Underrated NBA Players Who Deserve More Recognition This Season
As I sit here watching another thrilling Western Conference playoff series unfold, it strikes me how we're witnessing history in the making. Regardless of the final outcome, we'll see a different Western Conference franchise in the NBA Finals for the sixth consecutive season. The last time this happened was way back in 1972-73 through 1977-78. That's over four decades of basketball history repeating itself. This remarkable parity speaks volumes about the depth of talent across the conference, yet somehow we still manage to overlook certain players who consistently deliver exceptional performances without the spotlight they truly deserve.
Let me tell you about Jalen Brunson of the Dallas Mavericks. Now I know what you're thinking - he plays alongside Luka Dončić, so how could he possibly be underrated? But watch him closely, and you'll see what I mean. This season, Brunson averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 50.2% from the field, yet he barely gets mentioned in most discussions about impactful guards. When Dončić was sidelined with injuries, Brunson stepped up magnificently, dropping 27 points against the Bucks and 25 against the Warriors. He's got this old-school game that just works - crafty drives, reliable mid-range jumpers, and surprisingly good defense for someone listed at 6'1". I've watched him dismantle defenses with his hesitation dribbles and perfect pocket passes, yet most casual fans wouldn't recognize him if he walked past them on the street.
Then there's Desmond Bane in Memphis. My goodness, what a revelation this kid has been. In just his second season, he's putting up 18.2 points per game while shooting an incredible 43.6% from three-point range on nearly seven attempts per game. Those aren't just good numbers - they're elite efficiency numbers that rival some of the best shooters in league history at this stage of their careers. What fascinates me about Bane is how he's evolved beyond being just a spot-up shooter. He's developed a reliable drive game, shows impressive defensive instincts with 1.2 steals per game, and plays with a maturity that belies his 23 years. I remember watching him during March when Ja Morant was dealing with injuries, and Bane just took over games with his combination of shooting and smart decision-making. The Grizzlies outscored opponents by 8.7 points per 100 possessions with Bane on the court without Morant - that's star-level impact.
Speaking of impact, let's talk about Herb Jones in New Orleans. Now here's a player who won't blow you away with offensive statistics - he averaged just 9.5 points this season - but my word, his defensive presence is something special. I've charted multiple Pelicans games this season, and the number of times Jones has completely shut down All-Star caliber players is staggering. He held Devin Booker to 5-of-16 shooting in their March matchup, limited Paul George to 15 points on 15 shots in April, and consistently takes the toughest defensive assignment night after night. At 6'7" with a 7-foot wingspan, he moves like a guard and defends like a center. The advanced metrics love him too - he ranked in the 94th percentile for defensive estimated plus-minus among forwards. Yet outside of hardcore basketball circles, you rarely hear his name mentioned.
What really gets me excited is watching Tyrese Maxey develop in Philadelphia. Sure, playing with Joel Embiid guarantees some attention, but Maxey's growth this season has been phenomenal. He increased his scoring from 8.0 points as a rookie to 17.5 this season while improving his three-point percentage from 30.1% to 42.7%. Those aren't just improvements - that's a quantum leap. I've been particularly impressed with his ability to create his own shot in crucial moments. Remember that game against Miami in November? Maxey scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, including three consecutive three-pointers that sealed the victory. His speed in transition is electrifying, and he's developed a reliable floater that makes him dangerous at all three levels. At just 21 years old, he's already showing All-Star potential, yet he's often treated as an afterthought in discussions about the league's rising stars.
The Western Conference's remarkable streak of different champions - from Golden State to Houston to Golden State again, then Lakers, Suns, and now whoever emerges this season - demonstrates how competitive balance creates opportunities for players to shine in different contexts. This brings me to another underappreciated talent: Kevon Looney of the Warriors. I know, I know - he plays with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. But watch Golden State's games closely, and you'll see how essential Looney has become to their success. He started all 82 games this season, averaging 7.8 rebounds in just 21.1 minutes per game. His offensive rebounding percentage of 14.2% ranked third in the entire league behind only Steven Adams and Mitchell Robinson. I've lost count of how many times I've seen Looney secure crucial offensive boards that extended possessions and led to Warrior victories. His basketball IQ is off the charts, his screen-setting is textbook perfect, and he always seems to make the right defensive rotation. Yet he's probably the least celebrated starting center on a championship contender.
As we appreciate this historic period of Western Conference parity, it's worth remembering that such competitive balance doesn't happen by accident. It's facilitated by the emergence of talented players across multiple teams who may not grab headlines but consistently contribute to winning basketball. Players like Brunson, Bane, Jones, Maxey, and Looney represent the depth of talent that makes this era of NBA basketball so compelling. They may not have the signature shoe deals or the All-Star starting spots yet, but they're the engine that drives their teams night after night. The next time you're watching a game, pay attention to these players - watch how they move without the ball, how they make the extra pass, how they execute the fundamentals perfectly. That's where you'll find the true beauty of basketball, in the subtle excellence of players who deserve far more recognition than they typically receive.
