Short on Love: The Most Underrated Players in the NBA

What a bummer the NBA lockout is.

The selfishness of the world's best athletes has led to us not seeing them in action until God knows when. They are getting paid way too much, and they can't stand for a little pay cut. That's pure ignorance.

Looking back at that paragraph I just wrote, I see that I'm not giving the players much love.

But this article is about the players who don't get the attention that they deserve; as in, they are far better players than they get credit for.

So, enjoy the read and comment.

Have a great life, and see you in January when the season starts! (don't quote me..)

D.J. Augustin (Point Guard, Charlotte Bobcats)

Height: 6'

Weight: 180 lbs.

Years Pro: 3

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 14.4

APG: 6.1

SPG: 0.7

Even though I believe he is one of the fastest rising point guards in the league, many others fail to see that.

Especially Michael Jordan.

He drafted a point guard with one of his top ten picks, even though Augustin, their best player, runs that spot. A trade will probably happen sometime in the future, and hopefully D.J. will be in a system where he will thrive.

Highlight Reel

Andray Blatche (Power Forward, Washington Wizards)

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 260 lbs. 

Years Pro: 6

 2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 16.8

RPG: 8.2

SPG: 1.5

Blatche has been a Wizard his whole career, but over the past three years, he has transitioned into a more important, higher scoring role. If he can stay healthy, then he could become one of the faces of the Washington Wizards.

He's got both great stealing and blocking ability, which is a hard combo to find, especially at his position.

Highlight Reel 

Roy Hibbert (Center, Indiana Pacers)

Height: 7'2"

Weight: 278 lbs.

Years Pro: 3

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 12.7

RPG: 7.5

BPG: 1.8

Roy Hibbert is a big force inside for the Pacers, one of the most talented young teams in the league. Hibbert has a bright future, and so does Indiana.

When you think of the dominant centers in the league, you think Dwight Howard, Brook Lopez, and Andrew Bogut. Well, you better start getting very familiar with Hibbert, because he is going to help lead the Pacers to great things soon.

Highlight Reel

Jrue Holiday (Point Guard, Philadelphia 76ers)

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 180 lbs.

Years Pro: 2

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 14.0

APG: 6.5

SPG: 1.5

Honestly, when is the last time you've heard the name Jrue Holiday on ESPN? I don't understand why he lacks recognition; maybe because of big names like Elton Brand or Andre Iguodala being on his team, or the high pick of Evan Turner.

Either way, Holiday was more productive last season than any of those three by being a great passer, and stealing the ball consistently. Start giving some love to Holiday because before you know it, he could be at the level of Chris Paul.

Highlight Reel

JaVale McGee (Center, Washington Wizards)

Height: 7'

Weight: 252 lbs.

Years Pro: 3

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 10.1

RPG: 8.0

BPG: 2.4

JaVale McGee is already quite possibly the most athletic center in the NBA. He's not very bulky, but he is quick on his feet. He can come up with ankle-breaking plays in the post, or swat away shots with ease.

He has been overshadowed in Washington, namely because of the "John Wall" era, and the struggles of the Wizards to win games.

However, the Wizards have good talent at basically every position now, so look for McGee to thrive more, with him and Wall to become one of the best guard-big man duos in the league within the next few years.

Highlight Reel 

Rodney Stuckey (Point Guard, Detroit Pistons)

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 205 lbs.

Years Pro: 4

2010-11 Satistics

PPG: 15.5

APG: 5.2

SPG: 1.1

What's wrong with Stuckey? I can't seem to find anything, but apparently the Pistons can, because they drafted Brandon Knight to overtake him. Stuckey was originally drafted as a shooting guard, but after a few years, he made the transition to point.

He's had a pretty solid career so far, and he should thrive even more in years to come if he manages to wiggle his way onto another roster.

Highlight Reel

Danilo Gallinari (Small Forward, Denver Nuggets)

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 225 lbs.

