Thunder wing tabbed as 'most underrated' player currently in the NBA

Following last season's top-seeded, second-round playoff journey for the OKC Thunder, heading into the 2024-25 it's evident that they're receiving proper valuation from an overall organization standpoint.

Currently boasting the second-best odds of winning an NBA Championship this coming year and rostering the top threat to win league MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it's hard to find any aspect of Mark Daigneault's squad that is being overlooked or incorrectly valued.

However, Bleacher Report's Dan Favale is of the impression that one Thunder player, in particular, is not receiving the attention nor recognition that he may deserve, as the seasoned writer believes beloved wing Aaron Wiggins to be the "most underrated" player in the association.

Thunder forward Aaron Wiggins tabbed 'most underrated' NBA player

"Rim pressure remains his calling card. Roughly 52 percent of his looks came inside of four feet last season, a share that rated in the 94th percentile for his position. His finishing isn't always the cleanest, but it's decidedly above average. And he fears challenging approximately no one at the cup.

The number of counters in his bag deepens each year He can break down defenses off the dribble from a dead stop, and when his paths to the hoop are cut off, he can uncork a step-back or turnaround or fadeaway or floater or—well, you get the point.

Wiggins manages to deliver all of this in a package that's not domineering. A smattering of his possessions can feel hijacky, but he's for the most part adept at playing within the flow of Oklahoma City's offense. Exactly 30 percent of his field-goal attempts last season came as catch-and-shoots, and almost 83 percent of his made buckets came off assists."

- Dan Favale

A shifty two-way baller who has only proven capable of excelling whenever found on the hardwood, Wiggins has established himself as a high-impact player even with his low usage rate and minutes distribution (saw just 15.7 minutes of playing time last season).

Through 78 games played last season, the man who literally saved basketball (if you know you know) posted impressive per game averages of 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on an electrifying 56.2 percent shooting from the floor and 49.2 percent shooting from deep.

On top of his counting stats, his advanced metrics were also quite impressive, as he wrapped this past season with a 125 offensive rating and a 113 defensive rating.

While it's undeniable that there's still some work that can be done with his particular game, especially when it comes to his pedestrian efforts on the boards, even with his limited run within coach Daigneault's rotation Wiggins has shown himself to be one of the club's most vital contributors when it comes to their recent successes.

The Thunder seem quite aware of the effect that he has on the team, which is why they rewarded him with a lofty $47 million deal to remain with the club long-term this summer.

Now, it appears those residing outside of Loud City are taking notice as well, and Favale believes even more attention should bee drawn toward the talented 25-year-old.