As I watch this year's playoffs unfold, I can't help but reflect on how the Western Conference continues to surprise us season after season. The statistical reality that we're witnessing the conference's sixth different finals representative in as many years—something that hasn't happened since the 1972-73 through 1977-78 seasons—speaks volumes about the depth and parity in today's NBA. This remarkable rotation of teams reaching the pinnacle isn't just about superstar-driven franchises; it's equally about those underappreciated players who form the backbone of these successful teams yet rarely receive the recognition they truly deserve.
Let me start with a player I've been closely monitoring all season: Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies. While Ja Morant rightfully grabs headlines with his explosive athleticism, Bane's development into a complete two-way wing has been nothing short of remarkable. What impresses me most isn't just his 48.5% shooting from the field or his 40.8% accuracy from beyond the arc—it's his basketball IQ and defensive positioning that truly stand out. I've watched him navigate screens, anticipate passes, and consistently make the right rotational decisions that don't always show up in traditional box scores. At 6'5" with a sturdy frame and quick feet, he possesses the physical tools to guard multiple positions, yet his contributions often fly under the radar because they're not as flashy as a poster dunk or crossover ankle-breaker.
Then there's Al Horford, who at 36 years old continues to be the stabilizing force for the Boston Celtics. In an era obsessed with youth and athleticism, Horford's veteran presence and basketball intelligence often get overlooked. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him make the perfect defensive rotation or the extra pass that leads to a quality shot. His statistics—12.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game—don't jump off the page, but his impact transcends numbers. The Celtics' defensive rating improves by 6.3 points when he's on the floor, and his ability to space the floor while providing elite interior defense makes him invaluable in modern NBA schemes.
Speaking of invaluable, I need to mention Mikal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns. While Devin Booker and Chris Paul command most of the attention, Bridges has quietly developed into one of the league's premier perimeter defenders. What fascinates me about his game is how he manages to be both disruptive and disciplined—a rare combination in today's foul-heavy environment. He averaged 1.8 steals per game this season while committing only 2.1 personal fouls, demonstrating remarkable defensive efficiency. Offensively, he's become much more than just a spot-up shooter, showing improved ability to attack closeouts and finish in traffic. His 53.7% effective field goal percentage places him in the top tier of two-way wings, yet he rarely gets mentioned among the league's elite at his position.
The Western Conference's rotating cast of finalists perfectly illustrates why these underrated players matter so much. Teams don't reach the NBA Finals solely because of their superstars—they get there because players like Robert Williams III providing elite rim protection, or Tyus Jones running the offense with incredible efficiency (he posted an astonishing 7.1 assist-to-turnover ratio in 28 games as a starter). I've noticed that championship-caliber teams typically have at least two or three of these underappreciated contributors who excel in their roles without demanding spotlight or statistics.
Another player who deserves more recognition is Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans. The second-round pick immediately established himself as one of the league's best perimeter defenders, and I'd argue he's already top-five in that category. His combination of length, anticipation, and footwork reminds me of a young Kawhi Leonard, though I realize that's high praise. Jones averaged 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game as a rookie—numbers that don't fully capture his disruptive presence. What's particularly impressive is how he maintained his defensive intensity while improving his offensive game throughout the season, shooting 47% from the field after the All-Star break compared to 42% before it.
The narrative around underrated players often focuses on their statistical contributions, but from my perspective, their true value lies in how they enhance their teammates' performances. Take Draymond Green, for instance—while he's certainly recognized for his defensive prowess, I don't think people fully appreciate how his basketball intelligence and communication elevate the entire Warriors' system. His ability to quarterback the defense while facilitating the offense allows Stephen Curry to operate more freely, creating advantages that don't directly translate to traditional statistics.
As we look toward the future of the Western Conference, I'm convinced that identifying and developing these underrated talents will become increasingly important. The pattern of different teams reaching the finals suggests that depth and roster construction matter just as much as star power. Players like Portland's Josh Hart, who averaged 10.5 rebounds per game as a 6'5" guard, or Oklahoma City's Kenrich Williams, who posted a +4.3 plus-minus on a rebuilding team, represent the kind of valuable contributors that can push good teams to greatness.
Ultimately, what makes basketball truly fascinating isn't just the highlight-reel plays but the subtle contributions that often go unnoticed. The Western Conference's six different finalists over six seasons demonstrate that sustainable success requires more than just superstar talent—it demands the consistent excellence of players who excel in their roles without seeking recognition. As the league continues to evolve, I believe we'll see front offices placing greater value on these underappreciated assets, recognizing that championships are built not just on star power but on the foundation of players who do the little things right, night after night, regardless of whether they make the headlines.