The Western Conference's relentless carousel of contenders never ceases to amaze me. Just look at the current playoff landscape – regardless of the series outcome, we're guaranteed a sixth different franchise representing the West in the NBA Finals this season. That kind of parity is staggering. The last time we witnessed six different Western Conference champions in a six-season span was way back between 1972-73 and 1977-78. That historical context isn't just a fun trivia fact; it's the very ecosystem that allows certain players to thrive in crucial roles without getting the national spotlight they truly deserve. We get so caught up in the MVP conversations and All-NBA debates that we often overlook the engine rooms of these contending teams – the underrated workhorses whose contributions are absolutely vital. Having covered this league for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for these players, the ones who make winning plays that don't always show up in the basic box score.
Let's start with a player I find myself constantly defending in basketball circles: T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers. I know, I know, the archetype of the "scrappy, energy guard" is a tired trope, but McConnell completely transcends it. His impact is quantifiable. This season, he became the first player in NBA history to come off the bench and record a triple-double with at least 10 steals. Let that sink in. 10 steals. In a single game. That's not just hustle; that's preternatural anticipation and a level of defensive intellect that disrupts entire offensive schemes. When I watch the Pacers, their offense often hums at a different, more chaotic, and effective rhythm when McConnell is on the floor. He pushes the pace relentlessly, and his mid-range jumper has become one of the most reliable weapons in the league, even if he only attempts a handful a game. He's averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 assists, but those numbers are a lie. They don't capture the four or five possessions a game he single-handedly salvages. In my opinion, he's the best backup point guard in the NBA, and it's not particularly close.
Then there's the case of Luguentz Dort on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Everyone knows him as a defensive stopper, the guy you throw at the opposing team's best perimeter player. But we've pigeonholed him, and it's a disservice to his development. I remember watching him in his second year and thinking his offensive game might never come around. I was wrong. This season, he's shooting a respectable 39.4% from three on over five attempts per game. That's not just "good for a defender"; that's legitimately good, period. He's become a legitimate three-and-D threat who can also put the ball on the floor and attack a closeout with surprising power. His defensive metrics are off the charts – he consistently holds elite scorers 5-7 points below their season average. On a young, ascending team like the Thunder, his value is immeasurable. He's the defensive identity and an increasingly reliable offensive cog. He doesn't get the press that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Chet Holmgren receive, but ask any coach in the Western Conference, and they'll tell you preparing for Dort is a nightmare.
Switching to the frontcourt, I've become a huge advocate for Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets. Playing in a small market on a struggling team will hide anyone's talent, but Richards is a gem. He's a traditional, rim-running, shot-blocking center in a league that sometimes forgets their value. Per 36 minutes, he's putting up a double-double with nearly 3 blocks. His player efficiency rating is a robust 21.8, which for context, is higher than some starting centers on playoff teams. I was reviewing some tape from a game earlier this season, and his footwork in the pick-and-roll and his ability to protect the rim without fouling were incredibly impressive. He's not flashy, but he's efficient and knows his role perfectly. On a contender, as a backup five, he could be the difference in a seven-game series, providing 15-18 minutes of elite interior defense and rebounding. He's the kind of player that executives talk about at the trade deadline, a secret weapon waiting for the right situation.
The constant churn of new Western Conference champions, from the Warriors to the Lakers to the Nuggets and now to a new name, proves that team construction is more nuanced than just stacking superstars. It's about finding these undervalued assets, the McConnells, Dorts, and Richards of the world, who provide elite skills at a fraction of the cost and recognition. These are the players who execute the game plans, who make the extra rotation, who dive for the loose ball in a tied Game 5. My argument has always been that true basketball intelligence is about appreciating these subtleties. It's easy to marvel at a 40-point game; it's harder, but more rewarding, to understand the player who made three defensive plays in the final two minutes to secure that win. As the league continues to evolve with this incredible competitive balance, the hunt for these underrated talents becomes the most critical front-office task. Recognizing them isn't just for armchair analysts like me; it's the key to understanding how championships are truly built in the modern NBA. So next time you tune into a game, take your eyes off the ball for a few possessions and watch these guys work. You might just be watching the most important player on the court.
