As a two-way player and one of the best athletes to ever play the game, Richardson was a gem in his prime. 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. 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. Were discussing the most underrated NBA players of the 2000s. Career Stats: 13.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG. Here are the teams, odds and spread for Super Bowl 57 matchup, Super Bowl 2023 predictions and picks for each round of the NFL playoffs. But for now, Lillard looks like the young PG with the most potential to grow into the best point guard of his era. His presence on the early 2000s Kings teams was a perfect fit that put them over the top as a contender at the time. His three hasn't been falling . He would lead the league in steals once more in 2007 with the Warriors with 2.1 SPG. 5. Even some players who did make it onto that stage, like Rashard Lewis and Richard Hamilton, arent remembered as reverently as they should be. Your email address will not be published. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He would be forced to retire from the game at 27 years old. And make it not as a lifetime achievement award or an injury replacement, but during what would be a 2nd Team All-NBA season? In the 2000 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks got lucky when Ohio States Michael Redd fell all the way into the second round. He averaged 20.1 PPG and 10.0 RPG in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, making the All-Rookie Team. Wallaces presence propelled Detroit to an NBA championship where Wallace averaged 13.0 PPG and 7.8 RPG on the playoff run. 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. Roy attempted a comeback in 2013 but lasted just 5 games before calling it quits for good. In every season in which he started over 60 games for one of his 9 NBA teams, he earned at least 6.0 APG. Drafted with the No. The Most UNDERRATED NBA Players Of The 2000s..Welcome back to Sports Savvy. Ron Artest, Metta World Peace, or his now legal name Metta Sandiford-Artest may surprise some on this list. He doubled as the leagues premier perimeter defenderwinning the Defensive Player of the Year Awardhaving a rare combination of strength, size, and speed that allowed him to keep up with quicker, smaller guards; and be a physical presence to stop bigger small-forward bruiser type scorers. Jackson is mainly known for his stints with the Indiana Pacers and the Golden State Warriors. Dating back to his time with the Pelicans, he was an All-Star level . He peaked in 2007 when he averaged 26.7 PPG on 46.5% shooting.
Theres been a lot of former all-stars. Redd fell behind Ray Allen on the depth chart and barely appeared during his rookie season but came on strong in his sophomore campaign. He became the first Russian player selected in the first round and made the all-rookie team in his first year. The problem with most underrated NBA lists is too many of the players are, well, overrated. He was the baby Bryant from across the LA freeway. Redd returned the following season but re-injured the same knee tearing the ACL again. The play at power forward saw him have a couple of All-Star seasons. My point is that after further analysis, it becomes apparent that the top five point guards, right now . 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. He's got some recognition since then, but he still isn't as respected as he should. Richardson was a solid scorer throughout his career and was a very capable defender. NFL NBA Megan Anderson Atlanta Hawks Los Angeles Lakers Boston Celtics Arsenal F.C. In 2002, ONeal won the NBAs Most Improved Player award by averaging 17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 1.6 BPG. 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. Tracy McGrady was born on May 24, 1979 in Bartow, Florida, USA. The following season in 2002-03, he was one of the best seasons of the decade for ANY player. That should be considered common sense considering NBA players peak from 25-30 years old. He was a tough forward who played hard-nosed defense and never backed down from any challenge. O'Neal's strongest season came in 2005 by averaging 24.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 2.0 BPG. Center from Newark, New Jersey, United States of America. 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. Not a chance. But the sheer fact that Clipper Contenderswas uttered during the 2005-06 playoffs firmly earns Elton a spot on this list. That's why he's the first name on this list. He is an actor and writer, known for Like Mike (2002), Arli$$ (1996) and Adidas Originals: Superstar - Change Is a Team Sport (2020). Cassell would then lead the way to another franchise turnaround, bringing the Clippersthat featured two players on this listto their then-most successful season in franchise history. 1 seed Mavericks in 2007 but his career was so much more than one season. Would the Clippers have been able to dispatch the Mavericks in the next round? CJ McCollum voted most underrated player since 2000. 