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# NBA Rotation Watch: 5 Young Players Who Could See Their Minutes Climb
- URL: https://www.playoffrondo.com/nba-rotation-watch-5-young-players-who-could-see-their-minutes-climb/
- Published: 2026-10-09T21:33:52.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-09T21:33:52.000Z
- Author: Playoff Rondo

The NBA season opens in 11 days, and preseason performances are starting to offer clues about how rotations might shake out. These five young players are worth watching—not necessarily because they're poised for an immediate breakout, but because a change in playing time could quickly change their fantasy outlook.

## **Nolan Traore**

**Role**  
The lightning-quick French guard enters his second season as a primary ballhandler off the bench in a crowded Nets backcourt behind Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr. He should see 15–18 minutes a night to start.

**Strengths**  
Traore is a blur in the open court and one of the few Nets who can consistently get to the rim and create shots for others. His ballhandling, court vision, and shiftiness are all promising. He also has a nice floater in the paint.

**Weaknesses**  
Shooting efficiency (38% FG, 31.8% from three as a rookie), finishing through contact, turnovers, and on-ball physicality on defense are all concerns.

**How He Could Pop**  
Injuries or efficiency issues for Mikel Brown Jr. could open the door quickly. Traore spent the offseason in the weight room. If he can finish better at the rim and improve his catch-and-shoot efficiency, he could capitalize on an expanded role. Over the final three weeks of last season, Traore averaged 12.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals.

## **Nae'Qwan Tomlin**

**Role**  
Tomlin is a tough, physical combo forward who projects as a stretch four behind Evan Mobley. His main competition for minutes is sharpshooter Mario Hezonja.

**Strengths**  
Tomlin has an intriguing skill set: elite athleticism, vertical pop, length, multi-position versatility, a 7-foot-2.5-inch wingspan, and a relentless motor. He keeps possessions alive on the offensive glass and protects the rim well for a player his size. He has untapped potential and isn't afraid of anyone. Harlem, stand up!

**Weaknesses**  
Three-point consistency is the biggest concern. Tomlin shot 23% from deep last season and just 24% on corner threes. He's also still catching up on the mental side of the game after taking up organized basketball relatively late. He can sometimes be a step slow recognizing plays and getting into defensive positions because of this.

**How He Could Pop**  
Tomlin needs to improve his catch-and-shoot consistency. If he develops a reliable corner three or Hezonja struggles against more physical opponents inside, Tomlin could become the first big off the bench. An injury to Mobley or Jarrett Allen would also catapult him into a much larger role.

## **Jake LaRavia** 

**Role**  
LaRavia is a versatile two-way wing competing with Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, and Adou Thiero for the final starting forward spot—or a substantial role off the Laker bench.

**Strengths**  
LaRavia has a high basketball IQ. He just knows how to play. He brings hustle and effort, cuts intelligently, and makes smart connective passes that keep the ball moving. He shot nearly 70% at the rim, averaged 1.3 steals per game, and is a decent shot-blocker. His shooting form is sound, and he can get hot from deep.

**Weaknesses**  
His three-point shooting has been inconsistent (32.1% last season; approximately 35% for his career). He can become passive or turn the ball over under pressure. Limited shot creation, average athleticism, and a lack of foot speed can make it difficult to defend quicker guards.

**How He Could Pop**  
LaRavia could thrive as a versatile, low-usage contributor who fills the stat sheet. He needs to regain his three-point shooting touch and play with confidence. Strong early performances could help him secure a consistent 25-plus minutes in the Lakers' rotation.

## **Jamal Cain**

**Role**  
Cain is a high-energy, versatile 3-and-D wing competing for a regular spot in Orlando's forward rotation with Tristan da Silva, Jonathan Isaac, and Noah Penda.

**Strengths**  
Cain can defend multiple positions, hustles, and gets into passing lanes. He's a capable floor spacer who doesn't force things, with an efficient shooting profile: 48.7% FG, 38.4% from three, and 84.8% FT. He plays within the system, limits turnovers, and can fit alongside different personnel as an off-ball wing.

**Weaknesses**  
Cain offers limited shot creation and isn't a primary or high-volume scorer. His three-point volume has been low (about 1.8 attempts per game last season). He's not an elite rebounder or playmaker for his size and athleticism, and his defensive impact comes more from effort and versatility than shutdown ability.

**How He Could Pop**  
If Cain increases his three-point volume while maintaining his efficiency and builds on his late-season surge, he could secure consistent rotation minutes in new coach Sean Sweeney's system. Injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, or Desmond Bane could also create opportunities.

## **Zaccharie Risacher**

**Role**  
The former No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is projected primarily as a reserve wing/forward, competing for minutes with Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and Santi Aldama in a crowded Dallas frontcourt.

**Strengths**  
Shooting and spacing are Risacher's calling cards. He can stretch the floor and showed improved efficiency from deep last season, hitting 36.8% of his threes. He has the size, length, mobility, and athleticism to defend both guards and forwards. He moves well without the ball, makes smart cuts, and has drawn early praise for his conditioning in Dallas.

**Weaknesses**  
Risacher has a mediocre handle and limited ability to create his own shot off the dribble. His wiry frame can make finishing through contact difficult. Consistency, confidence, and motor were all questioned last season in Atlanta. His free-throw percentage also dropped to 64%.

**How He Could Pop**  
Free from the pressure of being Atlanta's No. 1 pick, Risacher could regain his confidence alongside another former top pick, Cooper Flagg. If he consistently knocks down open threes and locks in defensively, he could earn minutes in a rotation that values versatile forwards. As he adds strength and physicality, he could also become a better finisher around the rim. This is a low-risk, high-reward player.