10 Underrated NBA Stars Who Deserve Gratitude This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to take a step back and show some gratitude. In the NBA, the spotlight usually shines on the same set of stars, but what about the players quietly making a huge impact? One month into the 2024-25 season, several players are overachieving, exceeding expectations, or showing signs that they’re on the brink of something special.

This list isn’t about household names or established All-Stars. Instead, it’s a shoutout to the underrated, the grinders, and the surprise standouts who are giving their teams every reason to be thankful. Here’s a look at 10 players (in alphabetical order) who deserve a little more love this season.

1. LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball is playing like a man on a mission. After dealing with injuries that derailed parts of his young career, he’s come out firing this season, averaging over 30 points per game. He’s not just scoring for the sake of it—he’s doing it efficiently and consistently, including a jaw-dropping 50-point masterpiece.

What’s most exciting about Ball this season is how he’s added range and creativity to his game. Defenses now have to guard him the moment he steps past mid-court. Add in his near-top-10 numbers in assists, and it’s clear he’s evolving into one of the NBA’s elite. If he stays healthy, that second All-Star nod is practically a given.

2. Dyson Daniels – Atlanta Hawks

Meet the “Man of Steal.” Dyson Daniels has turned defense into an art form for the Atlanta Hawks. The 21-year-old is leading the league in steals with an eye-popping 3.1 per game, a stat we haven’t seen at this level since the early ’90s. He also tops the league in deflections, proving that his defensive instincts are second to none.

Daniels has been a game-changer for the Hawks, parking himself in passing lanes and making life miserable for opposing offenses. His seven-steal game earlier this season wasn’t a fluke—it’s the kind of defensive dominance that’s becoming his trademark.

3. Buddy Hield – Golden State Warriors

When Buddy Hield joined the Warriors, no one expected him to be Klay Thompson 2.0—but he’s doing a solid job carving out his own niche. Hield’s shooting has been a blessing for Golden State, especially during his hot start when he scored 20 or more points in six of the first seven games.

Although his efficiency has wavered slightly, Hield has proven he can deliver as a reliable scoring option off the bench. For a team that’s often criticized for lacking depth, Hield has given the Warriors something extra to lean on this season.

Read this: Olney’s Power Rankings: Top 10 Teams in MLB Today

4. Ty Jerome – Cleveland Cavaliers

Talk about a comeback story. After missing almost all of last season due to injury, Ty Jerome has returned with a vengeance for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His ability to contribute right away on a team that started 15-0 is remarkable.

Jerome’s standout moment came when he dropped 27 points in a single half against the Pelicans, followed by a 26-point, four-steal performance against Toronto. It’s not easy breaking into a stacked Cavs rotation, but Jerome’s efficient scoring and smart playmaking have made him a key contributor.

5. Scotty Pippen Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies

When Ja Morant went down with an injury, Scotty Pippen Jr. stepped up in a big way. In his third season—and second with the Grizzlies—the young guard has been quietly impressive, averaging 13.8 points and 5.4 assists in eight starts.

Pippen’s breakout game came in Chicago, where he scored 30 points in front of the same fans who once cheered for his dad. Now that Morant is back, Memphis will need to get creative to keep Pippen on the floor. He’s proven he’s ready for bigger opportunities.

6. Jakob Poeltl – Toronto Raptors

The Raptors haven’t had much to celebrate this season, but Jakob Poeltl is a bright spot. The veteran center is playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging a double-double while anchoring the paint for Toronto.

Poeltl put together a three-game stretch earlier this season where he posted 25-18, 35-12, and 30-15 stat lines—an incredible run for a 29-year-old big man. Don’t be surprised if contenders come knocking around the trade deadline. Poeltl’s versatility and consistent production make him a valuable piece for any team.

7. Payton Pritchard – Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics already have one of the most stacked rosters in the league, but Payton Pritchard is proving to be an unexpected weapon. Known for his shooting, Pritchard has carved out a role as a lethal 3-point threat off the bench, hitting 42.6% from deep this season.

His ability to capitalize on open looks created by stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown has made him a crucial piece of Boston’s rotation. Averaging 14.8 points per game, Pritchard is even getting early buzz for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.

8. Franz Wagner – Orlando Magic

Franz Wagner is taking his game to the next level this season. With Paolo Banchero missing time, Wagner has stepped up as the leader of the Magic, guiding them to a six-game win streak while averaging 29 points, six rebounds, and over six assists during that stretch.

Read this: Chargers vs Broncos: Herbert Leads Chargers to Key Win

His game-winner against the Lakers was a statement moment, but it’s his all-around play—on both ends of the floor—that’s turning heads. Orlando’s strong defensive rating has a lot to do with Wagner’s impact, and if he keeps this up, an All-Star selection is well within reach.

Source: 10 NBA Players Who Deserve More Thanks This Season

9. Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder

Jalen Williams isn’t just picking up where he left off last season—he’s leveling up. The second-year forward has been phenomenal for the Thunder, averaging 22.1 points on 52.3% shooting while grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game.

What sets Williams apart is his versatility. He’s scoring efficiently, rebounding like a forward, and defending like a guard, ranking second in the league in steals (2.2 per game). With Chet Holmgren still finding his footing, Williams has taken on extra responsibilities and delivered every step of the way.

10. Ivica Zubac – LA Clippers

Ivica Zubac has always been a solid role player, but this season he’s showing off a more well-rounded game. The Clippers are running more plays for him, and his chemistry with James Harden is paying dividends. Harden has a reputation for only trusting certain teammates, and Zubac has earned that trust in spades.

Averaging 15.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, Zubac has become a consistent double-double machine while shooting over 60% from the field. His ability to anchor the paint gives the Clippers an important interior presence as they navigate a tough Western Conference.

NBA campaign unfolds

These players might not dominate the headlines or get the same love as the league’s superstars, but their contributions are undeniable. Each of them has stepped up in unique ways, helping their teams succeed in a season that’s just getting started.

As the 2024-25 NBA campaign unfolds, don’t be surprised if some of these names become impossible to ignore. Until then, let’s take a moment to be thankful for their hard work, dedication, and the exciting basketball they’ve given us so far.