The top 10 most underrated NBA players of all time are celebrated for their significant contributions to the game, despite often being overlooked by mainstream recognition. Players like Chauncey Billups, Toni Kukoc, and Andre Iguodala exemplify greatness that often flies under the radar.
The NBA has seen countless talented players throughout its history, but some have never received the recognition they truly deserve.
Whether due to playing in smaller markets, sharing the spotlight with bigger stars, or simply falling under the radar of mainstream attention, these players left an undeniable mark on the game.
In this article, I highlight the 10 most underrated NBA players of all time, celebrating their skills, impact, and contributions to the league that often went unappreciated.
Top 10 underrated NBA players of all-time
10. Chris Webber
A versatile power forward who played for several teams, most notably the Sacramento Kings, where he helped turn them into championship contenders in the early 2000s.
A five-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, Webber was known for his elite passing, scoring, and rebounding as a big man. Despite his stellar play, he is often underrated due to a lack of championships and the controversial officiating in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, which denied his Kings a potential Finals appearance.
Although Chris Webber is widely regarded as one of the greatest Kings players, his impact on the game, particularly his ability to facilitate offense from the frontcourt, remains underappreciated in discussions of all-time power forwards (though not in our eyes).
Chris Webber's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | BPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 831 | 827 | 20.7 | 4.2 | 9.8 | 1.4 | 47.9% | 29.9% | 64.9% |
9. Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Shareef Abdur-Rahim was a skilled forward known for scoring, rebounding, and versatility, playing most of his career with the Vancouver Grizzlies and later the Sacramento Kings. A two-time All-Star, Abdur-Rahim averaged over 20 points per game in multiple seasons and was one of the most consistent players of his era.
Despite his all-around game, he often flew under the radar because he played for teams that struggled to make the playoffs, which led to his talents being overlooked by many.
Abdur-Rahim’s ability to score both inside and out and his leadership make him one of the most underrated basketball players of the late 90s and early 2000s.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 830 | 704 | 18.1 | 2.5 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 47.2% | 29.7% | 81.0% |
8. Toni Kukoc
A really famous basketball player in the Balkans, Kukoc was a highly skilled and versatile forward who played a key role in the Chicago Bulls' second three-peat in the 1990s.
Known for his basketball IQ, passing, and ability to play multiple positions, Kukoc was also one of the most clutch players on the team. In fact, Phil Jackson often trusted Kukoc to close out games, which caused some tension, especially with Scottie Pippen.
Pippen was reportedly frustrated by Jackson's decision to give Kukoc the ball in critical moments, as he felt it should have been him taking the lead.
Kukoc’s ability to perform under pressure, including his game-winning shot in the 1994 playoffs, solidified his reputation as a reliable performer in high-stakes situations. He is also considered one of the best European NBA players.
Toni Kukoc's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 846 | 260 | 11.6 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 44.7% | 33.5% | 72.9% |
7. Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala was a versatile wing player known for his elite defense, basketball IQ, and ability to impact games in a variety of ways.
While he gained some recognition for being named Finals MVP in 2015, his overall contributions often went underappreciated.
Iguodala was an outstanding defender, capable of guarding multiple positions, and he played a key role in the Golden State Warriors' championship runs, providing leadership, playmaking, and clutch performances.
Early in his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was one of the league's most complete players, but because he often played in smaller markets, his full impact didn’t get the widespread attention it deserved.
Andre Iguodala's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 1231 | 784 | 11.3 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 1.4 | 46.3% | 33.0% | 70.9% |
6. Chris Mullin
Sharpshooting forward who spent most of his career with the Golden State Warriors and was a key member of the "Run TMC" trio alongside Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond.
A five-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team selection, Mullin was renowned for his scoring, basketball IQ, and silky jump shot, finishing his career with over 17,000 points.
While his offensive game was elite, Mullin was not a great defender, which sometimes diminished his overall impact in an era filled with two-way stars. Despite this, his role as a foundational piece of the Warriors and a member of the 1992 Dream Team cements his place as one of the most underrated scorers of his generation.
Chris Mullin's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 986 | 822 | 18.2 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 1.6 | 50.9% | 38.4% | 86.5% |
5. Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups, nicknamed "Mr. Big Shot," was a clutch point guard best known for leading the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship in 2004, where he earned Finals MVP honors.
Over his career, he played for multiple teams, including the Pistons, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers, becoming a five-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection.
Billups is underrated because he was a late bloomer, only reaching his potential after bouncing between several teams early in his career, and his steady leadership often flew under the radar. His combination of poise, defense, and clutch shot-making made him one of the most reliable players of his era.
Chauncey Billups' career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 1043 | 937 | 15.2 | 5.4 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 41.5% | 38.7% | 89.4% |
4. Bernard King
Bernard King was an electrifying scorer who played for several teams, most notably the Knicks, where he became a four-time All-Star and one of New York's most iconic players.
Known for his devastating mid-range game and ability to score in bunches, King was the 1985 NBA scoring champion and scored over 19,000 points in his career despite battling serious injuries.
He is often underrated because injuries, including a devastating ACL tear, disrupted his prime years, and he played in an era filled with legendary players. King’s remarkable comeback and scoring prowess make him one of the most overlooked offensive talents in NBA history.
Bernard Kings' career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 874 | 549 | 22.5 | 3.3 | 5.8 | 1.0 | 51.8% | 17.2% | 73.0% |
3. Penny Hardaway
A dynamic point guard and one of the most talented players of the 1990s, known for his size, skill, and versatility. Standing at 6'7", Penny Hardaway could both score and facilitate, making him one of the most dangerous playmakers of his era.
A four-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, he was a key figure in the Orlando Magic's rise to prominence alongside Shaquille O'Neal. Unfortunately, injuries derailed what could have been a Hall of Fame career, and despite his immense talent, Hardaway never fully reached the peak many anticipated.
His ability to dominate as a lead guard, combined with his size and court vision, makes him one of the NBA's most underrated players of the 1990s.
Penny Hardaway's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 704 | 558 | 15.2 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 1.6 | 45.8% | 31.6% | 77.4% |
2. Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars, a key figure for the Detroit Pistons during their "Bad Boys" era, helped lead the team to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.
A six-time All-Star and the 1989 NBA Finals MVP, Dumars was known for his lockdown defense, smooth scoring ability, and calm demeanor amidst a rugged Pistons squad.
He is often underrated because he played alongside more polarizing personalities like Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman, which sometimes overshadowed his contributions.
As one of the league's best two-way guards, Dumars set the standard for excellence and professionalism during his career, which likely paved the way for his role as Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations for the NBA.
Joe Dumar's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 1018 | 944 | 16.1 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 46.0% | 38.2% | 84.3% |
1. Alex English
Alex English was a prolific scorer who spent the majority of his career with the Denver Nuggets, where he became the franchise's all-time leading scorer.
An eight-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection, he led the NBA in total points during the 1980s and retired with over 25,000 career points.
Despite his incredible consistency and efficiency, English is often forgotten because he played in a smaller market and was overshadowed by flashier players of his era.
His quiet demeanor and focus on team success over individual accolades make him the most underrated NBA player of all time (at least, in my opinion).
Alex English's career stats:
| GP | GS | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG | 3PT | FT |
| 1193 | - | 21.5 | 3.6 | 5.5 | 0.9 | 50.7% | 21.7% | 83.2% |
In conclusion, while these players may not have always received the spotlight they deserved, their contributions to the NBA are undeniable.
From clutch performances to consistent excellence, they each played a vital role in shaping the league's history. Their legacies may not be as widely celebrated as some of the game's greatest, but their impact on the court remains immeasurable.
