The numbers may not jump off of the page at you when it comes to per game averages for the lone Wisconsin Badger in the NBA. In his second year with Phoenix, Frank Kaminsky has put up 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds while carving out a bench role.
While the per game averages are nowhere near career-highs, this has been one of Kaminsky’s most productive seasons in the association. The 2015 Wooden Award winner is playing on the best team of his NBA career, and helped Phoenix end their playoff drought and hover in the western conference’s top three all year long. The Suns currently sit at 47-19, just one game back of first place behind Utah.
Could the former Badger average double-digit scoring on a number of losing teams? Sure, but so could many rotation players on winning NBA franchises. It’s been a more impressive feat to solidify consistent minutes on a top-five team in the league all while having his most efficient year as a pro.
While playing with a number of high-level scorers in the valley, Kaminsky has taken advantage of his open looks. The former Badger is shooting a career-high 39% from three. He also currently has career-highs in effective field goal percentage and standard field goal percentage.
Kaminsky has filled in wherever the Suns need him, whether it be in his 13 starts where he made up for multiple injuries throughout the roster, or in his now rock solid bench role. This is a golden chance for the Wisconsin legend to get past the first round for the first time in his pro career. After a long drought, the NBA playoffs will finally include a Badger on a true contender.