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 of the young men here have earned much more respect than they receive and these four players (and one full team) are the most overlooked by fans. The following list ranks the players from one to five, including one honourable mention:
5. The Detroit Pistons
Yes, I know, the Pistons are a full team, not one player, but they play as one unit. They have the most flawless strategy in the NBA and arguably have not one big name franchise player. They are without one guy averaging over 20ppg yet they are only three games back of the league-leading Boston Celtics, who have three franchise players on their roster.
They even have a great record against the powerhouse Western Conference, arguably the measure of a good Eastern Conference team. In the shadow of the Boston Celtics, they have continued their yearly, almost routine domination of each team in the league. Averaging 98ppg, 23apg, 41rpg and shooting 46% from the field.
4. David West, New Orleans Hornets
Yes, he was voted into the All-Star game by coaches but most NBA fans haven't even heard of him. He cleans up boards, has a good shooting touch and has worked hard on his game for several years to get to the level he is at now; he deserves the recognition and respect. Forgive the bitterness. Averaging 20ppg and 9rpg.
3. Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic
He was one of two very serious shuns by coaches for this year's All-Star game. We'll get to the next one soon. He is one of the most overall improved players in the NBA and definitely should've been included in the All-Star roster.
He has skills in rebounding, shooting and passing, not many players in the NBA can boast of that. Fans in Orlando love his quick-release and commitment to the team. Averaging 20ppg, 6rpg and 5apg.
2. Stephen Jackson, Golden State Warriors
Along with Baron Davis he forms the epicentre of the Golden State Warriors. He's tough, he's agile and has a good field goal and three-point percentage. In his first year in Golden State he helped them to upset the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs, and has contributed, in a large way, to the team's complete turnaround.
He's redeemed himself from past events (ahem) and has come into his own as a team player and true warrior in the league. Averaging 21ppg, 4apg and 4rpg.
1. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
This one is a certified tragedy. The Spaniard has the number one assists-per-turnover ratio, the best free-throw percentage in the league and the fifth highest assist per game average and he didn't get voted into the All-Star game. Why? Who knows.
He averages only 32 minutes per outing and since filling in for starting point guard T.J. Ford, has flourished beyond belief. His game has elevated, his confidence has elevated and he has elevated his team. He is an old-fashioned point guard, a true quarterback and a genuine playmaker. Averaging 13ppg and 9apg.
Honourable Mention: Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
A nomadic player who has finally found his niche in Washington. When Gilbert Arenas got injured, he helped Caron Butler keep the Wizards a winning team. Now that both Butler and Arenas are injured, he's trying to keep his team in the playoff hunt, they do have a losing record but one man can only do so much.
He would be ranked higher if his efforts were successful, their record isn't pretty. Averaging 21ppg and 10rpg.
There you have it, the ten most underrated and under-appreciated players in the league. Look for them to make big moves in the future, win championships, and some, for their own sakes, be traded to better teams (that one's for you Gerald Wallace).
All stats from NBA.com.
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