In just about every season on just about every team in just about every sport, there is the common concept of a player having “something to prove.” That, for whatever reason, the player needs to do a good job, demonstrate their value, and confirm that their talents and effort are good enough for their future. Maybe it is someone in a contract year. Maybe it is someone coming off an injury. Maybe it is somebody on the margins on the roster. Everyone on a team has a reason to do their very best; but some more than others will have additional incentive.