Years Pro: 3

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 15.6

RPG: 4.9

APG: 1.7

Gallinari was the best player that Denver acquired in the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade. He hasn't played too many games for them yet due to injuries, but he will definitely start for them from day one next season.

Gallinari is that extra player teams look for to take their team over the top (the X factor, if you will). He brings so much to the table, like great scoring ability, awareness of everyone on the court, and great vision to take the best path to the basket.

Highlight Reel

Nick Young (Shooting Guard, Washington Wizards)

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 210 lbs.

Years Pro: 4

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 17.4

RPG: 2.7

FG%: .441

Young had one of the best comeback seasons in the league last year, averaging more than 8 points per game higher than the previous year. He is one of the fastest rising players in the league, but doesn't seem to get recognized for it. If he works on his three-point shooting a little bit more, then he will be very difficult to stop.

He has a bright future ahead of him, and he's definitely a guy you should keep your eye on.

Highlight Reel

Wesley Matthews (Shooting Guard, Portland Trail Blazers)

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 220 lbs.

Years Pro: 2

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 15.9

SPG: 1.2

3PT%: .407

When Matthews is able to start over Brandon Roy and Rudy Fernandez, you know he must be good. He's racking up great stats after only two years in the league, and there's only greater things to come in the future.

Portland will be a title contender next season, and that should lead to more recognition for Matthews.

Highlight Reel

Luol Deng (Small Forward, Chicago Bulls)

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 220 lbs.

Years Pro: 7

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 17.4

RPG: 5.8

SPG: 1.0

Deng is a well-known name around the league, but people fail to realize that he is one of the best small forwards in the league, and he was one of the key reasons the Bulls did so well last year.

He is a better shooter than people give him credit for, and he is very solid on the defensive side of the ball, as well. He reminds me of the scrappy Dennis Rodman of Chicago fame.

Highlight Reel

DeMar DeRozan (Shooting Guard, Toronto Raptors)

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 220 lbs.

Years Pro: 2

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 17.2

RPG: 3.8

SPG: 1.0

Staying clear from injury, and starting all 82 games last season, DeRozan showed that he is the new face of the Raptors franchise. He is easily one of the most athletic players in the NBA, but doesn't get recognized as that by many people, even after his showcasing of his skills in the slam dunk contest.

The Raptors have a bright future, and so does DeRozan. Look for him to be a possible MVP candidate in the near future.

Highlight Reel 

Michael Beasley (Small Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves)

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 235 lbs.

Years Pro: 3

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 19.2

RPG: 5.6

BPG: 0.7

Beasley was one of the most promising athletes to come out of college in a while when he was drafted in 2008 from K-State.

Last season, he showed that him being a top two pick was no fluke. He put up great stats and showed that he has a great future ahead of him.

I think he is mainly underrated by his own organization, the Minnesota Timberwolves, because they drafted Derrick Williams with the 2nd pick this year.

We'll see what happens with that, but Beasley might be on the move. However, that would just mean a great player for someone else.

Highlight Reel

Luis Scola (Power Forward, Houston Rockets)

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 245 lbs.

Years Pro: 4

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 18.3

RPG: 8.2

FG%: .504

People keep saying that power forward is a big need for the Rockets, when in reality, it is one of their strongest positions. Scola's talent is overlooked by many, and it is a mystery as to why this is.

He is very consistent, and scores with ease when given the ball in the post. He's not top ten power forward material just yet, but he has been putting up better stats than most.

Highlight Reel  

Paul Millsap (Power Forward, Utah Jazz)

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 250 lbs.

Years Pro: 5

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 17.3

RPG: 7.6

FG%: .531

He may not have the ideal size for the power forward position, but Millsap makes up for it with consistency in scoring. He had a great field goal percentage last season, and finally moved into a starting role for the Jazz.

He has the potential to be their leading scorer next season, and in that way, become the face of the basketball franchise. So look forward to that.

Highlight Reel

Dorell Wright (Small Forward, Golden State Warriors)

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 205 lbs.

