10 Most Underrated NBA Players of All Time
1) Moses Malone
Best Season: 31.1 PPG, 14.7 RPG, 1.5 BPG, FG% .519
Larry Bird once remarked if he had one person to start a franchise around it would be Moses. Often overlooked in favor of big men such as Wilt, Russ, Kareem, Hakeem and Shaq. Moses belongs in this group. He was able to win 3 MVP awards throughout his career. He also helped Philadelphia to a championship in 1983. Holds the single season offensive rebounding record with over 550 (7.2 per game). During the 1982 season he averaged over 30 points and 15 rebounds in route to an MVP award. He was the six time rebounding champion and appeared in 13 All-Star games. When the ABA forced a merged with the NBA, Malone was only 20 years old. Several teams had a shot to sign the bulldozer. The Portland Trailblazers made one of their blunders by trading away Malone and getting little in return. During the same time the New York Knicks had a chance to acquire the future MVP, but claimed the asking price was too high. The Knicks haven't won a championship since.
2) Ben Wallace
Best Season: 6.9 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 3.2 BPG, FG% .481
“Fear the Fro” became a rallying cry in Detroit during Ben Wallace’s reign as the NBA’s most dominant defender. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year—tied for the most in league history—Wallace anchored the Pistons with relentless energy, elite rebounding, and shot-blocking instincts that made life miserable for opposing bigs. From 2002 to 2006, he was the best defensive force in the league, leading in rebounds and blocks multiple times. His legendary effort in the 2004 NBA Finals, where he stood toe-to-toe with Shaquille O’Neal and helped shut down the star-studded Lakers, cemented his place in basketball history. Wallace didn’t need points to impact the game—he dominated with Defense alone.
3) Dennis Rodman
Best Season: 9.8 PPG, 18.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 BPG, FG% .539
The King of intangibles, Rodman's effect on the game was hard to calculate. Written off as a late draft pick, Rodman was defensive player capable of changing the game. The worm led the league in rebounds for 7 straight seasons starting in 1992. The heart and soul of the bay boys Pistons teams, helped them to back to back championships in 1989 and 1990. Rodman would then team with the Chicago Bulls in 1996 and help them to a three-peat. Named NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times. He won the defensive player of the year award twice. People often underrated Rodman's abilities on the court because of his off the court behaviors. But this is no question the Pistons do not win back to back championships without Rodman.
4) Marques Johnson
Best Season: 25.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.0 APG, FG% .522
Marques Johnson was one of the NBA’s original point forwards—a smooth, versatile scorer and playmaker who could do it all. Coming out of John Wooden’s storied UCLA program, Johnson brought polish and maturity to the league from day one. He had the size to dominate in the post, the handle to initiate the offense, and the scoring instincts to put up 20+ points per night for years.
A five-time All-Star and the face of the Milwaukee Bucks during the late '70s and early '80s, Johnson was a model of consistency and efficiency. He played a huge role in redefining the small forward position, blurring the lines between perimeter playmaker and interior threat. Injuries and off-court issues shortened his prime, but in his peak seasons, Johnson was as skilled and impactful as any forward in the game. Though he’s often left out of mainstream all-time lists, his influence is undeniable and the "point forward" role he helped invent lives on in today’s game.
5) Rick Barry
Best Season: 35.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, FG% .451
Taken 2nd overall in the 1965 NBA Draft, Barry dominated both the NBA & ABA. Often known to be difficult and demanding he did little to endear himself to the media. Barry was an underrated defender who competed with the best of wing players of his time. He was able to lead the NBA and ABA in scoring 5 different seasons. His 30.5 points per game average in the ABA stands as the highest career total for a player in any professional basketball league. Barry helped take the Warriors to the 1967 NBA Finals, in which he had a 55-point outburst in Game 3, Barry averaged 40.8 points per game in the series, an NBA Finals record that stood for three decades. One of the best free throw shooters of all time employing an underhand granny style shot. Rick was able to lead the Warriors to the 1975 title, beating the Washington Bullets in one of the biggest upsets of all time. Sometimes the devil does not get his due.
