Atlanta Hawks - Dejounte Murray
2023-24 Season Statistics: 22.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Dejounte Murray has showcased his all-around skills this season and is easily the second-best player on the Hawks after Trae Young. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate makes him a valuable asset for the Hawks, and he continues to develop into a leader on the court despite the trade rumors that continue to swarm around him.
Boston Celtics - Derrick White
2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Derrick White is having a solid season for the Celtics, averaging 15.6 points and 5.2 assists per game on 40.1% from three. His scoring and playmaking abilities have been keys for Boston, providing stability and versatility in the backcourt as he contours to get overlooked due to All-Star players such as Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. In terms of impact, White might also be the best defender on the team.
Brooklyn Nets - Nic Claxton
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Nic Claxton is a key defensive force for the Nets this season, averaging 12.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. His shot-blocking and rebounding abilities have been crucial for Brooklyn's defense, and he showed promise on the offensive end as well. Since Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have left, Nic Claxton has not received as much praise as he used to but the big man never takes a night off in the paint.
Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller
2023-24 Season Statistics: 17.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Even if Brandon Miller is having a great rookie season for the Hornets, averaging 17.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, he is being overlooked because of how great Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are. His scoring abilities seem instrumental in Charlotte's offense, and he will establish himself as a key contributor for the team going forward. Miller deserves a little more praise despite the team’s poor team record (18-57).
Chicago Bulls - Ayo Dosunmu
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Coby White’s breakout season has made talented guard Ayo Dosunmu seem like an ordinary bench player but that is not the truth. Dosunmu is having a promising season for the Bulls, averaging 12.0 points and 3.1 assists per game. His scoring skills have been crucial for Chicago, and he has shown potential as a sharpshooter by nailing 39.9% from deep which is impressive, to say the least.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Evan Mobley
2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Evan Mobley is overlooked because the Cavaliers have some exciting talent in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. Mobley might be one of the most underappreciated big men in the league because his versatility and defensive prowess make him a cornerstone for the team's success. It is likely the big man will be a contender for Defensive Player of the Year going forward.
Dallas Mavericks - Josh Green
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Josh Green has provided valuable contributions off the bench for the Mavericks, providing perimeter defense and an improved offensive game. His energy and athleticism are key for Dallas, especially since the team is lacking other perimeter threats outside of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Green is still developing and at 23 years old, he has done well with a team that wants to contend in the West.
Denver Nuggets - Michael Porter Jr.
2023-24 Season Statistics: 16.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Michael Porter Jr. continues to establish himself as a scoring threat for the Nuggets, averaging 16.9 points per game on 40.3% shooting from three. His scoring ability and versatility make him a key player for Denver's offense, and we won’t know how truly valuable he is unless he falls out of the lineup. As long as the forward is raining threes out of passes from Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets will continue being favorites in the West.
Detroit Pistons - Jaden Ivey
2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Jaden Ivey had a solid second season for the Pistons, yet is overlooked because of how talented Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are. His scoring and playmaking abilities have been promising for Detroit, and he showed potential as a future leader for the team when it comes to the defensive side of the ball as well. Unfortunately, Ivey is playing on the worst team in the league which only has 13 wins.
Golden State Warriors - Brandin Podziemski
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
With so many big names including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and even Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski often goes unnoticed despite providing valuable minutes for the Warriors, averaging 9.2 points per game on 36.8% from deep. His shooting and energy were key for Golden State's second unit, and he showed promise as a young player in the league.
Houston Rockets - Dillon Brooks
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Dillon Brooks is far more than an irritant who seems to be involved in more memes than praise. He can get chippy on the court and most fans of opposing teams dislike him, but the swingman knows how to impact the game. His scoring ability and toughness have been important for Houston, and he has helped change the culture towards being defensive-minded and competing in every possession.
Indiana Pacers - Myles Turner
2023-24 Season Statistics: 16.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.8 BPG
Myles Turner has had yet another solid season for the Pacers, averaging 16.8 points and 1.8 blocks per game. His shot-blocking and rim protection have been crucial for Indiana's defense and his versatility offensively has helped the NBA’s number-one offense (122.7 PPG) function well. Despite the consistent trade rumors, Turner has done an admirable job.
Los Angeles Clippers - Norman Powell
2023-24 Season Statistics: 14.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Norman Powell provides an undeniable scoring punch for the Clippers, who always make noise because of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. Powell’s scoring ability and athleticism are key for Los Angeles because he is one of the best sixth men in the league and can make the Clippers look nearly unstoppable at times with the way he fits alongside superstar players.
Los Angeles Lakers - D'Angelo Russell
2023-24 Season Statistics: 18.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 6.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
D’Angelo Russell has played well despite trade rumors that have swarmed around him since the start of the season. The point guard is the third-best player on the team behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis and has proven to be a key member of a Lakers team that is slowly climbing the West. With a player option coming up, Lakers fans are wondering if Russell will be brought back on a long-term deal since many teams will be interested in his services.
Memphis Grizzlies - GG Jackson II
2023-24 Season Statistics: 13.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
GG Jackson II had a solid rookie season for the Grizzlies, even if he has only appeared in 41 games so far. His athleticism and scoring ability have been a bright spot for Memphis when there has been a ton of drama on and off the court for the franchise. The 19-year-old has been far better than anyone could have predicted and deserves credit for his scoring so far.
