Every NBA season, the spotlight shines on the usual headliners: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic. Their every move dominates highlights, and they attract all the attention while youngsters such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards are fighting to be the face of the NBA.
However, in today’s NBA, it’s easy for skilled, consistent performers to get lost in the noise. Some star players play in smaller markets, get overlooked, and even deal with disrespect in terms of media and fan attention. So let’s give them the shine they deserve.
Here are 10 current NBA stars who fly under the radar for reasons that probably shouldn't make much sense.
1. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) fouls out of the game in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) fouls out of the game in the second half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Jalen Brunson put up 26.0 points and 7.3 assists per game, placing him eighth in the entire league in both categories during the 2024-25 season, yet he still goes underappreciated. Add in his clutch DNA (crowned the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year), and it doesn't really make sense why he is disrespected.
But Brunson has never wanted to be a celebrity with tons of attention heading his way. He often lets the ball do the talking, especially in the clutch, and is only in the spotlight at times because he plays in New York for the esteemed Knicks. Still, Brunson is vastly under the radar considering his impact.
2. Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
In 2024-25, Tyrese Maxey averaged a team-leading 26.3 points, along with 6.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game, but still flew under the radar in terms of receiving media attention. After all, he carried Philly’s offense on his back before a late-season finger injury shut him down.
The superstar presence of Joel Embiid and the drama always surrounding Paul George always turn many cameras away from Maxey’s scoring ability and floor command. Maxey is one of the best point guards in the NBA, without a doubt, but somehow, he gets forgotten because he is more focused on basketball than the spotlight.
3. Jalen Williams - Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) dribbles down the court against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) dribbles down the court against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Jalen Williams made the All-Star Team and All-NBA Third Team last season, but he still doesn't get enough recognition. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominates the headlines in Oklahoma City, Williams often operates as the glue that binds the Thunder together. As we have seen throughout history, the co-star is always underrated.
His calm, low-profile demeanor off the court keeps him out of the spotlight, even as his on-court value continues to soar. On a team loaded with talent, he’s often the player who might not get as much attention as he should. Shai is a superstar player, so he will naturally get the acclaim, but the Thunder wouldn't have come close to a title last season without J-Will.
4. Paolo Banchero - Orlando Magic
Mar 10, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts after scoring a basket during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit- Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Mar 10, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts after scoring a basket during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit- Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Credit- Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Paolo Banchero is the face of the Orlando Magic, but surprisingly, his name doesn’t get thrown around in superstar conversations nearly as much as it should. As a young forward with elite scoring instincts and playmaking ability, Banchero has the skill set to carry Orlando into contention for years to come.
Despite that, Banchero still flies somewhat under the radar compared to other top young stars like Anthony Edwards or Victor Wembanyama. Playing in Orlando, a smaller market without constant national exposure, has kept him from becoming a household name. But for those paying attention, Banchero is up there in terms of superstars, and he can use the 2025-26 season as his playing field.
5. Desmond Bane - Orlando Magic
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) reacts during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) reacts during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum.
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
After his surprising trade from Memphis, Desmond Bane can become a stalwart in Orlando’s backcourt. With his lethal three-point shooting and physical strength, Bane brings a unique blend of toughness and efficiency that perfectly complements the Magic’s young core.
His ability to punish defenses from deep while also taking pressure off Paolo Banchero as a secondary scorer could transform Orlando’s offense considerably. Even in Memphis, Bane was overlooked. His game isn’t flashy since he’s not posterizing defenders or dominating highlight reels, but his impact is undeniable on both ends of the court.
6. Jaren Jackson Jr. - Memphis Grizzlies
Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dribbles during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dribbles during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jaren Jackson Jr. has all the tools of a modern big man: rim protection, floor spacing, and defensive versatility, yet his reputation often trails behind his actual impact. The former Defensive Player of the Year is one of the league’s premier shot-blockers, and his ability to switch onto smaller players makes him the anchor of Memphis’ defense.
Still, Jackson tends to be overlooked, partly because of inconsistent rebounding numbers and a sometimes quiet offensive presence. Critics often zero in on those flaws rather than appreciating his overall influence on winning. The Grizzlies have made JJJ a key part of their future because they value what he brings more than what he might not.
7. Mikal Bridges - New York Knicks
New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) dribbles up court during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden.
New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) dribbles up court during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Even before he arrived in New York, Mikal Bridges has been the definition of consistency. He’s one of the league’s premier “iron men,” rarely missing games and logging heavy minutes while still maintaining high-level efficiency. Bridges can guard the opposing team’s best wing every night, but he can also score 20 PPG if he wants to.
Despite playing in a big market, Bridges remains a bit under the radar compared to other top two-way wings. He doesn’t dominate the ball or seek the spotlight, which makes his production even more impressive. With the Knicks trying to push themselves into championship status, Bridges could be an X-factor even if he doesn't get much praise.
8. De’Aaron Fox - Sacramento Kings
Mar 7, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
De’Aaron Fox has been one of the fastest and most athletic guards in the league, but playing in Sacramento has kept him from the mainstream spotlight. Now with the Spurs, Fox might not get much attention either since he is playing alongside Victor Wembanyama and sharing the backcourt with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
Regardless, Fox doesn’t always get his due in the superstar guard conversation. Without needing to mention the top-5 point guards in the league, he likes of Ja Morant, Darius Garland, and Damian Lillard often command more attention, but Fox has proven capable of going toe-to-toe with any of them.
9. Norman Powell - Miami Heat
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Intuit Dome.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Intuit Dome.
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Norman Powell is the type of player who never makes headlines but consistently delivers winning basketball. Now with the Miami Heat, Powell hopes he can get over last season's All-Star snub and finally break through for another impressive campaign. His ability to score efficiently, whether spotting up or attacking closeouts, means he needs more respect.
Sure, Powell doesn’t carry the star power of Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro, but his steady contributions could swing games in Miami’s favor next season. As the Heat look to maintain their reputation as one of the league’s consistent postseason teams, Powell will need to accept being overlooked but contribute instantly.
10. Franz Wagner - Orlando Magic
Apr 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots a three point basket during the first quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots a three point basket during the first quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Franz Wagner is easily one of the NBA’s most complete young wings, and last season was a major breakthrough. Standing 6'10" with guard skills, Wagner has the versatility to initiate offense, attack the rim, and knock down threes while also guarding multiple positions.
But like Banchero, Wagner often gets overshadowed by flashier young stars in larger markets. His game is more about efficiency and intelligence than highlight plays, which makes him easier to overlook. However, we won't ignore Wagner's All-Star talents much longer.
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