Watching Domantas Sabonis evolve this season has been one of my genuine pleasures as an NBA analyst. I’ve followed his career since his early days in the league, and what he’s doing now—night in, night out—is nothing short of spectacular. Yet somehow, he remains one of the most overlooked superstars in today’s game. When you look at the raw numbers—averaging around 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists per game—it’s baffling that he isn’t in every MVP conversation. I’ve always believed rebounding and playmaking from the center position change the geometry of an offense, and Sabonis is proving that on a nightly basis. He’s not just putting up stats; he’s controlling the flow, making his teammates better, and doing it with a kind of quiet consistency that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention.
I was reminded of his impact recently when I came across a piece about two standout recruits in a red-and-white uniform—Miller and Reyes—who balled out in their opening win. Miller finished with 16 points and six rebounds, while Reyes added 13 points and five boards on ultra-efficient 75-percent shooting as the lead guard. Now, you might wonder what that has to do with Sabonis. To me, it’s a perfect parallel. Just like those recruits, Sabonis entered the league with talent that wasn’t always flashy, but his efficiency and versatility have always been through the roof. He doesn’t need 30 shots to affect the game; he finds ways to contribute across the board. In fact, I’d argue his ability to shoot over 60% from the field while facilitating like a guard is what separates him. It’s the kind of performance that wins games even when the spotlight isn’t on him.
Let’s talk about his rebounding for a second. I’ve crunched the numbers—well, my version of them—and I’d estimate he’s grabbing roughly 4.2 offensive rebounds per game this season, which is just insane. That’s second-chance points, extra possessions, and demoralized opponents. I remember watching a game last month where he outmuscled three defenders for a board and kicked it out for a three. It didn’t make the highlight reels, but it won them the game. And that’s the thing about Sabonis: his value isn’t always in the flashy dunks or deep threes; it’s in the grind, the fundamentals executed at an elite level. As someone who’s played and coached, I can tell you that guys like him are the backbone of a winning culture. They do the dirty work, and they make everyone around them better.
Offensively, his vision is what blows my mind. How many big men can you name who are averaging close to 8 assists? Jokic, sure, but after that, it’s a short list. Sabonis is dishing dimes like a point guard, and he’s doing it without turning the ball over much—maybe 2.1 turnovers per game, which, for his usage rate, is incredibly efficient. I’ve noticed he loves the high post, where he can survey the floor and hit cutters with pinpoint passes. It’s a lost art, really. In today’s pace-and-space NBA, everyone’s obsessed with threes, but Sabonis is mastering the interior passing game, and it’s a beauty to watch. Personally, I think this makes him a nightmare matchup. Defenders have to respect his shot, his drive, and his passing, and that opens up so much for his teammates.
Now, I know some critics point to his defense as a weakness, and yeah, he’s not the shot-blocking presence like Gobert or AD. But I’ve watched enough tape to see he’s improved drastically this season. He’s using his strength to hold position, and his basketball IQ helps him anticipate plays. I’d guess he’s allowing something like 0.85 points per possession in the post, which is solid for a center who carries such an offensive load. Plus, he’s always in the right spot for defensive rebounds, which is huge for closing out possessions. In my view, his defensive shortcomings are overblown; he’s more than adequate, especially when you consider everything else he brings.
What really gets me, though, is how underappreciated he is in the media. Turn on any sports talk show, and you’ll hear about the usual suspects—Giannis, Luka, Tatum—but Sabonis? Crickets. It’s frustrating because he’s putting up historic numbers. I did a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation, and I think he’s on pace to be one of only five players in NBA history to average a 19-13-8 stat line for a full season. That’s legendary company, folks. And yet, when All-Star votes came in, he was barely mentioned. It’s a shame, but honestly, I think it fuels him. You can see it in his demeanor; he’s not chasing headlines, he’s chasing wins.
In conclusion, Domantas Sabonis is the epitome of an underrated superstar. From his efficient scoring and elite rebounding to his playmaking prowess, he’s doing it all without the fanfare. As someone who’s been around the game for years, I can confidently say players like him don’t come along often. They’re the glue that holds teams together, the unsung heroes who elevate everyone. So next time you’re watching a Kings game, don’t just follow the ball—watch Sabonis. You’ll see what I mean. He’s not just good; he’s quietly brilliant, and in my book, that makes him one of the most valuable players in the league today.