The NBA has seen its fair share of legendary players who receive the attention and accolades they deserve. However, not every player who impacts the game is recognized to the extent they should be.
Many athletes quietly contribute in significant ways, yet remain overshadowed by more prominent stars. In this article, we take a look at five of the most underrated NBA players of all time—players who may not always appear in the spotlight but have left a lasting mark on the sport.
1. Joe Dumars: The Defensive Maestro
Joe Dumars is one of the most underrated players in NBA history, primarily due to his role on the famous “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Dumars was a consistent force on both ends of the court, but it was his defense and leadership that set him apart.
Key Achievements:
- Six-time All-Star and two-time NBA Champion (1989, 1990) with the Pistons.
- NBA Finals MVP in 1989, where he helped lead Detroit to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Known for being a lockdown defender, most notably holding Michael Jordan in check during pivotal moments in their playoff matchups.
Despite these accolades, Dumars is often overshadowed by his flashier teammates like Isiah Thomas. However, his calm demeanor, basketball IQ, and defensive prowess make him one of the league’s most underrated players.
2. Chris Mullin: The Quiet Sharpshooter
Chris Mullin was an exceptional shooter and one of the best pure scorers of his era, yet he often flies under the radar when discussions of all-time greats arise. A key member of the Run TMC era in Golden State alongside Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond, Mullin was known for his deadly shooting stroke and high basketball IQ.
Key Achievements:
- Five-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, including as a member of the famous 1992 Dream Team.
- Career averages of over 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Mullin’s quiet nature and relatively low-key personality may have contributed to him not receiving the attention he deserved during his career, but his ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the floor should not be overlooked.
3. Alex English: The Forgotten Scoring Machine
Alex English is the epitome of an underrated superstar. Known for his smooth mid-range game and scoring prowess, English quietly became one of the top scorers of the 1980s, leading the Denver Nuggets through a period of consistent success.
Key Achievements:
- Eight-time All-Star and the NBA’s leading scorer in the 1980s, amassing over 21,000 points during that decade.
- Finished his career with more than 25,000 points, ranking in the top 20 for all-time scoring in NBA history.
- Led the Nuggets to nine consecutive playoff appearances.
Despite being one of the most consistent scorers the league has ever seen, English is rarely mentioned in conversations about all-time greats, making him one of the NBA’s most underappreciated players.
For more details on English’s career, visit Basketball Reference.
4. Chauncey Billups: Mr. Big Shot
Known as Mr. Big Shot, Chauncey Billups was the heart and soul of the 2004 Detroit Pistons team that won an NBA Championship by defeating the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers.
While Billups never had the gaudy stats of some of his contemporaries, his leadership, clutch shooting, and ability to run an offense efficiently made him one of the most valuable players of his era.
Key Achievements:
- 2004 NBA Finals MVP after leading the Pistons to a championship victory.
- Five-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection.
- Known for his clutch performances in playoff games, including several game-winning shots throughout his career.
Despite his accomplishments, Billups often gets overlooked when discussing top point guards. His calm under pressure and ability to control the pace of the game were critical to his success, but he remains one of the most underrated players of his generation.
5. Mark Price: The Forgotten Floor General
Mark Price was one of the best point guards in the NBA during the late 1980s and early 1990s, yet he is rarely mentioned among the elite in his position. Price was an efficient shooter and an exceptional floor general, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers through one of the most successful periods in franchise history.
Key Achievements:
- Four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA First Team selection.
- Known for his shooting accuracy, with over 90% career free throw shooting and excellent three-point shooting percentages.
- Helped the Cavaliers become a perennial playoff contender during his tenure with the team.
Price’s size and injury history may have contributed to him being overlooked, but his skill set was ahead of its time, and he was one of the most efficient players of his era. His ability to run an offense, combined with his deadly shooting, makes him one of the most underrated point guards in NBA history.
For more insights into Price’s career, check out Cleveland Sports History.
Conclusion
While some NBA players receive widespread acclaim for their contributions, others quietly leave an indelible mark on the game without the same level of recognition. Players like Joe Dumars, Chris Mullin, Alex English, Chauncey Billups, and Mark Price may not always top the all-time lists, but their impact on the sport is undeniable. Each of these athletes brought unique skills to the game and helped shape the NBA in their way.
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