NBA Top 10 Underrated Players Revealed

NBA as in most sports, superstars soak up all the attention. However, several players across the league make significant contributions that often fly under the radar. We rank the 10 most underrated players in the NBA to highlight their impressive play. All statistics are sourced from Basketball Reference.

NBA Top 10 Underrated Players with One Unexpected:

10. Jimmy Butler (the surprise)
Despite being a six times NBA All-Star who has led his team to two NBA Finals, Jimmy Butler remains underrated. The Athletic in 2023 called Butler one of the best players of his time and perhaps the most underrated player of this era.

Heat Culture
While Miami deserves credit for building a stable organization since the 1990s, Butler has continued their tradition of excellence. CBS Sports highlighted Butler’s unmatched toughness which inspires his teammates to believe they are never out of a game or series.

 

9. DeMar DeRozan
Another six times All-Star, DeMar DeRozan often goes underappreciated. Fadeaway World argues that his career has been overlooked. Though he hasn’t propelled teams to the same heights as Butler, he has stayed true to his strengths despite outside pressures.

Master of the Mid-Range
In an era obsessed with three points shooting, DeRozan’s offensive game zigs while the rest of the league zags. The New York Times noted in 2023 that 56 percent of his scoring came from pull-up jump shots from two-point range with only nine percent from catch-and-shoot three pointers. DeRozan proves there’s still room for variety in the modern game.

 

8. Jonathan Isaac
Jonathan Isaac’s road to relevancy has been filled with obstacles but he has overcome each one. After missing two full seasons due to complications from an ACL injury and barely playing in 2022-2023, GiveMeSport recognized Isaac’s comeback campaign in 2023-2024 calling him one of the NBA most underrated players.

A Premier Stopper
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley called Isaac “an elite, elite, elite, elite defender” in February 2024, repeating the word for emphasis. Teammate Franz Wagner added, “He makes mistakes by other players not look like mistakes anymore. That’s a greater impact because it’s every possession, not just what he does on the ball.”

 

7. Aaron Gordon
While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are the core of the Denver Nuggets, Aaron Gordon is a crucial piece of the puzzle. The New York Times called Denver’s acquisition of Gordon “the steal that keeps on giving” in April 2024, praising his passing ability which often goes unrecognized due to Jokic’s exceptional distribution skills.

Fill in the Blanks
Gordon does whatever the Nuggets need in a given game. He takes on the toughest defensive assignments and moves without the ball as well as anyone in the NBA. The New York Times also highlighted his transition ability, noting he still possesses much of the athleticism he had when he entered the league.

 

6. Grayson Allen
Grayson Allen has always been a solid offensive player who can stretch the floor. Before the 2023-2024 season, he was a career 38.5 percent three points shooter. However, this year, he elevated his performance.

A True Marksman
Allen led the NBA by hitting over 46 percent of his three pointers this season. It remains to be seen if he can maintain this level and whether the presence of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker helped him achieve this mark. Nonetheless, defenders couldn’t afford to leave him open this year making Allen one of the most underrated players.

 

5. Miles McBride
With the New York Knicks beset by injuries during the 2023-2024 campaign, Miles McBride seized the opportunity to make a significant impact. FanSided wrote in May 2024 that McBride could singlehandedly change the Knicks’ playoff fate. Sports Illustrated called him a hidden gem.

Taking Advantage of His Opportunity
Cracking Tom Thibodeau’s tight rotation can be tough for young players but McBride has proven his worth. New York traded Immanuel Quickley away in December 2023, opening up rotation minutes for the physical guard. SNY reported that he’s paying huge dividends for the Knicks.

 

4. T.J. McConnell
Tyrese Haliburton is the unquestioned point guard for the Indiana Pacers but T.J. McConnell provides invaluable support when Haliburton rests. The New York Post believes McConnell has transformed from a nuisance to a game-changer during the NBA playoffs.

A Heady Leader
McConnell always looks to set up his teammates for open shots and scores points when defenses sag off him. On defense, McConnell told The Guardian in 2023 that his goal is to make life miserable for his opponents, a goal he has successfully achieved.

 

3. Jaden McDaniels
Anthony Edwards receives praise as the second coming of NBA legends while Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert earn accolades for their play in the paint. Jaden McDaniels has proven to be a crucial piece in Minnesota’s rise to prominence this season. Paul George told the NBA website last year that McDaniels is one of the NBA most underrated players.

A Problem on the Perimeter
Edwards advocates for McDaniels to receive more recognition, calling him “seatbelt” for his ability to lock down opposing guards and forwards. McDaniels has also stepped up offensively, like when he scored 25 points in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.

 

2. Jalen Williams
NBA analyst J.J. Redick considers Jalen Williams already a star, noting his average of 19 points per game in his second professional season and over 42 percent shooting from three-point range. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons has also praised Williams’ defensive skills, calling him a glue guy on a talented Oklahoma City Thunder team.

Knocking on Stardom’s Door
Williams is content with his progress, telling Fadeaway World that there’s no reason not to be positive when his team is winning, and he’s earning millions to play the sport he loves. With his continued two-way play, Williams is poised to earn much more in the years to come.

 

1. Derrick White
The Boston Celtics have tried to elevate their team by bringing in star point guards like Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker. However, it was a trade for the unheralded San Antonio Spurs guard Derrick White that raised the team’s ceiling. Jaylen Brown told the Boston city website that White is the most underrated player in the NBA, a sentiment GiveMeSport agrees with.

The Lynchpin
White’s game may not be flashy, but he consistently plays well on both offense and defense for Boston. GiveMeSport highlighted his efficiency in April 2024, noting his nearly 47 percent shooting from the field and over 40 percent from three points range. He’s also second on the Celtics in defensive win shares, perfectly complementing his teammates.