NBA’s Most Underrated Players By Position
POWER FORWARDS
Apr 14, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) dunks against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies won 97-91. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Thaddeus Young– Thaddeus Young has been a small forward for most of his seven year career, but this season he played the power forward spot. Young averaged 17.9 points, six rebounds, and finished third in the league in steals as he averaged 2.1 per game. Young can be a consistent 16-18 points, 6-7 rebounds per game guy with versatility for the next few years, and he is only 25 years old.
Markieff Morris– Markieff Morris’ value was immeasurable to the Phoenix Suns, who didn’t make the playoffs because of a tie-breaker belonging to the Dallas Mavericks. When Eric Bledsoe was injured and Gerald Green replaced him in the lineup, Morris became the Suns sixth man. Morris averaged 13.8 points and six rebounds per game. Morris was also a valuable piece on defense as he guarded both forward spots for most of the year.
Kenneth Faried– What Kenneth Faried lacks in size he makes up for with athleticism and effort. The 6-foot-8 power forward averaged 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds in only 27 minutes per game. Faried also makes plays on defense as he averaged nearly a steal and a block per game. After the all-star break, Faried averaged 18.8 points and 10.1 rebounds in 31 games.
Terrence Jones– In his second season, Terrence Jones took a major leap in his game. Jones averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Jones also finished 10th in the NBA in field goal percentage as he shot 54%. Jones has the ability to guard either forward spot and most importantly spaces the floor better than the average power forward for Dwight Howard.
Jordan Hill– On a per minute basis, Jordan Hill was as good as most power forwards. Hill averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in only 20.8 minutes per game. In 32 games as a starter Hill averaged 13 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Hill has the potential to be a double-double guy if given big minutes.
Honorable Mention: Jared Sullinger