While the league’s biggest names grab headlines and max money, several low-paid players carry their teams on a nightly basis. We can put these cheap role players in the “Ty Jerome group.” Last season, Jerome was one of the most important players on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster, making less than $3 million while producing like a near All-Star. Today, we will take a look at players whose salaries are barely above the minimum. Yet their impact is so large that they are turning into some of the most valuable contracts in the league.
Could These Five Cheap Contracts Be the Best Deals in the NBA?
In the new apron era, NBA franchises constantly juggle between big contracts and luxury-tax concerns. That is what makes these inexpensive role players some of the most valuable contributors. They are not just helping their teams win, they are reshaping how front offices think about roster building.
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Last season, Sandro Mamukelashvili played for the San Antonio Spurs, but they were not willing to extend him. The Toronto Raptors swooped in and got him on a cheap deal, and he is thriving on a team that plays ten guys regularly.
This season, he is averaging double-digit points for the first time and has improved in almost every category. Mamukelashvili averages 10.4 points per game on 56.6% shooting from the floor and 44.4% from the three-point line.
Ajay Mitchell
Ajay Mitchell took full advantage of the opportunity. With the Oklahoma City Thunder battling some injuries, he has been promoted to the sixth-man role and has even started five games. This season, the second-year guard has exploded to 16.5 points per game. His efficiency is slightly down, but we cannot ignore the fact that right now, he might be the third-best player on the Thunder.
It is just another example of how Sam Presti manages to find cheap talent, develop it, and then plug it into the rotation. The Thunder got Mitchell in a draft-night trade. Last season, he didn’t play much, but this year he is bringing tremendous value to the team.
Kyshawn George
If there is one bright spot for Washington Wizards fans, it’s Kyshawn George. The second-year wing averages 16.5 points per game on increased efficiency. Shooting 48.4% from the floor and 44% from the three-point line, George is proving he should be a long-term piece for the Wizards. For a player drafted in the late first round, George is making a leap that will make Wizards fans happy.
Cam Spencer
It seems like the Memphis Grizzlies find young talent late in the draft every year. Last season, Jaylen Wells was a revelation. This year, Cam Spencer is making a leap in his second season. With the Grizzlies battling injuries, Spencer has taken advantage of the opportunity. Averaging almost 10 points on 44.1% shooting from the floor and 43% from the three-point line, Spencer is turning into a floor-spacing wing for the long term.
Keyonte George
Keyonte George took his time, but he is finally playing at a high level. Guards usually develop faster in the league, but he needed time to understand the speed of the game. Playing at both guard slots, his attempts and touches are up. Yes, he is averaging more turnovers, but he is now a 20-plus-point-per-game scorer.
This season, George has increased his scoring to 23.4 points per game on better shooting from the floor. His three-point shooting is down, but he is getting more attempts. George is driving to the rim more, staying aggressive, and making plays.
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