6) Tracy McGrady
Best Season: 32.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, FG% .457
Kobe Bryant once admitted the player that gave him the most trouble in his career was Tracy McGrady. The 6'9 shooting guard wowed fans and clowned defenders during his reign in the early 2000's. Perhaps the best one-on-one ball handler over 6'6 in NBA history. A dominant offensive force, he led the league in scoring in back to back seasons for Orlando. McGrady was a seven time All-Star and seven time All-NBA selection. More often than not, bad luck and injuries got McGrady bounced out of the playoffs early. However, he never had the pieces around him to make his teams serious title contenders. From a pure talent standpoint, few can argue with his ability.
7) Pascal Siakam
Best Season: 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, FG% .480
Pascal Siakam remains one of the most overlooked stars in today’s NBA. A two-way player who brings it every night, he’s rarely mentioned among the league’s elite despite being a central piece in Toronto’s 2019 championship run. That title wasn’t just Kawhi—Siakam was the clear No. 2 and stepped up time and again in huge moments. He’s evolved his game every season, turning himself into a versatile offensive weapon and a reliable defender who can guard multiple positions. Somehow, even with an All-NBA selection and a ring, he still doesn’t get the credit he’s earned.
8) Bernard King
Best Season: 32.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, FG% .530
Bernard could get buckets with the best of them. A great mid range jump shooter and strong post player with a bevy of inside offensive moves. King scored over 20 points per game in 10 different seasons. The Brooklyn native ruled New York basketball in the early 1980s, once dropping 60 on Christmas day in the Garden. Riddled with injuries later in his career he was only at the peak of his powers for a few seasons. King managed to play in four all star games and led the league in scoring during the 1984-1985 campaign.
9) Tony Parker
Best Season: 20.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 7.6 APG, FG% .522
The only active player on our list, Tony Parker has help led San Antonio to four NBA championships. Parker is a consistent leader who rarely gets the credit for being as effective as he is. Instead Chris Paul has long received credit when Parker was the top player at the position. The 2007 NBA Finals MVP seems to led all point guards in points in the paint annually. A six time all-star and four time all-NBA team selection still has years ahead to build on an impressive resume.
10) Chris Webber
Best Season: 27.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, FG% .481
Chris Webber came into the league with sky-high expectations—many saw him as the next great power forward, potentially the best ever. When he didn’t quite hit that generational ceiling, people began to overlook just how elite he really was. During his Sacramento years, he was consistently All-NBA caliber, even in a Western Conference stacked with Hall of Fame big men. Webber had an incredibly well-rounded game: a smooth mid-range jumper, a strong low-post arsenal, and elite court vision—he’s still one of the best passing big men the league has ever seen. Long, athletic, and a force on the glass, Webber could dominate games without needing to dominate headlines.
11) Bob McAdoo
Best Season: 34.5 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 2.1 BPG, FG% .512
McAdoo led the NBA in scoring for three straight seasons starting in 1973. The 1975 MVP had a great inside/outside game, McAdoo was an accomplished shooter at 6'10. He was excellent at drawing fouls as well. He had to miss a considerable amount of time due to injury in the early 1980s. Last player to average 30 points & 15 rebounds in a season. The 5 time all-star, was able to thrive as a role player later in his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. During his four years with the Lakers he was a prolific scorer off the bench, helping LA to 2 NBA titles.
12) Paul Pierce
Best Season: 26.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, FG% .471
Paul Pierce was a fixture in Boston for over a decade, leading the Celtics with steady scoring, physical toughness, and clutch shot-making. A 10-time All-Star and 2008 NBA Champion, Pierce never needed flash to make an impact. His game was smooth and deliberate—an early adopter of the step-back jumper, a bully in the post against smaller defenders, and a cold-blooded closer in the fourth quarter. Despite his accolades, Pierce is often underrated in all-time conversations. He wasn’t just consistent—he was quietly lethal, and more often than not, he delivered when it mattered.
