The 10 Most Underpaid Players in the NBA

The title pretty much explains it. These 10 guys are hard workers, great players, and bring a lot to their team and city.

Without these guys, their teams would not even be close to what they are. However, they are paid like average players. Their are several other players on their team that made more money than they did, even though they didn't contribute nearly as much.

I will only be looking at what these players made this season. These salaries came from Hoopshype.com. Without further ado, your NBA's 10 Most Underpaid Players...

10. Charlie Villanueva

2008/09 Salary: $3,448,050

2008/09 Stats: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists per game

Higher paid players on same team: Damon Jones, Dan Gadzuric

Charlie Villanueva was probably the best player on the Milwaukee Bucks this year. He was asked to step up as the team leader after Michael Redd suffered a season-ending injury. Villanueva is an underrated threat in the post and can even knock down the open three. The team's best player of the year was paid less than six other Bucks.

9. Matt Barnes

2008/09 Salary: $1,200,000

2008/09 Stats: 10 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3 assists per game

Higher paid players on same team: Jared Dudley, Goran Dragic, Robin Lopez

Although Matt Barnes wasn't necessarily the best player on the Suns this year, he absolutely deserved more money than he earned. Barnes was the team's best defender and almost always shadowed the opposing team's top scorer. With his combination of size and quickness he could guard multiple positions. Barnes also had a decent offensive season.

8. Leon Powe

2008/09 Salary: $797,581

2008/09 Stats: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist per game

Higher paid players on same team: J.R Giddens, Brian Scalabrine

You might have to be a Celtics fan to realize why this guy is so underpaid. His stats are in no means out of this world, but his contributions to the Celtics are. Leon Powe is the sparkplug off the bench for Boston and can take over games on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. When I think of the name Leon Powe, I think of hard work and hustle. He plays to win and he should be paid accordingly.

7. Rudy Gay

2008/09 Salary: $2,579,400

2008/09 Stats: 19 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists per game

Higher paid players on the same team: Steve Francis, Greg Buckner

Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies in scoring and steals, and was second in rebounds and minutes per game. He was obviously the number one option on this team and brought a lot of excitement to an otherwise not exciting team. Gay's style of play draws a lot of attention from ESPN and YouTube highlights. Gay is the leader of this young team, and there should not be eight other guys earning more money.

6. Brandon Roy

2008/09 Salary: $3,084,240

2008/09 Stats: 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists per game

Higher paid players on the same team: Martell Webster, Steve Blake

Not only is Brandon Roy the best player on his team, but he also one of the best players in the league. His all-around game is nothing short of excellence. Roy can take over a game anytime he wants and put up monster scoring numbers from anywhere on the court. He will be a top guard in this league for the next 10 years. He should be paid like one. There were nine other players on Portland alone who were paid more than Roy this season.

5. Deron Williams

2008/09 Salary: $5,069,448

2008/09 Stats: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists per game

Higher paid players on the same team: Matt Harpring, Andrei Kirilenko

Deron Williams is arguably the second-best point guard in the NBA. A true superstar, Williams can take over games by shooting, driving, passing, and playing defense. He led his team to the playoffs this year but they were eliminated in the first round. Williams has a bright future ahead of him though, and it looks like he will be making over $13 million next year. However, his $5 million he made this year warrants him a spot on this list.

4. David Lee

2008/09 Salary: $1,788,033

2008/09 Stats: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists per game

Higher paid players on the same team: Chris Wilcox, Jared Jeffries

David Lee is not only a fan favorite in New York City, but also a heck of a player. He was one of the leading players in the league in double-doubles. He brought excitement to the game and a nose for the ball. Lee is a hustle player who can bang underneath and crash the boards with the best. Are there really 10 other players on the Knicks who deserved a higher salary than Lee?

3. Rajon Rondo

2008/09 Salary: $1,646,784

2008/09 Stats: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists per game

Higher paid players on the same team: Tony Allen, Eddie House

Rajon Rondo improved greatly this year. Playing for a team with three future Hall Of Famers, Rondo is sometimes overlooked and found in the shadows. Rondo is a top-five point guard in the NBA, behind only Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, and Chauncey Billups. He has great ball handling skills and creates open shots for the other shooters on the team. Once Rondo develops a more consistent jump shot, he will be impossible to guard.

2. Danny Granger

2008/09 Salary: $2,329,804

2008/09 Stats: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists per game

Higher paid players on the same team: Jeff Foster, TJ Ford

This year's most improved player in the league certainly will be rewarded in the future. But, he still was paid as a below average player this year. He was one of the best pure scorers in the league and could take the ball to the hole or drain the contested three pointer. Granger still needs to work on his all-around game, but at 25 years of age, he still has plenty of time. If Indiana can build a team around him they will be making some noise for years to come.

1. Chris Paul

2008/09 Salary: $4,574,189

2008/09 Stats: 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, 11 assists per game

Higher paid players on the same team: Morris Peterson, James Posey

What do I really need to say about Chris Paul? He's the best point guard in the NBA, and arguably the third best player in the league, behind Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Chris Paul's salary will more than triple next season, but for now, Chris Paul is currently the most underpaid player in the NBA.