The NBA’s Most Underrated Players
Trying to determine what qualifies a player as underrated in the NBA can be pretty tricky business. Like the awarding of the M.V.P. trophy, you won’t find any shortage of opinions on what basis the player should be judged upon.
Efficiency and statistical ratings have now become en vogue. Some consider how much the player makes as a tool to estimate ones value. Or perhaps the team’s location comes into play, because you won’t find too many athletes in New York or Los Angeles on these lists.
With no clear cut answer, I decided to try and simplify things, breaking everything down to one statement: Who doesn’t get enough credit for their play?
That’s simple enough. Whether they’re a scrub or superstar, making the league minimum or maximum, the criteria will be the same.
I will exclude sophomores players as one year isn’t enough time to establish a proven track record (I will call this the Andrea Bargnani rule). Also keep in mind this isn’t a list of players the “casual fan” has never heard of. If you still don’t know how good the David Wests and Shawn Marions of this league are, then I suggest an NBA League Pass subscription may be in order.
So, without further adieu, here are your candidates heading into the 08-09 season:
Maurice Williams
The newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Williams comes in with the pressure of being looked upon as the missing link on a team in the mix to win an NBA championship this season. Being buried in the basketball wasteland that is Milwaukee the last few years, Williams has quietly established himself as one the top scoring point guards in the NBA. Possessing a smooth jumper and the ability to attack the rim at any time, he has no problem creating plays for himself or others. Along with being the fourth ranked scoring point guard in the league at 17.3 points per game, Williams has also shown an impressive all-around game. Averaging over six assists and close to four boards a game, this silky smooth guard is just as comfortable running the offence as he is playing off the ball.
Danny Granger
Also known as the “guy we passed on for Joey Graham” to Raptors fans, Granger has shown steady improvement over his first three years in the league. Although overshadowed by some of the big names at the small forward position, make no mistake, this guy can flat out play. The New Mexico State alum is an athletic wingman who does a little bit of everything. Deadly at the free throw line, improving from beyond the arc, and an efficient 45% career shooter from the field, makes the former first rounder, a nightmare to defend. Add in his solid rebounding and defence, and you’ve got yourself one of the top young forwards in the game. A solid 2007 season saw Granger average over 19 points per game, tying him with Paul Pierce for eleventh highest in the Eastern Conference. With Indiana rebuilding and starting to return to respectability, look for Granger to have a breakout year and take his game to an All-Star level.
Devin Harris
Although he may never turn out to be an All-Star, Harris has proven himself to be a solid starting guard in the league. With a blend of lock down defence, blazing speed, and an improving offensive game, the former Dallas Maverick looks to be on the cusp of realizing his potential. It seems high expectations and an impatient Dallas club may be the biggest reason for his flying under the radar. In an era where winning now is everything, Harris who hadn’t made the leap to stardom yet in only his fourth year, was cast off, with the franchise believing he didn’t have what it took to lead a team to a championship. I guess improving his scoring and assists average each year, and bringing a hard nosed defensive intensity and attitude to the game every night, wasn‘t enough for the Dallas brass. Harris might not be the 20/10 guy that they envisioned, but that doesn’t mean he can’t excel in the league. I believe New Jersey will attest to that.
Andre Miller
If there was ever a player over the past decade to epitomize what it means to be underrated, this guy would be it. Hard to believe Miller has been in the league for almost ten years now, but this former NBA All-Rookie team selection, is now a grizzled vet, and still churning out high calibre seasons. One of the most consistent and balanced guards in the league, the three pointer seems to be this man’s only kryptonite. Career averages of 14.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds a game, don’t tell the whole story. A pillar in his team’s line-up, Miller has started at least 80 games in everyone of his seasons and continues to be one of the best passers and distributors in the transition game. And although polarized most of his career for a weak jumper, Miller possesses a higher shooting percentage than many of his more publicized counterparts, including: Baron Davis, Chauncey Billups, and Jason Kidd.
Jose Calderon
A house hold name in Europe and Canada, he is still waiting for the credit he deserves from south of the border. The Spanish born Calderon, who has now officially taken the reigns as the Raptor’s starting point guard, is a throwback guard, always looking to create for others while still being able to create his own offence if needed. What separates Calderon from others is his amazing efficiency on the floor. Finishing first in assists-to-turnover ratio, fifth in the league in assists per 48 minutes, and fifth overall in assists per game, helped put the league on notice that last year’s season was not a fluke. Surprisingly though, his playmaking skills may not even be his most impressive attribute. Shooting over 50% from the field, 90% from the line and 40% from beyond the arc in ’07, has helped elevate the fan favourite into rarefied air. He joined Steve Nash as the only other player in the league to accomplish the feet. Just call him Nash Lite.
