20 Most Underrated NBA Players of All Time
In the NBA, everyone loves a superstar. But let’s be real – what about the players who don’t get the same attention but still put in the work? These underrated basketball players may not always be making headlines, but their impact on the court goes beyond their stats.
From players who were overlooked and overshadowed by bigger names, these players have quietly built legacies that deserve more love. In this list, we’re diving into the top 10 underrated NBA players of all time who might just surprise you!

10 Most Underrated NBA Players of All Time
1. Moses Malone
When the conversation shifts to the greatest power forwards, Moses Malone better be on the list. Malone was a dominant force in the 70s and 80s, winning three MVP awards and showcasing some of the most impressive skills for a big man in the history of the NBA.
Malone was among the few players to skip college and make a massive impact in the NBA, proving that his raw talent and hard work were ahead of the curve. Unfortunately, he’s one of those unknown basketball players who never got the mainstream recognition he deserved. But for true basketball fans, Moses is nothing short of a legend.
2. John Havlicek
If you consider yourself an NBA fiend, you should know John Havlicek. He was a cornerstone of the Celtics’ dominance in the 60s and 70s, yet his name doesn’t come up nearly enough when discussing the all-time greats. Havlicek collected eight NBA championships with Boston, but for some reason, he’s still often overlooked as one of the most underrated NBA players of all time.
While he might not get the recognition he deserves, Havlicek’s legacy as one of the most well-rounded players in the history of the NBA is undeniable.
3. Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler, one of the most consistent and versatile shooting guards of the 1990s, often played second fiddle to the shadow of Michael Jordan. Let’s set the record straight: Drexler led the Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals not once, but twice, in 1990 and 1992, and racked up 10 All-Star selections.
With his mix of scoring, passing, and rebounding, he was a problem on both ends of the court. But despite all that, Drexler never got the recognition he deserved – especially when this happened during the height of the 90’s Chicago Bulls. Drexler also helped lead the Houston Rockets to an NBA Championship in 1995. Still, his underrated resume is often forgotten about.
4. Ben Wallace
The true definition of the most underrated NBA players of the 2000s is Ben Wallace. As a 6’9” big man, Wallace would never fill up the highlight reels with dunks or flashy passes, but he shut down offenses like a bouncer at an exclusive club. Four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year? You bet. He was the backbone of the Detroit Pistons’ 2004 NBA Championship run, proving that defense isn’t just important – it can carry a team to the top.
Think about it: you can have all the offense in the world, but when it comes down to it, defense wins championships. And don’t forget, he’s one of the best undrafted NBA players who made history.
5. Domantas Sabonis
This might turn some heads, but Domantas Sabonis definitely deserves a spot on this list. He may not make the headlines like other big names in the league, but he should. Sabonis has a rare ability to dominate the glass, easily pulling down 20+ rebounds in games while regularly contributing 20 points.
Despite his impressive numbers, Sabonis doesn’t get enough attention when discussing the Best Ever International NBA Players. But even without that recognition, Sabonis continues to quietly put up huge performances.
6. Scottie Pippen
Let’s be honest: Scottie Pippen is one of the most underrated basketball players of all time, and yes, it’s because of Michael Jordan. While MJ was the face of the Chicago Bulls’ six championships, Pippen was the backbone that held everything together. His top-tier defense and playmaking ability were crucial to the Bulls’ success. People forget Pippen was an 8-time All-Defensive Team member and could guard anyone on the floor.
Pippen may not have racked up points like Jordan or LeBron, but he was the first to truly define the “point-forward” position, paving the way for how the game is played today.
7. Fat Lever
When you think of the best point guards of the 80s and 90s, Fat Lever is likely not the first name to come up. But for the Denver Nuggets, Lever was a triple threat – scoring, passing, and rebounding. A 3-time All-Defensive selection and one of the best all-around players of his era, Lever could dominate on both ends of the court. He was one of the rare point guards to average over nine rebounds per game in a season – yes, you read that right.
Lever wasn’t just another among unknown basketball players – he was a legitimate contributor on the floor. His game was ahead of its time, and his impact on the Nuggets’ success was undeniable, even if he didn’t always get the credit he deserved.
8. Mark Price
When you hear the words ‘shooting’ and ‘point guard’, people tend to think about Stephen Curry basketball legend, but before Curry, the NBA world had Mark Price. Price was among the smoothest and most consistent point guards of the late 80s and early 90s. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to multiple playoff appearances. He became one of the top shooters in NBA history, with a career shooting percentage that still ranks among the best today.
It’s hard not to see the parallels between Price’s underappreciated greatness and modern-day players who tend to be forgotten about. Price had all the skill in the world to sit with the best but didn’t get the appreciation he deserved.
9. Jamal Murray
When the Nuggets are clicking, Jamal Murray is often the reason why. Sure, everyone talks about Nikola Jokic, but Murray has also been a steady presence for Denver. Is Jamal Murray the Most Underrated Player in the NBA? It’s a fair question, especially considering the kind of postseason magic he’s been known for.
Murray’s ability to step up when it matters most makes him a difference-maker. His scoring, playmaking, and clutch moments show why he’s been vital to the Nuggets’ success. Yet, despite that, he still doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his role.
10. Andre Iguodala
Lastly, we have Andre Iguodala. Sure, Iguodala’s Finals MVP probably pops into most people’s heads, but don’t sleep on what he did every season. This guy was the ultimate Swiss Army knife on every team he’s played for – defense, passing, clutch shots, you name it, ‘Iggy’ did it all. And that Game 7 performance in the 2015 NBA Finals? He locked down LeBron James and won the Finals MVP award, proving he wasn’t just there to do the dirty work.
But let’s not forget: Iguodala’s ability to hit clutch shots when needed made him invaluable. Yet, somehow, the four-time NBA champ still gets overlooked.
Questions Of The Day
Who is the most underrated NBA player?
Moses Malone is often considered one of the most underrated NBA players.
What does underrated mean in the NBA?
Underrated refers to a player who consistently performs at a high level but doesn’t receive recognition.