Everyone knows who the NBA’s greatest stars are—the ones with national commercial campaigns, flashy nicknames, and highlight packages on ESPN. But it’s time to look at the league’s best-kept secret: the game’s most underappreciated players.
These are players who are underappreciated on the national scene. Viewers of their individual teams are surely aware of these players’ significant contributions regularly, but casual NBA fans may not recognize their names.
Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday is definitely one of the most underappreciated point guards in NBA history. He transitioned from being a main scoring option for the Philadelphia 76ers to a completely different position later in his career, despite having thrived as a facilitator and defender for years.
Even some of his teammates believe he is the league’s top perimeter defender. However, you will rarely find his name on the Defensive Player of the Year shortlist. Holiday was a key reason the Bucks won the NBA Finals two years ago, and it’s time to give him the credit he deserves.
RJ Barrett
The situation of RJ Barrett is pretty convoluted. Perhaps he is underappreciated because he plays for the New York Knicks, and everyone expects them to screw things up. Perhaps sharing the limelight with so many young superstars has made the story about him so difficult. However, he is far from an average player.
Barrett has steadily progressed in practically every element of his game throughout his time in the league. His shot selection has improved significantly, as have his handling and playmaking abilities. He has all of the physical skills to be a top two-way player, and even if he never achieves that, he is still better than most people believe.
Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins went from being the punchline to one of the NBA’s three most underappreciated players today. People feared he’d never make it in the NBA since he’d failed to live up to expectations, but maybe all he needed was a change of scenery.
Wiggins gave in to Steve Kerr’s approach and committed to becoming a better defender and shooter. He was a significant part of the Golden State Warriors’ success last season, even having tremendous playoff performances and being their top defender and rebounder on the court during crucial moments.
Mikal Bridges
We must confront Mikal Bridges’ predicament when discussing versatile defenders that might one day win DPOY. He’s rapidly but quietly established himself as one of the league’s finest goaltenders, and his offense is now catching up.
Last season, Bridges held his own against some of the world’s finest scorers. Also, his abilities as a cutter and slasher made him a dangerous threat in fast breaks with Chris Paul flinging the ball up and down the floor. He has the potential to be their second-best player this season.
Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney has to be one of the most boring basketball players in history. However, the Golden State Warriors would not have won the NBA title last season without him holding down the fort and anchoring the paint. He is not done yet. The Warriors are still ranking among the NBA champions with Betway this season.
Looney’s stats will never be enticing, and those who look at the stat sheet may scratch their heads when they watch his new deal. But he is responsible for all of the hard effort and the details that make Steve Kerr’s defense so adaptable. He’s a hustler, and his screens offer up many opportunities for the Splash Brothers.