There is still a lot to be determined before the playoffs, but everyone can agree this has been one of the single greatest seasons in the NBA for quite some time.
Young players' excellent performances have been some of the brightest spots this year. Many have taken their games to new levels, and even stepped up when their teams really needed it.
Certain superstars—such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James—are always expected to have a great season. But those of whom not much is expected are those who've made the Whittenberg All-Impressive Team, which means they have impressed me.
The list below consists of players who were under the radar before the start of the season. And yes, even rookies count. While some guys were known components before this season, the others weren't complete mysteries.
Whether their teams have winning or losing records does not factor into the players' inclusion in this team.
First Team
- Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers (Years Pro: 1)
Farmar had his ups and downs his first season in the NBA.
He played briefly in games for the NBA's developmental league while with the Lakers. But this season, Farmar has impressed.
The Lakers are currently on their magical 10-game winning streak and Farmar has averaged about 11 PPG. He plays a vital role off the bench and his current performance, believe it or not, will be imperative come playoff time.
- Brandon Roy, Portland Trailblazers (Years Pro: 1)
Fresh off his Rookie of the Year campaign, Roy took another leap forward by making his first All-Star game appearance.
B-Roy has averaged 19.3 PPG this season, and his Blazers have been one of the more surprising teams in the first half.
- Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics (Years Pro: Rookie)
Yes he's a rookie, but Durant has already blossomed as the Sonics' new franchise player.
A handful of rookies have looked good this season, but KD pretty much had the Rookie of the Year award wrapped up after the first half.
Though Seattle is in atrocious condition, Durant has provided some hope, averaging 19.2 PPG.
- Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks (Years Pro: Rookie)
While Durant received most of the preseason rookie hype, Al Horford has been an under-the-radar guy.
His Atlanta Hawks aren't even out of playoff contention in a pretty mediocre conference, sitting ninth in the East.
The team has a bright future ahead, and a solid building block in Horford for years to come. Horford averages 10 RPG along with nine points.
- Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves (Years Pro: 3)
For those who thought the Timberwolves didn't receive equal value for Kevin Garnett, think again. This guy has the makings of a franchise player in Minnesota.
Jefferson has been a freak of nature this season, averaging 21.4 points and 11.8 RPG per game.
18 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Glaring snub.... Monta Ellis. Last year's MIP. So What's he doing this year? Scoring more, rebounding more, playing more, and has an incredible shooting percentage. The fastest player in the NBA. THE one man fast break. Most of the guys on your list don't even start for their team, nor are one of the key pieces of their team. Michael, come out to Oakland and watch a few games..........
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
Obviously you didn't read the entire article. Everyone knows what Ellis can do, and the fact that he won MIP last season is why I didn't put him on here. This was for the first year guys or the guys who don't get as much hype like a Monta Ellis.
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
P.S.: I list was also applied for bench players. Under the radar guys who have done an exceptional job this season.
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Andrew Butler about 1 year ago
I am surprised that you don't have Daniel Gibson from the Cleveland Cavaliers on there. Daniel Gibson is a 2nd round pick from Texas who I put on my fantasy team this year, this guy was amazing during the Cavalier's run in the nba championship last year. This guy shoots on average between 45-50% from 3 point range, and had a breakout game in the freshman-sophomore game nailing over 11 3 pointers. He's one heck of a shooter and looks really good, and I agree with you about Al Horford, coming out of college I liked him a lot with his good defense and strong play on the boards with no strong flaws, good all-around power forward. But Lamarcus Aldridge has done good as well averaging near 20 ppg, yet I don't see him on your list, I would recommend a couple of revisions.
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Patrick Houston about 1 year ago
Yes finally someone shows Juan Carlos Navarro some love.Good article.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Then why include Al Jefferson, he was a know commodity in Boston and no more "under the radar" than Ellis???? In Fact, Jefferson's stats are improved in the same way Ellis' are last year to this year, except he is playing on a crappy team and as such is typically facing lesser players in garbage time. Jefferson is the only "go to" guy in Minneapolis, Ellis started the season as the 3rd wheel for the Warriors and has played his way to being one of the most important cogs in the machine. and no, it was not clear from what you wrote that "everyone knows what Ellis can do". Sure Ellis is more important to his team than anyone else on your list other than Jefferson, but I would still say he is under appreciated in the national press, which I beleive was the premise for your story.
By the way, how can you have years pro=1? That sounds like rookie to me. Either you are a rookie or a second year player....
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
Years pro means how many years they have been in the league.Check it out on ESPN or NBA.com and it will look exactly the same.
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Ling Ge about 1 year ago
Good choices, you can even throw in Luis Scola into the mix. Scola looks more comfortable in the Rockets' offense compared to the beginning of the season and he's going to have a bigger role with Yao out.
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Andrew Ungvari about 1 year ago
This is Farmar's sophomore year but I can't blame you for not noticing he was in the league last year. Don't be surprised if he's starting next year with Fisher approaching 34.
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Silas Beyman about 1 year ago
How about Turkoglu, did anyone see this season coming from him?
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
Actually yes, he has been a good scorer since about 2002 he just always came off the bench.
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Jethro Tull about 1 year ago
Nice job, Mike. I'd like to send along a plug for Boston's Rajon Rondo. The Big 3 in Boston get most of the attention, but each of them has been impressed with Rondo's maturation process. This kid is one to keep an eye on.
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Michael Whittenberg about 1 year ago
Yeah true, you can throw Rondo in there.
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David Leney about 1 year ago
Rudy Gay and Danny Granger
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Isaac Sorsa about 1 year ago
Mike Dunleavy deserves to be on this list. He's gone from one of the most overpaid players in the league to the best case scenario when he got drafted. His stat sheet for the year tells the story, but think about this: When he was in Golden State for 5 years he had a total of 5 30+ point games, he has 6 this season.
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Steve Yodz about 1 year ago
Add Rondo, but I think Dunleavy is/has been too high profile for the list (but I'm from the Bay Area so that could be why). I'd love to see your thoughts on a similar list, but with the players in the league that aren't glamorous but get the job done and are an integral part of their team, even if they don't get credit, that is unless you think there would be too much overlap with this list (and I'm sure you could come up with a better and MUCH more concise title).
Anyway, great article--keep them coming.
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Thomas Halzack about 1 year ago
Nice work, Mike.
I like many of your choices and it's a good choice of topics - not one that's been done a lot.
Every list will lead to discussions of who should be on...who shouldn't. Take it in stride.
But you forgot some guy named Kevin Garnett. Not sure where he played last year, but he's been doing pretty well for Boston. Kind of skinny though. Might be a flash in the pan.
T
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Matt Stephens about 1 year ago
Moon has the potential to turn into a Matrix Lite, it will be interesting to see his development.
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