Three under-the-radar NBA players off to fast starts

Hield, known for his lackluster defense in past seasons, has stepped up significantly on the less glamorous end of the floor. He’s been active and engaged, sprinting around screens and closing out on three-point shooters. As a result, he’s holding his assignments to an impressive 45.1% shooting mark from the field, playing a crucial role in the Warriors’ second-ranked defense (98.4 DEFRTG).

LaMelo Ball

Ball’s career has drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry’s early years, as both players have battled persistent ankle injuries that hindered their playing time. This offseason, like Curry, Ball focused on strengthening his ankles in hopes of enhancing his durability for the season ahead. The big question now is whether the youngest Ball brother can follow in Curry’s footsteps and develop into a transcendent superstar himself.

The early results of the 2024-25 season are encouraging for Ball. He’s averaging 28.5 points per game and hitting 39.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Even more impressive, he’s taking 6.0 pull-up threes per contest and converting at a rate of 41.7%, consistently applying pressure on defenses with his off-the-dribble shooting. In contrast to previous seasons, Ball is now attacking the paint more aggressively, averaging 17.7 drives per game, putting opposing teams in scramble mode and creating wide-open shots from downtown for his teammates.

Ivica Zubac

Zubac has long been a reliable center, but with Paul George now with the Philadelphia 76ers and Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to knee soreness, he has stepped into a more prominent offensive role. 

Zubac has developed a strong synergy with point guard James Harden, averaging 5.3 rolls to the rim per game (tied for 2nd in the NBA), converting a solid 53.8% of those attempts. Beyond that, he’s showcasing his post-up skills, displaying a soft touch with his drop steps and baby hooks, making him a versatile threat in the paint.

On the defensive side, Zubac has been a key anchor for the Clippers, who currently rank third in the NBA in defensive rating (105.). He provides strong rim protection and has effectively handled switches onto smaller players on the perimeter. Additionally, Zubac has been a rebounding force, averaging a league-high 13.5 boards per game, helping the Clippers limit opponents to just one shot per possession.