Your email address will not be published. For the first few seasons of his career, Jermaine O'Neal struggled to find a role with the Portland Trail Blazers. Here are the 10 most underrated stars during the 2000s. Even some players who did make it onto that stage, like Rashard Lewis and Richard Hamilton, arent remembered as reverently as they should be. Injuries were a concern throughout Pejas career, especially in the second half of his NBA lifespan. At his peak, Billups was a serious threat as a scorer, passer, and defender who was the perfect point guard to lead the Detroit Pistons to the 2004 NBA championship. Miller also had an All-Star season with the Pacers in 2003 where he averaged 13.1 PPG and 8.3 RPG. As the all-time and single-season leader in technical fouls, how could he not? This honestly swayed an NBA championship, costing the Minnesota Timberwolves in their series against the Lakers, in which they were the better team. For his career, Redd shot 38.0% from three and 44.7% overall. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Rise of Paul George Can he bring a championship to LA. . 1. Not only did he start playing precisely at the starting point of the decade after being selected 1st overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1999 draft, but he proceeded to be one of the most under-the-radar players during his career. Struggling with bone spurs, and ankle surgery, he left the NBA after the 2006-07 season. Tim Duncan: Most underrated athlete in sports history? He averaged a career-high of 26.7 points a game during the 2006-07 season. But for now, Lillard looks like the young PG with the most potential to grow into the best point guard of his era. James demonstrated this when he surpassed Patrick Ewing for 20th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He peaked in 2007 when he averaged 26.7 PPG on 46.5% shooting. The Top NBA Players Of All Time. Jabbar was from the very beginning of his career being named the 1969-1970 rookie year, Abdul-Jabbar was a 5x MVP, 9x All-Star, 9x All-NBA, and 8x All-Defensive selection in the 1970s with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers; moreover, he averaged 28+ points, 14+ rebounds, and 5+ assists per game and led the Bucks to their first NBA title, winning Finals MVP in . Even in his later years when his scoring dropped, there was little drop-off in Kidd's assist or steal numbers. Big Shot. He would average 20.0 PPG or more for the next 3 seasons and shot near or better than 40.0% from three during that time. The problem with most underrated NBA lists is too many of the players are, well, overrated. Career Stats: 14.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG. He had a smooth lefty jumper that was as good as anyones in the game when he was on point. He was the first NBA player to bring in the big balls dance celebration, injuring his groin. He would lead the league in steals once more in 2007 with the Warriors with 2.1 SPG. At his peak, he became one of the most prolific scorers in the league and ignited the spirit of the game back in the City Of Milwaukee. Still, you dont hear much talk about the years the Clippers might have been the championship favorite. 1 seed Mavericks in 2007 but his career was so much more than one season. 1 seed Mavericks in 2007 but his career was so much more than one season. Due to the emergence of other superstars like Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, LeBron James, and Tracy McGrady, many other solid players who had massive success in the decade have flown under the radar as time has gone on. Elton Brand is the most underrated star of the 2000s because he managed to have 2 All-Star Seasons after being drafted No.1 in the 1999 Draft. In the 2000 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks got lucky when Ohio States Michael Redd fell all the way into the second round. For the first 12 seasons of his career, Miller was a consistent 15.0 to 17.0 PPG scorer but he really made his impact as a passer. Players like Russell Westbrook, John Wall, and Kyle Kuzma each get the overrated label due to playoff failures, huge contracts, or just being talked up more than their games can back up. Should LeBron James Receive The NBA Designated Player Exception Gary Trent Jr. is easily one of the most exciting and underrated players in the NBA today, starting with a Toronto Raptor and ending with one. The Most Underrated NBA Player of the Early 2000s Seth Curry - Brooklyn Nets. Career Stats: 17.