We hear it all the time when it comes to NBA players: “Player X is so underrated! Player Y is a sleeper this year!” The list goes on and on. When it comes down to the numbers, however, how many of those claims are actually true? While there is certainly enough anecdotal evidence about many of the NBA’s best, numbers never lie. Let’s take a look at the most underrated players in the NBA.
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Last season, Rudy Gobert emerged onto the scene thanks to a breakout second half for the Jazz. He combined with Derrick Favors to form one of the most intimidating young frontcourts in the league. Gobert appeared in the top 20 of Player Efficiency Rating (PER) (21.6), Win Shares (9.3), and Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) (4.3). The “Stifle Tower” also ranked among the NBA’s best in several other categories, including Block Percentage (1st), and was only one of two players (DeAndre Jordan) to rank in the top 10 of both offensive and defensive rating. The arrow is certainly pointing up for Gobert as well, as he is only 23 years old. For all of these efforts, how much is he making? Try less than $4 million over the next two seasons. There is no question that he is in line for a big payday, but for now thanks to his contract and rising status, Gobert remains one of the most underrated players in the NBA.
Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Another underrated big man is the new solo centerpiece of the Detroit Pistons, Andre Drummond. Drummond is now the focal point of Stan Van Gundy’s offense, who looks to use him like a young Dwight Howard back in the day. Drummond has certainly showed Howard-like potential, and has improved throughout his three seasons in the league. He is a rebounding monster, leading the league in offensive rebounds and placing second in rebounds per game. On the defensive end, he has improved to be in the top 10 of several block categories, and if he improves his fouling habits, he will improve even more. An improved touch from the free throw line will help as well, but he has shown he is capable of knocking free throws down. For his rebounding and defensive prowess, Drummond is set to make less than $4 million next season before becoming a restricted free agent. It’s safe to say that this is one of the biggest bargains in the NBA.
Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic
Unlike the first two players on this list, Tobias Harris just signed a big contract to stay in Orlando with the Magic. However, he still remains one of the most valuable, and underappreciated, players in the NBA. In 2014-15, Harris averaged over 15 ppg, 6 rpg, and shot over 35% from beyond the arc. The only other players to do that in the last 4 seasons while still being 22 or younger are Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, and Paul George. Harris is versatile and is clearly the most valuable player on the Orlando Magic. If he played on a better team, he would be more widely known and appreciated, but alas the Magic are at the bottom of the east and his accomplishments often go unnoticed. The attention he received this offseason is a sign of a positive change, and perhaps next season he’ll gain the national recognition he has earned.
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Conley is often considered the most underrated point guard in the NBA. His numbers don’t jump out at anyone, yet he still remains one of the most important players on one of the best teams year after year. While he still hasn’t made an all-star team, Conley always shows complete poise and control over the Memphis offense. When he was injured in the playoffs, the Blazers and Warriors took advantage of his absence. Conley is one of the most clutch shot makers in the league, as he consistently elevates his play in the fourth quarter. A master of the pick and roll, Conley finds ways to involve his teammates while also asserting his own offensive game. His style is perfect for a point guard, and perhaps someday we’ll stop calling Mike Conley underrated. We’re just not there yet.
Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat
Rounding out our top five is a player in Miami who was so unheralded last season, many people, even regular NBA viewers, didn’t even know who he was. Hassan Whiteside burst onto the scene by putting up monster rebounding, blocked shots, and points games during the middle of the season. His production faded, but the young center has carved out a role provided he can control his temper. Whiteside is simply a vacuum on the glass, and a larger sample size should allow us to get a better idea of what his play really looks like. In Miami, his role complements his skillset, and he should only improve with time. Next season, he is only set to make $980,000, and that makes him undervalued for now. Another season of quality production will continue to turn heads, and will eventually land him a big payday.