NBA: Top 5 Most Underrated Players Of 2016

Some players just don’t get enough credit. Maybe it’s because they don’t play in a big market or because they don’t put up huge numbers. Whatever the case, these players deserve more credit than they are getting.

Here are the top five most underrated players in the NBA today.

5. J. R. Smith

He’s become famous for not wearing a shirt since the Cleveland Cavaliers won, and he is wildly inconsistent at times, but let’s appreciate J. R. Smith’s positives. He’s a benefit to have on the roster. Last season he made a career-high 204 three pointers while shooting an efficient 40 percent from the perimeter. Smith went on to make an impressive 43 percent of his three point attempts in the postseason as the Cavaliers captured their first NBA title in franchise history.

4. Steven Adams

Steven Adams is known by many as the guy who has been “low-blowed” multiple times by Draymond Green, but the fact of the matter is, he’s a quality player. Adams is averaging 8.3 rebounds per game this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he’s so much more than a numbers and stats guy. Adams is a good rim protector who has proven to be worthy of a first round pick. This is the final year of his contract with the Thunder.

3. Ricky Rubio

It’s hard for Ricky Rubio to really get into the spotlight considering he plays on such a mediocre squad. Still, you gave to appreciate his passing skills. Rubio is one of the best pure passing point guards in the league and his turnovers have been declining. Although he isn’t a gifted scorer like Russell Westbrook, Rubio should still get credit for his elite ball distribution.

2. Tristan Thompson

Similar to Adams, Tristan Thompson is a valuable defensive player who doesn’t put up gaudy numbers. Thompson is averaging a career high 9.9 rebounds per game, and he plays a huge role in the Cleveland Cavaliers hopes of winning back-to-back NBA Championships. On top of that, Thompson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the game today, and that’s huge because he creates second chance opportunities for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

1. Kemba Walker

It’s amazing how underrated Kemba Walker is. He’s one of the best all-around players in the league today because of versatility and the fact that he is such a gifted two-way player. Still just 26 years old, Walker has shown improvements every year since being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets. Walker is a very efficient player who makes his free throws, plays defense and has made nearly 50 percent of his three point shot attempts this season.