As Thanksgiving approaches, some NBA players, from young talents to veterans, deserve a little more appreciation.
It’s that time of year again when we say thank you. The same goes for the NBA.
The problem is that some players appear to be underappreciated for what they have done for the team or themselves so far in the 2023-24 season. Some are in the shadow of more accomplished teammates. It happens.
Well, we’re here to correct that.
This isn’t about Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum and other obvious standouts who couldn’t escape the spotlight even if they tried.
As we head into Thanksgiving, these are about 10 players (in alphabetical order) who deserve more thanks:
1. LaMelo Ball, Hornets
He’s hard to find because the Hornets are also in the East End basement. But that’s not Ball’s fault. He has never been better and more developed across the board.
LaMelo is a smarter player with an already high basketball IQ, and his improvement lies in shooting (he averages 25.9 points per game) and better defense.
As always, LaMelo was entertaining, throwing lobs and behind-the-back passes that defied logic. He just needs to be strong enough to lift the Hornets from rock bottom.
2. Scotty Barnes, Raptors
Wait, why do two former Kia Rookie of the Year winners top this list? Isn’t Barnes already appreciated and respected? Well, to an extent, but his production has declined since his rookie season in 2021-22. so far.
Ultimately, we’re seeing improvements in his scoring, court awareness, effort, and just about everything. He leads the Raptors in every major metric this season except assists — and he’s averaging a career-high six assists per game.
The Raptors are faltering and seem certain to make a big trade or two before the deadline, and Barnes appears to be untouchable.
3. Eric Gordon, Suns
He turns 35 on Christmas, and he hasn’t been a regular starter on a winning team since James Harden of the Rockets came to the Suns this season as backcourt insurance. Phoenix knows he can still shoot.
Well, the premium is paying off. With Bradley Beal still dealing with lower back issues — and he’ll be out for a few more weeks — Gordon’s importance rises. He started all but four games and averaged about 14 points per game, suddenly becoming the third option.
4. LeBron “Season 21” James, Lakers
Okay, maybe that’s cheating, putting the all-time greats on a list shared with rising stars. Then again, why not? For someone who turns 39 next month, the older LeBron is not only approaching new territory, but breaking through it.
It must be said and repeated: what he is doing now, for his level, for his age and for his level of responsibility, is astonishing. Scoring, passing, rebounding — no, not defense, which has understandably declined, but LeBron still sets the standard for adult sports.
His biceps aren’t sagged and he’s showing it to us and the entire league. He ranked in the top 15 in scoring (a career-high 41.4% from three) and assists, grabbed over eight rebounds and was tied with the much younger Anthony Davis.
Most impressive? At the start of the season, playing time was reduced to keep LeBron’s legs fresh for the long haul, with LeBron playing almost 35 games a night. Yes, it’s unnecessary for an inconsistent Lakers team, but it makes sense.
5. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat
We didn’t want to include rookies on this list because they tend to scoff early in the season. But, hell: Jacques got the benefit of the doubt.
He injured his ankle a few years ago, so he stayed at UCLA for his senior year. Even so, he was still projected as a possible second-round pick last June.
But, look: His value to the Heat last month (52/41/80 shooting) was skyrocketing. More playing time, more output, and a greater role. Erik Spoelstra doesn’t hurt this one easily. Has Pat Riley discovered another loser?
6. Jaren Johnson, Hawks
Look what the Eagles found when they sent John Collins to Utah — an athletic, run-heavy wing who fits the system.
Johnson earned the promotion and did a lot of work on that front, catching and completing Trae Young’s lob pass at halftime and getting more in coach Quin Snyder’s offense. Playing time. He was 6 feet 8 inches tall and had a reputation for high energy.
Johnson has failed to score in double figures in just two games this season and is currently averaging 14.6 points per game. ((more than double his career average), with nearly eight rebounds. He can get the Most Improved vote.
7. Duncan Robinson, Heat
He got up. He fell. He stood up again. It’s great to ride the Duncan Lift that’s currently heading north. He went from rags to nothing and looking rich again in his third comeback?
Who’s still following? The past two years have left people spinning with Robinson sitting on the bench or not playing at all due to performance issues.
With Max Struth gone, he’s back to something old – something new? ——Robinson, he cannot be left empty. His scoring average (14.5 points) is the highest of his career, in part because he’s no longer one-dimensional and no longer content with three-point shooting. He scores more off the dribble and driving to the basket.
8. Mitchell Robinson, Knicks
No one in New York has bounced back like this since Patrick Ewing. Robinson is cementing himself as one of the league’s best board members, and it reflects on almost a nightly basis. He is now averaging 11.6 points per game.
But his defensive development has gone even further. He averaged 1.2 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Now you know why stoic coach Tom Thibodeau nearly laughed out loud. Because Robinson is happy to leave the scoring to others and focus on the important things.
9. Alperon Warlord, Team Rocket
Jokic Jr. is growing and emerging in his third season and is partially responsible for the Rockets’ resurgence. He leads Houston in scoring — who sees that on Jalen Green’s team? — and is already one of the most efficient post players in the league.
His numbers this season have soared past his career mark. He has averaged 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the last five consecutive games. A few weeks ago, he went 23-8-5 against the Nuggets…and was named their two-time Kia MVP.
10. Derrick White, Celtics
You could argue that White is the second most impressive Celtic (so far), all things considered. His impact on both ends has proven to be invaluable and has kept Boston in the loft of the East.
He’s taking on the toughest defensive assignments and showing great range in the area, especially on the perimeter. On a team with Tatum, Brown and Porzingis, he doesn’t take a lot of shots, but when he does, he’s efficient. Now shooting 42.6% from deep, the best among Celtics starters.
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Sean Powell has been covering the NBA for more than 25 years.You can email him here , find his profile and follow him here Twitter.
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