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, Career Achievements: 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection. Honestly, call him the Russian Lebron James. One-Sheet Collections: Best Active NBA Stars Who Have Never Been All With talk of which NBA players are the most underrated right making the rounds on social media this week, we thought it would be a good time to come up with our own All-Underrated Team for the . He was also one of the better offensive rebounders in basketball and led the league in that stat in the 2004-05 season with 299 offensive rebounds. Roy would begin to experience his downfall by 2011, just his 5th season in the league. Most Overrated NBA Players of All Time. He averaged 20.1 PPG and 10.0 RPG in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, making the All-Rookie Team. Injury replacements, lifetime achievement awards, and many players that might not entirely deserve it. With his ability to both score and pass the ball, Miller was must-watch television whenever he was in town. Jamison would then form part of a consistent team with the Wizards, making 2 All-Star Teams during his tenure there and solidifying himself as one of the best power forwards in the NBA during his time. He also made the All-Star Team and the All-NBA Third Team after a strong season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Underrated? It is borderline insanity that Miller was never even honored with an All-Star selection and for that, he is the 3rd most underrated player of the 200s decade. One year later, he joined the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 14.9 PPG on 35.8% shooting from three. Thats not that tough. Few players have taken the NBA by storm or altered the way teams play the game the way Curry has . Elton Brand was one of the most underrated players of the 2000s. 50 Most Underrated NBA Players of All Time. And make it not as a lifetime achievement award or an injury replacement, but during what would be a 2nd Team All-NBA season? Elton Brand was a special big man on offense and on the boards, and he was one of the most underappreciated players during his time. He was the first NBA player to bring in the big balls dance celebration, injuring his groin, The 12 Most Underrated NBA Players of the 2010s, This Millennial Transformed One Rental Property Into A Multi-Million Dollar Empire, 10 Entrepreneurs Share Their Best Beauty Business Tips And Secrets. Roy attempted a comeback in 2013 but lasted just 5 games before calling it quits for good. During his All-Star seasons with Portland, Wallace was a double-digit scorer and rebounder while being a force to be reckoned with on defense. In fact, he was voted 4th overall in the 2003-04 MVP race, beating out the aforementioned shooting guard on the Lakers. The NBA has done an unfortunately great job of sweeping Jermaine ONeals career under the rug after his role in the infamous Malice At The Palace. Career Stats: 17.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, Career Achievements: 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection. 12. Neither made an impact, with Lionel Chalmers never playing another NBA game. He was a nightmare for defenders to stop and an even bigger one to try and score on in the paint. And when it comes to the 2000s, well, there are plenty of guys who deserved more love. Peja Stojakovi. The 2000s was an awe-inspiring time to grow up as an NBA fan and witness these real-life superheroes hit the court every single night. But today, we arent talking about Tim, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille ONeal, or Dwyane Wade. . Nine seasons into his career, the former USC Trojan has finally found his stride and established himself as one of the NBAs top guards. After being traded to the Sacramento Kings at the end of the 2000 season, he formed a potent shooting perimeter alongside Peja Stojakovi. His best season came in 2002 after being traded to Atlanta. The 11 Most Underrated NBA Players of the 2010s | Ventured He was a menace on the defensive side of the ball as well, never shying away from a tough matchup or assignments. He averaged 20.1 PPG and 10.0 RPG in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, making the All-Rookie Team. Richardson made the All-Rookie Team in 2001 by averaging 14.4 PPG and 4.3 RPG for the Golden State Warriors. Center from Newark, New Jersey, United States of America. He was so fast with his first step off of the dribble and even faster once he got headed toward the basket. Finally, as with fellow Pacer Ron Artest, ONeal was heavily involved in the Malice at the Palace punishments and suspensions, so the NBA isnt jumping at the opportunity to push Jermaine into the mainstream hivemind. Drafted with the No. Just 3 seasons later, he would become a 20.0 PPG scorer and an automatic 40.0% shooter from deep. Finley was a no-nonsense small forward that was the perfect complement beside Dirk Nowitzki, had multiple seasons averaging above 20-5-5 per game, and capped his career off with a championship on the 2007 San Antonio Spurs. In fact, I dont think I would have him on here if not for having the greatest NBA nickname of all time, Bad Porn.. The 2000s was an awe-inspiring time to grow up as an NBA fan and witness these real-life superheroes hit the court every single night. For the first few seasons of his NBA career, Billups bounced around until he found a home with the Detroit Pistons in 2003. ONeal is an excellent example of the circumstances most players on these lists go through during their careers. The most underrated small forwards of the 2018-19 NBA season He was also one of the better offensive rebounders in basketball and led the league in that stat in the 2004-05 season with 299 offensive rebounds. Top 13 NBA Stars From the 90s (And 12 From the 2000s - TheSportster Wallaces presence propelled Detroit to an NBA championship where Wallace averaged 13.0 PPG and 7.8 RPG on the playoff run. Landers mens soccer closes out the season with a penalty-kick loss to Florida Tech. 1 / 32 OrlandoMagic.com ranks the best NBA point guards from the 2000s. And . James Lofton is one of many cases of players being in the Hall of Fame and nevertheless being vastly underrated when compared with others who played the position. 