Years Pro: 7

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 16.4

RPG: 5.3

SPG: 1.5

Throughout his career, Wright hadn't proved to be anything more than just an average, off-the-bench player.

That is, until last season. 

Wright took on a much bigger role for the Warriors, and finally found a fit; a team on which he could thrive in their system and let his talent be on full showcase. He didn't receive much recognition for this, though, but I feel like he could be that one player that Golden State needed to take them over the top.

Look for a serious playoff run out of Wright and the Warriors, coming to a TV near you.

Highlight Reel 

Raymond Felton (Point Guard, Portlant Trail Blazers)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 205 lbs.

Years Pro: 6

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 15.5

APG: 8.3

SPG: 1.7

Nobody seems to realize it, but Raymond Felton is one of the best point guards in the NBA. I make that statement with great confidence.

Not only can he rack up the points, but he also has a high amount of assists, and is a threat on the defensive side of the board.

He's been a journeyman as of late, but I believe he's home to stay in Portland for a while, and possibly help lead them to the Finals.

Highlight Reel

Andrea Bargnani (Center, Toronto Raptors)

Height: 7'

Weight: 250 lbs.

Years Pro: 5

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 21.4

RPG: 5.2

BPG: 0.7

So far in his career, Bargnani has been performing like a number one overall pick should: improving every year, and being a star for the Raptors to build around.

If he works on his rebounding, he could quickly become one of the top five centers in the NBA, up there with the likes of Brook Lopez and Andrew Bogut. He's more athletic than those two, by the way.

LaMarcus Aldridge (Power Forward, Portland Trail Blazers)

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 240 lbs.

Years Pro: 5

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 21.8

RPG: 8.8

BPG: 1.2

The 25-year-old Aldridge has been one of the Blazers' top scorers for the past four seasons. Now, he is climbing up the ladder and quickly becoming one of the best in the league.

He has height that most forwards envy, and is a great stealer and blocker. Athleticism is his best trait, and he knows how to manage his lengthy figure.

People need to recognize this more than they do. He is one of the best players in his division, after all.

Highlight Reel

Kevin Love (Power Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves)

Height: 6'10"

Weight: 260 lbs.

Years Pro: 3

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 20.2

RPG: 15.2

FT%: .850

Kevin Love was named the NBA's most improved player this past season, and with stats that many power forwards only dream of, he shows that he is one of the best in the league. 

He is a better shooter than Gasol, a better rebounder than Nowitzki, stronger than Stoudamire, and more consistent than Bosh. He seems to be overshadowed by those other players, and by the lack of success of his club. 

However, he has all the tools you look for in a post man, and has an MVP award in his sights for the future.   

Highlight Reel

Monta Ellis (Shooting Guard, Golden State Warriors)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 185 lbs.

Years Pro: 6

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 24.1

APG: 5.6

SPG: 2.1

Say what you want, but Monta Ellis is one of the best players in the NBA. Many people don't see that, but when the Warriors make a run for the championship next season, he will get much more recognition.

He's an offensive and defensive genius, and has all the makings of a superstar. Keep your eye on him, because, and I say this out of no exaggeration, he has Hall of Fame potential.

Highlight Reel 

Kevin Martin (Shooting Guard, Houston Rockets)

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 185 lbs.

Years Pro: 7

2010-11 Statistics

PPG: 23.5

APG: 2.5

RPG: 3.2

FG%: .436

FT%: .888

3PT: 2.2

SPG: 1.0

Even though he is one of the best scorers in the NBA, Martin has never made the all-star game. He has averaged over 20 points per game in all of the previous five seasons, and the only players who did that over the past five years were as follows: Amar'e Stoudamire, Dirk Nowtizki, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James.

Martin should be considered one of the best players in the NBA, and the fact that he hasn't been voted an all-star yet shows how underrated he is.

There you have it, Kevin Martin is the most underrated player in the NBA.

Highlight Reel