Basketball does a solid job of promoting the sport’s biggest players. Be it through podcast appearances, advertisements, or feature articles, the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James are heavily featured. Sometimes, though, some of the sport’s top talents tend to go under the radar a bit.
Ahead of the new season, there are some seriously underrated professionals who are worth keeping tabs on even if they don’t play for your beloved team. These excellent players contribute massively to the league’s rich tapestry and are appreciated by their own fans, but they tend to be ignored a bit by journalists, YouTubers, podcast hosts, and others.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a brief look at some of the most underrated players to follow in the NBA this season. Make no mistake about it; while they might not necessarily hog advertising hoardings and be snapped by paparazzi, they’re still hugely important figures for their respective teams.
Jordan Clarkson – Utah Jazz
When Jordan Clarkson joined the Utah Jazz, it’s probably fair to say that he arrived as somewhat of an unknown quantity. In terms of being an asset off the bench, though, Clarkson has cemented himself as a game-changer. The 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year award winner has shown he can be relied on, with Clarkson changing numerous encounters given his evident talent. Now, with some memorable performances behind him, everyone in Utah knows exactly what Jordan Clarkson brings to the party.
Seth Curry – Charlotte Hornets
While most fans think of the other Curry brother, Stephen’s talented sibling also deserves some attention. Seth Curry plays for the Charlotte Hornets, a team whose NBA lines are priced at +100000 when it comes to being a finals winner this season. While Curry’s Hornets might not pull off what would be a huge shock, they’ll need Seth Curry to be at the top of his game in order to stand a chance. Curry might not be as talented as his brother, but he’s capable of impacting games with his catch-and-shoot threes, in particular. Also, being regarded as an efficient player, Seth Curry could be a key cog in the Charlotte Hornets’ wheel this season.
Bobby Portis – Milwaukee Bucks
Ask Milwaukee Bucks fans to name some of their most important players and Bobby Portis will almost certainly be mentioned by many. Carrying on his impressive displays for the Chicago Bulls, Portis relishes defense and he essentially holds everything together for the Bucks. Also possessing a strong engine on him, Bobby Portis gives his all in every game and is one of the Milwaukee Bucks’ unsung heroes.
Isaiah Hartenstein – Oklahoma City Thunder
After recently signing a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, it seems Isaiah Hartenstein’s stock has risen. In recent times, though, the former New York Knicks player hasn’t got the attention some of the performances warrant. As Oklahoma City Thunder will hope to discover, Hartenstein could make the leaderboards for any advanced stats. His passing is exceptional and he’s a solid pick-and-roll finisher, amongst a whole host of other strengths.
Luke Kennard – Memphis Grizzlies
Although Luke Kennard has received criticism during his career, the Memphis Grizzlies’ investment in him has been fully justified. Kennard is productive in offense, while his impact from the bench has been noticeable on numerous occasions. Should the Memphis Grizzlies have a successful season, then Luke Kennard will probably have something to do with it.
Special mention must also go to Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder), Grayson Allen (Phoenix Suns), and Malcolm Brogdon (Washington Wizards).