13) Dominique Wilkins
Best Season: 30.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, FG% .468
Dominique Wilkins, known as The Human Highlight Film, was one of the NBA’s most electrifying scorers and dunkers. Growing up in tiny Washington, North Carolina, he was a basketball prodigy who would become a top-five scorer throughout the 1980s. At 6'7", Wilkins attacked the rim with explosive power and artistry, making every fast break feel like a show. His aerial assaults were legendary—windmills, tomahawks, double-pump reverses—he turned dunking into performance art.
Wilkins wasn't just flash; he was substance too. A nine-time All-Star and consistent 25+ PPG scorer, he routinely went head-to-head with greats like Larry Bird and held his own, earning respect across the league—especially in the South, where he became a beloved figure.
14) Bobby Jones
Best Season: 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, FG% .578
Bobby Jones was the ultimate glue guy a relentless defender, selfless teammate, and efficient scorer who elevated every team he played on. One of the best defenders of the 1980s, Jones made 11 consecutive All-Defensive Teams and won the NBA’s first-ever Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1983. His impact rarely showed up in box scores, but he consistently made winning plays: taking charges, making rotations, guarding the other team’s best scorer. His efficiency (a career FG% over .560) and quiet leadership helped the Sixers win the 1983 title. He didn’t seek the spotlight but he always delivered under it.
15) Jammal "Silk" Wilkes
Best Season: 22.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.9 APG, FG% .526
Jamaal Wilkes, nicknamed “Silk” for his smooth, unbothered game, was a winner at every level. A UCLA legend under John Wooden, he stepped into the NBA and instantly made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year and later capturing four NBA championships, three with the Lakers. Wilkes had a unique, almost unorthodox release, but his jumper was money. He scored effortlessly in the flow of the offense and was known for big-time performances in huge moments none bigger than his 37-point outburst in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, overshadowed only by Magic Johnson’s legendary night. Quietly great, consistently underrated.
16) Dennis Johnson
Best Season: 19.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.6 APG, FG% .470
Dennis Johnson, known simply as "DJ," was a defensive stalwart and one of the most clutch guards of his era. Hailing from Compton, California, Johnson was the rare player who won titles as both a lead scorer and a role-playing floor general, first with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979, then later with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s dynasty. A five-time All-Star and nine-time All-Defensive selection, DJ brought toughness, leadership, and poise to every team he joined. Larry Bird once called him "the best teammate I ever had" high praise from one of the game's legends. Despite his success and versatility, Johnson remains underrated in the all-time guard conversation.
17) David Thompson
Best Season: 27.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.5 APG, FG% .521
David “Skywalker” Thompson was the prototype for the modern above-the-rim shooting guard—a breathtaking athlete with a 44-inch vertical and the flair to match. At just 6’4”, Thompson could soar like a big man and score like a guard, pairing his gravity-defying dunks with a deadly mid-range jumper. He and teammate Monte Towe helped popularize the alley-oop at NC State, and his influence reached far beyond college. In the ABA’s first-ever Slam Dunk Contest in 1976, Thompson introduced the 360 dunk, setting the tone for future generations.
Drafted first overall by both the NBA and ABA, Thompson was an instant star, winning ABA Rookie of the Year and All-Star MVP in his debut season. He led the Nuggets to the ABA Finals and was named All-ABA in that lone season. His NBA career started just as strong—he averaged over 24 PPG for five straight years, including a 73-point game in 1978. Thompson's story is a bittersweet one: his career was ultimately cut short by substance abuse and injuries, but in his prime, he rivaled even Dr. J. A young Michael Jordan idolized him and modeled much of his game after Thompson. Had he stayed healthy, Skywalker could have been one of the 20 greatest players of all time. Instead, he remains one of the greatest “what if” stories and one of the most underrated superstars in basketball history.
18) George McGinnis
Best Season: 29.8 PPG, 14,7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, FG% .450
A driving force for the NBA and ABA in the 70s. A high scoring forward out of Indiana University. An underrated rebounder, McGinnis used his versatile scoring to dominant smaller opponents and take bigger matchups off the dribble. Crafty footwork and unique strength for his size added to his scoring ability. McGinnis spent the prime of his career in the ABA. Led the ABA in scoring in 1975 and was league MVP. McGinnis was a six time ABA & NBA all-star.
