Need help adding to your ball knowledge bag? The Triangle Journal presents the mildly deep pulls that would get likes in a comment section and credibility amongst your boys… but not make it seem like you went deep into Basketball-Reference to find a name. Check us out every Friday for the next 4 weeks to learn more about all time 8th Men. Like David Stern once said (a lot), “Now that we’re ready, let’s get started.”
Cleveland Cavaliers – Samardo Samuels – Ball Knowledge Grade: A-
Career with team: 3 seasons (2011–2013) – 109 games – 5.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG
Accolades: None
Samuels entered the league as an undrafted big out of Louisville and carved out immediate minutes on a post-LeBron Cavaliers roster searching for identity. He showed legitimate touch around the rim and mid-post scoring ability, flashing moments where he looked like a long-term rotational big.
But Cleveland quickly pivoted toward youth and rebuilding through the draft, and Samuels’ window narrowed. Though he later found success overseas, his brief Cavaliers stint is often forgotten – a reminder of how quickly roster turnover can erase solid contributors from memory. Definitely a name that’ll get your boys to say “huh?” to.
Milwaukee Bucks – Chris Douglas-Roberts – Ball Knowledge Grade: A
Career with team: 1 season (2013–2014) – 44 games – 7.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 83% FT
Accolades: Started 12 Games
Known for his confidence and scoring instincts dating back to Memphis, Douglas-Roberts had a brief resurgence in Milwaukee after bouncing around the league. He provided microwave offense on a young Bucks squad, attacking in isolation and getting to the free-throw line with craft rather than elite athleticism.
His stint came during a transitional era before Milwaukee’s eventual rise behind Giannis, and that timing plays a big role in why he’s overlooked. Douglas-Roberts was a bucket-getter who simply never found a long-term home, making his impact easy to forget in the larger rebuild narrative. CDR was a dawg. But ain’t no casual know who this is. Elite knowledge of the game knows.
Detroit Pistons – Allan Houston – Ball Knowledge Grade: B-
Career with team: 3 seasons (1994–1996) – 237 games – 14.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 41% 3PT
Accolades: 2x All-Star (later with New York)
Before becoming synonymous with New York, Houston developed into an elite shooter in Detroit. He averaged 19.7 PPG in his final Pistons season, displaying one of the smoothest jumpers of the era and emerging as a primary scoring option.
Because his prime and playoff moments came elsewhere, his Detroit years often get overshadowed. But in the mid-90s, Houston was a foundational piece for the Pistons and one of the league’s most reliable perimeter scorers.
This is a slightly relevant name because of his involvement with “Team Knicks” in the 2026 NBA Hot Spot Challenge or whatever the hell Adam Silver calls his games now. Great pull.. Knicks legend.. but became an elite NBA scorer with Detroit first!
Chicago Bulls – Aaron Gray – Ball Knowledge Grade: B+
Career with team: 3 seasons (2007–2009) – 105 games – 3.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG
Accolades: None
The 2nd round pick in 2007 was a traditional, bruising center during a time when the league was beginning to shift toward speed and spacing. In Chicago, he provided size, physical screens, and interior rebounding off the bench, embracing the gritty role without demanding touches.
As the NBA rapidly modernized, players of Gray’s archetype became less common in rotations. His contributions weren’t flashy, but for a Bulls team navigating the post-Ben Gordon era and waiting on Derrick Rose’s rise, he filled necessary minutes with toughness. Started in a crucial period of Joakim Noah’s injury absence. Definitely one of the white big men of all time. Great pull in a ball knowledge bag.
Indiana Pacers – Ian Mahinmi – Ball Knowledge Grade: C+
Career with team: 4 seasons (2013–2016) – 289 games – 5.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 53% FG
Accolades: NBA Champion (2011 with Dallas)
Mahinmi’s Indiana tenure came during competitive playoff runs in the Paul George era. He wasn’t a headline name, but his rim protection, screen setting, and interior defense were valuable in high-stakes matchups against Eastern Conference contenders. All-time backup big for an inconsistent young star in Roy Hibbert.
Often overshadowed by bigger names, Mahinmi quietly stabilized the Pacers’ frontcourt rotation. His game was rooted in discipline and physicality – traits that rarely dominate highlight reels but often matter deeply in playoff basketball. This is the primary reason as to how he made a 12-year career for himself. For that reason, it’s possible the average fan would use an Ian Mahinmi in an immaculate grid. Compared to the other cats on this list.. he is the most notable NBA name. But solid pull regardless.
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