The 10 Most Underrated Players in NBA History (In My Opinion) 

It's a nice video, I agree with the underrated names you chose. But you're wrong about 2 things my friend, 1st, your comparison of Mitch Richmond with Harden is wrong in this respect, the 3-point line in 1996 was closer than it is now, so the percentages in those years shouldn't be compared to other years. (4:30) Second, another team from Dallas pushed the Lakers to Game 7 of the playoff series. That same year, just before Dallas, the Utah Jazz did that. ( 7:40)

In Hondo's final season, every away team gave him a farewell gift. In one interview he said he liked fishing, so a team gave him an aluminum fishing boat. When he got to Seattle, they gave an outboard motor. Such simpler times, and a humble man.

Dennis Johnson in his Prime was Vicious! Unfortunately he's mostly remembered for his Boston years not his Prime years of Seattle and Phoenix.

I never considered Havlicek as underrated. In my mind, he was a star, one of the all-time greats.

Loved that you included Alvin Robertson, and Shawn Marion. And definitely agree that Hondo is the most underrated player, unless it's Moses Malone.

The whole core of the 00’s Pistons, Such an under appreciated and unique group. No superstars, no egos, just hard work and team play.

Andrew Toney google him, and hear Larry bird and Kevin McHale and Danny Ames talk about him. They called him the Boston strangler he is the reason they went out and got Dennis Johnson from the suns!!

Bobby Jones. Great defense, fabulous offense.

Sidney Moncrief, Wes Unseld, Adrian Dantley, Alex English, Tiny Archibald, Hal Greer, Dolph Schayes..... of course there are only so many names you can fit on one list.

Mark price is the number one most understated player ever to play ..

I didn't think some of these were underrated, but Havlicek despite being well known, still was better than most people know

Dave Bing, Sidney Moncrief, Connie Hawkins, Pete Maravich, Bob McAdoo, George Mikan, Paul Westphal, Walt Frazier . . . There have been a lot of amazing players who don't get the credit they deserve.

Love the list. If you expand would include Sidney Moncrief, Marques Johnson, Nate Thurmond and Artis Gilmore.

I loved your list (and your channel). I agree that Hondo is the most disrespected in terms of underrated, but by far, the most forgotten is Andrew Toney. Charles Barkley said he was the best player he ever played with (non-Olympic), and that includes Dr. J. Celtic Danny Ainge said he was scarier than Michael Jordan to defend. Larry Bird said that Toney and Jordan were the two greatest shooting guards of his era and that he was as good as Jordan in shooting the ball. Michael Cooper said only Larry Bird was harder to defend. Sydney Moncrief put him in that same class. The "Boston Strangler" should be on this list of underrated players... or perhaps a new list of the 'most forgotten'. He definitely deserves a video of his own.

Jerry West's defense was just as amazing as his offense. Had steals and blocks been recorded throughout his career, he would hold those records for guards easily. He would also be a 12 time at least All Defensive Team selection.

I knew Mark Aguirre was a #1 pick and I knew he helped get the Bad Boys to the mountaintop, but I had no idea he'd taken the Mavs to the WCF the year before! Very interesting indeed. You're videos are solid, well researched and entertaining. Keep up the good work!

I agree strongly about Dennis Johnson... Dennis was tough, dependable, skilled with the game's fundamentals and a team player! If you have a player like DJ on your team, you'll just know that your team will always be a contender!

Two words...Bernard King. Scoring machine, and in my humble opinion, the best finisher ever. Nobody seems to remember him. Appreciate the content, thanks.

i like the list great video man… but i personally believe Tracy Mcgrady is also very underrated he gets no love and he was nice with it🤷🏻‍♂️

DJ was awesome

Pretty good list. But, Havlicek underrated? Maybe if you're under 55. He's a solid all-time great (Top 25). I think that, currently, Rick Barry is severely underrated. Anyone over 60 knows he was sensational. I like the addition of Mark Aguire. I remember that one year he got snubbed for the all-star game. I watched his next game after the snub (if I remember correctly) which was against the Sixers. He dropped around 49 points. In a state of unadulterated rage.

