most underrated nba players of the 2000s most underrated nba players of the 2000s

Career Stats: 14.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG. Mike Bibby is one of the most underrated basketball players of all time. Right off the bat, you can tell Rashard Lewis is highly underrated simply by his lack of accolades to his name. 1) Kareem Abdul Jabbar. 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. Elton averaged 30-10-4 with 3 blocks per game that series. 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. CJ McCollum voted most underrated player since 2000. One of the most outspoken NBA analysts in the media, Stephen Jackson was a player that his teammates absolutely loved. You had a fashion that today would be laughed at, baggy jeans, shirts, shorts, and fabrics flying down the court. From2004 through 2009, Redd battled injuries and bumps but still averaged at least 21.0 PPG every season. Dave McNally went 20-7, 24-9 and 21-5 from '60 to '71. 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. Of course, this was never true with the likes of Shaquille ONeal and Tim Duncan hanging around, but the conversation wasnt an insane one to have. 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. And . Nick Mac is an NBA Writer with over 5 years of experience in journalism. Gilbert Arenas. Roy was destined to be a star from his first season in the NBA. Roy attempted a comeback in 2013 but lasted just 5 games before calling it quits for good. I say yes. 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. This happened because other great players such as Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal were the faces of the NBA and grabbed all the headlines all the time. Answer (1 of 3): Dirk Nowitzki. He made his mark from deep and, with an increase in playing time, averaged 11.4 points per game while shooting 44% from beyond the arc. Wallaces presence propelled Detroit to an NBA championship where Wallace averaged 13.0 PPG and 7.8 RPG on the playoff run. But if the languid laziness of a typical baseball game was overrated by the purists who want to keep the three-and-a-half-hour games, it was underrated by the people who forgot just how much the . Iverson was an MVP, an 11-time All-Star, and a four-time scoring champion . As one of the best big men in Clippers history, Brand had a superstar season in 2006 averaging 24.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 2.5 BPG. Richardson made the All-Rookie Team in 2001 by averaging 14.4 PPG and 4.3 RPG for the Golden State Warriors. Iverson took the fourth most shots per game in NBA history and is the worst-shooting volume chucker in the modern NBA. 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. 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. Peja Stojakovi. 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. The Most UNDERRATED NBA Players Of The 2000s..Welcome back to Sports Savvy. He made 3 straight All-Star games from 2002 through 2004 and averaged 21.7 PPG on 48.1% shooting over that time. Alex Novick, NBA.com Global Editions (): Quick, name the only player other than David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon to average at least two . Even some players who did make it onto that stage, like Rashard Lewis and Richard Hamilton, arent remembered as reverently as they should be. He led the league in steals in 2004 with 2.4 SPG. 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. Erteilung oder Widerruf von Einwilligungen, klicken Sie hier: Westbrook vs. KD beef Are They Cool Now? 1 of 25. You can reach him via email:[email protected]. Career Stats: 15.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, Career Achievements: 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection. After being traded to the Sacramento Kings at the end of the 2000 season, he formed a potent shooting perimeter alongside Peja Stojakovi. He was a two-way mastermind who had a knack for coming through in a games biggest moments that earned him the nickname Mr. Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, Career Achievements: 1x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection. However, when we look at this year, we can see that it was Rons best statistical start to an NBA season. NBA underrated performers are one of the more challenging lists to rank. Thread Tools. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) His stint with the Kings started in 2002 where he averaged 17.6 PPG and 5.4 APG over 7 seasons with the franchise. He played one final season in Phoenix in 2011-12 before retiring. LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers. Andre Miller was never an MVP candidate or even an All-Star but he was quietly one of the better point guards during the 2000s. Scotty Bags. Forgive and forget and put Jermaine ONeal in the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame. For some reason, as time has gone on, fans refer to Zydrunas Ilgauskas as one of those garbage players that LeBron James dragged to the NBA Finals early in his career. This reputation caused many to forget just how imp[actful Wallace was on the basketball court. He could put the ball on the floor and get by defenders relatively easily and it made him a true three-level threat. Billups finished his career a 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team selection, and a 3x All-Defensive Team selection. One year later, he joined the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 14.9 PPG on 35.8% shooting from three. Big Shot. He spent 3 seasons with the team and helped them transition to the City of New Orleans. This season encapsulates why Redd isnt any higher on this list. 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. Personally, I believe it is a crime that Wallace is still not a basketball Hall Of Famer. Miller was as good as it gets running an NBA offense and he was one heck of a playmaker. You have Kevin Garnetts MVP and Western Conference Finals season with the Wolves. 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. When coming into the league, there were no expectations for Michael Redd having been the 43rd pick of the 2000 NBA Draft. In an era littered with talented point guards, Baron Davis was among the most exciting to watch play. Like many on this list, the 2003-04 season was the best of Rons career. He helped lead the Magic to a Finals berth in 2009 by being a versatile scorer next to the dominant Howard. The Top 10 Most Underrated NBA Players Of The 2000s, Valentina Shevchenko doesnt lose a step just because she fought for a split decision: I really dont care what people say, UFC 285 start time, TV schedule for Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane, Texans divorce from QB Deshaun Watson could affect CJ Strouds court, Texans finish 32nd in Touchdown Wire NFL power rankings, Houston finishes No. 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. Enter Sam Cassell. Here are the 10 most underrated stars during the 2000s. Right off the bat, you can tell Rashard Lewis is highly underrated simply by his lack of accolades to his name. 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. The Best Athletes Of All Time. 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. #4 of 165. Miller would go on to play 5 more seasons with Sacramento. Drafted with the No. In fact, he was voted 4th overall in the 2003-04 MVP race, beating out the aforementioned shooting guard on the Lakers. Portland athletes have been underrated for a long time, sometimes due to geography, but also because of the early 2000s, which saw casual fans turned away from the NBA team after the ill-fated "Jail Blazers" era that was marred by a string of player arrests, untimely technical fouls, and disastrous playoff meltdowns. 10. A look at those who were ranked too high and too low in the preseason Coaches Poll released Tuesday Injury replacements, lifetime achievement awards, and many players that might not entirely deserve it. By his fourth season with the Bucks, Allen was gone and Redd was a starter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is Hayden, and I'm a digital marketing consultant. He averaged 22.8 PPG and led the league with 17.5 RPG, and 3.0 BPG. I will say it here and now. Lewis retired with the Miami Heat in 2014, one year after adding an NBA championship to his already impressive resume. 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. Peja Stojakovic is one of the better perimeter scorers of the 2000s decade. 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. Peja is one player that would have been awesome to watch in the current NBA era. Finley played on two of the premier Western Conference powerhouses over the decade, starting with Dallas and moving to San Antonio after being waived. Other Underrated NBA Players for 2021-22. 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. Anyways. In his best season in 2005/06 with Sacramento, Bibby helped the team make the playoffs, which is . Beginning with a Toronto Raptor, and ending with one, Gary Trent Jr. is easily one of the most exciting and most underrated players in the NBA today. From2004 through 2009, Redd battled injuries and bumps but still averaged at least 21.0 PPG every season. Wallace helped to revolutionize the power forward position forever with his ability to spread the floor and shoot the ball He could play any role that a team needed him to. He played in just 18 games and then 10 more in 2010-11. During his time with the New Orleans Hornets for 3 seasons, he averaged 20.2 PPG, 8.1 APG, and 2.0 SPG. By looking at individual statistics, team impact, and skills during their era; we have compiled a ranked list of the best stars who went underappreciated during their time. Unfortunately, but very reasonably, he will also be remembered for one incident above any other when he choked his coach P.J Carlesimo.Sprewell was suspended from the NBA for an entire season after playing for the Golden State Warriors for 14 games. He was the spiritual successor to Dennis Rodman, released music featured in NBA 2K, and is infamous for his antics on-and-off court. He spent 3 seasons with the team and helped them transition to the City of New Orleans. Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG. For his career, Redd shot 38.0% from three and 44.7% overall. Wallaces impact was truly measured when he was acquired by the Detroit Pistons midway through the 2004 season. When coming into the league, there were no expectations for Michael Redd having been the 43rd pick of the 2000 NBA Draft. 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. He would be forced to retire from the game at 27 years old. His only season above 50% from the floor was with the 2009-10 Miami Heat, which isnt anything to write home about for a 611 power forward. re: Most Underrated NBA Players (Historically) Posted on 1/14/23 at 11:11 am to Gaggle. At his peak, he had an argument for the best big man in basketball at a time when Tim Duncan and Shaq were still in the league. 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. O'Neal had a very slow start to his career, before blossoming into an All-Star in his 6th season. ONeal is an excellent example of the circumstances most players on these lists go through during their careers. Expectations are high for every player in the league, and the overrated label . . 18 pick in the 2020 draft, there were high hopes for Richardson's career. Ilgauskas deserves so much more respect than modern-day fans give him. Date of birth: February 1, 1969. He had a ton of athleticism and scoring prowess in his 6'6" frame, and played the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers. His best seasons come while playing for teams that arent popular or mainstream. 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. Seth Curry - Brooklyn Nets. O'Neal had a strong inside scoring game, was very active on the offensive boards, and was a capable shot-blocker. Redd blossomed as a scorer in his 4th season, averaging 21.7 PPG on 35.0% shooting from three. 6. 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. His 2000s were spent with the Utah Jazz, playing alongside Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. By 2003, Ilgauskas was an All-Star and averaged 17.2 PPG and 7.5 RPG while adding 1.9 BPG. Wilt Chamberlain. 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. In 2002, ONeal won the NBAs Most Improved Player award by averaging 17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 1.6 BPG. From there, he developed his offensive game and defensively got more aggressive. He averaged 16.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.0 APG on 45.6% shooting in just 57 games. 1) Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks. James demonstrated this when he surpassed Patrick Ewing for 20th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Roy would begin to experience his downfall by 2011, just his 5th season in the league. Personally, I believe it is a crime that Wallace is still not a basketball Hall Of Famer. Designed by profootballspace. He would lead the league in steals once more in 2007 with the Warriors with 2.1 SPG. Cleveland's superstar is regarded as one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history. Top 5 most underrated NBA players so far this season: PG - Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers. For his career, Redd shot 38.0% from three and 44.7% overall. Elton deserves this spot. Read that sentence again. He picked up three Second Team All-Defenses and one First Team All-Defense. 10. And when it comes to the 2000s, well, there are plenty of guys who deserved more love. 2008-09 Upper Deck MVP #206 Danilo Gallinari RC ($2.50) Gallinari has had multiple seasons with All-Star caliber production, with his best numbers coming during the 2018-19 season when he averaged . During his early days in Seattle, Lewis took a bit to develop into the shooter and scorer he went down as. 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. Of course, there was Tim Duncan and the Spurs who captured 3 championships of their own in the 2000s after winning one in 1999 the year after MJ left the NBA.