Jarrett Allen (Grant Halverson, Getty Images)
Like with every topic, the basketball media doesn't always know what they are talking about. There are some people that make outrageous comments on players that are highly overrated, which I understand. The thing that I can't stand is seeing two dozen LaMelo Ball highlights in a night, even though I watched the Hornets game and Ball's impact was overshadowed by players like Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward.
These players rarely get media attention and are not rated highly by the general public. In other words, they are underrated.
There are dozens upon dozens of underrated players in the NBA, but in this article, I'll be listing the MOST underrated player for all 30 NBA teams. I'll explain why I think they deserve more credit as well as what factors are preventing them from being known as real impact players.
This article will be focused more on underappreciated role players than actual stars. While I acknowledge that players like Kyle Lowry, Dejounte Murray and even Nikola Jokic are underrated by many fans, they are still rated fairly highly by the vast majority of fans and media outlets.
With that out of the way, let's begin.
Atlanta Hawks
De'Andre Hunter (Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
SF De'Andre Hunter
Hunter has really evolved into a real player for the Hawks. The former fourth overall pick was always quite raw on both ends of the floor, but he has gone a long way to refining his game in 2022. His efficiency, particularly with the three ball, has improved mightily. He's always been a plus defender, despite never racking up astonishing individual numbers. Hunter is an excellent player with lots of room to grow.
Boston Celtics
PF Grant Williams
It's easy to claim now, but I was a big fan of Williams coming out of Tennessee in college. His performances in his first two NBA seasons were very subdued, but he has taken a big leap this year. His 3-point efficiency is much improved and Williams is becoming a very versatile defender. His high IQ and switchability makes Williams a huge asset. Boston's net rating with Williams on the floor is frankly incredible, but he isn't spoken about enough.
Brooklyn Nets
C Nicolas Claxton
The Nets' high-powered offense hasn't been as exciting as we all expected. Therefore, to stay afloat in the ever-changing Eastern Conference, Steve Nash's side has needed to be more defensively versatile. This is where Claxton comes in. He can defend the paint and the perimeter with a lot of success. He's a prototypical energy guy that offers a different dimension for the Nets.
Charlotte Hornets
Terry Rozier (The Athletic)
SG Terry Rozier
Formerly one of the biggest punchlines in the NBA following his expensive contract in the Kemba Walker sign-and-trade, Rozier has become one of the top efficient scorers in the entire league. He connects on over half of his two-point attempts and is an above-average shooter from long-range. He's a major off-the-dribble threat and his partnership with LaMelo Ball is very exciting.
Chicago Bulls
SF Troy Brown Jr
There's becoming a common theme here, isn't there? In a league where scoring is reaching a very high rate, I value defense very highly. Former Washington Wizard, Troy Brown Jr has that quality in spades. He hustles on defense, rushes for rebounds and has shown hints of a blossoming three-point shot. Brown is a player who adds a different aspect to Chicago's roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers
C Jarrett Allen
I know that I said no stars, but I just had to mention how good Jarrett Allen has been this season. He is the NBA's next great rim-runner and was a deserved All-Star this campaign. Per TS%, Allen is one of the most efficient scorers in the league. His defensive impact is also immense, as he has become a staple of one of the league's better defenses.
Dallas Mavericks
Josh Green (Mike Watters, USA Today)
SG Josh Green
The Mavs were one of the toughest teams to pick for. There is no shortage of underrated Mavericks players. I eventually settled for Josh Green. The second-year shooting guard has really improved his scoring. The Mavericks are 10-1 in games in which Green scores 8+ points. He is still fairly raw, but Green is showing enough promise with the ball at his hands that I feel confident with my choice.
Denver Nuggets
SG Monte Morris
Without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr, the Denver Nuggets are having an impressive season, in no small part due to Monte Morris' contributions. He has improved his shooting this year. He was always a very good finisher at the rim. He has found a niche on this Nuggets squad and has been a capable deputy in Murray's absence. I'm intrigued to see what his role will be when Denver's injured player return. He has given a good account for himself this year.
