2025-11-21 13:00
I remember first hearing about Chris Staples during the 2022 NBA Summer League, when he dropped 28 points against the Celtics' developmental squad. At that moment, I thought to myself - this kid has something special. Having covered basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless players come through the summer circuit, but Staples possessed that rare combination of raw athleticism and basketball IQ that you simply can't teach. His journey from relative obscurity to becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in recent years is exactly what makes the NBA development system so fascinating.
What many casual fans don't realize is how crucial the G League has become for players like Staples. I've had the privilege of speaking with several NBA development coaches, and they consistently emphasize that the gap between college basketball and the NBA has never been wider. The G League isn't just a minor league anymore - it's become an essential finishing school where players refine their skills against professional competition. Staples understood this better than most. While other players in his draft class were content with riding the bench on NBA rosters, he made the strategic decision to sign with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he could get meaningful minutes and develop his game properly.
The quote from Jimmy Alapag about Kevin Quiambao perfectly encapsulates the mindset required for success in today's NBA landscape. "He's young. And I commend him for seeking out these opportunities here, Summer League, G League, potentially in the NBA in the future." This philosophy applies directly to Staples' approach. I've always believed that the most successful players are those who recognize that development isn't linear. Staples could have easily taken a two-way contract and languished on some team's bench, but instead he embraced the grind. Last season in the G League, he averaged 22.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 38% from three-point range - numbers that don't fully capture his defensive impact and basketball intelligence.
What really stands out about Staples' development is his mental approach to the game. Alapag's advice about being "mentally sharp" resonates deeply here. I recall watching Staples in a G League game against the Oklahoma City Blue where he went 1-for-12 in the first half. Most young players would have forced bad shots or gotten discouraged, but Staples adjusted beautifully - he finished with 9 assists and played lockdown defense, ultimately helping his team secure the win. This mental resilience is what separates potential NBA players from career minor leaguers. Having spoken with his coaches, they consistently mention his film study habits and how he often stays after practice working on specific weaknesses.
The physical transformation Staples has undergone is equally impressive. When he entered the G League, he weighed about 195 pounds - fairly light for a 6'6" wing. Through dedicated strength training, he's now playing at 215 pounds while maintaining his explosive athleticism. I've seen him develop his handle significantly too - his turnover percentage dropped from 18.3% in his first G League season to just 11.2% last year. These might seem like dry statistics, but they represent countless hours in empty gyms and weight rooms that most fans never see.
Looking at Staples' potential NBA fit, I'm particularly excited about how his game could translate. His 7-foot wingspan gives him defensive versatility that NBA teams covet, and his improved shooting mechanics suggest he could develop into a reliable three-and-D player with additional playmaking upside. Personally, I think he'd fit perfectly with teams like the Miami Heat or San Antonio Spurs - organizations known for developing versatile wings and prioritizing basketball IQ. The modern NBA demands players who can switch defensively and make quick decisions, and Staples has shown he can do both at a high level.
Of course, the transition to the NBA won't be seamless. He'll need to improve his consistency from beyond the arc - while his three-point percentage has improved, he still has stretches where his shot deserts him. His help defense awareness could use some refinement too, though this is common for young players adjusting to NBA schemes. But what gives me confidence about his prospects is his demonstrated ability to learn and adapt. Unlike many prospects who rely purely on athleticism, Staples has shown he can make tangible improvements to his game each season.
The reality is that only about 12% of G League players ever become consistent NBA rotation players, but I genuinely believe Staples can beat those odds. His combination of physical tools, work ethic, and basketball intelligence creates a foundation that's too promising to ignore. Having watched hundreds of prospects come through the development pipeline, Staples checks all the boxes that typically translate to NBA success. His story reminds me that in today's game, the path to the NBA isn't always direct - sometimes the scenic route through the G League provides the necessary development that immediate NBA exposure cannot.
As Staples continues his journey, the wisdom in Alapag's words rings true - success requires being the best version of yourself both physically and mentally. From what I've observed of Staples' development arc, he understands this better than most. His commitment to improvement through the Summer League and G League route demonstrates a maturity that should serve him well when he eventually gets his NBA opportunity. The league is always searching for players who combine talent with intelligence, and Chris Staples appears ready to fill that role beautifully when his moment arrives.
