Which are the most underrated NBA players at each position? Which players have the capability to breakout and achieve stardom this season? Let’s take a look at which players are the likeliest and why.
POINT GUARD – George Hill, IND
George Hill was the 5th most efficient point guard in the NBA last season. Those ahead of him – Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving – were all MVP candidates and All-Stars.
Hill’s turnover percentage was really low (5th-best among point guards). His effective field goal percentage was the highest of his 7-year career.
Hill had career highs in assist percentage last season (nearly double the previous season) and rebound percentage. And, he was used at the highest percentage in his career.
The Pacers had a net rating of +7.1 with Hill on the court and -3.4 with him off of it.
SHOOTING GUARD – Wesley Matthews, DAL
On a per play basis, Matthews was among the 30 most efficient offensive players in the NBA. The two players directly ahead of him were Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler, both All-Stars.
He has abilities that other shooting guards do not. He posts up. In fact, among all shooting guards who posted at least 50 times last season, Matthews was the most efficient.
Matthews was also the most efficient shooter in the NBA coming off a screen (min. 100 plays). He was followed by Stephen Curry and Kyle Korver.
All of that and he was 7.0% better than the NBA median in defensive efficiency.
SMALL FORWARD – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an elite defender. His overall efficiency increased 25.1% year-over-year. He ranked 12th in the NBA in defensive real plus/minus. The only small forwards better were Kawhi Leonard and Tony Allen.
Offensively, he’s made strides. His true shooting percentage and turnover percentages were the best of his career. While his range is limited (average shot distance was 8.0 feet), he did establish a career high in rebound percentage.
And, his productivity (average game score) increased 52.5% year-over-year.
POWER FORWARD – Derrick Favors, UTAH
Derrick Favors ranked 16th in the NBA in PER. The Jazz had a net rating of +2.2 with him on the court and -1.8 off the court. Favors’ usage pct was between Zach Randolph’s and Paul Millsap’s.
His true shooting percentage was just behind Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan. His rebound percentage was about the same as LaMarcus Aldridge’s.
Defensively, he was one of the five best rim protectors in the game. He saved 142 points at the rim over his position average (source: nylon calculus) by blocking and challenging shots, fifth in the league and second among power forwards (Serga Ibaka).
CENTER – Marcin Gortat, WSH
Marcin Gortat has offensive and defensive skills. He played all 82 games last season and had his highest efficiency in 3 years. Gortat had 4.4 offensive win shares and 4.2 defensive win shares. The only other centers to have at least 4 offensive and defensive win shares were Marc Gasol and DeAndre Jordan.
He was the most efficient player in transition in the league (min 50 plays). He had 79 transition plays, which shows his ability to run the floor and he shot 84.5% on these plays.
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.