Detroit Pistons
PG Killian Hayes
This selection is more in part due to how hated Killian Hayes is. He's a very flawed player and an improper fit next to Cade Cunningham in Detroit's backcourt offense. However, a trade would do wonders for Hayes. He is still a skilled facilitator with lots of potential as a ball-handler. The Pistons now have two creators in their backcourt, which won't work long-term, but Hayes is nonetheless a player that deserves an opportunity elsewhere.
Golden State Warriors
Gary Payton II (Kelley L Cox, USA Today)
SF Gary Payton II
"The Mitten" has become a great option for Golden State's rotation. He's a perfect glue-guy, combining scoring abilities from all three zones with energetic play on defense. Steve Kerr described him perfectly by stating that he was a "power forward in a point guard's body." He plays with lots of intensity and makes his way around the court with confidence.
Houston Rockets
SG Garrison Matthews
The living embodiment of the NBA 2K "deep range deadeye" badge, Matthews is capable of launching threes from anywhere. He hits them with stunning accuracy. In a league where 3-point shooting is at an all-time high, having a knockdown shooter in the vein of Matthews is very helpful. He's Klay Thompson-lite in the sense that he doesn't need to handle the ball to have an impact.
Indiana Pacers
PF Jalen Smith
Jalen Smith didn't have many opportunities in Phoenix after getting picked 10th overall by the Suns in 2020. However, his play in crunch time showed that he could be a real baller if given in the chance. He is very efficient, despite some flaws in his shot selection. He has good defensive instincts, though he could still beef up on that side of the ball. Smith strikes me as a breakout option for next season.
Los Angeles Clippers
Isaiah Hartenstein (Petre Thomas, USA Today)
C Isaiah Hartenstein
The German big man really steals the show in limited minutes. His clever distribution from the elbows lets the Clippers' second unit create offense from all over the floor. He is perfectly capable in both roles on a pick-and-roll play. His rim protection has improved this year as well, allowing him to quickly eliminate any threats on defense.
Los Angeles Lakers
SG Malik Monk
In a mostly dreadful season for the Lakers, offseason acquisition Malik Monk has been one of the few success stories. He's always had lots of potential as a scorer, being able to finish at the rim and from distance. He's youthful and has lots of room to grow, as evidenced by his career high in points per game this season. Monk deserves to become more of a focal point of this Lakers offense.
Memphis Grizzlies
SG Desmond Bane
Ja Morant is one of the best players in the NBA, so it's astonishing that the Memphis Grizzlies have such an impressive record when he doesn't play. This is due to the emergence of second-year guard Desmond Bane, who has become a major scoring threat. The guard has a bag full of tricks, whether it's a catch-and-shoot three or a fadeaway mid-range off the dribble.
Miami Heat
Omar Yurtseven (Issac Baldison, Getty Images)
PF Omar Yutseven
The Heat are second to only the Toronto Raptors in their ability to mine diamonds in the rough. The next in a long line of breakout Heat players is Turkish forward Omar Yurtseven. Yurtseven's rebounding is in the upper echelon of the league with players like Clint Capela and Rudy Gobert. He's also a brilliant creator, managing to find open players and even knock down an open three-point shot. The Heat have been good without Bam Adebayo on the floor this season, and Yurtseven is a big part of that.
Milwaukee Bucks
SG Grayson Allen
Possibly the most hated player in the NBA, Allen is well-known for his dirty plays, dating back to his days at Duke University. Allen has nevertheless found a role on the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks. His proficiency from the perimeter is a necessary asset on a team with such a reliance on Giannis Antetokounmpo on offense. He's also a ferrety defender, capable of making steals and scoring in transition.
Minnesota Timberwolves
PF Jarred Vanderbilt
Yet another player with an excellent defensive impact. Vanderbilt is getting some buzz for All-Defensive teams due to his quick instincts and active hands. He is very quick laterally, capable of making big blocks at the rim, while also getting dragged out to the three-point line. The T-Wolves are a better team with Vanderbilt on the floor and at the tender age of 22, he has room to grow.
New Orleans Pelicans
Herbert Jones (Melissa Majchrzak, Getty Images)
SF Herbert Jones
Coming out of the 2021 NBA draft, Herbert Jones' defense earned him many plaudits, but his jumper held him back from going even earlier. Nevertheless, the Pelicans took a swing and it has paid off wonderfully. He's an incredible switchable on-ball defender. He's a top-tier disruptor and his usage of his arms to intercept plays is brilliant. He's also impressed me with his cutting, but his defense is clearly his calling card.
