Five of Ten Underrated NBA Players
Part One of Two: The Ten Most Overlooked Players in the NBA
The players in this list are considered underrated if their personal performances contribute to their team's overall record, but don't receive the recognition they deserve by NBA fans across the world.
All these young men have earned much more respect than they receive. The Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Hornets both have two men on the list of ten. Lesson: pay more attention to Canadians and guys in the Big Easy. Below are the players ranked from six to ten:
10. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
If this skilled power forward played for a team in a big American media market he'd be revered for his speed, power, agility and raw talent. Instead he plays for Toronto, located in a country to which most Americans can't even name the capital city. It's Ottawa, people.
He made the All-Star team but had to pimp himself out (hilariously) through a Youtube commercial. Great personality, great fun, great player. Averaging 23 points per game (ppg) and 9 rebounds per game (rpg).
9. Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers
This guy is, simply put, a beast. He pulls down rebounds with immense power and blocks at least three balls a game. He, early on, got more attention for his apparent bout with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) than for his game.
He recently discovered he was misdiagnosed and the reason for his poor performance was that his brain was simply working too fast. He worked with a neurosurgeon to help slow his thoughts down and his hard work and dedication have paid off. Now NBA fans have the privilege of watching his raw talent spew out. Averaging 16ppg and 13rpg.
8. Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks
When you play for Dallas and your name isn't Dirk Nowitzki, it's inevitable to be overlooked. This guy has a beautiful mid-range shot and great rebounding skills. With the addition of Jason Kidd into the line-up, look for him to get even more open looks and maybe raise that field goal percentage a few points.
He has raised his ppg average every season since entering the NBA five years ago. Oh, he can throw it down too. Averaging 20ppg and 7rpg.
7. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
He plays for one of the worst teams in the East but is at the height of his game. He's quick, tough and isn't afraid to dunk from way back. Way, way back. He gets recognition, just not as much as he deserves; people know who he is, but not how good he is.
His agility and talent are being wasted on such an underachieving team. With the right supporting cast he could develop into a franchise player. He has a low spot on the list because his team is just terrible. Averaging 21ppg, 6rpg and 4 assists per game (apg).
6. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans Hornets
He's putting together the best season of his career in the shadows of Chris Paul. He's a solid rebounder, and is shooting a ridiculous 61% from the field (though he may be the only player in the NBA who's field goal percentage is higher than his free throw percentage). He's tough and battles for wins night in and night out.
He's the main big man in the Big Easy and people know who he is, just not how good he is. Averaging 12ppg and 12rpg.
Part two below.
All stats from NBA.com.
Related Articles:
The NBA's Most Underrated: Ranked Five to One
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles