2007-07-20 05:41:38 · 14 answers · asked by ghostrider734 4 in Sports ➔ Basketball
Great Question!!!
For today the most underrated is probably Gerald Wallace. The man can flat out play but because he plays in a small market for a losing team no one notices that he is a great player - 18 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1 bpg - he does it all. A close second would be Deron Williams the PG from Utah - but I think because of Utah's run this year people are starting to realize how good he is....
Most underrated ever? Tough for me to answer since I didn't see the NBA until the 80's. Since then I would have to go with Joe Dumars. He was always overshadowed by Isiah Thomas in Detroit but Joe was a great shooted, shot his free throws well, and was a true shut down defender. I think I remember hearing an interview by Jorday that referred to Dumars as the best defender he ever went up against. Without Joe D. the Pistons do not win those two titles in the late 80's.
2007-07-20 05:52:01 · answer #1 · answered by Steve P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To reply to some of the earlier responses....Shawn Marion? Take him off the Suns, and he is nothing. The reason he gets the numbers he does is Steve Nash. He can't create anything for himself. Tracy McGrady? He can't even get out of the first round of the playoffs, and he has a good team. How is he underrated? If anythign, he is overrated?
The most underrated, currently, is Tim Duncan. He is going to be one of the Top 5 players of all time when it is all said and done, and everyone sleeps him. He is THE reason the Spurs are who they are. He should have been Finals MVP again this year, as he is the reason Parker would get open shots, since the Cavs were so worried about Duncan. Also, his presence on the defensive end is incredible.
Most underrated of all time is a little tough. I like Joe Dumars, like someone said earlier. I would also throw out Nate "Tiny" Archibald, who led the league in assists AND scoring in one season, and Oscar Robertson, who averaged a triple double a season multiple times. However, back then, they didn't track triple doubles as a stat.
2007-07-20 13:54:27 · answer #2 · answered by greasefire87 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In today's game I think Caron Butler for no for the Wizards.He averaged 20 points and 8 boards and plays good D.
Most underrated all-time is Scottie Pippen. He was better defender than MJ and should have won the league MVP the year MJ retired. They were a fantom call from going to the NBA finals without Mike and that can't be overlooked.
2007-07-20 14:09:56 · answer #3 · answered by mdsuperstar1984 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Current - Emeka Okafor because you rarely hear about him and he doesn't score as much points as a Dwight Howard or an Amare Stoudemire due to the fact that he plays for a very deep Bobcat's team. He has stellar defense and is usually one of the top 5 in the NBA in blocks.
All-Time - I would have to say Kevin Johnson because you always hear about the Isiah Thomas, the MJ's, the Barkley's, Stockton and the Mailman but you rarely hear about Kevin Johnson and how he was able to help lead Phoenix (with Barkley's help) to the finals. KJ was an explosive point guard with the rare ability to average double digits in assists and dunk over centers like Hakeem Olajuwon. You always hear a lot about Steve Nash as one of the great Phoenix point guard but KJ was the more explosive scorer of the 2.
2007-07-22 00:37:23 · answer #4 · answered by JR 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Today - Shawne Marion. He plays with Amare and Nash and gets overlooked, but 'The Matrix' is arguably the most athletically talented player on that team.
All Time - Scottie Pippen. He came and played with the greatest player of all time, and people overlook his amazing defense and the fact that he is in his own right a top 25 player in NBA history. Plus, he wasn't a product of Michael Jordan (like, say Tony Kukoc or Steve Kerr were on that Bulls team).
2007-07-20 12:46:20 · answer #5 · answered by shashank c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Today: Gerald Wallace - an absolute freak of athletic nature. He does it all, even better than Shawn Marion, but Marion gets plenty of praise.
All-time: Jeff Hornacek - and i freakin hated the Jazz, but that guy was a nightmare. His odd face and total white-boy body made him the most deceiving scorer ever. He could come off screens, momentum carrying him away from the hoop, catch a pass, and fire a long shot and nail it, every time. He's never mentioned any more, as a great shooter and scorer.
2007-07-20 14:22:38 · answer #6 · answered by liver_n_jello 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say Morris Peterson. I don't know if you remember his
college days. But he use to go off, averaging like 30 points a
game in there championship run. He was overlooked in
Toronto because Vince Carter was getting all the shine. But I
think he could be a star on someone's team if they just turn
him loose with the ball, and let him shoot it !!!
ALL TIME - Michael Cooper
2007-07-20 12:50:34 · answer #7 · answered by Da Jedi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
right now the most underrated player is paul pierce except in boston where people love him. and the best underrated player of all time is a no brainer.... scottie pippen of course just because he played under michael jordan was the reason why he wasnt a franchise player. TOO BAD FOR HIM he was awesoem but overshadowed
2007-07-20 14:49:10 · answer #8 · answered by Scott C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Steve Nash is the most underrated even though he wins the MVP every year nobody ever puts him in the same league as Kobe or Bron. He always gets shorthanded in all MVP conversations by ESPN and others.
Of all time is Kirk Serge he was one of the best whiteout recognition scored 150 in his first game.
2007-07-20 14:10:53 · answer #9 · answered by OlgyPie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its defiantly gilbert arenas. He was barely voted into the allstar game this year, and was put in as an injury reserve two years ago dispite averaging about 30 points a game. Paul Pierce? Dude, paul pierce gets mad respect. He's one of the most feared players, I dont think he's underated.
2007-07-24 18:28:00 · answer #10 · answered by ender62388 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