John havilek is at the least a top 20 player yet the modern era dont wanna fiv him his flowers

I would have had DJ on my 75th anniversary team.

This is a great video with some awesome names and somewhat forgotten players. I’m not sure Havlicek is that underrated, but by modern fans who don’t know their history, you might be right. There’s one name that I hoped to see on the list that you didn’t include who in my opinion is the most underrated player this century (maybe all time): Andrei Kirilenko. AK47 was one of the greatest defensive playmakers ever-averaged 3 blocks and 2 steals one season while also chipping in over 3 assists. He was the perfect role player who had 11.2 win shares in his lone all star season according to Basketball Reference. His value wasn’t captured by the traditional pts/rebs numbers, which causes him to be severely underrated. He was an unheralded superstar. Great video though!

Mitch Richmond was one of my favorite players growing up.

A lot of fun. Love your vids. I'll add George Gervin as my most underrated . Guy was unstoppable.

Speaking of Havlicek: not sure if not being part of the current conversation is the same as being underrated. He’s one of the most decorated NBA players of all time.

You left out Bob "Butter Bean Love" (Chicago Bulls).

good list for me when I talk about underrated players I think Horris Grant and Tony Parker are SO underrated both Champs both really never got or get any shine

I love your content bro, people now need to see these players that dominated their respective eras. Classic players are also great bro.

Nice list, good choices.I agree about Havlicek. Congrats..

Elvin Hayes, the Big E, 4th in rebounding, and 11th in scoring, gets no love on RU-vid.

You forgot the most underrated player of all time, Kevin Johnson.

Fabulous vid had no idea how to have a check was that good a lot of these guys you heard of but this seals the deal

So insightful, lots of detail

I would rank Mitch Richmond, Joe Dumars, and Alvin Robertson as my three top underrated players...I think Alvin was second all-time in steals at one point behind John Stockton...Him and Joe Dumars we're the best defending guards in the league when they played.

That was a great video!!

Great 'Stuff', As Always, Uncle Hays! :)

This is a great list! Lever was an all around great. DJ is the most underrated. Unfortunately he played in the same backcourt with the overrated Danny Ainge. Mitch hasn't been voted in to the HOF yet, correct? Rolondo Blackman was really the leader of that Mavericks team.

Before injuries, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill would have been monster's. But it's like the Bo Jackson situation, in their prime they we're considered the best. Great list, thanks for shedding some light on forgotten player's. Peace and love y'all 🤟

You complied a good list. AS great as James Worthy was I still fell he was underrated.

Great Videos; keep up the great work 👍

Havlicek had to be in better condition than any NBA player. He never stopped moving. Alex English was just so smooth.

Great list. I feel like an underrated player is Rick Barry. Taking in count his ABA, is really impressive.

Those comments about the finals mvps on the early 60s Celtics are bogus man. Bill Russell put up monster stats. For example, in 1961 Finals, he averaged 28.8 ppg 17.6 rpg and 4.4 apg. In 62 he had 27/22.9/5.7.

