When I think about the NBA, the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry instantly come to mind. They're the faces plastered all over media, dominating headlines with their jaw-dropping performances. But as much as I love watching these superstars, there's something incredibly fascinating about those hidden gems who fly under the radar. These underrated players deserve way more recognition. Take Malcolm Brogdon, for instance. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. You know what's wild? Those numbers are comparable to some of the league's elite guards, yet Brogdon rarely makes it into the "top guard" discussions.
Speaking of guards, Fred VanVleet from the Toronto Raptors is another guy that comes to mind. This undrafted player averages around 19.6 points per game with a solid 6.3 assists. During the 2019 NBA Finals, VanVleet was a crucial player for Toronto, scoring an average of 14 points per game and helping the Raptors clinch their first-ever championship. Many tend to forget about him, given that flashy stars often steal the limelight. It's a classic case of how individual brilliance can sometimes overshadow collective reliability.
Then there's Jonas Valančiūnas, the Lithuanian big man who has been putting up exceptional numbers. Averaging a double-double almost every season, he had 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the 2020-2021 season. Those are solid stats for any center in the league. Despite that, his name rarely pops up when talking about top-tier centers. People celebrate the likes of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić, but Valančiūnas' contributions are often neglected. It makes you wonder if people only recognize star power instead of valuable contributions.
Another great example is Mike Conley of the Utah Jazz. Having been in the league since 2007, Conley consistently delivers without drawing much attention. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 16.2 points and 6 assists per game. Moreover, he’s one of the league’s most reliable defensive guards. His efficiency on both ends of the floor was one of the reasons why the Jazz secured the best record in the regular season. Yet, he has only one All-Star appearance to his name, signaling that he's perpetually underrated.
Veteran Thaddeus Young has a similar story. At 33 years old, Young keeps proving his worth on various teams. During his stint with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season. These are robust numbers for a player coming off the bench most of the time. Reports have described Young as a mentor to younger players, which is an invaluable asset that gets overlooked when we focus solely on points and rebounds.
I also want to highlight Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs. White's stats, like his 15.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in the 2020-2021 season, don't scream "superstar," but they reflect a consistent and reliable player. Players like White play pivotal roles in their teams' dynamics but are often overshadowed by the more glamorous stars. It's like having a Swiss Army knife that does everything well, but no one talks about it because it's not a single-blade knife that shines brightly.
Norman Powell is another player who seldom gets the attention he deserves. During the 2020-2021 season, he managed to average 18.6 points per game while shooting nearly 45% from three-point range. That's an incredible shooting efficiency that would send many teams scrambling to make trade offers. However, mainstream media focus on more marketable players, leaving guys like Powell in the shadows.
Also, props to Jrue Holiday, who played a massive role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 Championship run. He averaged 17.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in that season. More importantly, his defensive prowess was a game-changer, especially in the playoffs. Despite these contributions, he doesn't get nearly as much recognition as Giannis Antetokounmpo, which makes sense but feels unjust.
Kyle Anderson, nicknamed "Slo Mo" for his deliberate play style, is another incredibly underrated player. His time with the Memphis Grizzlies has seen him become a versatile player averaging around 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season. Anderson may not be the quickest or the flashiest, but his basketball IQ and ability to contribute on multiple fronts make him invaluable.
T.J. McConnell is a player whose stats might not blow you away at first glance; he averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in the 2020-2021 season. However, his hustle and tenacity make him a significant contributor off the bench for the Indiana Pacers. McConnell set a franchise record with 10 steals in a single game during that season. That's not something you see every day, and it exemplifies how he impacts the game beyond the numbers.
To wrap this up, there are countless other players who deserve more recognition for what they bring to the court. These athletes contribute to the game in ways that often go unnoticed, reinforcing that basketball is indeed a team sport. If you want to discover more underrated stars, check out arena plus for in-depth analyses and coverage. It’s mind-blowing how much talent flies under the radar, making the NBA a treasure trove of underrated greatness.