6. Shareef solidified his role as a scoring power forward and was selected as an All-Star in the 2002 season, the lone career selection. He was a menace on the defensive side of the ball as well, never shying away from a tough matchup or assignments. When coming into the league, there were no expectations for Michael Redd having been the 43rd pick of the 2000 NBA Draft. Cleveland's superstar is regarded as one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history. ESPN.com - Page2 - The List: Underrated teams With his accurate 3-point shot and ability to pass the ball effectively, Stojakovidc would be a nightmare for defenses in todays game. Again, ONeal might be remembered more for his last season with Golden State, just before the team ascended into the perennial dynasty. As a two-way player and one of the best athletes to ever play the game, Richardson was a gem in his prime. One last point on Cassell that bumps him higher on this list. During his early days in Seattle, Lewis took a bit to develop into the shooter and scorer he went down as. With the trade of superstar Ray Allen, the Bucks fell off as one of the NBAs top teams, but the leading role was filled by Redd, who went on to average 21.7 points en route to his only All-Star appearance. During his time with the New Orleans Hornets for 3 seasons, he averaged 20.2 PPG, 8.1 APG, and 2.0 SPG. That could not be further from the truth as Ilgauskas was a solid two-way big man who helped LeBron James adapt to the NBA. He would become an All-Star once more in 2005 averaging 16.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 2.1 BPG. In his next season, he averaged 22 points per game to go with 7 rebounds. Miller would go on to play 5 more seasons with Sacramento. Out of all the players on this list, O'Neal was the most talented big man and also one of the most underrated players during his time. He ended his career with a well-deserved championship with the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. Still, with his peak year coinciding with his healthiesthe appeared in 78 gameshe led the Utah Jazz in total points, points per game, total rebounds, rebounds per game, blocks, blocks per game, steals, steals per game, free throws made, free throws attempted, three pointers made, and three-pointers attempted. He didnt have the chance to display his scoring prowess during his first season in Milwaukee since he was playing behind the great Ray Allen. BYL's Most Underrated NBA Players of the 2000's Follow BYL and comment who we missed out on Who's the Most Underrated?? From2004 through 2009, Redd battled injuries and bumps but still averaged at least 21.0 PPG every season. We present our all-time underrated teams, those great teams which don't receive their proper respect in the historical archive. With his ability to both score and pass the ball, Miller was must-watch television whenever he was in town. Maggette had his best seasons during the 2004, 2005, and 2008 seasons. Date of birth: February 1, 1969. He had three All-NBA team selections, two thirds, and a second cap off his individual awards. Of course, we couldnt account for everyone who deserves to be on this list, but below are the most underrated NBA players of the early 2000s. Despite sharing the court with Ray Allen early on, Redd carved his own path and should be revered for his unbelievable scoring at his peak. While Redd played amazingly, the team finished the season with a horrible record28-54. Brandon Roy is one of the biggest what-ifs in NBA history and the little we did get to see of his career left us as NBA fans wanting so much more. Was he good enough that its a travesty that his name isnt among the great scorers in the history of the NBA? Lewis was one of the NBAs top shooters for years with 8 seasons ranked in the Top 20 for 3-pointers made. There are dozens of underrated players most folks forget. Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina. He could rebound the ball well at 610 tall and his passing and court vision were a perfect recipe for success with how much those Kings teams liked to run. Averaging 16.0 PPG, he is one of the most recognizable offensive players for the Clippers over the last 20 years. Other Underrated NBA Players for 2021-22. He was named an NBA All-Star in 2004 after averaging 21.7 points and a career-best 5.0 rebounds a game. Top 20 most underrated footballers of all time: who are they? Davis was an explosive point guard who was a blur on the floor in open space. The 14 Most Underrated NBA Players - ONE37pm Here were some of . 