Most Underrated Players In the NBA

On Saturday, I did my list of underrated players in the MLB.
Today, I do my list for the NBA.
I love watching the Spurs and the Pacers play because those two teams are filled with unsung guys and underrated players. I could easily make my five man list of players from those two teams, but I didn't do that. However, both of my guards are from those two teams.

Point Guard
George Hill            Indiana Pacers
George Hill being traded to the Pacers from San Antonio is one of those rare trades that works out for both teams. The Pacers got a fantastic point guard and the Spurs got a lockdown defender and great all around player. People still don't give Hill his props though. George Hill is the point guard of the team that took the Miami Heat to the brink. He plays very efficiently and runs a very dynamic team. He is a top 10 point guard, but is rarely mentioned in conversations about who is best. That may start to change soon.

Shooting Guard
Kawhi Leonard      San Antonio Spurs

Did you see what Leonard did in the NBA Finals? Well, that is what he does for the Spurs every night. He plays unselfish, all out basketball and I love watching it. If it wasn't for Tim Duncan, Leonard would be my favorite basketball player. He does all the little things well and is always there when you need him. Naysayers will point to the missed free throw in Game 6, but those people don't pay attention. Leonard was the best player all series long. One missed free throw doesn't change that. The guy is money. I ask those naysayers who scored in overtime for the Spurs? The answer is Kawhi Leonard. In fact, Leonard was the only Spur to score in overtime of Game 6. He scored all 5 of the Spurs overtime shots. He didn't constantly turn over the ball like Manu, he just missed one shot. Kawhi Leonard may be the face of the franchise in the near future and is becoming a superstar right before our eyes. No wonder Popovich gave up George Hill to draft this guy.

Small Forward
Thaddeus Young    Philadelphia 76ers
If we were doing this list before the Eastern Conference Finals I would have certainly told you that Paul George was the most underrated Small Forward. In fact, I would have told you he was the most underrated player in all of basketball. That series though finally really put George on the map. It was mainly George's fantastic play and the Pacers size that pushed Lebron & Co. to 7 games. George was fantastic in that series as he has been all year, and finally started to be seen by most as the superstar that he is. Because many see him as a superstar now, I could not pick him.
The guy I picked is a guy who is seen by most as a solid player, but not as good as he really is. If I had you guess who the most efficient small forward was other than Lebron, Carmelo, KD, and Paul George, who would you say? If you guessed Thaddeus Young you are correct. If you didn't, which is most of you, you can see why Young is the most underrated small forward in the game today.

Power Forward
Tristan Thompson   Cleveland Cavaliers
Tristan Thompson is one of the best young players in the NBA. He is a big reason that many are predicting the Cavs to go to the playoffs this season. Not only are they predicting that, but many are predicting them to get back Lebron and win it all. Players like Thompson increase that possibility. Thompson scored 12 points a game last year and pulled in 9 boards a game. A very solid player for the Cavs.

Center
Greg Monroe          Detroit Pistons

Greg Monroe was a beast last season, but nobody knows it because he plays for Detroit. However, Monroe is their best player and should really be recognized for what he did. Monroe was 11th in rebounding and averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. The guy averaged a double double. His production was off the charts. Everyone knows he is getting it and he still makes it happen. Monroe was a more efficient player last year than Carlos Boozer and Zach Randolph. Nobody knows what he does though outside of hardcore basketball fans. Well now you know.

-Noland