2023 NBA Preseason: Under-the-radar players who stood out

Breakout Performances from Underrated Players in the 2023 NBA Preseason
The 2023 NBA preseason has come to a close, and while many fans were focused on the star players and big-name rookies, there were several under-the-radar players who made a significant impact during the exhibition games. These players may not have received as much attention as their more famous counterparts, but their performances certainly caught the eye of coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
One such player who stood out during the preseason was Malik Monk of the Los Angeles Lakers. Monk, who signed with the Lakers in the offseason, showcased his scoring ability and versatility on the court. In a game against the Golden State Warriors, Monk poured in 25 points off the bench, showing off his ability to create his shot and knock down three-pointers with ease. His performance was a reminder of the talent that made him a lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, and he could be a valuable contributor for the Lakers this season.
Another player who turned heads during the preseason was Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey, who had a solid rookie campaign last season, took his game to another level in the preseason. He displayed improved playmaking ability and a more consistent outside shot, averaging over 20 points per game in limited minutes. Maxey’s development is a promising sign for the 76ers, who will be looking for him to take on a larger role this season.
In addition to Monk and Maxey, there were several other under-the-radar players who made a strong impression during the preseason. Jalen Smith of the Indiana Pacers showed off his versatility as a big man, knocking down outside shots and protecting the rim with his shot-blocking ability. Smith’s performance could earn him a spot in the Pacers’ rotation this season and provide valuable depth in the frontcourt.
Meanwhile, De’Anthony Melton of the Memphis Grizzlies continued to showcase his defensive prowess and playmaking ability during the preseason. Melton’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and create scoring opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable asset for the Grizzlies, who will be looking for him to provide a spark off the bench this season.
Overall, the 2023 NBA preseason was a showcase for several under-the-radar players who are poised to make an impact this season. These players may not have the name recognition of some of the league’s superstars, but their performances during the exhibition games have put them on the radar of fans and analysts alike. As the regular season gets underway, keep an eye on these breakout performers who could surprise everyone with their contributions on the court.
Surprising Standouts: Under-the-Radar Players Making a Name for Themselves in the NBA Preseason
The NBA preseason is a time for teams to evaluate their rosters, try out new lineups, and give young players a chance to showcase their skills. While the focus is often on the star players and top draft picks, there are always a few under-the-radar players who manage to turn heads and make a name for themselves. The 2023 NBA preseason was no exception, with several surprising standouts emerging as potential impact players for their teams.
One player who caught the attention of many during the preseason was Jalen Smith of the Phoenix Suns. The former first-round pick had struggled to find his footing in the NBA during his first two seasons, but he showed significant improvement in the preseason. Smith displayed a newfound confidence in his shooting stroke, knocking down threes with ease and providing a much-needed scoring punch off the bench for the Suns. His strong play earned him a spot in the regular-season rotation and could be a sign of things to come for the young forward.
Another player who made a strong impression in the preseason was Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers. The second-year guard had a solid rookie campaign but took his game to another level in the preseason. Maxey showcased improved playmaking ability, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates with his quickness and ball-handling skills. He also showed a willingness to take and make big shots in clutch moments, earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. Maxey’s breakout preseason performance has raised expectations for what he can accomplish in his sophomore season.
One of the most surprising standouts of the preseason was Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets. The rookie center was relatively unknown coming into the NBA, but he quickly made a name for himself with his impressive play in the preseason. Sengun displayed a diverse skill set, showing off his scoring touch in the post, his passing ability from the high post, and his shot-blocking prowess on the defensive end. His energy and hustle on the court endeared him to fans and teammates alike, and he looks poised to make an immediate impact for the rebuilding Rockets.
In addition to these standout performances, there were several other under-the-radar players who made a strong impression in the preseason. Players like Bones Hyland of the Denver Nuggets, Tre Mann of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Josh Christopher of the Houston Rockets all showed flashes of their potential and could be poised for breakout seasons. These young players have proven that they belong in the NBA and are ready to contribute to their teams in meaningful ways.
As the regular season gets underway, it will be interesting to see which of these under-the-radar players can carry their preseason success into the games that count. While star players will always dominate the headlines, it is often the unexpected standouts who can make the biggest impact on a team’s success. The 2023 NBA preseason provided a glimpse of the talent and potential of these under-the-radar players, and fans should be excited to see how they continue to develop and grow throughout the season.
Hidden Gems: Unheralded Players Who Impressed During the 2023 NBA Preseason
The 2023 NBA preseason has come to a close, and while many fans were focused on the big-name stars and high-profile rookies, there were several under-the-radar players who made a strong impression during the exhibition games. These hidden gems may not have garnered as much attention as their more famous counterparts, but their performances on the court certainly did not go unnoticed.
One such player who stood out during the preseason was Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors. Poole, a third-year guard out of Michigan, showed significant improvement in his game, particularly in his scoring ability. He averaged over 20 points per game during the preseason, showcasing his ability to create his own shot and knock down three-pointers with consistency. Poole’s strong showing has raised expectations for his upcoming season and has many fans excited to see what he can accomplish on the court.
Another player who turned heads during the preseason was Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers. The second-year guard out of Kentucky displayed a well-rounded game, excelling on both ends of the floor. Maxey’s scoring ability was on full display as he averaged over 18 points per game, but he also showcased his defensive prowess with his ability to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. Maxey’s strong play during the preseason has solidified his spot in the 76ers’ rotation and has many fans eager to see how he will contribute to the team this season.
One of the most surprising performances of the preseason came from Jalen Smith of the Phoenix Suns. The second-year forward out of Maryland had a breakout showing, averaging a double-double with over 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Smith’s ability to crash the boards and finish around the rim was a key factor in the Suns’ success during the exhibition games. His strong play has earned him a larger role in the Suns’ rotation and has many fans excited to see how he will continue to develop as a player.
In addition to these standout performances, there were several other under-the-radar players who impressed during the 2023 NBA preseason. Players like Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies, Aleksej Pokusevski of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons all made significant contributions to their teams and showed that they have the potential to be impact players in the league.
Overall, the 2023 NBA preseason provided a platform for these hidden gems to showcase their talents and prove that they belong in the league. While they may not have the same level of recognition as some of the more well-known players, their performances on the court speak for themselves. As the regular season gets underway, fans can look forward to seeing these under-the-radar players continue to make a name for themselves and establish themselves as key contributors to their respective teams.