Miami Heat - Duncan Robinson
2023-24 Season Statistics: 13.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Duncan Robinson provides three-point shooting for the Heat, averaging 13.4 points per game on 40.5% from three. Not to mention, even if he lacks natural defensive talent, he has bought into the Heat's schemes quite well. His shooting ability and floor spacing are incredibly important for Miami's offense because scoring is often hard to come by at times for the NBA’s 27th-ranked offense.
Milwaukee Bucks - Bobby Portis
2023-24 Season Statistics: 13.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Bobby Portis is one of the most important players on the Bucks’ roster because of his energy and scoring off the bench. His hustle and intensity are key for Milwaukee's second unit and his impact on their defense cannot be mentioned enough. As long as Portis is in the paint alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, the Bucks have a chance to win.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Jaden McDaniels
2023-24 Season Statistics: 10.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Jaden McDaniels had a breakout season for the Timberwolves last year and continues to be a defensive stalwart for them. Rudy Gobert is certainly the biggest reason Minnesota has the number-one-ranked defense in the league but McDaniels’ presence on the wing has helped as well. The Timberwolves are a very exciting team and they continue to nurture talent as they progress together.
New Orleans Pelicans - Trey Murphy III
2023-24 Season Statistics: 14.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Trey Murphy III has continued his improvement as part of the talented New Orleans Pelicans core. His shooting and defensive versatility have been important for New Orleans, a team that wants to keep hold of a playoff seed this year. Murphy III is shooting 37.2% from three so his offense has been the main reason for the Pelicans' great play this year.
New York Knicks - Josh Hart
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Josh Hart continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He hustles, rebounds well for his size and position, and helps the Knicks win games. Even if he won’t receive the praise that Jalen Brunson or Julius Randle get for obvious reasons, Hart is the type of player the Knicks need to try to get to another level this postseason.
Oklahoma City Thunder - Luguentz Dort
2023-24 Season Statistics: 10.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Luguentz Dort has been a solid two-way player for the Thunder yet continues to get outshined by the stars of the team and even point guard Josh Giddey. Dort’s scoring and defensive ability are important for Oklahoma City because he fits perfectly alongside the young and talented stars. Hopefully, he can have an impact in the playoffs like he did in 2020 against the Houston Rockets.
Orlando Magic - Jalen Suggs
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Jalen Suggs is slowly coming into his own and realizing his potential as a two-way guard. His playmaking and defensive ability have been crucial for Orlando, a team that has somehow climbed the Eastern Conference standings earlier than we would’ve thought. With so many talented players on the team, Suggs might be the most underrated and his improvement this season has been impressive. The former No. 5 overall pick could be a long-term starter for the Magic as long as he shoots at least 40.0% from deep.
Philadelphia 76ers - De’Anthony Melton
2023-24 Season Statistics: 11.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
De’Anthony Melton is responsible for providing energy and defense off the bench for the 76ers. As one of the best guards in the East when it comes to reading passing lanes and coming up with steals, the upcoming free agent will likely demand a long-term deal this summer even if his play often goes unnoticed at times.
Phoenix Suns - Josh Okogie
2023-24 Season Statistics: 4.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Josh Okogie has to do a lot for the Phoenix Suns because of the elite star power offensively. His energy and hustle ability are important for Phoenix and he is often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best perimeter player. Phoenix needs more players like Okogie even if they will often go unnoticed and underappreciated, because someone has to do the dirty work, and Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal will appreciate that.
Portland Trail Blazers - Jerami Grant
2023-24 Season Statistics: 21.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Jerami Grant might be the most consistent player on the Portland Trail Blazers because of his veteran experience and even if he hasn’t affected the team record, his name doesn’t seem to get mentioned as much as it should. He might not be part of the long-term roster due to his age, but Grant might be Portland’s best player on both ends of the court.
Sacramento Kings - Malik Monk
2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Malik Monk provided a ton of scoring and energy off the bench for the Kings and is almost invaluable in that sense. Anytime Sacramento’s offense stagnates, Mike Brown throws in Monk off the bench and points get put on the board almost immediately. Monk deserves a ton of praise for always being ready to come in and light up the scoring sheet.
San Antonio Spurs - Keldon Johnson
2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Keldon Johnson is not mentioned often when discussing San Antonio’s elite talent including Rookie of the Year favorite Victor Wembanyama and others such as Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan. Johnson scores and rebounds well and whether he gets traded or not, he is an underrated player who should be getting more praise than he is receiving right now.
Toronto Raptors - Jakob Poeltl
2023-24 Season Statistics: 11.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Jakob Poeltl provides interior defense and rebounding for the Raptors and his shot-blocking and rim protection are crucial for Toronto's defense. An old-school center who can’t shoot doesn’t get much attention in the league anymore but Poeltl does his job exceptionally well every night regardless of his numbers.
Utah Jazz - Keyonte George
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Keyonte George had a solid rookie season for the Jazz and is one of the most promising players on the team. His scoring and playmaking ability have been promising for Utah, and he showed potential as a future long-term starter for the team as long as he can improve his three-point shooting above 33.5%.
Washington Wizards - Tyus Jones
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Tyus Jones provided steady playmaking and ball control for the Wizards in a season filled with inconsistency and uncertainty. His ability to run the offense and make smart decisions while shooting 41.4% from three makes him a respectable yet underappreciated point guard in the league.