NBA Power Rankings: Every team's unsung hero
The NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.
This week, we're highlighting each team's unsung hero - the player who's been overlooked despite being central to the team's success.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (41-6)
Previous rank: 1
George Hill's marksmanship is a luxury for the league-leading Bucks. His 51.1% mark from 3-point range is on track to challenge teammate Kyle Korver's single-season record.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (36-10)
Previous rank: 2
Alex Caruso's popularity is drenched in irony, but he's truly been a crucial part of the Lakers' rotation, particularly when paired with a rejuvenated Dwight Howard. Lineups featuring this odd couple have a net rating of 11.1.
3. Utah Jazz (32-14)
Previous rank: 6
Joe Ingles has really bounced back after a slow start. The Australian's assist percentage and shooting efficiency have skyrocketed over the last two months, which correlates with the Jazz's ascension up the standings.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (33-14)
Previous rank: 3
With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George dominating the headlines, it's easy to forget how valuable Landry Shamet has been. The second-year guard provides valuable floor spacing, shooting nearly 40% from distance.
5. Toronto Raptors (33-14)
Previous rank: 9
After being used in a variety of roles over five NBA seasons, Norman Powell has found his sweet spot, both when coming off the bench and starting. He's averaging 18.3 points in his last nine games.
6. Miami Heat (32-15)
Previous rank: 4
Goran Dragic's comeback from an injury-plagued 2018-19 campaign is flying under the radar. He's served as a productive sixth man for the Heat, ranking fifth in scoring among qualified reserves with 16 points per game.
7. Denver Nuggets (32-15)
Previous rank: 8
With Jamal Murray sidelined with an ankle injury, veteran wing Will Barton has taken on an expanded role. The 29-year-old is putting up 14.7 points and 3.7 assists per game this season.
8. Boston Celtics (31-15)
Previous rank: 8
Daniel Theis is a serviceable rim-protector despite being undersized. The Celtics center is averaging 1.5 rejections per game and ranks in the 87th percentile among big men in block percentage, according to Cleaning the Glass.
9. Dallas Mavericks (29-18)
Previous rank: 11
Dwight Powell was the Mavs' true unsung hero before his Achilles injury, but don't overlook Tim Hardaway Jr. He may lack the star power of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but he's been a capable third option all season.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (31-17)
Previous rank: 10
Matisse Thybulle is living up to the hype he earned in college for his work on defense, effectively becoming the NBA equivalent of a shutdown corner in football. The Sixers are 19-4 when he plays at least 20 minutes.
11. Indiana Pacers (30-17)
Previous rank: 13
T.J. McConnell has been instrumental for Indiana in his reserve role. The Pacers rank among the league's best in bench assists per game thanks in large part to the facilitator.
12. Houston Rockets (29-17)
Previous rank: 7
All lineups featuring James Harden and Russell Westbrook have a net rating of 5.9 this season. Add Ben McLemore to that duo and the Rockets have outscored opponents by 15.8 points per 100 possessions in 324 minutes.
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (28-20)
Previous rank: 12
With Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, it may be easy to overlook Dennis Schroder's contributions to OKC's backcourt rotation. The German is shooting a career-high 38.2% from distance.
14. San Antonio Spurs (20-26)
Previous rank: 14
Jakob Poeltl has emerged as a rim-protecting force, ranking third in the league in block percentage.
15. Memphis Grizzlies (23-24)
Previous rank: 17
Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. have rightfully commanded the spotlight, but don't disregard Jonas Valanciunas' production. The veteran center is still a double-double machine amid the franchise's youth movement.
16. Orlando Magic (21-27)
Previous rank: 15
D.J. Augustin has been a great mentor for Markelle Fultz during the latter's first season as the Magic's starting point guard. The two share the same agent and Augustin supported Fultz long before his move to Orlando.
17. Phoenix Suns (20-27)
Previous rank: 22
It's easy to miss just how well Ricky Rubio is playing in his first campaign in Phoenix. His season averages of 12.9 points and 8.8 assists both rank as the second-best marks of his career.
18. New Orleans Pelicans (19-29)
Previous rank: 20
E'Twaun Moore has been a stabilizing veteran presence for the Pelicans' young second unit. The 30-year-old plays a key role in the club's lethal outside attack as one of its best 3-point shooters.
19. Portland Trail Blazers (20-27)
Previous rank: 18
Gary Trent Jr. capitalized on his opportunity during CJ McCollum's short absence earlier this month, averaging 20.3 points and shooting 46.2% from distance in those three games. Prior to then, he was averaging 4.2 points.
20. Brooklyn Nets (19-26)
Previous rank: 16
Early injuries to Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert, along with a 25-game suspension to Wilson Chandler, left the Nets scrambling for scoring. Veteran guard Garrett Temple stepped up during the extended absences to provide Brooklyn with some offensive punch.
21. Detroit Pistons (17-31)
Previous rank: 23
Coming out of college, there were questions about whether Bruce Brown could play the point in the NBA. He's settled nicely into the Pistons' starting lineup, splitting primary ball-handling duties with Derrick Rose.
22. Chicago Bulls (19-30)
Previous rank: 26
On a Bulls team that hasn't quite clicked, Tomas Satoransky is putting up career highs in points (10.1), assists (5.3), and rebounds (3.7) per game.
23. Washington Wizards (15-31)
Previous rank: 24
Lost in Bradley Beal's leading role and Davis Bertans' breakout season has been Jordan McRae's production off the bench. Since returning from finger surgery in December, he's averaging 15.9 points in 16 games.
24. Sacramento Kings (17-29)
Previous rank: 21
Nemanja Bjelica deserves recognition for his steadying presence in the Kings' starting lineup. He leads Sacramento in 3-point percentage and delivered one of the season's most thrilling game-winners in an exciting back-and-forth battle against Houston.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves (15-32)
Previous rank: 19
Is Robert Covington unsung? He continues to be linked to playoff-bound teams looking to upgrade on the wing, but it's still difficult to say whether he's properly appreciated. If such a trade does come to fruition, the T-Wolves will miss his contributions on both ends.
26. Charlotte Hornets (16-31)
Previous rank: 25
Rookie forward PJ Washington continues to exceed expectations thanks to an efficient inside-out game. The rookie connects on 40.1% of his 3-pointers and 52% of shots from within 10 feet of the basket.
27. Atlanta Hawks (12-36)
Previous rank: 30
Trae Young can bury them from 40 feet out but Kevin Huerter has actually been the Hawks' most efficient 3-point shooter, hitting at a 38.9% clip. He even had a clutch game-winner against the Spurs earlier this month.
28. New York Knicks (13-35)
Previous rank: 28
The Knicks struck out on all of the marquee free agents, but inking Elfrid Payton to a two-year deal was a nifty bit of business. The former lottery pick is averaging a team-high 6.3 assists per game.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-35)
Previous rank: 27
In addition to career highs in scoring and rebounding, Tristan Thompson has become the Cavs' clubhouse leader, downplaying any John Beilein-fueled drama and even calling plays at one point.
30. Golden State Warriors (10-38)
Previous rank: 29
After bouncing around the past couple of seasons, Alec Burks is making the most of his one-year contract, providing a surprising scoring punch for an offensively stagnant Warriors team.