Tyson Chandler
This seven-footer has shedded his earlier bust label to become one of the most valuable and consistent big men in the game. Yet when talk arises of the top centres in the league, Chandler’s name is usually an afterthought. With the focus now on high scoring, or new dynamic hybrid big men, the more prototypical, defensive centres can get lost in the mix. Players like Chandler often get overlooked because of their offensive weaknesses. Although an argument can be made that many of the top scorers hold just as big a flaw, rarely displaying much of an effort on the defensive end (I’m looking at you Amare Stoudemire) the former Baby Bull does have some moves under the basket and can burn you if not accounted for. A center who ranks near the top of the NBA in shooting percentage, rebounding, and double-doubles should not be taken for granted. As Bill Russell showed, you don’t need to be a dominant center on the offensive end to change the game.
Stephen Jackson
Try to forget about his issues off the court. Based on what he’s done on the court, Jackson is a multi-talented swingman who has become an invaluable part of the Warriors. After putting up some good numbers on bad teams and showing a perchance for finding trouble, Jackson has turned things around in the Bay. His ability to score, pass, and defend has fit in perfectly with the up tempo, high paced Golden State squad. Versatile enough to play point forward or bang up front with the big men, he’s displaying his versatile playing style in the Nellie Ball system. There have even been rumblings that he’s now become a leader, providing a veteran presence in the locker-room and if he can keep the off court distractions to a minimum, Jackson should continue to thrive and continue to help Golden State on their rise from mediocrity.
Honourable Mention: Jeff Foster (Indiana), Antonio McDyess (Detroit), Linas Kleiza (Denver), Joe Smith (Oklahoma City), Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat), Anthony Parker (Toronto Raptors), John Salmons (Sacramento)
Have an opinion? Agree or disagree with my choices? I want to hear who you think should or shouldn’t have made the list below in the comments section.
Photo Credit: ICON Sports Media
Comments
By Stephen on August 21st, 2008 at 10:54 am
Nice article, but didn’t Dirk Nowitzki also shoot more than 50% FGs, 40% Threes and 90% FTs in the 06/07 season. Jose then is the third player to rack up those stats.
By rashad on August 21st, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Antawn Jamison must be on this list too..the most non-talked about 20/10 guy in the league
By Ryne Nelson on August 21st, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I’m right there with you on the Devin Harris selection. He won’t be an All-Star (even in the East), but he’ll certainly be a candidate for a long time coming.
By Mike on August 22nd, 2008 at 10:38 am
Most underrated?? Without question it’s still Paul Pierce. The guy won a title and he’s still not being given the respect he deserves. Even before, players like Kobe, Whince Carter, and T-Mac were all considered to be better all-around players even though it’s been clear Pierce is the best of the bunch. Kobe had Shaq, the best thing Carter ever did was win a dunk contest, and T-Mac can’t even get out of the first round. Without question Pierce is underrated. People are still trying to say the Finals were a fluke, despite the FACT that he had Kobe on lockdown and the FACT that he destroyed Kobe when Kobe tried to guard him.
By mookie on August 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Surely you guys weren’t expecting people to disagree and conject on your choices, were you?
I enjoyed this.
By crock on August 22nd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hey, try to include Caron Butler in the list… He is one of the go to guy in the wizards playoff success…
By Rob Elliott on August 22nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Rashad and Crock,
Good choices, I’d have no problems with either of them on the list. They’ve both been overlooked on all the teams they’ve played for. Especially now that they’re playing second fiddle to Gilbert.
Mike,
Huge fan of Pierce here, and before this year I feel he would definitely deserve the nod. But after the season he just had, I don’t know how he isn’t in the discussion as the best player in the league. Winning the championship in ‘08 has hopefully put him on the map, after years of not getting the credit he deserved.
By the way, anybody who would Carter and McGrady ahead of Pierce needs to give their head a shake.
By Rev. Paul Revere on August 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
@Mike
If you think Pierce is better than Kobe, you are simply a homer and a moron. Yeah, Kobe won with Shaq, one other Hall of Famer. Pierce needed KG and Ray Allen, two Hall of Famers. Get your facts straight. Pierce is good, but he’s not talked about like Kobe and Lebron for a reason: He’s not quite as good.
By Vik C on August 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I miss you Tyson Chandler! Come back to my bullies!!! Great post!
By Garron on August 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
No Kevin Martin? Come on he seems to be on everybody’s underrated list. I do agree with Caron and Twan though. Oh and Mike Miller. The mans a BEAST.
By Caleb on August 23rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Paul Pierce may have been underrated for much of his career… but not anymore. The commentators during the Finals were *gushing* about the guy. Calling the captain of a championship Celtics team underrated? C’mon, that’s silly.
Anyway.. good picks on the list.. especially Tyson Chandler. Great defender and rebounder, and great on the pick and roll - the Paul to Chandler allyoop is nearly unstoppable sometimes.
By Dominic on August 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Tayshaun Prince is another good choice. He’s the ultimate “glue guy” and his defense can be as good as any players offense. Just because he doens’t put up the stats the other Pistons do, he’s not as appreciated. The fact Colangelo picked him in the Olympics surprised me. He made a great choice going with Tayshaun rather than another high scoring player like Amare.
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