Underrated NBA player props you shouldn’t ignore

NBA seasons are always a thrilling spectacle to watch. Filled with blasting unforgettable moments, it successfully keeps fans and audiences on the edge of their seats. While all the dazzles of the game are appreciative, there’s also a hidden side of the game where underrated stats of the players and teams are waiting to be uncovered.

Yes, we are talking about the yet-to-be-explored NBA player props. These lesser-known metrics can likely uncover a deeper understanding of individual player performances and team dynamics. These valuable insights will make you appreciate the game even more. So, let’s explore them one by one.

Potential assets

One of the most popular metrics in basketball is undoubtedly assists. These are the passes that had the potential to score a basket had the shooter made a successful shot. This NBA player props offers a valuable insight into a player’s passing abilities. Hence, even if some players pose tons of potential assists, they may end up with limited traditional assists due to their teammates missing the shots.

Now, tracking these potential assists uncovers those underrated playmakers who produce scoring opportunities but miss out on their deserving recognition. For instance, star players like Fred VanVleet and Tyrese Haliburton mostly record high potential assists, showcasing their capability in offensive setup exceeding their assist totals.

Contested rebounds

You can measure a player’s effectiveness on the boards through their total rebounds. But this stat does not demonstrate the whole story, do they? For that, you should look into contested rebounds, those that are grabbed while the opponent is nearby. This metric presents a better picture of a player’s actual rebounding skills.

When it comes to high-contested rebounds, players like Ivica Zubac and Steven Adams have proven their worth by securing unbeatable possessions. This prop can help the spot elite rebounders to be differentiated from those who are satisfied with easy, uncontested boards.

Deflections

Deflections are another precious NBA player prop and a part of defensive actions. They go beyond steals and blocks. This stat analyzes how frequently a player disrupts plays or tips passes, implying their active defensive role during the game.

Popular players who excel in deflections are Jrue Holiday and Alex Caruso. Even if their steal number are not exceptional, their defensive skills are appreciable. A high number of deflections suggests a player’s good positioning and strong instincts while on the floor, enabling them to break up the opponent’s playing rhythm effectively.

Screen assists

The typical understanding of an assist is when a player sets up a shot, leading to a successful basket. But, if you are into NBA player props prediction, you must not overlook screen assists, moments when the players set screens to help their fellow teammates score.

When you learn to appreciate the vital role of screen assists, you can get a better understanding of how some players singlehandedly improve their team’s performance without even touching the ball. This underrated stat illustrates the significance of strategic teamwork in basketball via a screen.

Time of possession

Time of possession is a stat that highlights how long a player holds the ball while on the floor. This player prop is usually associated with star players who dominate gameplay. However, it is also essential for the secondary ball-handlers who have a significant role in assisting their team’s offense, irrespective of whether they rack up excelling counting stats or not.

Take a look at the star player Tyrese Maxey, who, despite not being the team’s leading assist-maker, garnered a high time of possession, highlighting the significance of his driving plays and setting the game pace. So, while his stats may not be as impressive, you cannot overlook his presence and influence on the court.

Passes made per game

The context of passing in basketball is more than just racking up assists. It encompasses forming a game flow and rhythm. If you are a basketball enthusiast, you may know that Nikola Jokić and Draymond Green are the master players in passing skills. While obtaining credits for assists may be overdue at times, their high volume of passes secures the offensive gameplay while also preventing the buildup of stagnation in the game. This capability of the player keeps the game active and encourages their teammates, proving themselves as vital offensive facilitators.

Charges drawn

For those who are deeply into basketball, do you know what is the most selfless act a player can perform in a game? It is the initiative to take charge of the game. It is all about having quick footwork, being aware of defense, and being ever-ready to sacrifice their body for the team. Players who are impressive in drawing charges usually set the team’s defensive tone. It means shifting the momentum in the most vital moments to fire up their teammates and audiences/fans alike.

Second-chance points created

Another critical role for players to play in basketball is offensive rebounds, as there lies a possibility of second-chance points. Some popular players are skilled at grabbing these rebounds and shifting them into scoring opportunities, be it by themselves or by their teammates.

These exceptional players not only extend possessions in the process but also create unprecedented scopes of scoring, which otherwise may not be found in standard statistics. This ability of theirs keeps the ball moving, changing the game’s momentum and resulting in creating a noticeable difference on the scoreboard.

Hockey assists

A hockey assist is the play that sets up an assist. Yes, you read that right. This extraordinary assist is the pass right before the pass that actually leads to a basket. People usually emphasize traditional assists, overlooking the impact of hockey assists that seemingly highlight the athlete’s ability to predict a play early in an offensive sequence. They have the skills to read the gameplay several moves beforehand. This NBA player prop is another invaluable statistic for understanding players in ways other than the usual offense routine.

Last words

Getting beneath these underrated NBA player props pushes for a more complete analysis of a player’s influence on the game, even with minute details. While conventional statistics are indeed valuable and necessary to study, exploring the advanced metrics helps uncover the hidden potentials of the players whose contributions are not as apparent to the onlookers. So, if you are watching a game or evaluating performance, these potential stats will provide a richer perspective on the game’s most skilled players.

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