NBA

The NBA All-Underrated Team

Fresh Videos

By @courtzierk

The NBA All-Underrated Team

Memphis Grizzlies v Sacramento Kings
Getty Images

With All-Star voting in full swing, and with adulation reigning down upon the league’s most visible players, I turn my attention to those who often go overlooked. Those whose contributions are every bit as important as the superstars in the league, but for whatever reason are rarely discussed. This is the NBA’s All-Underrated Team.

Honorable Mentions

Atlanta Hawks v Brooklyn Nets
Getty Images

Honorable Mentions

Atlanta Hawks v Brooklyn Nets
Getty Images

Taj Gibson
Kosta Koufos
Lou Williams
Jeff Teague
Al Jefferson

PG - Mike Conley

Golden State Warriors v Memphis Grizzlies
Getty Images

PG - Mike Conley

Golden State Warriors v Memphis Grizzlies
Getty Images

Conley is starting to get some run in NBA circles, but mainly among those who follow the league very closely. He is arguably the most important player on one of the league’s best teams. Conley is putting up career numbers in almost every statistical category (17.7 PPG, 6.1 APG, and 3.1 RPG), but it is his intangibles that make him one of the best point guards in the league. He leads this team with quiet confidence and is a clutch player.

SG - Wesley Matthews

Memphis Grizzlies v Portland Trail Blazers
Getty Images

SG - Wesley Matthews

Memphis Grizzlies v Portland Trail Blazers
Getty Images

As important as Matthews is to a team with one of the best records in the league, his name remains unknown in many mainstream circles. He is having a career season in Portland, and while his overall numbers are very similar to what he put up last season, it is really the improvement in his efficiency that is so impressive. He is shooting at a better rate, his PER is up and his defensive efficiency has improved as well.

SF - Trevor Ariza

Houston Rockets v Sacramento Kings
Getty Images

SF - Trevor Ariza

Houston Rockets v Sacramento Kings
Getty Images

Ariza is one of those players who has been an important part of every team he has been on (six different teams), but rarely gets the recognition he deserves. His numbers are down from a season ago, but that should be expected when playing next to Harden and Howard. He is shooting a lower percentage from long distance, but that is mostly because he is taking a lot more, as allowed by this offensive scheme. He is an integral part of Houston.

PF - Paul Millsap

Chicago Bulls v Atlanta Hawks
Getty Images

PF - Paul Millsap

Chicago Bulls v Atlanta Hawks
Getty Images

The quintessential, unheralded player, Millsap has quietly put up an All-Star caliber season. He is workmanlike and all about business, and without him, the Hawks wouldn't be nearly as successful as they have been early on this season. He may be in store for a nice payday too after his contract is up after this year.

C - Nikola Vucevic

Orlando Magic v Golden State Warriors
Getty Images

C - Nikola Vucevic

Orlando Magic v Golden State Warriors
Getty Images

Vucevic is about as far away from a household name as you can get, yet he is proving that he is one of the best big men in the NBA. Really, behind DeMarcus Cousins and Marc Gasol, no center is having a better season (18 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1 BPG). He may be unknown now, but that may change over the next few seasons as he becomes the cornerstone of this up-and-coming team.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on