In the star-driven world of the NBA, it's easy to overlook the contributions of players who may not fill the stat sheet but are essential to their team's success. These players excel in defense, passing, and the little things that lead to wins.
Over the past five years, several players have been flying under the radar despite their significant impact. Here's a look at the five most underrated players in the NBA this season.
5. Royce O'Neale, Phoenix Suns
Royce O'Neale may not be a household name, but his reliability and consistency have made him one of the most underrated players in the league. Over the past five years, O'Neale has been a model of toughness, appearing in 374 games behind only Buddy Hield and Mikal Bridges during that span.
O'Neale's ability to defend the opponent's best player and knock down threes at a 38.2 percent clip made him a valuable asset. His contributions were significant during his time with the Utah Jazz, where he was a full-time starter on a team that consistently ranked high in scoring. Today, O'Neale continues to provide value as a versatile three-and-D wing for the Phoenix Suns, who signed him to a four-year, $42 million contract.
4. Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves
Mike Conley has long been seen as one of the most underrated players in the league, and despite finally earning an All Star honor in 2021, he still hasn't gotten the recognition he deserves. Conley's contributions go beyond traditional statistics, his leadership, professionalism, and ability to organize the offense have made him a cornerstone of every team he has been a part of.
Over the past five years, Conley has consistently outperformed most big names in advanced metrics like Value Over Replacement Player (VORP). Despite being in the final stages of his career, Conley continues to make a positive impact on the court, as evidenced by his impressive splits with teams like the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.
3. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers
Ivica Zubac may not be a modern NBA center, but that hasn't stopped him from being one of the most efficient big men in the league. Since being traded to the LA Clippers in 2019, Zubac has quietly established himself as a force in the paint.
Zubac's old-school style that focuses on protecting the rim and scoring efficiently at the basket has made him a bit of an underdog in today's game. He hasn't shot less than 61.3 percent from the field in any of the last five seasons, and on defense, he's nearly impenetrable, ranking in the top five percent in field goals allowed within six feet of the basket.
2. Kyle Anderson, Golden State Warriors
Kyle Anderson, known as “Slo-Mo” for his deliberate style of play, epitomizes the underrated player. Over the past five years, Anderson has been one of the most versatile defenders in the league, combining a unique skill set with a high basketball IQ.
Anderson's ability to rack up blocks and steals at a high rate while also being an exceptional passer sets him apart. His defensive contributions were on par with the league's best, and his assist usage rate consistently ranked in the top percentage for his position. Despite his extraordinary game, Anderson has been a key contributor to winning basketball, most recently with the Golden State Warriors.
1. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets
Fred VanVleet has been a key player in the NBA for the past five years, yet he remains one of the most underrated players in the league. Known for his determination and athleticism, VanVleet has quietly put together an impressive resume, including a key role in the Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship run.
Since 2019-2020, VanVleet has consistently ranked among the league's best in advanced metrics like VORP, outperforming several All-Stars. His impact on both ends of the floor has been significant, and despite being under the radar, he continues to be a force in the NBA, now with the Houston Rockets.
These five players may not always be in the spotlight, but their contributions have been crucial to their teams' success over the past five years. It's about time they got the recognition they deserve.
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