Great Video and I'm totally agree with all (Except Sam Jones). But I'm gonna mentioned just 1 concern of mine. When people talking about stats like "Win-Share" or "Defensive Win-Share" you need to give it with context. Cuz Win-Shares actually not just a personal stats its also team-base stats. In its formula Team's success is a factor. And Havlicek is a part of Red Aurbeach's Celtics Dynasty. So cuz of that his defensive win-share number higher than Jordan, Payton, Pippen that doesnt automaticly mean that he is better defender. This type of representation of advance stats always happening in basketball analytics videos and I think people need to bring context and meaning of the advance stats otherwise its just a number. But again, I loved your video and thx for bringing attention to those criminaly underrated players (my favorite was Richmond cuz that guy probably the 3rd best SG in a league that 1st and 2nd guys were Jordan and Drexler !! OMG ! :D ) I wanna add couple more to your list; 1- Hakeem Olajuwon : Yes, recently finaly young generations caught up to him and now he is known by many others more but still he is underrated he is clearly Top 10 material. 2- Bob Petit: When people talk about 60's big men domination its all about Russell and Wilt. Well Bob Petit probably better than Russell in terms of stats and better than wilt in terms of consistency 3- Charles Barkley: Cuz of his colorful media career people overlook his player days. He was a monster. 4- Jason Kidd: I dont know any other player that dominates the game w/o scoring as a guard ! Also I also dont know any player that make anyone around him much much better. Any scraps or bench warmers that played with Kidd get better contratcs after Kidd :D That's "Kidd Effect" . 5- Chris Webber: When 2000s PF superstars mentioned its always Duncan-KG-NOwitzki but actually in the first half of 2000s . Webber was only second to Duncan. And in terms of versatility he might equal with KG or only 2nd to him. And if you think Duncan and KG are great passer big men. Well Webber is Magic Johnson off passer of PF position. 6- Kevin Johnson: You can make a great and realistic case about Kevin Johnson being the 3rd best PG in 90s after Stockton and Payton . 7- Nate Thurmond: This guy battled with Every Top 10 material Center except Hakeem and Shaq. But he battle against Wilt, Russell, Kareem. And he even bested'em on several occasions .Great Fundamentals, amazing physic, phenomenal defensive capabilities. Super underrated. 8- Micheal Ray Richardson: If it wasnt for his drug addictions. He would've been Magic before Magic with Isıah's handles and Alvin Robertson's pick pocketery ! Everybody talk about how Great David Thompson were if it wasnt for his addictions. But MRR maybe even a more special case. 9- Lamar Odom: I think people overlook Odom for overglrofying Kobe's success for his after-shaq era. But Odom (specially in Triangle System) was the key of Lakers's success (the era between after shaq and before gasol). You can compare those lakers team's win rate when Odom is playing and when aint. It's day & night. 10- Anthony Mason: In my opinion he is better than Draymond Green in terms of raw talents and capabilities.. Only things Draymond has over him is shooting & handle & agility & better shot blocker. Mason better defender, better post-up player both in offense and defense, better passer (Mason never played with finishers like Klay, Steph, Durant and yet in his prime, his apg number generaly above 4.5 (he even have 5.7 apg season) . Anthony Mason far stronger, far more durable. And much more consistent. And Anthony Mason's trash talk aint like Draymond's. Draymond act-tough until he gets some reaction or resistance. then start whining. That aint the case for Mason. Mason also more efficient scorer (even w/o 3pt shots) It's a criminal act that he has only 1 all-star and 1 all-nba .. Between 95 and 98 his averages he played in 236 games out of 246 (3x82) with 40 mpg %53+ FG 14.5+ ppg 10+ rpg (2.45+ orpg) 4.7+apg 0.85+ spg 0.35+ bpg %70+ FT He deserves more all-star for sure. This is Anthony Mason between 29-31 year old ages. What about Dray's average numbers between in similar ages ? He played in 152 games out of 246 with 30mpg %45.3 FG 7.5 ppg 6.8 rpg 7.36 apg 1.4 spg 0.9 bpg Yes Draymond looks more all-rounded but for asists, Draymond many times bring the ball to the other court that's about Kerr's system and his agility (he is way smaller than Mason). And ball stealing also high cuz of Steve Kerr's help defense system that created over blocking pass routes. Draymond played with better finishers like Klay and Steph .. (For Mason this is Ewing and Rice) . Draymond never change his team Mason played in 3-4 different teams. And the best coach Mason played is Jeff Van Gundy in those 3 years while Draymond playing with Steve Kerr (Top 10 NBA Coach material maybe even Top 5).

Larry Bird said that DJ was the best player he ever played with.

Great list. Very underrated list

GREAT VIDEO SIR!

