NBA’s Most Underrated Players By Position
SMALL FORWARDS
Apr 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons (25) reacts to making a three-pointer during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
Nicolas Batum– Nicolas Batum might be the most all-around player in the NBA that you don’t hear many rave about. Batum finished top-10 among small forwards in three-pointers, rebounds, assists, and blocks. Batum averaged 13 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Batum is also one of the more versatile players in the league as he can defend most forwards and guards.
Chandler Parsons– Chandler Parsons, like Batum, is extremely versatile and does it all. Parsons averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and four assists per game this season. Parsons is also a lethal three-point shooter as he made 1.8 per game. Being the third option on a strong Houston Rockets team should get you more recognition than Parsons has gotten.
Tobias Harris– Tobias Harris missed the beginning of last season due to injury, but still had a nice season. Harris averaged 14.6 points and seven rebounds. I can bet that Harris will tell you he was disappointed with his past season as many are expecting big things from the 21-year-old forward. Harris has the potential to be an 18 points and eight rebounds per game guy.
Tyreke Evans– Tyreke Evans played point guard and shooting guard last season but spent most of his time at small forward on an injury-plagued New Orleans Pelicans team. Evans, who came off the bench most of the season still managed to average 14.5 points, five assists and 4.7 rebounds. Most people fail to realize that Evans averaged 19.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 22 starts.
Trevor Ariza– Trevor Ariza’s value to the Washington Wizards is immeasurable, as shown in the playoffs. Ariza is not only one of the better defenders in the league, but was one of the better shooters this season. Ariza averaged 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals and shot a career high, 41% from three. In the playoffs Ariza averaged 13.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and shot 45% from three.
Honorable Mention: Khris Middleton