After spotlighting the most overrated players in the league, it’s only fair to flip the script and shine a light on those who don’t get nearly enough credit. The NBA is full of players who consistently outperform expectations, but they always seem to fly under the radar. No doubt, these underrated players are essential to winning basketball.
The 2025-26 season is no different: there are plenty of players whose value goes beyond the box score, and yet they rarely get the recognition they deserve. By breaking it down position by position, we can highlight the five most underrated NBA players per position.
Point Guard
1. Jalen Brunson
2. Tyrese Maxey
3. De'Aaron Fox
4. Cade Cunningham
5. Jose Alvarado
Jalen Brunson has already proven himself as a playoff star, yet he’s still not consistently mentioned among the league’s elite point guards. Overshadowed by flashier names including Kyrie Irving and even Damian Lillard at times, his combination of toughness, shot-making, and leadership has elevated the Knicks back into relevance, and his steady production makes him far more valuable than he’s credited for.
The face of the 76ers right now, Tyrese Maxey’s speed and scoring punch make him the perfect modern guard, but too often his contributions get cast in Joel Embiid’s shadow. He’s quietly become one of the league’s most efficient three-level scorers and has steadily improved as a playmaker, giving Philadelphia a second star without the recognition that usually comes with it.
Even after leading Sacramento’s revival and making a blockbuster move to San Antonio, De'Aaron Fox isn’t always included in conversations about top-tier guards. There aren't many better players in the league who can score and assist the ball as consistently as Fox, yet he rarely receives the same acclaim as peers with similar or even lesser résumés.
Cade Cunningham’s early start to his career has been slowed by injuries and struggles of his team, but his return to the court last season as an All-NBA talent screams franchise cornerstone. Once Detroit finally turns the corner, it’ll be viewed much differently about how great Cade truly is. No doubt, the point guard is one of the 10 best young talents in the world.
Defensive ace Jose Alvarado may not fill up the box score, but his defensive intensity and ability to swing momentum make him invaluable. His relentless pressure on opposing guards changes games in quiet ways, and his energy off the bench is truly infectious. Hopefully, he can make a difference for a playoff team sooner rather than later because he has an "Alex Caruso" type effect on the game.
Shooting Guard
1. Norman Powell
2. Derrick White
3. Josh Hart
4. OG Anunoby
5. Aaron Wiggins
Norman Powell has been one of the most consistent bench scorers in the NBA, regularly putting up efficient 15-20 point nights without much attention. Even when barely missing out on an All-Star selection last season, his impact is rarely highlighted in national conversations. Hopefully, he can get the shine he deserves with the Miami Heat.
Even with an All-Defensive nod and an NBA title to his name, Derrick White still doesn’t get his due for how important he is to Boston’s machine. He guards multiple positions, makes smart decisions offensively, and always seems to step up in big games, embodying the “winning player” label better than most.
Josh Hart’s contributions go well beyond the stat sheet; his rebounding as a guard, hustle plays, and defensive skills are exactly the traits that make the Knicks thrive in the postseason. He’s the ultimate connector who elevates stars around him, but he often gets written off as “just a role player.” According to us, he is way more than that.
OG Anunoby is one of the best wing defenders in the league, capable of guarding anyone from point guards to power forwards, yet his name rarely enters the mainstream spotlight. The Knicks went all-out for the defensive ace last season, and it’s clear he provides much more than the recognition he receives.
Aaron Wiggins is a prime example of a player who does the little things that win games. In Oklahoma City’s deep rotation, his efficiency, smart cutting, and defensive engagement often go unnoticed, but coaches and teammates know his contributions are quietly essential.
Small Forward
1. Jalen Williams
2. Desmond Bane
3. Mikal Bridges
4. Franz Wagner
5. Naji Marshall
Jalen Williams has blossomed into one of the most versatile young wings in the league, yet the focus on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander often overshadows him. Yes, he made an All-Star and All-NBA Team, but he should have received more shouts for Finals MVP. J-Will is that good, and his willingness to take a backseat for the Thunder is a main reason why the team is so good.