Jones, Goodrich, and Havlicek were extraordinary. Jones trademarked that baseline shot. Goodrich wasn't tall enough, but he could shoot. And Havlicek could do everything. Great video.

Thank you for showing Hondo love!!! He is not even spoken of. Cowens also.

Mark Price Fat Lever Maurice Cheeks Bobby " White Lighting" Jones Gus " The Wizard" Williams Randy Smith ( The Iron man) Micheal Ray Richardson ( A smaller version of Magic and better defender) Kevin Porter ( single game assist leader, until Scott Skiles) Gus " Honeycomb" Johnson Chet Walker Bob " Butterbean" Love Bobby Dandridge Walter " The Greyhound" Davis Otis " Paws" Thorpe

not a bad list at all. i agree with some other commenters that hondo was not really underrated, but rather forgotten by younger generations. like moses malone, wes unseld, and many others. but either way, he was the consummate baller.

Good stuff!

That’s a great list

Liked the moment you mentioned Dennis Johnson

Overall, nice video...One question...How can a HOF'er be considered "underrated"...? Maybe a separate video...

Mark Price and Kevin Johnson need to be on this list. They played in the era of Magic, Isiah, and Stockton so they got overlooked.

I hated Mark Aguire as a Piston he stole Adrien Dantleys Ring.

Finally some love for Sam Jones

The same year the Mavericks pushed the Lakers to 7 games, the Jazz did the same thing in the previous round, and then the Lakers/Pistons finals series also went to seven games. The Lakers went 7 games three times in just that one year.

Larry Bird said Dennis Johnson was the best player he ever played with. Enough said!!!!

There are five names I would like to add and mention. Firstly Hakeem Olajuwon. He is the only one to win all major trophies during one season: 1993-94 he won MVP, FMVP, DPOY and the championship. It's criminal to see so many youngsters making their all time top 10 lists and not having The Dream on the list. He is definitely top 10 of all time. Moses Malone. All time offensive rebound leader, multiple time MVP(the only one to win it back to back with different teams!). A champion. First big name to skip college and go straight into pros. Julius Erving. Because of his ABA career his NBA stats don't show how great he was. Most people don't know/remember how influential Dr J was to the showside of the game in the 70s. MVP winner, champion and a style icon. The guy who made dunking cool(alongside with David 'Skywalker' Thompson!). Sidney Moncrief. The only guard to win DPOY multiple times. Being DPOY while scoring 20+ ppg with over 50 % shoot percentage is something to be mentioned. The tale goes that Moncrief was so good they actually had to create the DPOY trophy so it could be given to Moncrief. He won the first two DPOY trophies. Dominique Wilkins. It was criminal not to see him on the top 50 of all time back in the later 90s. An all time great dunker who had a lethal midrange and scored almost 27k points. Career average of almost 25 ppg and probably the greatest/most well known Hawks-player of all time. Would have been in the Dream Team without the achilles injury.

"Marion's big contributions in the Finals." Dude, that's an understatement. The man shut down Lebron James. Shut. Him. Down. That should always be noted when talking about the great career of Matrix. Still I'm happy that you gave the man his just due's. I think Marion a legit argument for HoF someday.

I agree with all of these players, but how can you leave Elvin Hayes off the list. To me, he is the most underrated and underappreciated player of all time

Love your work, that being said I dont think you can be "underrated" and be a Hall of Famer, or be an all NBA first teamer

I love how much respect you give to the stars of yore, instead of just blindly calling them plumbers

As soon as I saw you were going to show Hondo’s famous steal, I automatically started my bad Johnny Most imitation and hurt my vocal chords.

When the Blazers gave away half the team, including Fat Lever, to get Kiki who played no D, many of us groaned. I'm still groaning.

I don't know man, Wes Unseld should be here. I think he's a rookie MVP if I'm not mistaken

Havlicek was also drafted by Cleveland Browns as a receiver, I think.