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. The draw of Finley was his consistency and availability. Cameron Smith will be the first Players Championship winner since Tiger Woods in 2014 to not defend his title at the Players . The Clippers have always been the runt of LA. For the first few seasons of his NBA career, Billups bounced around until he found a home with the Detroit Pistons in 2003. Roy was a special talent on offense confirmed by some of the greats such as Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant. For some reason, ONeal was vilified relentlessly for his role in the brawl and his reputation has taken years to recover. When coming into the league, there were no expectations for Michael Redd having been the 43rd pick of the 2000 NBA Draft. Looking at the 2000s specifically, many All-Star caliber players did not get the recognition they deserved. Some players on this list, like Mehmet Okur and Doug Christie, are, sadly, likely unknown to the young NBA fans of today. Most Overrated NBA Players of All Time. Thats not that tough. Nine seasons into his career, the former USC Trojan has finally found his stride and established himself as one of the NBAs top guards. 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. His 2000s were spent with the Utah Jazz, playing alongside Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. With the NBA season approaching fast, there are a few players who haven't gotten the credit they deserve. Struggling with bone spurs, and ankle surgery, he left the NBA after the 2006-07 season. He finished 3rd in MVP voting and was arguably the best two-way player in basketball. He helped lead the Magic to a Finals berth in 2009 by being a versatile scorer next to the dominant Howard. Actor | Like Mike. Here is a look at the most underrated soccer players of all time. With his ability to both score and pass the ball, Miller was must-watch television whenever he was in town. He blew past defenders and glided through the air and threw down rim-rocking dunks with brutal authority. Iverson took the fourth most shots per game in NBA history and is the worst-shooting volume chucker in the modern NBA. People are bound to take notice of him soon after his impressive season with the Raptors. Peja Stojakovi. 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. During his time with the New Orleans Hornets for 3 seasons, he averaged 20.2 PPG, 8.1 APG, and 2.0 SPG. Elton averaged 30-10-4 with 3 blocks per game that series. Vancouver Grizzlies (1997-98), Washington Wizards (1998-99), Miami Heat (1990-2000), Charlotte Hornets (2000-01) All-Star Games: 2001. A 2000 trade to the Pacers changed everything and almost immediately transformed ONeal into an MVP candidate. Shaquille O'Neal. Vancouver selected Abdur-Rahim third overall, and he immediately became the teams leading scorer. Get ready to relive some of the best moments from the decade of the 2010s with the players who brought them to you. He ended his career with a well-deserved championship with the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. You must be a great player to fit into a team named The Greatest Show on Court. He helped the Kings lead the league in wins in 2001-02, and while he didnt average too many pointsending his career with averages of 11-4-3he made his mark on defense. Career Stats: 18.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG. 8. Even Basketball-Reference.com doesnt give the man a prayer. Throughout the NBA 's history, there have been many overlooked and underrated players. 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. Fans have a tendency to overlook certain players, and that effect is amplified as years and decades pass. I have never seen a Finals MVP and a more impactful point guard be overlooked in NBA history more than Chauncey Billups. 50 Most Underrated NBA Players of All Time. 12. Answer (1 of 3): Dirk Nowitzki. Type above and press Enter to search. Not only did he start playing precisely at the starting point of the decade after being selected 1st overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1999 draft, but he proceeded to be one of the most under-the-radar players during his career. 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. He scored 57 that same season, breaking the Bucks single-game scoring record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He had a sweet jumper and smooth release that he could knock down from anywhere in front of half-court. A team dwarfed by the sheer size, glamor, and continued excellence in the shared city. Richardson's ability to help teams defend the perimeter and also score when needed makes him an underrated player during the 2000s. They say the best ability is availability, and Finley did just that. James demonstrated this when he surpassed Patrick Ewing for 20th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. In 2002, O'Neal won the NBA's Most Improved Player award by averaging 17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 1.6 BPG. He was a menace on the defensive side of the ball as well, never shying away from a tough matchup or assignments. 