Basketball fans tend to celebrate the biggest names—the MVPs, Finals heroes, and statistical leaders—but there are countless players who made massive contributions without receiving the recognition they truly deserved. These athletes were essential to their teams, consistently performed at a high level, and influenced the game in ways that went unnoticed.
Here are the most underrated NBA players of the 21st century, plus some honorable mentions that deserve their flowers, too.
6. Jamal Crawford
- Career Stats: 14.6 PPG | 3.4 APG | 1.0 SPG
- Teams: Bulls, Knicks, Warriors, Hawks, Clippers, Timberwolves, Suns
When it comes to offensive firepower off the bench, few can rival Jamal Crawford. Known for his killer crossovers and ability to get buckets in bunches, Crawford carved out a niche as one of the most reliable sixth men in NBA history. Winning three Sixth Man of the Year Awards (2010, 2014, 2016), he mastered the art of instant offense, often saving games for his teams with timely scoring.
Despite his flashy style and clutch performances, Crawford was often left out of conversations about elite guards, likely because he played for multiple teams and never won a championship. However, his 51-point performance at 39 years old with Phoenix in 2019 (making him the oldest player to score 50+ points) remains legendary. He defined what it meant to be an unappreciated yet irreplaceable player.
5. Mike Conley
- Career Stats: 14.6 PPG | 5.7 APG | 1.4 SPG
- Teams: Grizzlies, Jazz, Timberwolves
Mike Conley was the quiet leader of the “Grit and Grind” Memphis Grizzlies, a team that embodied toughness, defense, and unselfish basketball. Despite being the steady hand behind multiple playoff runs, Conley didn’t earn an All-Star nod until 2021—14 years into his career.
Known for his elite basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and clutch performances, Conley’s contributions often went unnoticed because he never put up flashy stats. Instead, he did everything his team needed: run the offense, lock down opposing guards, and make winning plays. His unassuming nature and Memphis’ small-market status kept him underrated, but real fans know how critical Conley has been to every team he’s led.
4. Andre Iguodala
- Career Stats: 11.3 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 4.2 APG | 1.4 SPG
- Teams: 76ers, Nuggets, Warriors, Heat
Though widely appreciated for his defense, Andre Iguodala rarely got enough credit for the full scope of his game. Early in his career, he was a do-it-all wing for the Philadelphia 76ers, often leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals. Later, Iguodala became the ultimate glue guy, thriving in his role with the Golden State Warriors, where he was a defensive anchor and secondary playmaker.
His impact was most evident in the 2015 NBA Finals, where he earned Finals MVP honors for his incredible defense on LeBron James and timely scoring. Iguodala’s willingness to embrace a reduced role and focus on winning made him invaluable, even if his stats didn’t jump off the page. Few players in NBA history have combined selflessness, versatility, and championship-level contributions as effectively as Iggy.
3. Shawn Marion
- Career Stats: 15.2 PPG | 8.7 RPG | 1.5 SPG | 1.1 BPG
- Teams: Suns, Heat, Raptors, Mavericks, Cavaliers
Nicknamed “The Matrix” for his athleticism and unorthodox shooting form, Shawn Marion was one of the most versatile forwards of his generation. A defensive dynamo who could guard all five positions, Marion was the ultimate Swiss Army knife, capable of scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots with equal efficiency.
His best years came with the Phoenix Suns alongside Steve Nash, where he was a crucial part of the “Seven Seconds or Less” offense. Despite averaging 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in multiple seasons, Marion was often overshadowed by flashier teammates and never truly got the credit he deserved. He later won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, where his defense against LeBron James was critical to their title run.
2. Lamar Odom
- Career Stats: 13.3 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 3.7 APG
- Teams: Clippers, Heat, Lakers, Mavericks
Lamar Odom was the prototype for the modern NBA forward: a tall, skilled player who could handle the ball, shoot, and defend multiple positions. At 6’10”, Odom had the skill set of a guard, often initiating the offense while also serving as a reliable rebounder and defender.
His peak came with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Odom thrived as a sixth man, earning the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2011. Despite his contributions to team success and his unmatched versatility, Odom rarely got the same respect as his All-Star peers.
1. Chauncey Billups
- Career Stats: 15.2 PPG | 5.4 APG | 1.0 SPG
- Teams: Celtics, Raptors, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Pistons, Knicks, Clippers
Topping the list is Chauncey Billups, the ultimate floor general and a model of consistency. After bouncing around the league early in his career, Billups found his stride with the Detroit Pistons, where he led the team to an NBA title in 2004 and earned Finals MVP honors. Nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot” for his clutch shooting, Billups was the leader of a Pistons team that made six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
While he was a five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, Billups was never fully appreciated as one of the game’s elite point guards. His ability to control the pace, make smart decisions, and hit big shots in key moments made him a winner wherever he played.
Honorable Mentions
1. Joe Johnson
- Career Stats: 16.0 PPG | 4.0 RPG | 3.9 APG
- A seven-time All-Star, Johnson was one of the best isolation scorers of his era. Known as “Iso Joe”, he was the go-to guy for the Atlanta Hawks and consistently delivered clutch shots throughout his career.
2. Al Horford
- Career Stats: 13.6 PPG | 8.1 RPG | 3.3 APG
- A defensive anchor and elite big man, Horford has been one of the most reliable players in the league for nearly two decades. His versatility on both ends of the floor has made him a key contributor for every team he’s played on.
3. Kevin Martin
- Career Stats: 17.4 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 1.9 APG
- A lethal scorer with an unorthodox shooting form, Martin quietly averaged 20+ points multiple times during his career. Despite his efficiency, he rarely got recognition on the national stage.
4. Tyson Chandler
- Career Stats: 8.2 PPG | 9.0 RPG | 1.2 BPG
- A defensive stalwart and rebound machine, Chandler was critical to the Mavericks’ 2011 championship. His impact on defense often went far beyond the stat sheet.
5. Zach Randolph
- Career Stats: 16.6 PPG | 9.1 RPG
- Known as “Z-Bo,” Randolph was a double-double machine and a cornerstone of the Grit and Grind Grizzlies. His toughness and consistency defined his underrated career.
These players might not always appear in highlight reels or MVP discussions, but their impact on the game cannot be overstated. True basketball fans know these names—and their legacies—deserve far more respect.
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