Known primarily as a sharpshooter, Desmond Bane’s all-around game is still underappreciated. He’s not just a three-point threat; he can create off the dribble, defend at a high level, and serve as a steadying force. The Orlando Magic were laughed at when they moved four first-rounders for him this offseason, but we think they will sneak up on a lot of teams this season.
Even after proving he can handle an expanded offensive role in Brooklyn before settling as a third option in New York, Mikal Bridges is still pigeonholed as “just a 3-and-D guy.” His durability, two-way impact, and ability to guard the league’s best scorers every night put him in a higher tier than he’s usually placed.
Budding All-Star Franz Wagner has developed into one of the smoothest young scorers in the league, but he doesn’t get the spotlight playing in Orlando alongside another underrated performer, Paolo Banchero. His versatility as a ball handler, defender, and secondary creator makes him central to the Magic’s goals of competing for the title in a wide open Eastern Conference.
Marshall is the definition of a glue guy, a strong defender, an opportunistic scorer, and is willing to take on any role. He’s not flashy, but his toughness and adaptability make him a dream for Jason Kidd and one of the league’s most quietly impactful role players.
Power Forward
1. Paolo Banchero
2. Herbert Jones
3. Santi Aldama
4. Jalen Johnson
5. Jeremy Sochan
Despite winning Rookie of the Year and making an All-Star appearance, Banchero doesn’t always get the same hype as other young stars. There aren't many better players under 25 years old in the world, if any, yet he’s still underrated in league-wide discussions. We will give him the credit he deserves because he could make an All-NBA Team next season.
Herb Jones is one of the best perimeter defenders in basketball, capable of locking down guards and wings alike, but defense-first players rarely get praise. His growing confidence as a shooter only adds to his value, but if he can get his three-point shot to over 36% at least, he could start getting more attention.
Aldama is a stretch big man who has quietly carved out a key role in Memphis. His ability to space the floor, rebound, and provide length defensively makes him a versatile rotation player who rarely gets much shine outside of dedicated Grizzlies fans. Perhaps it's the fact that he moves rather slowly and isn't the most beautiful player to watch?
Jalen Johnson is a future All-Star and has flown under the radar, but his athleticism and playmaking at the forward spot are rare. He’s showing signs of becoming a true two-way difference-maker but the Hawks' average seasons are probably overshadowing what he can do moving forward.
Out of all the Spurs' players other than the obvious stars, Jeremy Sochan's unique skill set, from his defensive versatility to his playmaking instincts, gives San Antonio a Swiss Army knife at forward. He’s still developing offensively, but his all-around impact cannot be denied even if he's a role player.
Center
1. Ivica Zubac
2. Jarrett Allen
3. Isaiah Hartenstein
4. Myles Turner
5. Brook Lopez
Ivica Zubac is one of the league’s steadiest big men, consistently anchoring the paint for the Clippers without fanfare. He rebounds, defends, and finishes around the rim at a high level, but his lack of flash keeps him underrated year after year, even if he had a career season in 2024-25.
Despite being a former All-Star, Jarrett Allen’s rim protection and rebounding are overlooked, probably because he starts alongside one of the most talented players in the league Evan Mobley. His chemistry with the Cavaliers’ guards and his efficiency as a lob threat make him one of the league’s most valuable centers considering how little he has been getting attention.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s impact was on full display for the NBA champions OKC Thunder as his raw size and consistent flip shot ultimately swung games for them. He’s the type of big who elevates his team without needing plays called for him, yet his contributions are often overshadowed by Chet Holmgren.
Myles Turner has been a consistent rim protector and stretch big for years, but his name doesn’t carry the weight it should. The Pacers have been trying to trade him for many seasons, and finally when the player helped them get over the hump by making the Finals, they let him go. Turner is a very good modern big man but he is underrated by most.
We love how former post-player Brook Lopez reinvented his game to become both an elite rim protector and floor-spacer, but he rarely gets the credit as a suffocating shot-blocker. He is so good at protecting the rim that the Clippers couldn't wait to bring him in despite the fact that he's 37 years old.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us onGoogle News. We appreciate your support.