19) Elvin Hayes
Best Season: 27.5 PPG, 16.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, FG% .452
The turnaround jump shot belongs to Elvin Hayes. Traditionally thought of as selfish and distant. Elvin proved his doubters wrong in the 1978 NBA championship, displaying the ability to share the ball and play defense. Big E dominated on defense averaging almost 3 blocks and 2 steals in the 1978 playoffs. Hayes currently stands 9th on the NBA career scoring list. 1969 scoring Champ, twelve time all star, two time rebound champ and six time All-NBA selection.
20) Michael Cooper
Best Season: 11.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, FG% .517
The defensive MVP for the Showtime Lakers of the 1980s. He helped to cover up for Magic Johnson's serious defensive deficiencies. Copper was constantly challenged with the task of slowing down the opponents biggest offensive threat. Blessed with long arms and elite athleticism Cooper was able to stifle the best offensive players in the game. The 1987 winner of the Defensive player of the year award, was considered the best perimeter defender in the game. He was also able to contribute on offensive, running the floor and hitting the open jump shot. Undervalued on absolutely loaded Laker squads.
Honorable Mention Most Underrated NBA Players of All Time
Chauncey Billups, Alvin Robertson, Sidney Moncrief, Glen Rice, Guy Rodgers, Paul Arizin, Dave Cowens, Jerry Lucas, Lenny Wilkins, Bob Lainer, Xavier McDaniel, Spencer Haywood, Mark Price, Alonzo Mourning, John Stockton, Paul Westphal, Kiki Vandeweghe
14 comments
Jesse Hafner listed the entire NBA. Clown.
Rated fine: Clyde Drexler, Rasheed Wallace, Walter Davis, Connie Hawkins, Pistol Pete, Alex English, Brandon Roy. – People know them fine. Same with Bob Pettit, David Thompson, Bob Cousy, Elgin Baylor. – There are like alot of top 50 NBA guys here, people know them.
They were overrated all of them. So many horrible clutch performances in this list and not exactly an ego free list. This is a great overrated list so thanks for that. Sure a lot of them have talent, but im not any of these guys actually help a team get wins. In fact most teams were better when the following players were traded, Adrian Dantley, Mark Aguirre, Maurice Lucas, Jerome Kersey, Terry Porter, Danny Granger, Corey Maggette, Ron Harper, Cedric Ceballos, Nic Batum, Tom Chambers, Jimmy Jackson, Jalen Rose, Lamarcus Aldridge, Antawn Jameson, Kendall Gill, Kevin Duckworth, Kenny Anderson, Elden Campbell, Monte Ellis, Ricky Pierce, Tony Campbell, Shawn Kemp, Orlando Woolridge, Jason Richardson, Horace and Harvey Grant, Isaiah Rider. The finals moments for so many above were cringe worthy basketball. Winning counts for something, jacking up shots to get your stats up in the last 5 minutes of the game is not underrated.
Underrated: Rod Strickland, David West, Larry Nance, Terrell Brandon, Tayshaun Prince, Eddie Jones, Arvydas Sabonis, Kiki VanDeWeghe, Kevin Johnson, Eddie Johnson, Dale Ellis, Richard Hamilton, Detlef Schrempf, Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse, Otis Birdsong, Zack Randolph, Terry Cummings, or Mitch Richmond. – These guys are underrated.
You sound pretty sure of yourself that the 80s Lakers would have won without Cooper, but that team played no defense, Magic, Kareem, Rambis, they didn’t guard people like that. Bird might have scored 80 on them a couple of times without Cooper.
Rated fine: Clyde Drexler, Rasheed Wallace, Walter Davis, Connie Hawkins, Pistol Pete, Alex English, Brandon Roy. – People know them fine. Same with Bob Pettit, David Thompson, Bob Cousy, Elgin Baylor. – There are like alot of top 50 NBA guys here, people know them.
