A financial windfall has enriched even the most middling of N.B.A. players while those in the N.B.A. Development League play for paltry sums.
The Golden State Warriors won free agency by signing the coveted Kevin Durant, while the Nets, Knicks and Bulls were forced to take risks.
Stewart, a four-time national champion, is learning to deal with losing and the pressure of high expectations in a league that can use a breakout star.
Nikola Jokic capped a dream year in his fledgling career when he helped Serbia qualify for the Olympic Games after a fine rookie season in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets.