Ranking the Top 5 Most Underrated Players in the NBA

Every so often, we venture into the land of the subjective.

Today’s missive is about those NBA players who, in an association full of stars, do not necessarily get the love and the props (and perhaps the coin) they deserve.

These underrated tradesmen are scattered all across the landscape of the league. 

Taking it even further, it’s not sacrilege suggesting that title teams (or at least contenders) aren’t elite without contributions by under-the–radar performers. 

Some are starters, some are coming off the bench, all are doing the job asked of them, and more. Though any list of this nature is subject to scrutiny, at least we can begin with these among the rank and file. 

While not significantly moving their teams’ needle as far as NBA championship futures are concerned, they’re nonetheless indispensable. 

Observers of the NBA often list Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers, Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, Isaiah Hartenstein of the champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Royce O’Neale (Phoenix Suns), and the New York Knicks’ Josh Hart.

Some others (ala Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, Derrick White of the Boston Celtics, and the Thunder’s Jalen Williams) have been deemed underrated despite stats that suggest otherwise. Your nominees may differ, and your mileage may vary. 

NBA news is a good place to find other candidates, though if a player is newsworthy, can he be underrated, too? Ask those greater minds than the author. 

It’s not strange to find two players on the champion Thunder mentioned, considering OKC is a solid +265 choice to successfully defend at next season’s NBA Finals.

Here’s a primer on those who may not always get their due in the NBA…

Who Is the Most Underrated Player in the NBA?

Some may stand out a bit more than others as far as NBA scores are concerned, but no denying that all are major components in their teams’ fortunes. As was mentioned, the ‘underrated’ list often includes Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers), Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Herbert Jones (New Orleans Pelicans), Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder, Royce O’Neale (Phoenix Suns), Josh Hart (New York Knicks), and Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons).

Which NBA Player Has the Lowest 2K Rating? 

The latest ranking in this category found a 10-way tie at No. 493, the bottom figure. Adam Flagler (OKC Thunder), Jacob Toppin (Atlanta Hawks), Jamaree Bouyea (Milwaukee Bucks), Cole Swider (Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors), Jay Huff (Memphis Grizzlies), Jaylen Martin (Washington Wizards), Miles Norris (Boston Celtics), Nate Hinton (played last with Houston Rockets in ‘23-’24) Isaiah Jackson (Indiana Pacers) and Trevelin Queen (Orlando Magic) each graded out to a 67. 

Though they’re probably each solid citizens in their own right, they don’t affect NBA championship futures.   

Does BetUS Offer Constant Updates on NBA Championship Betting Lines?

Indeed. There are a plethora of odds and props available throughout the regular and postseason around individual games, individual awards, and anything a bettor might desire. Those NBA championship odds include that popular ‘pick the next champ’ future wager as well.

As the 2025-26 NBA schedule begins in earnest in late October, it’s the job of the bettor (serious or casual) to do his/her homework.   

Start with the information and NBA rumors coming out of training camp and during the preseason. Monitor the rosters, injuries, and transactions throughout the entire league to try and gain any advantage. 

Any Final Thoughts?

Anyone who pays even marginal attention to NBA game odds and NBA betting odds should also be aware of those players who don’t always grab the headlines.