11. With the NBA season approaching fast, there are a few players who haven't gotten the credit they deserve. And when you peak to the point, you can be compared to the greatest power forward of all time. Roy was a special talent on offense confirmed by some of the greats such as Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant. 1) Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Today, we honor the stars whose legacies have become underappreciated as time has gone on and we get further and further away from their playing days. Yet, not all players who saw action at the NBA, the biggest basketball league in the world, are well-known. We dont even have to look at career averages or anything. Due to the emergence of other superstars like Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, LeBron James, and Tracy McGrady, many other solid players who had massive success in the decade have flown under the radar as time has gone on. Were discussing the most underrated NBA players of the 2000s. Redd was also awarded a 3rd-Team All-NBA spot, giving Milwaukee hope that the young guard could take on the role open with Ray Allens departure. He has been married to Clarenda Harris since September 12, 2006. Wallaces presence propelled Detroit to an NBA championship where Wallace averaged 13.0 PPG and 7.8 RPG on the playoff run. The Most Underrated NBA Players Of The Early 2000s The assessment was based on how players performed during this decade and this decade ONLY (2000-2009). Career Stats: 13.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG, Career Achievements: 1x Most Improved Player, 6x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection. For those of us that remember ONeal at his peak, we remember an undersized two-way beast for the Indiana Pacers who helped them nearly capture a championship in his heyday. 3. The Top 10 Most Underrated NBA Players Of The 2000s Career Stats: 13.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG. Getting to the free throw line. The play at power forward saw him have a couple of All-Star seasons. His mid-range game and three-ball were impeccable as well. Elton is perfect for this list. Richmond scored the 4th-most total points for the entire decade of the 90s , mainly with the Warriors and Kings. That season he averaged 16.2 PPG and it was clear that the Pistons had their championship point guard. Big Shot. You would have expected Peja to become a lethal off-the-bench shooter, but from 2008 until he retired, he never seemed to get more than 60 games played. The Most Underrated NBA Players Of The 90s - Hoop Maestro Iverson was an MVP, an 11-time All-Star, and a four-time scoring champion . He blew past defenders and glided through the air and threw down rim-rocking dunks with brutal authority. Career Stats: 16.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, Career Achievements: 2x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection. Required fields are marked *. He led the league in steals in 2004 with 2.4 SPG. Career Stats: 16.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, Career Achievements: 2x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection. Most Underrated NBA Players Going into the 2021-22 Season - Gambling Sites He was the spiritual successor to Dennis Rodman, released music featured in NBA 2K, and is infamous for his antics on-and-off court. And while many fans will remember the Clippers for continuously being one of the dumpster fires of NBA teams, alongside Sacramento, Minnesota, and others, those other teams have had moments in the spotlight that are remembered fondly. DeMar DeRozan is having an incredible season. The Most Underrated Players In The NBA Today - TheSportster Even though he never made an All-Star Team, Bibby certainly played like one and he was a major reason the Kings were a problem in the West. Big East expert picks 2022-23: Bold predictions, most overrated and 4. During his early days in Seattle, Lewis took a bit to develop into the shooter and scorer he went down as. The Most UNDERRATED NBA Players Of The 2000s..Welcome back to Sports Savvy. Finley played on two of the premier Western Conference powerhouses over the decade, starting with Dallas and moving to San Antonio after being waived. Defensive teamsala the Championship Detroit Pistonsthat dominated to the point the NBA had to change the rules to speed up the game, which helped a dopey-haired small, white Canadian point guard pick up back-to-back MVPs. Agent 0 going into L.A. and dropping 60 on the Lakers. Philadelphia 76ers Premier League UFC Television The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real Housewives of Dallas My 600-lb Life Last Week Tonight with John Oliver The 25 Most Overrated NBA Players of All Time - Medium It's tough to argue with a top five like that, but Acho brought up several great points while making a case for the former San . Top underrated NBA players of the late 1990s-early 2000s For the first few seasons of his career, Jermaine ONeal struggled to find a role with the Portland Trail Blazers. Before this career year, Cassell bounced around as a competent floor general, never finding a true home with a team and playing for eight franchises over a nineteen-year career. Aaron Mansfield, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Merrimack College. The following season it came to fruition as Billups not only led the Pistons to a title but won Finals MVP in the process.