Underrated Players of the NBA

I believe in giving credit where credit is due. That is why I have assembled a list of NBA players that aren't getting the recognition they deserve. This is in no particular order.

Greivis Vasquez

(http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-03-03/sports/bal-sp.terpshoop03mar03_1_greivis-vasquez-maryland-student-section-hayes-and-milbourne)

I have been waiting and waiting for an opportunity to write about one of my favorite players in the NBA. Now that the time has come I just couldn't help but go with a throwback picture from his days at UMD. Vasquez has been underrated since his college days, especially when he was being evaluated by scouts for the NBA. The biggest knock on him was his lack of athleticism, causing him to drop to the 28th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. Then, after one year of serving as a backup for the Memphis Grizzlies, they sent him off to New Orleans to be the backup for Jarrett Jack (who is now with the Golden State Warriors). After paying his dues the past two season, he came into this year as the de facto starter for the Hornets. However, most analysts suggested that it was only a matter of time until Vasquez lost his job to either Brian Roberts or Austin Rivers, both of whom are rookies. Those analysts are now eating their words because not only has Rivers been an utter disappointment so far, but Vasquez has quietly been one of the better point guards in the league this season. As of today, he is third in the league in assists per game at 9.4, putting him behind only Rajon Rondo (11.1) and MVP candidate Chris Paul (9.5). He also averages 14 points per game, as well as 4.5 rebounds. What's most impressive about these numbers is that he has done all this despite the injury issues that have plagued two of the team's top players, Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis. While his production has not resulted in a lot of wins, it's time to recognize Vasquez as a legitimate point guard in the NBA.

Tony Parker

(http://atlantablackstar.com/2012/06/24/tony-parker-expected-to-play-in-olympics-despite-eye-surgery/)

Normally it would be a hard sell to claim that an All-Star is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Alas, this is the case with Tony Parker. When asked who the best point guard in the league is, most people respond with Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, or even Russell Westbrook. Rarely does Parker's name come up which is simply blasphemous because not only should he be in the discussion for top PG, but he should also be right in the middle of the MVP conversation. Parker is the unquestioned leader of the Spurs as they currently sit atop the Western Conference with a record of 47-14. What sets him apart from all the other point guards in the league is the phenomenal efficiency with which he plays the game. This season he is shooting 53.3% from the field which is almost unheard of for his position. He does this while scoring 21 points per game to go along with 7.6 assists per game. So although he certainly does get some recognition, it's not nearly as much as he deserves. And if that doesn't convince you he's underrated, he also has a french rap album that you probably didn't know about. And it's awesome.

Reggie Evans

(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1508188-reggie-evans-rips-miami-heat-says-they-didnt-win-real-nba-title-last-season)

While the casual NBA fan may not even know who Reggie Evans is, I believe every team in the league needs a guy like him. He is a true specialist, but not in the traditional sense of the word. Most people think of specialists as 3-point specialists (like Steve Novak) or defensive specialists (like Tony Allen). Evans is an energy and rebounding specialist with a very limited offensive game, as evidenced by his career average of 4 points per game. Despite playing under 23 minutes per game he averages 9.3 rebounds per game, good for 14th in the league. On a per 48 minute basis he is first in the league in rebounding. Even more important to his value is the incessant energy he plays with. Anyone who has played a sport knows that when you see a teammate giving it everything he's got, it inspires you to do the same. If you're on the court with Evans it is impossible not to give 100%, making his value to a team immeasurably high.


David West

(http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1460101-should-indiana-pacers-bring-david-west-back-next-year-for-how-much)

The Indiana Pacers have the second best record in the East despite the fact that they have been without their leading scorer from last year for most of this season and the fact that Roy Hibbert has been struggling. This is, in large part, due to the leadership and play of David West. He is the team's leading scorer with 17.7 points per game and is their go to scorer when they absolutely need a bucket. He also sets the tone by playing with a lot of physicality, showing that no one can come in and push his team around. He also is an integral part of their strong team defense that is ranked second in the league in points allowed per game. While the strong play of Paul George has been a big part of their success as well, he has been recognized for it with his first All-Star appearance this season. West continues to fly under the radar even though there is no doubt in my mind that without him they would be fighting for one of the last playoff spots in the East.


John Wall

(http://defpenradio.com/wizards-john-wall-pushing-for-season-debut-this-saturday/)

I never imagined myself saying this, but John Wall has actually become underrated. He's always put up good numbers, but the lack of winning always made me feel like all the attention was unwarranted. This season, however, he has proved me wrong. He is still working his way back from his injury so his stats aren't at the level they've been in past years, but there's no arguing with the results of the games. While Wall was out with his injury the Wizards were just dreadful with a record of 5-28. Since his return the team is 14-11 which isn't outstanding by any means, but is certainly a drastic improvement. This is a small sample for sure, but Wall has clearly been the key to the Wizards' recent success and for the first time in years Wizards fans may have something to look forward to.

Tune in tomorrow to see what I have to say about Alex Smith's future with the Chiefs!