, at only 22 years old, Hayes still has time to develop and improve his consistency.

Golden State Warriors

Most Reliable: Stephen Curry

Least Reliable: Draymond Green

Stephen Curry has been the cornerstone and leader of the Golden State Warriors since their championship season in 2022. Despite not playing in at least 65 games in a season since 2018-19, Curry’s scoring presence and leadership on the court make him the most reliable player for the Warriors. His ability to carry the team and his consistent impact on the offensive end solidify his role as the most reliable player on the Warriors’ roster.

Draymond Green has struggled with availability and on-court behavior, making him the least reliable player on the Golden State Warriors. Green played in only 52 games this season and has been ejected four times, indicating his inconsistent availability and his tendency for on-court issues. His behavior, including incidents like assaulting his own teammate Jordan Poole last year, further highlights his unreliability both on and off the court.

Houston Rockets

Most Reliable: Jalen Green

Least Reliable: Jae’Sean Tate

Jalen Green has quickly emerged as the most reliable player for the Houston Rockets since his rookie season. He played in 76 games last year and all 82 games this year, showcasing his availability and commitment to the team. At only 23 years old, Green is expected to be healthy and motivated to play every game. His impressive scoring ability, averaging 19.6 points per game, and potential to become a budding All-Star make Green the most reliable player on the Rockets’ roster.

While the Houston Rockets have undergone roster changes and don’t have many unreliable players, Jae’Sean Tate stands out as the least reliable due to the fact he only played 31 games last year and 65 games this year and needs to sort out his health to fortify Houston’s roster.

Indiana Pacers

Most Reliable: Tyrese Haliburton

Least Reliable: Isaiah Jackson

Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as the most reliable player for the Indiana Pacers. He played in 69 games this year and was the only All-Star on the team, highlighting his consistent availability and impact on the court. Haliburton’s offensive skills and ability to lead the team make him the most reliable player on the Pacers’ roster.

Isaiah Jackson played in only 39 games during his rookie season and has yet to play in at least 65 games in a single season. Despite his potential as a role player, Jackson’s inconsistency in terms of availability means the team doesn’t have a 6’10” and 260 lbs backup big man.

Los Angeles Clippers

Most Reliable: Ivica Zubac

Least Reliable: Kawhi Leonard

Ivica Zubac has emerged as the most reliable player for the Los Angeles Clippers, providing consistent and dependable play as the team’s main big man. He played in 68 games this year and has played in 76 games each over the last two seasons. Zubac has been a consistent presence on both ends of the floor, particularly in protecting the rim.

Kawhi Leonard, despite being a superstar talent, has struggled with availability and reliability during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. He played in 68 games this year, marking the first time since the 2016-17 season that he played in at least 65 games. However, Leonard suffered an injury before this season’s playoffs to continue the vicious cycle.

Los Angeles Lakers

Most Reliable: Austin Reaves

Least Reliable: Jarred Vanderbilt

Austin Reaves played in all 82 games this season, averaging 32.1 minutes per game. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Reaves always knows what to expect from him in terms of scoring and playmaking and that is actually quite a blessing for a title-contending team.

Jarred Vanderbilt has struggled with availability and health issues since joining the Los Angeles Lakers at last year’s trade deadline, making him the least reliable player on the team. He played in only six games this season and has not been able to stay healthy and consistently contribute on the court.

Memphis Grizzlies

Most Reliable: Desmond Bane

Least Reliable: Ja Morant

Jaren Jackson Jr has solidified himself as the most reliable player for the Memphis Grizzlies, providing elite defense and playing a major role for the team. He played in 78, 63, and 66 games over the last three years, showcasing his consistent availability after playing under 65 games in each of his first three seasons. Jackson Jr’s consistent defensive presence and availability make him the most reliable player on the Grizzlies’ roster.

Ja Morant, despite being the star player of the team, has struggled with availability and off-court issues during his time in the NBA, making him the least reliable player on the Memphis Grizzlies. He has played under 65 games in four of his five seasons in the league and only appeared in nine games this season. A suspension stemming from social media behavior completely derailed his team’s season from the start.

Miami Heat

Most Reliable: Bam Adebayo

Least Reliable: Tyler Herro

Bam Adebayo has proven to be the most reliable player for the Miami Heat, demonstrating his durability and leadership on the court. He has played at least 70 games in each of the last two seasons and is considered the best defender on the team. Adebayo’s consistent defensive presence and leadership make him the most reliable player on the Heat’s roster.

