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

Vince Carter, Guard/Forward (1999-present)

Teams: Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks 

Career best stat line: 25.2 points, 6 rebounds, 4.8 assists (2006-07) 

Often not included in the same conversation as Kobe, T-Mac, or Wade, as some of the 2000s greatest two guards, in his prime, Carter was much more than just a flashy dunker. Having the ability to combine skill with elite athleticism, Carter highest scoring seasons came in the 2000-01 and 2004-05 seasons where he averaged 27 points a game but still managed to average an elite 3-point percentage, in both seasons, with shooting in the 40s percentile.

As of today, his conditioning and skill are so superb that he’s been able to still play at the age of 42 and still convert on similar dunks he used to do in his Toronto days, every now and then.

Shane Battier, Forward (2002-14)

Teams: Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat 

Career best stat line: 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 37% 3PT (2001-02) 

Towards the end of his career, when Battier decided to ring chase and play for the Miami Heat, the Heat decided to go small during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. Bosh played the five position and Battier started at the four.

At the time, small ball was not as popular as you often see in today’s NBA, so Battier was forced to match up against strong power forwards in the post. Additionally, when Spoelstra chose to play big, Battier was asked to defend some of the opposing team’s best wings as well.