Every season in the NBA, a team will have a player that surprises everyone. This is what people like to call a “secret weapon.” Here is a list of every Southeast Division team’s “Secret Weapon” coming into the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Miami Heat: Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson is back in a Miami Heat jersey this season. Richardson has always been a bit of an underrated player. He can shoot and drive pretty well, and his defense is far from lackluster.
Richardson was drafted by Miami way back in 2015. In 2018 he was sent to Philly and bounced around a bit until now. Throughout his years in the league, Richardson has always been a reliable backup. Now, back with Miami, Richardson can continue to be that solid vet off the bench.
Atlanta Hawks: AJ Griffin
AJ Griffin is a second-year player for the Hawks. Griffin put up solid numbers in his rookie year, averaging 8.9 points per game with around two rebounds and one assist. His free throw percentage is a bright spot, as well as his percentage from the three-point line (39%).
Players like Griffin can sometimes fall off the radar, especially going into their second year. For Griffin, this upcoming season can be when he proves he is meant to be in the league. If he improves his three-point percentage, I think AJ Griffin can be a great spark plug off the bench in Atlanta.
Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams
Mark Williams is another player drafted last year. During his rookie year, Williams averaged around eight points per game with just under seven rebounds, but his defense and field goal percentage are his stand-out stats.
Williams finished the season with one block per game and a field goal percentage of 63.7%. Williams has the chance to thrive with a young explosive team in Charlotte, and I think he can be a burst of energy off the bench.
Washington Wizards: Corey Kispert
Corey Kispert has been in the league for a few years now. Since being drafted, Kispert has proven to be a very good shooter. Last season, Kispert averaged 11 points, around two rebounds, and one assist per game.
While this stat line isn’t the most impressive thing, Kispert’s field goal percentage from the arc is one of the best in the league at 42.4%. With Bradley Beal gone, Corey Kispert will have some more playing time to showcase his shooting ability.
Orlando Magic: Joe Ingles
Having Joe Ingles on this list made me laugh, and I chose him, but I believe he should be here. Ingles has been in the league for a long time, but as he has gotten older, the game has begun to take a toll on his health.
When Ingles is healthy, he can be a fantastic spot-up shooter. Last season, Ingles shot 40.9% from beyond the arc. If he can stay healthy for this upcoming season, he will definitely be a secret weapon coming off the bench in Orlando.
