By Yaniv Horenstein
Bol Bol
Phoenix Suns | Forward | Played for the Ducks: 2018 – 2019
The highest-rated recruit in Oregon basketball history is still trying to find his way in the league. Bol Bol is coming off his best season, in which he averaged nine points and six rebounds in 70 games for the Orlando Magic. He signed with the Suns this offseason but has only played seven total minutes this season. The 7-foot-3-inch, 24-year-old has a quick handle for a man of his stature and can shoot from distance. Although he’s not getting many chances to showcase his ability, his youth and potential upside could excite many fans.
Eugene Omoruyi
Washington Wizards | F | Played for the Ducks: 2020 – 2021
This offseason, Eugene Omoruyi signed a one-year deal with the Wizards. Despite receiving seven minutes of play in the eight games he’s appeared in, the All-Pac-12 forward is averaging five points on 68% shooting from the field, and 43% from three. In late October, during the Wizards game against the Boston Celtics, Omoruyi played 12 minutes, shot a perfect five-for-five from the field and finished the game with 16 points and six boards. With a struggling team in the nation’s capital, perhaps there will be more playing time to spare for Omoruyi, who already makes the most of his time as is.
Dillon Brooks
Houston Rockets | F | Played for the Ducks: 2014 – 2017
The 2017 Pac-12 Player of the Year has gotten the league’s attention over the last season– not for his prowess on the court, but for a growing infamy as a player with aggressive tactics and questionable behavior. In Memphis, Brooks was a headline in the media for comments about his opponent, LeBron James, and then not appearing for his postgame media sessions during the Grizzlies first-round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Following that, Brooks quieted the haters by signing a contract in July worth $80 million with the Houston Rockets. He provides energy, scoring, and lockdown defense when he’s on the court. This season, he is off to a terrific start from behind the arc, shooting the ball at 45%. The young Houston core needs Brooks’ veteran presence to help them compete for a playoff spot and so far, he’s proven his worth.
Troy Brown Jr
Minnesota Timberwolves | F | Played for the Ducks: 2017 – 2018
Troy Brown Jr. signed with the Timberwolves this offseason and is playing for his fourth team in six years in the league. In such a scenario, any player would encounter challenges establishing a rhythm. Brown Jr. struggled with his shooting in last year’s playoffs as a member of the Lakers; he attempted 15 threes and only made two. However, he did show glimpses of solid defense in the regular season, averaging almost a steal a game off the bench. When given the opportunity, Brown Jr. can score as well. In seasons where he’s played an average of at least 20 minutes, he has averaged nine points. Unfortunately, Brown Jr. plays eight minutes a game in Minnesota—only enough time to take two shots a game.
Chris Duarte
Sacramento Kings | G/F | Played for the Ducks: 2019 – 2021
Chris Duarte moved back to the West Coast this summer when he was traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Sacramento Kings for two second-round draft picks. The former lottery pick had a tremendous All-Rookie season in Indiana, but in the following draft, the Pacers selected Ben Mathurin from Arizona with their sixth pick. Given that both Mathurin and Duarte are 6-foot-6-inches and play the same position, the decision to trade Duarte was driven by the assessment that Mathurin possesses a higher potential for growth as a player.
In Sacramento, Duarte has experienced a decrease in playing time and is averaging career lows across the board in his third year in the NBA. However, injuries unfortunately occur often, and there may come a time when Duarte is needed to play a bigger role. He is only 26 and has a well-rounded offensive game that could be utilized by the Kings.
Chris Boucher
Toronto Raptors | F/C | Played for the Ducks: 2015 – 2017
Boucher is now entering his sixth season up North for the Raptors, where he continues to serve as a solid backup to Pascal Siakam, playing 16 minutes a game. Boucher possesses a versatile skill set, demonstrating efficient scoring and excelling in shot-blocking on the defensive end. In 2021, Boucher averaged 14 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in 24 minutes. Since then, Boucher’s play time has decreased. Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa has slowly earned more playing time, and the team also acquired center Jakob Poeltl during last year’s trade deadline, providing fewer opportunities for Boucher. Nevertheless, he still plays a valuable role and will help a struggling Raptors team compete for a playoff spot after they missed the postseason in 2023.
Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics | G | Played for the Ducks: 2016 – 2020
Payton Prichard is finally stepping into a bigger role for the Boston Celtics. With the departure of Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart, Payton is now the backup point guard to Jrue Holiday, averaging a career-high 21 minutes a game. Through 15 games, Pritchard has done a little bit of everything off the bench, scoring six points to go along with three rebounds and three assists. The 2020 Pac-12 Player of the Year has shown his ability to catch fire from behind the arc, hitting five three-pointers in a row in a game against Charlotte earlier this month. Pritchard provides that energy spark off the bench, and since Boston sacrificed their depth in trades for Kristaps Porzingis and Holiday, they’ll need the 25-year-old guard to have a breakout year.