Meanwhile, Tyler Herro has struggled with availability during his time with the Miami Heat since he has played in at least 65 games only twice in five years and missed last year’s Finals, which significantly impacted the team’s chances. This season, Herro played in only 42 games and it is concerning that a 24-year-old is missing this many games.

Milwaukee Bucks

Most Reliable: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Least Reliable: Khris Middleton

Giannis Antetokounmpo has consistently demonstrated his reliability and durability throughout his career, making him the most reliable player for the Milwaukee Bucks. He has played at least 65 games eight times in his career and played in 73 games this year. As the best two-way player in the NBA, Giannis is the driving force of the Bucks and is trusted to dominate every game he plays in.

Khris Middleton has struggled with injuries and a drop in performance significantly. He played in only 33 games last year and 55 games this year, indicating his inconsistent availability due to injuries. Additionally, Middleton’s level of play has dropped, averaging under 16 points per game in this and last season.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Most Reliable: Anthony Edwards

Least Reliable: Karl-Anthony Towns

Anthony Edwards has quickly emerged as the most reliable player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, demonstrating his durability and growth as a player. He has played at least 70 games in every season of his career and competed in 79 games this year. Edwards is a growing superstar with the mentality and potential to potentially be the face of the NBA one day.

Karl-Anthony Towns played in only 29 games last year, which hurt the team’s chances to compete. This year, Towns played in 62 games, and he is still getting back to full health for the team in this year’s playoffs as he played in only 27 minutes during their opening playoff game.

New Orleans Pelicans

Most Reliable: Jonas Valanciunas

Least Reliable: Zion Williamson

Jonas Valanciunas has proven to be the most reliable player for the New Orleans Pelicans, demonstrating his availability and consistent performance on the court. He has played at least 70 games in four of the last five seasons and played in all 82 games this season. Valanciunas has been a consistent double-double contributor, averaging a double-double in the last two seasons as a member of the Pelicans.

Zion Williamson has struggled with injuries and availability during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, making him the least reliable player on the team. He has missed significant time, and his career games played are concerning since his rookie season: 24, 61, 0, and 29. He played 70 this season but guess what? He got injured and did not play for the Pelicans in their first playoff game this season.

New York Knicks

Most Reliable: Jalen Brunson

Least Reliable: Mitchell Robinson

Jalen Brunson has emerged as the most reliable player for the New York Knicks. He played in 68 games last year and 77 games this year, became an All-NBA performer this season, and has been a consistent scorer and ball-handler for the team, averaging a career-high 28.7 points per game and 6.7 assists per game this season. His consistent production and leadership make Brunson the most reliable player on the Knicks’ roster.

Mitchell Robinson has struggled with injuries and availability during his time with the New York Knicks, making him the least reliable player on the team. He played in only 59 games last year and 31 games this year, indicating his inconsistent availability due to injuries. While Robinson’s impact comes primarily on defense, the Knicks have missed his presence on the court.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Most Reliable: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Least Reliable: Gordon Hayward

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified himself as the most reliable player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, demonstrating his leadership, durability, and consistent performance on the court. He helped lead OKC to the first seed in the West this season and played in 75 games this year and 68 games last year. Gilgeous-Alexander is a consistent offensive force and elite scorer, serving as the leader of the team.

Gordon Hayward has struggled with injuries and availability throughout his career, making him the least reliable player on the Oklahoma City Thunder. He joined the team towards the end of the season but has been unreliable over his entire career. Hayward played in only 51 games this season, 50 games last year, and 49 games the season before, indicating his inconsistent availability due to injuries. Since his leg break, Hayward has not been the same player.

Orlando Magic

Most Reliable: Paolo Banchero

Least Reliable: Jonathan Isaac

Paolo Banchero has quickly emerged as the most reliable player for the Orlando Magic, demonstrating his durability and exceptional performance on the court. He played in 72 games in his rookie season and 80 games this season, earning his first All-Star selection as the best player on the team.

Jonathan Isaac has struggled with injuries throughout his career, making him the least reliable player on the Orlando Magic. His games played record is concerning: 27, 75, 34, 0, 0, 11, and 58, indicating his inconsistent availability due to injuries. While Isaac is an elite defender when healthy, he has not been able to consistently contribute and come through for his team.

Philadelphia 76ers

Most Reliable: Tyrese Maxey

Least Reliable: Joel Embiid

Tyrese Maxey has played in at least 70 games in two of the last three seasons and appeared in 70 games this year. Maxey is an improving guard offensively and has become an energetic star for the team. His consistent availability and growing impact make Maxey the most reliable player on the 76ers’ roster.

