It’s hard not to root for a guy like Rakeem Christmas. Most players would grow increasingly frustrated if it took them well over a year to play meaningful minutes in the NBA. Christmas remained patient, and that patience is paying off for him and the Indiana Pacers.
Since entering the rotation, Christmas has averaged 4.8 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 58.3% from the field. He’s done this while playing backup center to Myles Turner, averaging 15.8 minutes per game.
One of the more impressive statistics for Christmas is his foul shooting. He’s shooting a better percentage than any power forward or center on the roster.