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. Scotty Bags. We have seen a host of very talented yet underappreciated stars during the past 20 years. Career best stat line: 19.6 points, 9.1 assists, 41% 3PT (1989-90) The Cavs always had their hearts broken when running into Jordan, in the late '80s and early '90s, but Price was also one of . He was a scorer, plain and simple. As we entered the 2000s, NBA fans were left with the question of who was going to take over the league after Michael Jordan left Chicago. Richardson was drafted by the Clippers and had his best season in 2004 with the team averaging 17.2 PPG. all of who are . He could dominate the game on both sides from the low block, he possessed a turnaround jumper that was as unblockable as DIrks fadeaway, and he was a defensive nightmare for opponents nightly. He was so good that Pacers fans couldrealistically argue that he was the best big man in the league. The Most Underrated NBA Player of the Early 2000s, Your email address will not be published. 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 . He was an entertaining player, scorer, and consistent all-star-level talent in the 90s. 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. 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. Shareef solidified his role as a scoring power forward and was selected as an All-Star in the 2002 season, the lone career selection. After being traded to the Sacramento Kings at the end of the 2000 season, he formed a potent shooting perimeter alongside Peja Stojakovi. Alex Novick, NBA.com Global Editions (): Quick, name the only player other than David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon to average at least two blocks . 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. For the first few seasons of his career, Jermaine O'Neal struggled to find a role with the Portland Trail Blazers. Roy attempted a comeback in 2013 but lasted just 5 games before calling it quits for good. Philadelphia 76ers Premier League UFC Television The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real Housewives of Dallas My 600-lb Life Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Photo: Paul Popper. He spent 3 seasons with the team and helped them transition to the City of New Orleans. When coming into the league, there were no expectations for Michael Redd having been the 43rd pick of the 2000 NBA Draft. By the time his 4th season in 2004 came around, Redd was an All-Star and a consistent and efficient 20.0 PPG scorer. Was he good enough that its a travesty that his name isnt among the great scorers in the history of the NBA? A look at those who were ranked too high and too low in the preseason Coaches Poll released Tuesday Think about Dennis Johnson of the 1980sthe dude was a five-time All-Star and a Finals MVP. Ilgauskas struggled with injury the first few seasons of his career, missing his rookie season and 4th season with foot issues. Wallaces presence propelled Detroit to an NBA championship where Wallace averaged 13.0 PPG and 7.8 RPG on the playoff run. In an era littered with talented point guards, Baron Davis was among the most exciting to watch play. The Top 10 Most Underrated NBA Players Of The 1960s, The Top 10 Most Underrated NBA Players Of The 1970s, The Top 10 Most Underrated NBA Players Of The 1980s, The Top 10 Most Underrated NBA Players Of The 1990s, The Best NBA Player From Every Team In The 2010s. 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. Three others that could be argued at a higher level (they do get plenty of respect, but perhaps not enough) are Vuc, Brogdon, and Jrue. The Bucks were dealt a huge blow during the 2008-09 season when Redd went down with a knee injury. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Getting to the free throw line. Lofton was the first player in NFL history to accumulate 14,000 receiving yards. Arguably the coolest aspect of Kirinlenkoss career is his nickname, AK-47, referencing his Russian heritage and jersey number. Despite his demise over the latter course of his career, Redd still averaged 19.0 points per game for his career. Elton Brand is the most underrated star of the 2000s because he managed to have 2 All-Star Seasons after being drafted No.1 in the 1999 Draft. Lewis is considered one of the best second options ever for his time with both the Seattle SuperSonics next to Ray Allen and in Orlando with Dwight Howard. View Profile View Forum Posts With only one more high-scoring season under his belt, 22.7 points per game, Redd would suffer a torn ACL and MCL injury that would significantly impact the rest of his career. He played one final season in Phoenix in 2011-12 before retiring. The 5 most overrated players in Madden NFL 23, including the Eagles' Darius Slay Jr. View 5 items Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. By the time his 4th season in 2004 came around, Redd was an All-Star and a consistent and efficient 20.0 PPG scorer. He could put the ball on the floor and get by defenders relatively easily and it made him a true three-level threat. The 2000s were a period in the NBA that featured the rise of some of the greatest players to ever play the game, including LeBron James , Kobe Bryant , Dwyane Wade , Kevin Garnett , Tim Duncan and . Lewis retired with the Miami Heat in 2014, one year after adding an NBA championship to his already impressive resume. Peja is one player that would have been awesome to watch in the current NBA era. 