5 Underrated/Underappreciated NBA Players

This NBA season has been nothing less than a disaster. We have had numerous amounts of unfortunate story-lines and incidents which have not only affected sports but the entire world.

Also, we have seen numerous amounts of players such as Luka Doncic, Pascal Siakam, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, and Trae Young take that next step in their games and have been recognized by their peers throughout the league. Due to the recognition, these players have been rewarded by becoming first-time all-stars.

However; there are numerous amounts of players who are having great seasons but these players are not getting the recognition that they deserve. In this article, I will list five players from this NBA season, who I believe are underrated/underappreciated.

Chris Paul, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder:

After pretty much being wrote off, the bounce back from Chris Paul has been impeccable. Once Chris Paul was traded to Oklahoma City, many people (including myself) did not expect him to remain on the Thunder for the entire season. Not only has he remained on the Thunder but Oklahoma City has been the biggest surprise in the NBA this season. A large part of their success is due to him carrying over his winning mentality and his role as a leader & facilitator which has Oklahoma City in the fifth seed in the West. Not only has Chris Paul returned to All-Star form this season but he’s quietly put himself in the discussion as a top ten MVP candidate. Chris Paul may not have eye popping numbers but his impact on Oklahoma City and his leadership has been top notch. Chris Paul is averaging 17.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, while shooting 48.9% from the field and shooting 90% from the free-throw-line. The way he has Oklahoma City playing, who knows what Oklahoma City could do in the playoffs.

Montrezl Harrell, Forward, Los Angeles Clippers:

Yes, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have received majority of the spotlight this season but nobody can deny the fact that Montrezl Harrell has been the ultimate energy guy and spark plug off the bench. Without a doubt, Montrezl Harrell has been one of the most important and consistent players for the Clippers and there’s a case to be made that he has been the second most consistent player for the Clippers this season. Montrezl Harrell has been a factor on both ends of the floor, as he been a force in the paint offensively. The versatility he has defensively with being able to switch everything and guard out on the perimeter, and even though he’s only 6’8, he has a 7’4 wingspan which affects big players, is such a luxury to have in a big. At this point of the season, he would my pick for the Sixth Man of the Year, as he is averaging 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and over a block a game, while shooting 58% from the field. Montrezl Harrell is posting career numbers while he’s only making $6 million a year. Expect him to be a hot commodity and to earn a big contract this off-season.

Kris Middleton, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks:

When Milwaukee decided to give Khris Middleton a max extension (5 years for $178 million), I had my question marks about this decision since he just became an All-Star caliber player. However; he continues to improve each year as this season. He is averaging 21.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, while shooting 50% from the field, 41.8% from three, and 90.8% from the free-throw-line, as he’s on pace to become the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points while shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free throw line. The only other players to achieve this feat in a season are Larry Bird, Dirk Nowitzki, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Giannis gets the buck of the credit for Milwaukee’s success and rightfully so. However; Khris Middleton has become the perfect second-option to Giannis and his play has been vital to Milwaukee’s success. Despite his criticism for his playoff performances, he is the x-factor for Milwaukee and if they want to win a championship, then they will need for him to continue to play like this in the playoffs.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Guard, Brooklyn Nets:

Spencer Dinwiddie is quietly having a fantastic season during the absence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. I believe that there’s a legit argument that Spencer Dinwiddie should have been an All-Star this year. Spencer Dinwiddie has been the go-to-guy for most of the season and the main reason as to why Brooklyn are in the playoffs this year. So far this season, Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 20.6 points & 6.8 assists per game. The question for Brooklyn is how will he fit with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving next season when they both are back? It’s certainly possible that Brooklyn may look to trade him and if that’s the case, then he will be a valuable asset for a lot of NBA teams.

Jaylen Brown, Guard/Forward, Boston Celtics:

Coming into this season, I had some question marks about Jaylen Brown whether or not if he would live up to the big contract, he signed this off-season which was 4 years for $115 million. There’s no question that he has been every bit as valuable as his contract as he is posting career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and field goal percentage. There’s a sound argument to be made that he should have been an All-Star this year along with being a case that he’s been the second-best player on the team behind Jayson Tatum. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals a game, while shooting 49.4% from the field. Boston has certainly looked like contenders at times this season, however, if Boston wants to go deep in the playoffs, then they will need for Jaylen Brown to continue to have his career-year.