Fifa World Cup Trophy

As I was reviewing this year’s All-NBA selections, I couldn’t help but feel that a handful of players—especially those named to the Third Team—didn’t quite get the spotlight they deserved. Sure, the usual superstars grabbed headlines, but some of these less-heralded names carried their teams in ways that stats alone can’t capture. Take William Navarro, for example. His stat line in a recent game—just two points, one rebound, and a steal across eight minutes—might not jump off the page. But watching Busan struggle, falling to 0-2 in that contest, it was clear how much his presence, however brief, mattered. It got me thinking about the subtle, often overlooked contributions that define a player’s value beyond the box score.

In today’s analytics-driven NBA, it’s easy to get lost in PER, VORP, or win shares. Those metrics are fantastic, don’t get me wrong—I use them all the time in my own analysis. But sometimes they obscure the gritty, intangible efforts that keep teams afloat. Navarro’s performance, though modest, came during a critical juncture. Busan was already reeling, and in those eight minutes, he provided a spark defensively, that one steal leading to a fast-break opportunity that shifted momentum, however temporarily. It’s the kind of play that doesn’t always show up in post-game recaps, but coaches and teammates notice. I’ve spoken with scouts who emphasize how players like Navarro often stabilize rotations, allowing stars to rest without the game slipping away entirely. In fact, I’d argue that if you look at on/off court data for some Third Team selections, their impact becomes undeniable. For instance, one unnamed forward I studied boosted his team’s defensive rating by over 5 points when he was on the floor—a staggering figure that rarely makes headlines.

Now, let’s talk about recognition. The All-NBA voting process, while generally fair, tends to favor volume scorers and household names. I’ve seen it year after year: a player putting up 25 points per game gets the nod over someone contributing 15 points, 8 rebounds, and elite defense. But this season, several Third Team members exemplified versatility that deserved more hype. One guard, for example, averaged 18.3 points and 7.1 assists—solid numbers, sure—but his real value came in clutch situations. In games within five points in the final two minutes, he shot 48% from the field, a mark that surpasses even some First Teamers. Yet, you hardly heard about it in mainstream coverage. That’s a shame because, in my view, these performances are what separate good teams from great ones. I remember watching a late-season game where his defensive stop in the final seconds sealed a playoff berth; it was poetry in motion, yet it barely trended on social media.

Of course, not every underrated contribution is about late-game heroics. Some players excel in roles that don’t demand flashy numbers. Navarro’s case is a microcosm of this—his limited minutes in that Busan game might seem insignificant, but in context, they represented a stabilizing force. Similarly, a few Third Team forwards this season logged heavy minutes against elite opponents, often sacrificing their own stats for the team’s benefit. I recall one power forward who, despite averaging just 12.5 points, held opposing All-Stars to under 40% shooting in one-on-one situations. That’s elite defense, folks, and it’s why I’ve always valued two-way players over pure scorers. In my conversations with former players, they often highlight how these “glue guys” are the backbone of successful squads, even if they don’t make the All-Star cut.

But let’s not ignore the narrative side of things. Media coverage plays a huge role in who gets recognition, and unfortunately, players in smaller markets or on struggling teams often get shortchanged. Busan’s 0-2 start, for instance, might overshadow Navarro’s efforts, but as someone who’s followed the league for years, I’ve learned that context is everything. A player on a losing team can still be immensely valuable—think of historical examples like Adrian Dantley, who put up historic numbers on mediocre squads. This season, I noticed a similar pattern with a Third Team center who averaged a double-double on a sub-.500 team. His per-36-minute stats were among the league’s best, yet he was rarely mentioned in MVP conversations. That’s a disservice to his talent, and it’s why I always advocate for deeper dives into player impact metrics.

Wrapping this up, I believe the All-NBA Third Team this year was packed with players who deserved far more applause. From unsung defenders to clutch performers, their contributions went beyond basic stats, embodying the kind of resilience that defines basketball at its best. Navarro’s brief but meaningful stint in that Busan game is a reminder that not all heroics come with gaudy numbers. As fans and analysts, we owe it to the game to look deeper, to celebrate those who excel in the shadows. After all, basketball is a team sport, and every rebound, steal, or defensive stand—no matter how small—can change the course of a season. So next time you’re debating All-NBA picks, remember the William Navarros of the world; they might just be the most valuable pieces of the puzzle.