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. Davis recorded 3 different seasons with at least 20.0 PPG and 2.0 SPG as one of the more dynamic point guards in basketball. For the first few seasons of his career, Jermaine ONeal struggled to find a role with the Portland Trail Blazers. As one of the original stretch forwards in the game, Lewis used both his size and shooting ability to become a scoring machine. He was the first NBA player to bring in the big balls dance celebration, injuring his groin, The 12 Most Underrated NBA Players of the 2010s, This Millennial Transformed One Rental Property Into A Multi-Million Dollar Empire, 10 Entrepreneurs Share Their Best Beauty Business Tips And Secrets. Jason Terry: 1066.71 TPA. Teams: Nets . Brad Miller was a rare center in the 2000s because he had a consistent mid-range jump shot. 6. This reputation caused many to forget just how imp[actful Wallace was on the basketball court. Miller also had an All-Star season with the Pacers in 2003 where he averaged 13.1 PPG and 8.3 RPG. 10 James Lofton. 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. He led the league in steals in 2004 with 2.4 SPG. 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. One year later, he joined the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 14.9 PPG on 35.8% shooting from three. That needs to begin to change after you read this piece. A 2000 trade to the Pacers changed everything and almost immediately transformed O'Neal into an MVP candidate. The man consistently dropped games in which he earned anywhere from 30-50 points in 2021 and 2022. BYL's Most Underrated NBA Players of the 2000's Follow BYL and comment who we missed out on Who's the Most Underrated?? The players listed here may be relatively unknown, underappreciated, or underrated in terms of not making the elite lists of other football raters. His stint with the Kings started in 2002 where he averaged 17.6 PPG and 5.4 APG over 7 seasons with the franchise. Roy was impossible to keep up with in isolation. 1 / 32 OrlandoMagic.com ranks the best NBA point guards from the 2000s. He averaged 21.2 points a game that season and would never be the same. Here is our list of 12 of the most underrated players in the NBA today. However, when we look at this year, we can see that it was Rons best statistical start to an NBA season. Underrated? Mitch Richmond, Detlef Schrempf, and Vin Baker are among the underrated players from the 90s. 1 seed Mavericks in 2007 but his career was so much more than one season. Image via Complex Original. Others, like Vince Carter and Joe Johnson, are still kicking around the league, but young fans are probably unaware of just how dominant they used to be. He led the league in minutes played for three seasons of his career. Michael Jordan and Karl Malone greet each other before Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 1, 1997, at the United Center. Davis was an explosive point guard who was a blur on the floor in open space. After taking 2 years to play overseas in Greece, Peja made his NBA debut in the 1998-99 season. He finished 3rd in MVP voting and was arguably the best two-way player in basketball. For the first 12 seasons of his career, Miller was a consistent 15.0 to 17.0 PPG scorer but he really made his impact as a passer. But when we focus on his game, we can see that he was overlooked for his talent, with many casual fans not understanding that at points in the 2000s, Ron Artest was seen as one of the top NBA players in the league. 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. 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. Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports. Redd was consistently criticized for his lack of a complete game but his scoring was by far the best part of his game. This honestly swayed an NBA championship, costing the Minnesota Timberwolves in their series against the Lakers, in which they were the better team. He was one of many roleplayers that was able to fit seamlessly into talented teams throughout his career. His best statistical season came in 2006-07, with a career-high 26.7 points per game. 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. Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina. We dont even have to look at career averages or anything. During his time in the NBA, Rasheed Wallace received a bad reputation as its resident bad boy. Oh, and Google his insane back tattoo. Career Stats: 16.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, Career Achievements: 2x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection. 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. His best season came in 2002 after being traded to Atlanta. In his first season in Los Angeles, he made his first All-Star Team. He played in just 18 games and then 10 more in 2010-11. Davis recorded 3 different seasons with at least 20.0 PPG and 2.0 SPG as one of the more dynamic point guards in basketball. His mid-range game and three-ball were impeccable as well. Championships: 0. Redd was also awarded a 3rd-Team All-NBA spot, giving Milwaukee hope that the young guard could take on the role open with Ray Allens departure. He was the first NBA player to bring in the big balls dance celebration, injuring his groin. Bibby's best season came in 2006 where he averaged 21.1 PPG and 5.4 APG for the Kings squad that finished with a 44-38 record. His only other individual awards were a 2004 All-Star selection after averaging 16-8-3 with 2 steals and 3 blocks. Career Stats: 13.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG.