Stinar: Most underrated and overrated players of the season
A look at the NBA's most-underrated, and overrated, players:
Underrated
1. Trae Young and John Collins, Hawks: They go together on this one. The tandem of Collins and Young is going to be one of the best duos in the NBA for a long time. After a moderately slow start to the season (playing without Collins) Young is now averaging 18.3 points and 7.8 assists per game on the YEAR. As for Collins? The explosive 21-year-old big man is averaging 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. This Atlanta Hawks team had an over/under on the season of 23.5 wins. On March 4, they already had 22 wins. They’re ahead of the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers in their rebuild just because of these two alone.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves: The guy is averaging over 30 points and 13 rebounds per game his last nine games. He is arguably the best back-to-the-basket big in the NBA right now. Yet, he can also shoot the 3-ball. He’s shooting almost 40 percent from beyond the arc. Maybe if he played for the New York Knicks he’d get more love (think about the love for Kristaps Porzingis) or if Andrew Wiggins was halfway decent for being a No. 1 overall pick than this team would get a lot more recognition.
3. Mike Conley, Grizzlies: How has he never been an All-Star!? He’s played in the Western Conference his whole career that’s why. He’s averaging 20 points and 6 assists this season, but he is now stuck in what appears to be a long-term rebuild. And as we saw at the trade-deadline with that $150 million contract he has; there won’t be too many suitors looking to give up large assets for him. However, he has been a total winner his whole career, and I hope one day he gets the proper credit. Put it this way... You can’t tell me Kyle Lowry is better than him. Lowry is a FIVE-TIME All-Star. Now you know why Conley is underated!
4. Blake Griffin, Pistons: Yes. I am saying it. He’s UNDERRATED. When healthy that is. The guy got hurt at the most inopportune times when he played for the Los Angeles Clippers. Like the basketball gods were against him or something. When he is on the court he is a top-15 player. This season alone he is averaging 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists a game. The Detroit Pistons are now 9-2 in their last 11 games, and have overtaken the Brooklyn Nets as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
5. Buddy Hield, Kings: Oh, do I love Buddy. This kid is a bucket. The Sacramento Kings have a legit shot at making the playoffs in the Western Conference this season. He is averaging 21 points per game, and shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc on almost eight attempts per game. He is a legitimate Most Improved Player candidate. After coming into the NBA fresh off a Final Four run I had the feeling maybe he was one of those college studs; NBA duds. He has been nothing short of sensational this season, and is the best scorer on a team that might make the playoffs in the west. Let’s show this guy some more love.
Overrated
1. LeBron James, Lakers: YES. LBJ. I still think he is the best player in the world, but right now he is a little OVERRATED. James is a top-2 player of all time, and that isn’t even a question. However, as of today. Right now. March 4, 2019. I think he is a tad overrated. The guy missed a little less than 20 games, and may not be 100% healthy. Fine. The Los Angeles Lakers were the fourth seed before he got hurt. Fine. He has still looked pathetic at times on the defensive end, not been able to hit free throws in the clutch, and the biggest issue is he has looked like a piss-poor leader. With all that being said percent he’s still the best player in the world. Very impressive Mr. James.
2. Devin Booker, Suns: “Wet like I’m Book,” Drake rapped in the famous song “ Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott. Yes, Booker is wet. He has a silky smooth jump shot, and a really good set of handles. In fact, he is an insanely talented player. He’s one of MY personal favorite players. I’m unbiased here, because I truly love watching his game. However, here are the Phoenix Suns’ records since he has come into the NBA: 23-59, 24-58, 21-61, 13-51. PATHETIC. Sure, the Suns have not helped him out much. They’re a joke of a franchise right now. They also play in the Western Conference, which even LeBron doesn’t seem to be able to handle. I get all of that. This team just shouldn’t be that bad. If Booker was a borderline star than they would have snuck a 25-win season in at least once in 4-years! Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Tyler Johnson, Josh Jackson, Trevor Ariza, Kelly Oubre Jr., Jamal Crawford, T.J. Warren, Dragan Bender and Ryan Anderson are some of the players he has had help him out this season. Not great. Not even good. In fact, TERRIBLE. But come on. They are 14-51 fresh off of a 17-game losing streak. I need more from one of my favorite young players.
3. Anthony Davis, Pelicans: Top-nine player. Yeah, I guess. He tears it up statistically, and plays ELITE defense. He’s great. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t overrated. He’s in his seventh year in the league. What on earth has he done of significance? Oh, that’s right he requested a trade. That was significant! They’ve won 40+ games just twice in those seven-years. They’ve never won 50-games, and have been outside of the first round of the playoffs once. Damian Lillard who was drafted the same year has been to the playoffs five times, and been out of first round on two different occasions.
4. Kemba Walker, Hornets: I genuinely think Kemba is a tad overrated. I think he’s a really good player, but could never be the best player on a contender. Maybe not even the second-best. He’s more of a Robin than a Batman. He is killing it in the box score this season averaging over 25 points and 6 assists per game. However, the Hornets need an oxygen mask just for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Come on now. He’s got a very solid roster to work with. The team shouldn’t be this weak if he were really all that. He’s a REALLY good player, but the way he has been treated recently you would think they were ahead of at least the Brooklyn Nets in the standings. D’Angelo Russell has low-key had a better season.
