Four NBA players add new moves that will stick around this year

Jabari Smith Jr. has expanded his offensive game this season by increasing his scoring efficiency without changing his shot selection. The Houston Rockets forward is taking the same types of shots as last year, but he is converting them at a much higher rate. His scoring output has jumped nearly 20 percent, driven by improved success as a pull-up shooter and off the dribble. Smith also retains his reputation as a rim protector, maintaining a career block percentage of 2.5 percent. His current profile places him 20th on the Player Rater list, just ahead of teammate Alperen Sengun.

Yaxel Lendeborg is establishing himself as a primary offensive option for the Golden State Warriors despite playing in only eight games. The rookie center is generating fouls at a high rate, posting a free throw rate of 46.4 percent. This metric indicates he is creating fouls at a volume comparable to primary scorers on most teams. Lendeborg is also efficient in the paint, where he takes nearly 25 percent of his shots from within three feet and makes 68 percent of them. His ability to get to the rim with two feet has been evident since his arrival in the league.

Kyshawn George is finding a new role as a two-way contributor for the Washington Wizards. His synergy with Trae Young in pick-and-roll actions has boosted his finishing volume and efficiency near the basket. George is shooting 73 percent on 24.7 percent of his attempts from within three feet, a significant increase from his previous career averages. His long wingspan is also improving his defense, as he is recording a career-best block percentage of 3.7 percent. These combined improvements suggest his new skill set is durable rather than a temporary hot streak.

Matisse Thybulle is adding a new offensive dimension to his defensive pedigree for the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran guard continues to lead the league in steals, having averaged two steals per game over the past three seasons. He is now contributing from the outside, averaging two made three-pointers per game. Thybulle uses a quick, catch-and-shoot motion to convert open looks created by the spacing provided by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. His rising efficiency has moved him up to 69th on the Player Rater, marking a step up from his previous status as a defensive specialist.

These four players are demonstrating that their new skills are supported by sustained statistical trends rather than isolated performances. Analysts often argue that a player truly owns a skill only after proving it over a meaningful sample size. The current data for Smith, Lendeborg, George, and Thybulle suggests these upgrades are becoming permanent parts of their games. Their improved metrics indicate they are shifting how teams and fantasy managers evaluate their overall value on the court.