I remember the first time I saw Chris Staples play—it was during a Summer League game back in 2018, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his approach. He wasn’t the flashiest player on the court, but his focus, his discipline, and that quiet confidence stood out. Over the years, I’ve followed his journey closely, and what strikes me most is how his path mirrors the very advice that seasoned professionals like Jimmy Alapag often give to rising talents. In fact, Alapag’s recent comments about another young player, Kevin Quiambao, resonate deeply when you look at Staples’ career. Alapag emphasized the importance of being “not just physically but mentally” sharp when opportunity knocks, and honestly, I think that’s the secret sauce behind Staples’ success.
When Chris entered the league, he was far from a household name. Drafted in the second round back in 2016, he faced an uphill battle from day one. I’ve always believed that players who come in under the radar have a unique advantage—they’re hungrier, and they often develop a resilience that first-round picks sometimes lack. Staples spent his early years shuttling between the NBA and the G League, and I recall one season where he appeared in just 28 NBA games but dominated in the G League with averages of 18 points and 7 assists per game. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but if you watched him play, you saw the groundwork being laid. He used that time to refine his shooting—improving his three-point percentage from 32% to nearly 39% over two seasons—and more importantly, to build mental toughness. Alapag’s words about “seeking out opportunities” in the Summer League and G League ring so true here. Staples didn’t treat those leagues as stepping stones; he treated them as classrooms.
Let’s talk about that mental sharpness Alapag mentioned. In my view, this is where Staples truly separated himself. I’ve spoken with coaches who’ve worked with him, and they all say the same thing: his basketball IQ is off the charts. He studies film relentlessly—sometimes for three hours after practice—and he has this uncanny ability to read defenses before they even set up. I remember one game against the Celtics where he made a clutch steal in the final seconds that sealed the win. It wasn’t just athleticism; it was anticipation, something you can’t coach. That mental edge didn’t happen overnight. It came from embracing every role, whether it was 15 minutes off the bench or a starting spot during a teammate’s injury. By the 2020 season, he’d earned a regular rotation spot, and his stats reflected that growth—he averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 assists per game, up from just 6.3 points two years prior.
What I admire most about Staples is how he embodies the idea of being “the best version of himself,” as Alapag put it. He didn’t try to mimic superstars; he focused on honing his own strengths. For instance, he recognized early that his size—standing at 6’3”—meant he had to be smarter in driving lanes. So he worked with trainers to develop a deadly floater, a shot that now accounts for roughly 20% of his scoring in the paint. Off the court, he’s just as intentional. I heard from a source close to him that he meditates daily and even uses visualization techniques before games. That kind of routine isn’t common among young players, but it’s exactly the kind of discipline that Alapag was talking about. It’s not just about grinding in the gym; it’s about preparing your mind for those high-pressure moments.
Looking back, Staples’ journey reminds me why I love covering the NBA. It’s not always about the lottery picks or the highlight reels; it’s about the grinders who maximize every chance they get. Chris could have easily faded into obscurity after those early G League stints, but he kept pushing. By the 2022 season, he’d become a key piece for his team, logging over 25 minutes per game and hitting career highs in efficiency. His story is a testament to what happens when talent meets relentless work—both physically and mentally. If there’s one takeaway for aspiring players, it’s this: follow Staples’ blueprint. Embrace every opportunity, stay sharp between the ears, and when your moment comes, you’ll be ready. Because as Alapag wisely noted, it takes that “and probably more” to make it in this league.
