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NBA: The X-Factor on All 30 Teams

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the first half of their pre-season game against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center.Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the first half of their pre-season game against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center.Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks small forward Iman Shumpert (21) and Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) go after a loose ball in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks small forward Iman Shumpert (21) and Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) go after a loose ball in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

In the world of sports, the most under-appreciated athlete on a team is the X-Factor. Even when such a player is the star of the show, the value of their contributions are never truly understood until they’re displayed on a grand stage.

Either that or until they leave.

The X-Factor isn’t necessarily a star, but instead a player whose contributions can elevate or sink a season. For some teams, that’s the subjective best player on the roster. For others, it’s a role player whose contributions are key to keeping the motor running.

No matter their name value, these are the X-Factors on every NBA team.