3 Players Flying Under The Radar In 2022
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
With one-fourth of the season already past us, I thought it would be a good idea to see which players are flying under the radar. These players are having great seasons, but nobody seems to care. It’s time to change that.
Here are my three players flying under the radar in 2022.
Obi Toppin (NYK)
Obidiah has been one of the few good things about the Knicks this season. Toppin, the high-flyer from Dayton, didn’t get much playing time as a rookie. He flashed his incredible athleticism at times, he needed development to unlock his potential.
So he did that. Toppin was very aggressive during the Summer League, looking promising with the ball in his hands. So that’s what the Knicks have done this season. Put the ball in Toppin’s hands off the bench. It’s worked better than expected.
15.9 minutes – 8.7 points – 60% TS
Those types of numbers in just 16 minutes are impressive. Per 36 minutes, Toppin would be averaging nearly 20 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Similar to friend of the blog TJ McConnell, Toppin is incredibly productive in a short amount of time.
His perimeter shooting needs a lot of work, but he’s been creative on offense. Whether it be in transition or well-timed cuts, Toppin is good at finding new ways to score. Once he can start hitting shots more consistently from the perimeter? That’s when his game can take the next step.
He’s also been a huge positive when he’s on the floor. Among all players who have played less than 450 minutes this season, Toppin is 6th in plus/minus. The Knicks have a +12.0 net rating with Toppin on the floor. More Obi = good returns.
Obi Toppin has been the pastrami sandwich in a crappy bodega this season for the Knicks. While his team might suck, Toppin is one of the only things that is working with this roster.
Nicolas Claxton (BKN)
Across the river from Toppin and the Knicks lie the Brooklyn Nets, a team in a much better situation. The Nets, currently the #1 seed in the East, have been experiencing a weird season. Nicolas Claxton is a microcosm of such, as he’s had a roller coaster start to the year.
Claxton was a starter for the Nets to start the season, getting consistent minutes. And then, out of nowhere, Claxton missed 17 straight games. He didn’t play a game in November as he was hit with an unknown illness.
In the past few games, Claxton has seen a steady increase in minutes. The Nets want to ease Claxton back into the swing of things, not wanting to overwork one of the few good big guys they have. While I’m sure that Claxton isn’t 100% yet, his value to the Nets is immense.
You wouldn’t think a player who averages 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds is that valuable. But when you watch the Nets play, it’s clear that Claxton is a game-changer for the Nets on both sides of the ball.
Defense
Claxton’s calling card is on defense. His lack of interior strength makes him a liability against post players, but he is one of the best in-space defenders for his position. Not too many guys his size can stay with perimeter players as well as he can.
Look at him stick to Trae Young like glue last Friday;
And it’s not just Trae Young. How about Luka Doncic?
The Nets’ switching defense works so well because of Claxton’s versatility. They weren’t nearly as effective with a slower, older Blake Griffin in the lineup. Brooklyn has a 103.4 defensive rating in the 156 minutes Claxton has been on the floor. Small sample size? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
Offense
The Nets don’t need Claxton to do a lot on offense. They’re in good hands with KD on the floor, but Claxton is another wrinkle for their pick-and-roll offense. To start the season, Claxton and Harden didn’t have good chemistry. Harden was constantly trying to feed the ball to Claxton, leading to turnovers.
Since the duo has returned to the court, things have been better. Harden has gotten better at not being an idiot and Claxton has softer hands. They still have a ways to go before they’re truly elite, but plays like this are exciting.
Claxton has also scored when he’s been in the dunker’s spot. It’s hard to guard players in that area when you have an elite ball-handler, like Harden. This sequence against Houston showcased how Claxton can be used down there.
If Claxton can avoid another illness from hell, I think he’s on pace for a great season. He gives the Nets a versatile center for their switching defense plus someone who works well with Harden in pick-and-rolls. I’m hoping Claxton can get his legs under him, blossom, and play a major role for a Nets team trying to win a title.
Josh Hart (NOP)
The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t very good. From their poor management, fat superstars, and inability to be good, it’s not very fun to be a fan of this team. If you ever decide to go to a Pelicans game (most people don’t), you’re not going to see Josh Hart play. But maybe you should.
Hart was one of the three players involved in the AD-mega trade two years ago. Again, Josh Hart isn’t a special player. But he’s having a great season with the Pelicans.
Weird Tangent
First, let’s talk about his unique contract. I know this doesn’t have to do with Hart, but his contract is worth talking about. Hart was one of the later free agents signed last offseason, with his deal being one of the weirder ones you’ll ever see.
Josh Hart’s Funky Contract
2021/22: $12,000,000
2022/23: $12,960,000 (non-guaranteed)
2023/24: $12,960,000 (player option)
In the 2nd season of the contract, the Pelicans have made it easier to trade/cut Hart. But in the 3rd season, Hart could not only stay in New Orleans for another season but also get a new contract elsewhere. Weird.
Ok. Now onto the important stuff. Hart’s greatest skill as a player is his rebounding. He is arguably the best pound-for-pound rebounder in the league.
Hart’s defensive rebounding percentage is 20.3%. That’s respectable, but putting it into context makes it better. Hart is currently 42nd in DREB% among all qualified players. But, of those 42 players, only Dejounte Murray is shorter. His size doesn’t stop him from being an elite rebounder.
Of all players under 6’7″, Hart ranks 9th in total rebounds (150). Josh Hart knows how to rebound a basketball.
On offense, Hart isn’t a great scoring threat. He’s not much of a shooter, with most teams preferring to leave him open. He’s not spectacular in any one area, except for in transition, where he’s been amazing.
| Possessions | PPP | PPG | FG% | Score Frequency% |
| 3.9 (15th) | 1.33 (3rd) | 5.2 (5th) | 69.5 (4th) | 64.0 (3rd) |
Josh Hart isn’t a sexy player. You don’t go to Smoothie King Center to see him play. But every single night, you know what you’re getting out of Josh Hart. From his funky contract to his excellent play in transition, the reasons are endless to like Josh Hart.
11.3 points – 6.8 rebounds – 4.1 assists – 60% TS
Who Are Other Players Flying Under The Radar This Season? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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