They were overrated all of them. So many horrible clutch performances in this list and not exactly an ego free list. This is a great overrated list so thanks for that. Sure a lot of them have talent, but im not any of these guys actually help a team get wins. In fact most teams were better when the following players were traded, Adrian Dantley, Mark Aguirre, Maurice Lucas, Jerome Kersey, Terry Porter, Danny Granger, Corey Maggette, Ron Harper, Cedric Ceballos, Nic Batum, Tom Chambers, Jimmy Jackson, Jalen Rose, Lamarcus Aldridge, Antawn Jameson, Kendall Gill, Kevin Duckworth, Kenny Anderson, Elden Campbell, Monte Ellis, Ricky Pierce, Tony Campbell, Shawn Kemp, Orlando Woolridge, Jason Richardson, Horace and Harvey Grant, Isaiah Rider. The finals moments for so many above were cringe worthy basketball. Winning counts for something, jacking up shots to get your stats up in the last 5 minutes of the game is not underrated.
Underrated: Rod Strickland, David West, Larry Nance, Terrell Brandon, Tayshaun Prince, Eddie Jones, Arvydas Sabonis, Kiki VanDeWeghe, Kevin Johnson, Eddie Johnson, Dale Ellis, Richard Hamilton, Detlef Schrempf, Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse, Otis Birdsong, Zack Randolph, Terry Cummings, or Mitch Richmond. – These guys are underrated.
You sound pretty sure of yourself that the 80s Lakers would have won without Cooper, but that team played no defense, Magic, Kareem, Rambis, they didn’t guard people like that. Bird might have scored 80 on them a couple of times without Cooper.
I’m sorry for the following what’s sure to be a long rant, but this list is pretty awful with some of the picks. Most of the top ten i can agree with mostly, but Michael Cooper is ridiculous. He was truly underrated – no doubt, and key to the Lakers dominance in the 80’s. That said, he was the sixth man on that team and though he was an awesome defender – he wasn’t thaaaat good to make up for the fact he barely averaged double figures in scoring for his career. As underrated as he was, there’s a minimum of 60 or so players who are far more deserving to be on this list than he. The fact of the matter is the only reason he’s so widely recognized for being so underrated is the simply fact that he was on that Lakers 80’s dynasty team, if he had played anywhere else aside for maybe the Celts, he wouldn’t be even an afterthought. There are literally at east 15 or more players in just the 1980’s alone, who are more deserving to make this list. How can you justify him being listed, or honorable mentions like DJ and Chauncey Billups, and yet not having the likes of: Clyde Drexler, Rasheed Wallace, Walter Davis, Adrian Dantley, Mark Aguirre, Maurice Lucas, Connie Hawkins, Pistol Pete, Alex English, Jerome Kersey, Rod Strickland, Terry Porter, David West, Danny Granger, Corey Maggette, Ron Harper, Cedric Ceballos, Nic Batum, Tom Chaimbers, Larry Nance, Terrell Brandon, Jimmy Jackson, Tayshaun Prince, Jalen Rose, Eddie Jones, Antawn Jameson, Kendall Gill, Lamarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Arvydas Sabonis, Kiki VanDeWeghe, Kevin Johnson, Kevin Duckworth, Eddie Johnson, Dale Ellis, Richard Hamilton, Detlef Schrempf, Kenny Anderson, Elden Campbell, Monte Ellis, Ricky Pierce, Tony Campbell, Shawn Kemp, Orlando Woolridge, Jason Richardson, Horace and Harvey Grant, Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse, Isaiah Rider, Jason Richardson, Otis Birdsong, Zack Randolph, Terry Cummings, Kevin Willis, or Mitch Richmond?! Every single one of those guys I listed were either better players or that the amount to which they are/were underrated is greater than the three previously mentioned players im taking issue with being on this list, Hell – many of those players I listed aren’t just one or the other, but are in fact both better all-around players as well as being even more criminally underrated. And this is far from a comprehensive list – they’re just the ones i can think of off the top of my head!
what about the most unselfish player of all-time, wes unseld. He was the best small center ever. He was able to defend wilt, kareem, thurmond and every other big center and win time after time. The outlet pass that unseld possessed was legendary and his picks were the best ever. He rarely ever took a bad shot and was one of the best rebounders of all-time. I hope people never forget how great wes unseld was and i know the terrific elvin hayes knows how unbelievably tatented and underrated unseld was. rip wes.