NBA: The 23 most underrated players from the 90s to present day

Sam Cassell, Point Guard (1994-2008)

Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks 

Career best stat line:18.6 points, 9 assists, 47% FG (1999-00) 

Similar to Billups, he was a matchup nightmare for teams since he could post up smaller guards and had the range to keep defenses honest. When driving, on the other hand, he was even more unpredictable because he had the ball handling ability to protect the ball, a mid-range game, and a floater to frustrate shot blockers.

In the 2003-04 season, he made the All-NBA Second Team and was voted into his first all-star game. But to add to his already impressive résumé, he received a championship ring not just in his rookie season, in Houston, but in his last season with the Boston Celtics, as well.

Alonzo Mourning, Forward/Center (1993-2008)

Teams: Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets 

Career best stat line: 23.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.7 blocks (1995-96) 

In 2019, Rudy Gobert is considered one of the best defensive centers and was even Defensive Player of the Year, last season. Mourning, however, was able to do it on both ends. In 1998-99, he averaged 3.9 blocks, 11 rebounds, 20.1 ppg and the following season, in 1999-00, he posted 3.7 blocks and 21.7 ppg. In both of these seasons, he was also able to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Mourning is often recognized as an elite shot blocker similar to Dikembe Mutombo, but a player who is also able to give you 19 to 20 points, on any given night, should be mentioned among the NBA’s greatest centers more often.