Over the course of the NBA season, several players have emerged into the spotlight while others have subtly performed at a high level. Here is a look at the five most underrated players in the league.
1. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
The second-year center out of France has emerged on the NBA scene this season. Playing alongside Gordon Hayward, Gobert has been largely overshadowed on a Utah Jazz team that is still searching for an identity. The 22 year-old is dominant in the paint. He does not score a lot of points, but grabs a bucket-load of rebounds. While he only averages 8.8 rebounds per game, he has pulled down more than 20 in a single game on three separate occasions. The majority of Gobert's rebounds come on the defensive end of the court. The seven-footer also has an underrated shot-blocking ability. He averages 2.3 blocks per game with a career high of seven. On a struggling Jazz squad, Gobert has flown under the radar, but gives the team hope of success as their roster continues to develop.
2. Jordan Hill, Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have looked forward to the NBA Draft Lottery for the majority of the season. Hampered by injuries to key players, the purple and gold have been forced to rely heavily on bench players. One such player has been veteran Jordan Hill. In his sixth season in the league, the former Arizona Wildcat is averaging career highs in points (12.4) and rebounds (8.8). While his numbers are not jaw-dropping, Hill has been one of the few bright spots in the Lakers' season. He has the ability to score 20 points in a game and shoots 46 percent from the field. Another player that gives his team confidence for the future, Hill is a valuable paint presence.
3. Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls
In his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, Mirotic has been overlooked as a result of players such as Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol performing at high levels. However, Mirotic has been arguably an equal benefactor for a Bulls team that has had to cope with a variety of injuries. The Montenegro native is averaging nine points per game, but has scored double figures in nine straight contests. Mirotic surpassed the 20-point mark in four of those games, all of which were against playoff teams. He is a solid rebounder and a solid shooter who isn't afraid to shoot the three ball. The 6'10" forward shoots 39 from the floor and 32 percent from long range.
4. Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
On an Orlando Magic team laden with young, rising talents, Vucevic leads the team in points (19.4) and rebounds (11.2). He is also one of the strongest shooters, making 52.6 percent of his shots from the field. Vucevic has the potential for a double-double every time he takes the court. He has 31 double-doubles in 61 games this season. The seven-foot center scored over 30 points on several of those occasions, including a 34-point, 16-rebound performance against the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this season.
5. Donatas Motiejunas, Houston Rockets
Another seven-foot foreigner, Motiejunas has been a huge fill-in for the Houston Rockets in the absence of Dwight Howard. The third year veteran has started 58 games this season and averages 11.8 points per game. He is fresh off a team-high 23-point performance in which the Rockets staved off the Orlando Magic. The Lithuanian has made half of his shots throughout the season and is an overlooked piece on one of the more well-rounded teams in the NBA. A big man with a smooth touch, Motiejunas could play a big role in the Rockets' quest for a championship.