This thread isn't about the players who make the big dollars, the big plays, and who get the media exposure. There may be some of those players who are underrated, but they'll have their day in the sun. No, this thread is about the underrated role players in the NBA - the guys who sign the small deals, do all of the small things correctly, and who are happy to let the team's star player(s) shine in the spotlight. They may move from team to team, whether by free agency or trade, but they continue to do what they are underrated at to help their new teams. It's a rare breed of player - a player who is good enough not to be a career journeyman, but not good enough to command a bigger role on or more money from a team. Fans may not know all about them, but opposing teams certainly do. I'll throw a name out there for consideration: Pat Garrity of the Magic. He's not a great player, no, but he works at his game and has a deadly outside shot that teams have to respect or run the risk of being burned. Not a terribly good defender or rebounder, but he tries, and for that he is appreciated. Opposing teams' fans always wonder why he is in the NBA and why Orlando values him so much - but when he nails a key shot for the Magic, they find out why he's so valuable. He'll never be a great player, nor will he command a large contract, but he's one of those 11/5 roleplayers that teams would love to have. So, what players do you all think fall into this category of player? All suggestions welcome.
I think Kenny Thomas is a perfect example. I assume he willnever get big bucks. Short of injuries will never get major playing time. Has enough to offer pretty much any team something. Outside of Houston, who has ever heard of him?
Kenny Thomas and Kurt Thomas are good players who are underrated despite having reasonably good offensive and defensive skills.
Here are some vastly underrated guys. -Ervin Johnson(has no offense but is a very good defender and a team player. One of the key parts of the Bucks) -Erick Strickland(somewhat similar to Mario Elie in his prime , but probably a little better. He can D up with anyone and always plays hard.) -Kurt Thomas(Doesnt get much praise which is suprising granted he plays in NY. I think he's great.) -as far as Kenny Thomas goes, I think he is a good player but I dont think he is underrated. He isn't a very good rebounder and has alot of weaknesses.
Chuck Brown....someone had to say it. Divac despite choking at crucial moments against the Lakers...he's the 2nd best center in the NBA, unless we count Duncan. He and Webber are the reason that team can run a complicated offense. Bibby improved it, but they already had it down before Bibby.
