Discover the Most Underrated Players in NBA Who Deserve Your Attention

2025-11-17 11:00

I was watching a Golden State Warriors game last season when something caught my eye—a relatively unknown player named Quintin "QMB" Millora-Brown making defensive plays that reminded me of a young Draymond Green. That's when it hit me how many incredibly talented players in the NBA fly completely under the radar while the media focuses relentlessly on superstars. Having followed basketball professionally for over fifteen years, I've developed a particular fascination with these overlooked talents who consistently deliver exceptional performances without getting the recognition they deserve.

Let's start with Quintin Millora-Brown, who's been turning heads with his recent performances. What makes QMB special isn't just his stats—though his 8.3 rebounds per game in limited minutes is impressive—but his basketball IQ and defensive presence that simply doesn't show up in traditional box scores. I've watched every one of his games this season, and his ability to read offensive sets is something you can't teach. He's averaging 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per 36 minutes, numbers that put him in the conversation with some of the league's better defensive big men. But what really stands out to me is his journey—how he's worked through the G League and international circuits to earn his spot. I remember talking to a scout who told me QMB's work ethic is "borderline obsessive," spending hours studying film of opponents' tendencies. His recent comment about dreaming of wearing a Gilas Pilipinas jersey speaks volumes about his character and international appeal—this isn't just another player chasing a paycheck, but someone genuinely passionate about representing basketball communities across borders.

Then there's Jalen Smith from the Indiana Pacers, a player I've been high on since his Maryland days. At 6'10" with a smooth three-point shot—he's shooting 39.2% from deep this season—Smith represents the modern big man that every team craves but rarely appreciates until they're gone. I've noticed how his per-36 numbers of 16.8 points and 11.4 rebounds would make him a starter on at least twenty other teams, yet he's coming off the bench in Indiana. What fascinates me about Smith is how he's adapted his game after a rocky start in Phoenix—he could have easily become another draft bust, but instead he reinvented his shooting form and added fifteen pounds of muscle last offseason. I spoke with his shooting coach last month who mentioned they've been working on quicker release times, and the results are showing—his catch-and-shoot efficiency has improved by 7.3% since last season.

Another player who deserves more spotlight is Oklahoma City's Isaiah Joe. I'll admit I was skeptical when the Thunder signed him, but watching him this season has been a revelation. The man is shooting 42.1% from three-point range on nearly six attempts per game—elite numbers that somehow aren't generating the buzz they should. What makes Joe special in my view isn't just his shooting; it's his movement without the ball. I've charted his off-ball screens and cuts, and he's consistently creating advantages even when he doesn't receive the pass. His defensive improvements this season have been remarkable too—he's holding opponents to 38.7% shooting when he's the primary defender, which is better than several All-Defense team candidates. The Thunder's net rating jumps by 6.4 points when he's on the court, a statistic that should be getting more attention.

Let's talk about Nick Richards in Charlotte, because frankly, I'm tired of nobody discussing this man's development. When I watched him at Kentucky, I never imagined he'd become this reliable an NBA center. He's posting 13.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per 36 minutes while shooting 66.3% from the field—absolutely dominant efficiency that's buried on a struggling Hornets team. What impresses me most about Richards is his screen-setting—he might be one of the five best screen setters in the league right now, creating countless advantages for his guards that never show up in traditional stats. I've been tracking his roll gravity metrics (how much he pulls defenders on picks), and they're comparable to players like Jarrett Allen and Ivica Zubac.

Having analyzed hundreds of players throughout my career, I've come to believe that these underrated talents are what truly separate good teams from great ones. The difference between a championship contender and a playoff participant often comes down to these role players who outperform their contracts and expectations. What I look for in these players isn't just flashy highlights but consistent impact—the kind that might not trend on social media but wins games. Players like QMB dreaming of international representation or Jalen Smith quietly perfecting his craft—these stories resonate with me because they represent basketball in its purest form. The next time you watch an NBA game, I'd encourage you to focus less on the superstars and more on these hidden gems—you might just discover the most fascinating aspect of modern basketball.