<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

Finally living up to expectations

With more talent on the Nets, Brook Lopez is playing at the level many envisioned for him. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

In general, about 5-10 percent of NBA players would play productively for any coach, in any system. Another 5-10 percent will barely make an impact no matter where they are.

So that fat middle, maybe 80 percent of the league, is deeply impacted by variables such as coaching, system, teammates, etc. And the range of what those players can become is wide, as players can potentially move from "solid" to "spectacular" when everything clicks. And when these players finally fulfill their potential, spectacular can eventually mean perennial All-Star status.

Here are five guys who are proving this point this season by finally living up to the huge expectations heaped upon them when they first entered the league.