As we all know, the NBA is a competitive place. Open spots are few and far between, and the best-of-the-best players are forced to fight tooth and nail to claim their spot. But every so often, a few rogue contracts are handed out, such as Timofey Mozgov and Tyler Johnson, when unproven role players are getting paid the big bucks without a track record to back them up.

The NBA is slowly switching from a superstar league to a next-man-up NFL type scenario, as seen with All-Stars like Brandon Jennings and Lance Stephenson. After a down year or two, these name-brand players aren’t getting a chance to redeem themselves, and are ultimately pushed out and forced to play overseas.

When Brandon Jennings was playing for the Knicks he was trying to bring a new type of passion back to the NBA. He was playing a type of 90’s ball where we can’t all be friends. He’s the type of player that’s gonna step on your shoe when it falls off if it’s gonna help the team win. He won’t let his players help other players get up. This isn’t basketball. This is war. You must win at all costs.

Not everything shows up on a stat sheet, but you want to talk about a stat sheet? Jennings can still ball. He was backup to one of the best guards in the league, John Wall, and backup to a former MVP, Derrick Rose. Since he’s been in China, he’s averaging 29 points, 8 assists and close to 6 rebounds in his first four games overseas.

He’s the kind of player that would sacrifice himself so his team could win. He wrote an article recently praising John Wall, who was starting over him in Washington, showcasing his leadership. That’s the kind of player Brandon is, recognizing talent for what it is and stepping up to the challenge.

He doesn’t have to score 55 in a night to show you his value. But he’s done that.

It’s clear he can still ball and should be playing in the NBA.