Three Western Conference role players who could be X factors this season

Last season, third-year small forward Herbert Jones emerged as one of the league’s premier role players, excelling as a three-and-D wing. He earned first-team All-Defense honors and knocked down 41.8% of his three-point attempts (16th in the NBA), playing a pivotal part in helping the Pelicans to a 49-33 record. Similarly, the Mavericks bolstered their roster at the trade deadline by acquiring two standout role players: Daniel Gafford, who provided elite paint protection and rim-running and P.J. Washington, whose shooting and perimeter defense helped Dallas make a Finals run.

Next, we’ll highlight three Western Conference role players who could be similar X factors.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura

In the Lakers’ first preseason game against the Timberwolves, Hachimura posted a -12 +/- rating, the worst in the starting lineup. He shot just 1-for-3 from deep and was consistently outplayed in the post by Luka Garza, a fringe rotation player for Minnesota. Though it was just a preseason outing, this performance mirrored Hachimura’s inconsistent play during his time in L.A.

At 230 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Hachimura has the physical tools to be a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. At his best, he’s a shot-blocking force and offensively, he boasts a smooth stroke from three (42.2% in 2023-24) and a polished midrange game (52.5% from 10-16 feet last season). Despite this, he often fades into the background, failing to assert himself on offense and delivering half-hearted defensive efforts.

If Hachimura can consistently play at 100% on both ends of the floor, he could provide the Lakers with the ancillary scoring and rim protection they need to climb up the Western Conference standings.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid

The Timberwolves’ decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo was driven by the need to manage their future salary cap, but Reid’s breakout performance last season — which earned him the Sixth Man of the Year Award — made this move much more feasible.

Minnesota’s presumed starting frontcourt will have spacing issues. Rudy Gobert didn’t attempt a single three-point shot last season, new starting power forward Julius Randle hit just 31.1% from deep in 2023-24 and small forward Jaden McDaniels connected on only 33.7% from beyond the arc. 

With Towns in New York, that’s where Naz Reid comes in as a critical role payer. His ability to stretch the floor might be the key to unlocking Minnesota’s offense. Let’s compare Reid’s 2023-24 per 36 minutes stats with those of All-Star Towns:

• Naz Reid: 20.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 41.4% 3P on 7.5 attempts per game
• Karl-Anthony Towns: 24.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 41.6% 3P on 5.8 attempts per game

Reid’s three-point stroke might become invaluable for the Wolves next season, providing Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley room to maneuver.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga

With Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks in free agency, the Warriors are left with a significant scoring void. Outside of Steph Curry, Kuminga is the only player remaining on the roster who averaged more than 14 points per game last season.

At 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, Kuminga’s size and athleticism allow him to attack the basket with ease, overpowering defenders and finishing strong in traffic. However, his long-distance stroke is a weakness. Kuminga shot just 32.1% from deep last year, which allowed opposing wings to sag off him and clog the paint. He also tends to get tunnel vision (2.2 APG in 2023-24), often stagnating head coach Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy, pass-first offensive system.

If Kuminga can add more range to his shot and become a more willing passer, he has the potential to emerge as the second offensive weapon the Warriors need to compete for a top-six seed in the Western Conference.