NBA: Ranking the top 20 players that impact the game in non-scoring roles

13. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of those players that seems to get better every season. This season, he’s added a 3-point shot to his game, but one of the things he does best is his ability to push the pace. When he gets a rebound he is pushing the ball, often forcing the team on the other side to play fast the way the Bucks do.

Giannis is fourth in the NBA in rebounds this season and 26th in blocks. In arguably his most impressive game this season on Feb, 6 Giannis had 36 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, and one steal to lead the Bucks to a victory over the 76ers. If he keeps it up, Giannis is going to add another MVP to his trophy collection.

12. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

On January 15, 2020, Luka Doncic had 25 points 15 rebounds and 17 assists in a win against the Sacramento Kings. When I saw the numbers I was impressed, to say the least. Not only does Luka affect the game with scoring, rebounding and passing, he, like so many on this list, forces you to play his pace. You won’t speed him up, but even playing at his own speed he will get to his sweet spots.

"“I would play fast if I would be fast, but I’m slow,” Luka told TNT’s Ernie Johnson on the night he was selected to his first All-Star team."

His impact on the Mavericks is not only shown in the win columns that have them at 39-26, but also in the Mavericks team stats. Dallas has the highest offensive rating in the NBA at 116.1. Luka is a triple-double waiting to happen, showing he doesn’t always have to score to make winning plays.