Much like the end of the year All-NBA teams, these three teams are a tribute to the forgotten NBA players of the last two decades.
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel we need a good underdog story. We spend so much time looking at the big NBA stars, but how about those who are often overlooked?
Over the last 20 years, we have seen a number of players put their mark on the game. This post solely serves those over the last 20 years who have not received their due credit.
First-Team All-Underrated (backcourt)
PG: Baron Davis (1999-2012): 16.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 40.9 FG% – Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks
Achievements: Two-time All-Star, One-time All-NBA
An excellent guard out of UCLA, Baron Davis made an impact on every team he played with in his 13-year career. He was an excellent two-way point guard as he was also led the league in steals twice in his career. Because of other point guards like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and eventual successor Chris Paul, Baron Davis was never in that discussion of great guards.
Shooting guard: Joe Johnson (2001-18): 16.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 44.1 FG% – Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets
Achievements: Seven-time All-Star, One-time All-NBA, 2002 All-Rookie
Iso-Joe quietly tormented opposing defenses for 17 years. While he was at his best with the Hawks, Joe Johnson was always a threat going to the basket or just spotting up from deep. He has since proved to be the GOAT of Big3 Basketball but certainly should have deserved more recognition in his NBA glory days.