Sydney Moncrief, Moses Malone, George Gervin. They were awarded and had a hall of fame career but nobody talks about them or even mentions them.

I really agree about DJ. He was seriously great 2-way player. He affected games on defense. I loved Gail Goodrich. Mark Aguirre was an incredible inside offensive player. I don't think you can say that Havlicek was promoted to starter. He was great.

good video, but missed adrian dantley

Goodrich was on fire for that Lakers championship team.. great offensive player

Couldn't Agree More! NO PLAYER EVER, was more under-rated, than 'Hondo'! Lest We forget, He started, by coming off the bench! Whom but 'Red'-A?; Whom but 'Hondo'? Many Thanks! :)

I appreciate the fact you said in my opinion...may I ask if Bobby Jones ever came up for consideration ?..

Memory Lane. I knew every player you mentioned. I'm ole timey fo' sho'.

John Havlicek was a beast who always came through in the clutch great stamina terrific athlete

Some other forgotten names, jerry Lucas, Tom chambers, Sidney moncrief, micheal Finley, micheal ray Richardson, kevin porter, Nate Thurmond,spencer Haywood, Zelmo Beaty, Elton brand

Painful but great views since the Celts were unbeatable. I always felt Havlicek was an 10 all-time great and Sam Jones an all timer. There will never be a better gm than Auerbach and a talent projector. Although Sam Presti is going to be up there especially when we look at them in two or three years. Thanks.

Sam Jones is the greatest shooter of all-time in 2K14.

I was shocked to hear Shawn Marion never made an all-defensive team!

I seem to remember the 88 Utah jazz also going seven games with the Lakers.

All players very relevant ..🤙

Elgin Baylor is so underrated he didn’t even make the list

Shawn Marion was a great defensive player.I think playing for the Mike D'antoni Suns hurt him, tho.He was surrounded by poor defenders & the Suns had a rep for not caring about the defensive end.Marion was basically their who defense.He'd guard every position 1-5.

great video..i believe hondo gets his due...sidney moncrief doesn't get any love for his defense n toughness n clucth.

I like the video. But most of these guys are not really underrated, per se. They are Hall of Famers, after all. They seem underrated because they played before the current generation of basketball fan. If the sport were baseball, Hank Greenberg might be shown. Not well-known today, he played primarily in the 1930s, but he might be a top 10 player of all-time and in his day, they knew who he was. In football, who remembers Leroy Kelly?

John havlicek made a ton of all defensive teams... And if you add playoff points havlicek scored over 30 000 points.... I remember watching havlicek outplay Jerry west .. Oscar Robertson . Rick Barry.. randy Smith . Bill Bradley.. billy Cunningham... Julius erving.. Walt Frazier .. and alot of other greats players

Paul Arizin, Sam Jones and John Havlicek are in the NBA top75, perhaps today's fans have forgotten them a bit, but I wouldn't say that the NBA underestimates them.

Some of these players are underrated because this generation has no sense of history. They can only go back so far. Players like Havlicek and Arizin were before my time and I knew they were great. I know people that know Lebron and Jordan but never heard of Julius Erving.

I'd like to rank Terry Porter Mookie Blaylock Brad Doherty Tom Gugliotta Mark Price Glen Rice Dale Ellis Rik Smits Kevin Johnson ...

Disappointing that you left off a few obvious names. - Adrian Dantley - Chris Webber - Antonio McDyess - Chauncy Billups - Alonzo Mourning - Dikembe Mutombo - Marcus Camby - Ben Wallace - Drazen Petrovic - Tim Hardaway

Moses, Baylor and Magic.

I'm still in pain from when Stumpy Goodrich stole the ball from Stormin Norman in the 73 West Finals.

At 6:07 Paul Arizon broke the defender's ankles. Whoa be!!!!

Walter Davis, Norm Nixon, Michael Cooper, Danny Ainge all should be in the Hall as well.

how about Tony Parker being another of the Most Underrated Players in NBA History?

Chauncey Billups