Joel Embiid, despite being a two-time scoring champion and last year’s MVP, has struggled with injuries and availability throughout his career, making him the least reliable player on the Philadelphia 76ers. He has played in only 65 games twice in his career and appeared in only 39 games this year. Embiid famously missed the entire first two seasons of his career due to injuries and can’t seem to stay healthy.

Phoenix Suns

Most Reliable: Grayson Allen

Least Reliable: Bradley Beal

Grayson Allen has quickly established himself as the most reliable player for the Phoenix Suns, even if this is his first season with the team. He played in 75 games this season, 72 games last year with the Bucks, and 66 games the year before. Allen is an above-average defender who doesn’t take a night off in that regard.

Bradley Beal, despite being a talented scorer, has struggled with injuries and availability in recent seasons. He has played in only 40, 50, and 53 games in the last three seasons, indicating his inconsistent availability due to injuries. Beal’s inability to stay healthy, despite making over $50 million per season, and his contract could be concerning for Suns management.

Portland Trail Blazers

Most Reliable: Jerami Grant

Least Reliable: Robert Williams

Jerami Grant has been a steady and reliable player for the Portland Trail Blazers, demonstrating his defensive prowess and scoring ability. Despite playing for a rebuilding team, Grant has been a consistent and steady presence for the Blazers.

Robert Williams, despite joining the Portland Trail Blazers this season, has struggled with injuries and availability. He played in only six games this season, and his maximum number of games played in a season is 61 games in 2021-22, with under 55 games played in every other season as a member of the Celtics.

Sacramento Kings

Most Reliable: Harrison Barnes

Least Reliable: Alex Len

Harrison Barnes has proven to be the most reliable player for the Sacramento Kings, demonstrating his durability, scoring ability, and versatility on the court. He played in all 82 games this season and helped the Kings make the play-in tournament and the Kings know what to expect when he starts games.

Alex Len has struggled with injuries and availability, making him the least reliable player on the Sacramento Kings. In the last three seasons, his games played record is concerning: 39, 26, and 48 games. Len is a backup big man but has been hardly available due to injuries.

San Antonio Spurs

Most Reliable: Keldon Johnson

Least Reliable: Zach Collins

Keldon Johnson has emerged as the most reliable player for the San Antonio Spurs, demonstrating his durability and consistent performance on the court. He has played in over 65 games in the last two seasons and has been a reliable contributor for the Spurs despite being rather undervalued.

Zach Collins has struggled with injuries throughout his career, making him the least reliable player on the San Antonio Spurs. He missed the entire 2020-21 season due to injuries, played in only 28 games in 2021-22, and needed surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder this year. Despite playing over 65 games in the last two seasons, Collins’ injury history remains concerning.

Toronto Raptors

Most Reliable: Scottie Barnes

Least Reliable: Otto Porter Jr.

Scottie Barnes has quickly established himself as the most reliable player for the Toronto Raptors, demonstrating his durability, versatility, and significant improvement on the court. He played in over 70 games in the last two seasons and appeared in 60 games this year, despite the team undergoing a transition by trading Pascal Siakam. Barnes earned an All-Star selection this season and is a candidate for Most Improved Player this season.

Otto Porter Jr. has struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance, making him the least reliable player on the Toronto Raptors. He played in only 23 games total in the last two seasons and has not been in the best shape to earn minutes, experiencing a drop-off since his early days with the Washington Wizards.

Utah Jazz

Most Reliable: Lauri Markkanen

Least Reliable: Luka Samanic

Lauri Markkanen has demonstrated his consistency as a scorer and rebounder and is the only All-Star on the Jazz, The forward is the only true threat on the team who can be relied upon. His consistent production and reliability make him the most reliable player on the Jazz’s roster when looking from top to bottom.

Luka Samanic has struggled to earn playing time and has been inconsistent since he played in only seven games last year and 43 games this year, despite being a backup center. Samanic’s inability to contribute consistently and earn regular playing time makes him the least reliable player on the Jazz’s roster.

Washington Wizards

Most Reliable: Kyle Kuzma

Least Reliable: Marvin Bagley III

Kyle Kuzma played in 70 games this season and posted an impressive 22.2 points per game. Kuzma has been a reliable and key contributor for the Wizards, making him the most reliable player on the team’s roster as the best player.

On the opposite side, Marvin Bagley III has struggled with injuries over his career, unfortunately. He played in only 50 games this season, despite being traded by the Detroit Pistons, and played in 42 and 48 games in the previous two years with the Pistons and Kings, respectively. Bagley III has been constantly traded and has yet to realize his potential due to injuries and inconsistent availability.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.