It may sound like a coincidence, but it's getting hard to ignore: the Portland Trail Blazers are a perfect 5-0 when Duop Reath plays this season. The veteran has brought stability and energy to this young roster still figuring out its identity, and his impact is becoming undeniable.
It might be somewhat of a small sample size, but Reath has been positively lights out from three-point range so far this season. He's made eight of his 14 attempts from beyond the arc, good for a 57.1% mark through his first handful of games. He's been spacing the floor with confidence, forcing defenders to respect his range and close out on him.
It may be early, but production like this forces outsiders to pay attention. Reath's sharp shooting and timely production has elevated everyone around him. With Deni Avdija breaking out into a high-level scorer, it's the contribution of role players like Duop that help makes things that much easier for the guys at the top of the depth chart.
Reath has been shooting the lights out from three
It's of course basic basketball knowledge that having a big guy who can pop out on the perimeter changes the geometry of the floor. Reath's precision from distance has kept defenses honest and given others more driving lanes to attack the hoop. Defensively, his combination of size and effort level allow him to be playable in a variety of lineups.
In Wednesday's thrilling win over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Reath had his best performance of the young season. He scored 12 points in 20 minutes of action and knocked down four of his five three-point attempts. The most unbelievable of which being his end of the shot clock heave over Isaiah Hartenstein at the end of the third quarter.
Reath might be in just his third NBA season, but at 29 years old, he brings a plethora of composure from playing on the international stage as well. It's that kind of prior experience that makes him naturally inclined to make the right read and not force things in pressure situations.
It's clear to see why Duop Reath is Portland's best-kept secret right now. Every season, there are those types of guys who go from pure afterthoughts to valuable contributors, and Duop has all the makings of fitting that mold right now. Everyone who has been watching this team would say the same thing: Reath clearly makes the Trail Blazers better.