
We recently took an in-depth look at teams and players that have exceeded expectations and also those that haven’t lived up to them or seen their production tail off. Today, we wanted to take a look at five standout players who have been standouts and important cogs for some time, but are not just getting the deserved recognition. Mostly it has to do with winning, but sometimes it’s just fans and media waking up to their consistent and stellar contributions.
The players listed below are in order in which we feel they have been slept on, but in recent weeks media and fans are waking up!
What’s Changed: The No. 1 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft has been an elite player for as long as we can remember seeing him back to ninth grade. It’s no surprise he developed in the 2020 Mr. Baskertball USA at Montverde Academy (Fla.), but what has changed this season is the Pistons (21-19) are competitive after a dumpster fire 2023-24 campaign.
Cunningham’s numbers are better, but they were stellar last year, too. The big guard needed a coach where the personnel bought into a system and he has that with coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Cunningham can lead, is a difference-maker and has few weaknesses in his overall game.
What’s Changed: As Memphis (26-15) remains competitive despite injuries for the second straight year, it’s apparent Jackson is an indispensable cog who is one of the best two-way forwards in the NBA. He captured NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022-23, he’s taken his game to another level now. The two-time single-season block league leader is blocking less shots, but is otherwise having a career year and the average fan is beginning to take notice.
He’s played every game and is putting up all-star caliber numbers, leading the Grizzlies in minutes, points, steals, blocks and staying on the floor by being disciplined defensively. Only two other players lead their respective team in points, steals and blocks: sure-fire all-stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) and Anthony Davis (L.A. Lakers). Coaches know how good JJJ is, but do fans?
What’s Changed: The 7-footer has always had unicorn type talent and an easy-going disposition. His demeanor led to questions by some NBA scouts about his love for the game when determining who should be the No. 1 pick of the 2021 draft, he, Cunningham or the Rockets’ Jalen Green. We told more than one NBA scout, he’s too talented and coordinated at his size for the questions to matter.
Mobley just needed experience at being a go-to offensive threat and a coach who knew what he brought to the table on the offensive side. It’s happening this year and the Cavs are on pace for a 70-win season because they have picked up the offensive pace, Mobley is getting three times the looks in pick-and-roll situations as last season, and is shooting 42 percent from the 3-point line. Let’s just say, the Cavs are glad he was available at No. 3 in the draft.
What’s Changed: Portland (13-26) is trying to decipher who is worth keeping long term in its rebuilding process and its clear Camara is one of those few pieces. The No. 52 pick overall of the 2023 NBA Draft, this Belgium native is a terrific defensive player whose offense is beginning to come around.
Camara came over to Portland in the Dame Lillard trade after being drafted by Phoenix and earned a starting spot as a rookie because of his defensive versatility. He’s quickly becoming a good all-around player fans need to take notice of. He’s averaged 13.4 ppg in his last five games, including a career-high 23 points on Jan. 14 vs. the Brooklyn Nets. We can’t wait to see the next step in Camara’s development.
What’s Changed: What’s incredible in OKC’s 33-6 start as they set to take on Cleveland in a much-anticipated rematch of the NBA’s two best teams, is how many games their regulars have missed with injury. Hartenstein missed the first month of the season with a fractured hand and a week after he returned, Chet Holmgren went down with a busted hip. Hartenstein will miss the rematch game and at least three in total and with Holmgren out it was apparent just how valuable the seventh-year big man has become.
He is putting up career highs in points, rebounds, and blocks, and defense has been the name of the game in OKC this season. OKC now has plenty of experience with its small-ball lineup, but can it keep up its winnning pace without Hartenstein for an extended period of time? His value is masked by OKC’s talented roster but his combination of size and ability will be needed in the playoff stretch.
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