NBA: 3 players maximizing the value of minimum contracts

Ben McLemore, Houston Rockets

Ben McLemore is likely on a minimum because it was his only option. Coming out of college, McLemore was expected to be picked near the top of the 2013 draft. But after being selected 7th overall, he has yet to meet the once lofty expectations.

McLemore has always been a skilled shooter, but never developed the other skills necessary to be a starting-caliber player. But he has played the best basketball of his career in Houston. By playing with such ball-dominant guards like James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Houston is using McLemore as one of the off-ball shooters.

By sharing the floor with two former MVP’s, McLemore is currently posting the lowest usage rate of his career, and 82 percent (top 1%) of his shot attempts come from behind the arc, per Cleaning the Glass. Surprisingly, this has led to his league-high 118.3 offensive rating. While he still possesses a limited skillset, Houston’s offense has allowed him to showcase his strengths.