NBA's Top 10 Most Underrated Players
When the elite players of the NBA are mentioned in the same breathe, there are many names that should be said, but aren't. This slideshow will go through the top 10 players currently in the NBA that are probably the most under rated players in the league. Many of the names will be recognizable, but that doesn't mean anything. I'm talking about the players that give 110% all night, every night, and don't receive enough credit for it.
10. Serge Ibaka- Oklahoma City Thunder PF
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In only his second year in the league, this 6'10'' PF from Zaire is one of the most feared big-men in the league. Even though he only scored 9.9 PPG and grabs 7.6 RPG, it is his presence on the court that is felt the most. Watching Serge play is like watching the great Dekimbe Mutombo, and that is something that is you will not see very often.
9. Ty Lawson- Denver Nuggets PG
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When Carmelo was traded to New York after the All-Star weekend, many Denver fans hung their jersies up for the year. But who would've thought that the Nuggets would've went 18-7without him? Nobody. Everyone on that team stepped up to the plate and wowed the country. Ty Lawson is a big reason for their success. The second year star scored nearly twice as much points as he did the year before, averaging 11.7 PPG. Expect Ty's name to be brought up a lot more in the future.
8. Russell Westbrook- Oklahoma City Thunder PG
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Back in the 2008 draft along with teammate Ibaka, Russell Westbrook was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics. Now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder, they are one of the top teams in the league. Russell Westbrook is an outstanding player, and he is well-known around the league. But does he receive enough credit? No. Westbrook averages 21.9 PPG, along with 8.2 APG and 4.6 RPG. Those numbers are worth noticing, as he is in the top 10 in the league in scoring.
7. Jamal Crawford- Atlanta Hawks G
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The Atlanta Hawks are one of those teams that are unpredictable, in a good way. With Crawford, Josh Smith, and Joe Johnson, the Hawks have been a playoff contending team with scary momentum. Jamal Crawford is one player that knows how to play some ball. The consistent Crawford with 14.2 PPG can hit those game changing shots like it's no ones business.
6. Kendrick Perkins- Oklahoma City Thunder C
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I know this is the third player from the Thunder roster I have mentioned, but Perkins was with the Celtics for 75% of the season. It's not really the numbers that makes Perkins so underrated, but the quality and liveliness he brings. Perkins only averages 6 PPG, mostly dunks or put-backs, but the 8 rebounds certainly don't hurt. After Perkins was traded from the Celtics, everyone knew that it was a bad move for Boston. The team was...dead. Like I said, Kendrick brings so much life off the bench and into the locker room that he can really help any team immensely.
5. Zach Randolf- Memphis Grizzlies PF
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Being born again is the best way to describe Zach Randolph's career. Emerging as a star back in Portland, Randolph faded for a few years, then came back to life in Memphis. The 9-year veteran averaged a double-double last season with 20.1 PPG and 12.2 RPG, and is giving the team every last drop of what he's got. Stunning the Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs, Randolph and the Grizzlies have really made the city of Memphis into believers.
4. LaMarcus Aldridge- Portland Trail Blazers PF
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For some reason, LaMarcus is never mentioned along with people like Manu Ginobili and Paul Pierce. Did you know that Aldridge averages more than them though? I bet not. Aldridge averaged 21.8 PPG with the Trail Blazers and is currently ranked 13th in the league for scoring, putting him past names like Tony Parker, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire. Don't worry LaMarcus, you will most definitely be named an All-Star next year.
3. Nene Hilario- Denver Nuggets C
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I love Nene. He is probably the most consistent player in the NBA, and can really gives the Nuggets power under the basket. At 6'11'', Hilario shoots a FG% of .615, something that only a few starters can do. That puts him up there with Dwight Howard and sharp shooter Ray Allen. Nene is one of those guys that will give you solid numbers and a great performance every night.
2. Kevin Love- Minnesota Timberwolves PF
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Remember how dominant Kevin Love was for UCLA? Minnesota hoped that drafting him would provide the team with the athleticism and talent they saw in college. Even though Love's first two seasons in the league weren't so glorious, it made that third year look even better. Many people do not realize how tough of a player that Kevin Love is. The 6'11'' big-man hustles up and down the court every play, showing signs of that star he was in college. Love averaged a huge 20.2 PPG and a league best 15.2 RPG. Speaking of rebounds, I heard a little something that Kevin had 53 consecutive double-doubles, passing the great Moses Malone?
1. Dirk Nowitzki- Dallas Mavericks PF
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Dirk Nowitzki is the most underrated player in the NBA. People really have no clue how much of a dominant effect he has on the court. The 7'0'' German averages 23 PPG, and is deadly from three-point range. Many people, including myself, overlook Dirk, and I honestly don't know why. If you watch him play, his strange shooting form seems to be working, because when that ball swooshes through the net, he's just getting started. So Dirk, you are the most underrated player in the league, and all you've done for Dallas in the 12 years you've been with them will not be overlooked in the future.