New York Knicks
SG Alex Burks
The Knicks have had a fairly dreadful season, but Alec Burks has been a bit of a bright spot. Infamous for being identified by Dwyane Wade in 2016, Burks has really kicked off as a member of the Knicks. His eFG% is above his career rate, while averaging more points per game than his NBA career average. He also battles hard on defense.
Oklahoma City Thunder
C Mike Muscala
Players that can shoot from range are likely to succeed in today's NBA. Big men who can fire the three-ball are even more highly valued. Thus, I don't understand why Muscala is so underrated. In limited minutes, he hits close to 2 3-pointers per game with good efficiency. Floor spacing is integral in today's game and Muscala provides it in spades.
Orlando Magic
RJ Hampton (Brett Davis, USA Today)
PG RJ Hampton
Hampton was a controversial selection in the 2020 NBA draft, but he is starting to show some great promise. He is very athletic and versatile, capable of playing in multiple positions on a positionless squad. His switching ability is quite good as well. Hampton is still very raw, but I think there is a good player in there.
Philadelphia 76ers
SG Matisse Thybulle
Yet another high intensity defender who provides immense value off the ball. On a team with the high-scoring duo of James Harden and Joel Embiid, having a guard who can defend the perimeter is crucial. Thybulle's instincts are among the best in the league and he can pick off a pass very well. Also, his offensive skills has developed to the point where he is no longer a liability on that end of the court.
Phoenix Suns
C JaVale McGee
That's right: it's "Tragic Bronson" himself. Well known for his common appearances on "Shaqtin' a Fool", McGee had become an integral part of the league's best team. His net rating alongside Devin Booker is truly outstanding and it comes from efficient scoring as well as improved defense. McGee makes it so that the Suns are still excellent even without DeAndre Ayton on the floor.
Portland Trailblazers
Nassir Little (Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
SF Nassir Little
Nassir Little was beginning to look like a bust earlier in his career, but he has really emerged this season. He has taken on a more important role due to Damian Lillard's absence. Little looks like he could truly develop into a very good 3-and-D wing if he can find some efficiency. He's always been an intense defender; he simply needs to start scoring like a starter.
Sacramento Kings
C Richaun Holmes
A prime candidate when discussing the most underrated player, Holmes has undoubtedly risen his status. Holmes' offensive game is a joy to watch: he combines reliable transition play with a devastating floater that allows him to score from anywhere in the paint. His fit next to Domantas Sabonis is still a bit unclear, but there is no denying that Holmes is a very good player who deserves more credit.
San Antonio Spurs
C Jakob Poeltl
Once a complementary piece in the Kawhi Leonard to Toronto trade, it's a testament to Poeltl's improvement that the Spurcs can legitimately claim that they won the trade. He's become a top-tier defender at the rim and also becoming a good offensive player in San Antonio's fast paced scoring unit. He also has one of the best contracts in the NBA to go alongside his underrated status.
Toronto Raptors
The infamous graphic (Fox Sports Indiana)
PF Thaddeus Young
The reason I was so excited when the Raptor signaled their intent to pursue a deep playoff run with a trade for Young was because I feel he is heavily underrated. He is the type of player that every contender wants: a combo forward with good defense and a perfect profile for small-ball lineups. He is a very good playmaker for his size and I wonder how he could contribute in the postseason for the Raps.
Utah Jazz
SF Royce O'Neale
O'Neale is the perfect utility guy. He doesn't need the ball in his hands to have an impact, as he is a very good defender capable of making important deflections. On a team that relies so heavily on Rudy Gobert for their defense, O'Neale is the perfect fit. He can defend every area that Gobert struggles with, while also adding a deft offensive touch.
Washington Wizards
SF Deni Avdija
Yet another youngster with untapped defensive potential, Avdija has been building a strong partnership with Kyle Kuzma. Avdija can defend 4 different positions, due to his good size and agility. He has also become a brilliant rebounder, capable of reading where the ball will land and catching it as soon as possible. He's a really solid player with room to grow.
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