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Ranking the NBA’s 10 most underrated players in 2022-23

By Holden Walter-Warner

Apr 30, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz guard Joe Ingles (2) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12) in the first half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors, Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney, NBA (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

7. C Kevon Looney, Golden State Warriors

Every year, without fail, Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney becomes a household name as his team secures another Larry O’Brien trophy. Then, like clockwork, Looney fades back into the dark as his high-profile teammates seize the spotlight.

This year hasn’t gotten off to the start the defending champions were hoping for, complete with drama off the court. Looney has simply been going about his business, remaining unheralded and vital.

During the 2022 NBA Finals, Looney drew plenty of attention for his defense and proficiency on the offensive boards, deemed a critical factor in the team’s victory over the Boston Celtics. Golden State rewarded him with a three-year, $25.5 million extension over the summer.

Looney has been a full-time starter for two and a half years, now. Is he one of the first five players you think of when you think of the Warriors? Is he even the first center, or does that distinction belong to former lottery pick James Wiseman?

Maybe it’s because he’s not much of a scorer. This season, he’s averaging 6.2 points per game – he’s never averaged even seven points per game. Meanwhile, he’s grabbing 6.8 rebounds per game, his second-best mark for a season.

Looney is quietly one of the better defenders in the league, too. This season, his defensive box plus/minus ranks just outside the top 20 of the NBA. Last year, his defensive rating was fifth in the league.

The Warriors will be better than their record shows and Looney will be a big reason why, even if people don’t notice.