Fansided

5 NBA stars flying under the radar

By Derek Brown

Oct 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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The same few names continue to dominate the NBA, so who are the best players we don’t hear enough about?

Every day, SportsCenter floods us with news about a few superstar players. Names like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Russel Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade are repeated ad nauseam. All of these players are future Hall of Famers and deserve our attention. I get that. But the NBA is filled with budding stars ready to take over when these players leave their throne, players that don’t get the attention they deserve because they play in a small market or are being overshadowed by some of the names above.

It’s time to shed light on the individual players who have started the 2016-17 season with statistics that far exceed anything they have ever done before. Numbers that could be compared to greats like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. If these players can keep this ball rolling the rest of the league better be prepared for their take over.

Jan 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks on during the second half at Verizon Center. Boston Celtics won 116 - 91. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks on during the second half at Verizon Center. Boston Celtics won 116 – 91. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Thomas

Many people wrote Isaiah Thomas off at the beginning of his career. He was a star in college for the University of Washington, but his 5-foot-9 185-pound frame left experts skeptical. Thomas has played with a chip on his shoulder ever since, proving he belongs in the league time and time again. This season has been no different, as he’s increased his per game stats to 26.1 points, 6.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds to become easily one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference.

The stats don’t tell the whole story, either. In a recent interview, Thomas said, “We’re not the hardest playing team no more … I gotta watch film, I gotta see what I have to do better, see what we can do better.” Those remarks are the sign of a great leader and a player who prides himself on winning as part of a team. That’s the sort of player every team needs, and a player destined for greatness. Thomas’ blazing speed, compact strength, unorthodox lefty scoring ability and leadership will ensure he’s recognized for the star he is, if not this season then in seasons to come.

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