I can't stress enough how many gems fly under the radar in the NBA every season. Imagine someone putting up consistent numbers night after night and still not getting the love from fans or media! One player who comes to mind immediately is Jrue Holiday. This guy averages around 18 points and 7 assists per game. Yet, how many people outside of Milwaukee truly appreciate his two-way game? Holiday's defense is elite, often guarding the opponent’s best player, and he’s no slouch offensively either. Yet, ask a casual NBA fan, and they’d probably prioritize flashier names. NBA.com once mentioned that his defensive win shares were among the top in the league, which totally aligns with what anyone who watches the games sees.
Now let's talk about Mike Conley. Year after year, Conley has been the steady hand that keeps the ship afloat. In his Memphis days, he averaged 15+ points and 6+ assists, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. Despite a career average of 37% from beyond the arc, he never made an All-Star team until 2021. Can you imagine, Klay Thompson was once quoted saying Conley was the toughest player he’s had to defend, and yet he has always been overshadowed? It baffles me! Isn't it crazy how underrated he is when even other players recognize his skills?
Moving forward, folks often overlook Tobias Harris. Playing for the 76ers, Harris is a walking 19 points and 7 rebounds per game. During the 2018-2019 season with the Clippers, he shot an impressive 43% from three. Yes, 43%! But join any NBA discussion, and he rarely gets a mention. Philly.com even wrote a piece highlighting how Harris often becomes the unsung hero, pointing out his clutch performances. The guy is a reliable scorer and a solid defender, yet barely gets the credit he deserves. Crazy, isn't it?
Lou Williams, my friends, defines the term "instant offense." Coming off the bench for most of his career, he's bagged multiple Sixth Man of the Year awards. Imagine subbing in and consistently dropping 15-20 points in limited minutes. That's efficiency at its finest! He’s averaged 14 points per game throughout his career, which is remarkable for a bench player. The Athletic once described his game as an art form, stating that he’s one of the best scoring guards off the bench in NBA history. And yet, how many casual fans really know Lou Will? It's criminal how underappreciated he is.
Another name that immediately strikes me is Malcolm Brogdon. Dubbed "The President" for his leadership qualities, Brogdon's rookie season saw him average 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds. Not jaw-dropping numbers, until you realize he also shot 40% from three. Most rookies struggle with efficiency, yet Brogdon was as consistent as veterans. ESPN did a feature on him, suggesting that Brogdon might be the most overlooked player in the entire league. Anyone who watches him can see how well-rounded his game is, but why doesn't he get the spotlight?
Next up, Jae Crowder consistently delivers as a role player. At 6'6", his defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions. He was instrumental during the Miami Heat's 2020 Finals run, averaging close to 12 points and 6 rebounds per game. Can you believe that? He’s a role player, putting up numbers like that on the biggest stage. Yet, it seems like the only time he grabs headlines is when he has hot shooting nights. When my friends and I discuss famous role players, his name rarely comes up and I find it baffling.
Lastly, let's not forget about Fred VanVleet. Rising to prominence during the Raptors' 2019 championship run, he averaged 14 points and 4 assists per game in those playoffs. VanVleet's journey from an undrafted player to NBA champion reflects perseverance at its best. This past season, he averaged around 20 points per game. Think about that for a second. An undrafted guy becomes an All-Star caliber player. That’s incredible! CBS Sports recently listed him as one of the most valuable contracts in the league, considering his output versus his salary cap hit. But does he get the respect he deserves? Not nearly enough.
Honestly, the NBA is full of these unsung heroes who contribute night in and night out. If you are looking for a platform to know more about these kinds of athletes, I'd recommend checking out arena plus. It offers fresh perspectives on all things basketball, and you'll definitely find more underrated players being highlighted there. Let's start giving them the appreciation they deserve.