2. De'Andre Hunter
It was a defining trade in many ways when the Hawks traded Hunter to Cleveland. All the team was given in return are two pieces the Cavs clearly wanted to work out of their rotation. Two throw away contracts for a player that was paid to be a building block for Atlanta. It is still fun to remember the team's promising run to the Eastern Conference Finals with Hunter and Cam Reddish as the team's young, promising wings.
While this would obviously go awry, Hunter was still a part of the most fun part of Atlanta's recent playoff history. Now, Hunter is playing an incredibly important role for the team, whose record puts them at the top of the conference. While it appeared, we were destined for a Cavs vs. Celtics collision, the early series results haven't lined up this way.
Hunter's time in Atlanta is going to be remembered for the frustration of the forward not taking full advantage of his ceiling. Still, Hunter is a familiar face who unquestionably hustled and gave the Hawks everything he had each night. Making it easy to pull for Hunter to help a Cleveland team that has their hands full with the Pacers.
3. Mike Conley
Conley might not be a former Hawk, however, fans will find it easy to cheer for the veteran guard. The aging point guard has carved an important role for a team fresh off an upset over Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The Wolves upsetting the Lakers playoff path is already going to earn a lot of love from the rest of the league.
What makes this even easier is Conley's quest for a ring after spending so many years playing an unselfish brand of basketball. Even at this current age, Conley always puts his teammates first and gives everything he has on the defensive end.
Watching the veteran guard win it all and giving the league a new proven superstar in Anthony Edwards would be a fun story. Regardless of how you might feel about the Wolves, there is no question Conley is deserving of the elusive honor.