Every great NBA dynasty has its headliner, the Michael Jordan, the LeBron James, or, most recently, the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but history tends to forget the co-stars who made those stars unstoppable. Some sidekicks, such as Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and even Jaylen Brown, have received their flowers in the form of praise or even individual awards en route to their successes alongside a first option, but others have gone unnoticed.
Even if they never carried the load as the “face of the franchise”, they were simply invaluable for the primary guy to get the team over the line. That is why we are ranking the 10 most underrated co-stars in NBA history. It’s time to set the record straight and give these overlooked legends their rightful place in NBA history.
10. Jalen Williams
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Still early in his career, Jalen Williams is already showing the makings of an all-time great co-star. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into an MVP candidate for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Williams has seamlessly slotted into the role of co-star, and it helped the team win their first championship in 2024-25.
He averaged 21.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 4.8 APG during the postseason in 2024-25, and his ability to space the floor, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions makes him one of the league’s most complete young wings. What makes Williams underrated is how much he simplifies the game for SGA.
Defenses can’t just load up on Shai because Jalen punishes every over-rotation with corner threes, slashing dunks, or smart playmaking reads. He’s essentially the “glue star” of OKC, and keeps elevating the franchise superstar every step of the way.
9. Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson (7) of the Phoenix Suns.
Credit: Fadeaway World
Kevin Johnson is one of the most overlooked point guards of his era, and that’s saying something given how explosive the late ’80s and early ’90s guard scene was. Running with Charles Barkley in Phoenix, KJ was the driving playmaker who made the Suns’ offense one of the most unstoppable in the league.
Across five seasons, he averaged at least 20 points and 9 assists, numbers that would have him in All-NBA conversations, yet his reputation was overshadowed by the louder personality and MVP accolades of Barkley. Naturally, the 6'1" point guard would get overlooked.
What made Johnson so important was his driving ability. His penetration created open looks for Barkley, Dan Majerle, and shooters all over the floor, and his toughness in the playoffs was undeniable, famously dunking over Hakeem Olajuwon at such a miniature stature. The Suns don’t become legitimate Finals contenders without him, but his legacy often gets reduced to “Barkley’s point guard.”
8. Penny Hardaway
Penny Hardaway
Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway (1) of the Orlando Magic.
Credit: Fadeaway World
For a brief window in the ’90s, Penny Hardaway was supposed to be the future of the NBA. Paired with Shaquille O’Neal in Orlando, Penny was the perfect complement: a 6-foot-7 point guard with vision, silky midrange touch, and highlight-worthy moves.
He averaged 20+ points and 7 assists at his peak, making All-NBA First Team twice before injuries derailed his career. There is no doubt that Shaq was the unstoppable force, but Penny was the firestarter whenever he had the ball.
The reason he’s underrated historically is that his prime was short-lived. Casual fans remember the injuries, but not how close Penny and Shaq came to running the East before Michael Jordan returned to reclaim the throne. Without Penny’s playmaking, Shaq’s dominance would have been far easier to contain.
7. Khris Middleton
Dec 25, 2019; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2019; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the face of the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Bucks don’t win the 2021 NBA Championship without Khris Middleton. He’s been the definition of a silent killer, averaging 23.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 5.1 APG in the 2021 postseason and delivering clutch buckets when Giannis was contained.
During that title run, Middleton also had multiple 30-point playoff games, including a 40-point masterpiece in the Finals against Phoenix. Yet, he rarely gets the superstar treatment.
Middleton proved to be the guy who could create his own shot in crunch time, something Giannis sometimes struggled with when the paint was clogged. Because his game lacks flash, Middleton often gets overlooked in superstar conversations, but inside the Bucks’ locker room and among scouts, everyone knows he’s been as essential to Milwaukee’s success as any “second option” in the league.
6. Pau Gasol
Orlando FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Magic won 89-75. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Orlando FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Magic won 89-75. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Pau Gasol in 2008, it completely changed Kobe Bryant’s career. Before Pau, Kobe was putting up inhuman scoring efforts with little playoff success. With Pau, the Lakers reached three straight Finals and won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.
Gasol’s combination of finesse post scoring, rebounding, and passing was the perfect complement to Kobe’s perimeter dominance. Not to mention, the Spaniard's calm demeanor and willingness to be the yin to Kobe's yang made the pairing work phenomenally well.
Gasol doesn’t get nearly enough credit because the spotlight was always on Kobe. But in the 2010 Finals against Boston, Gasol averaged a double-double (18.6 PPG, 11.6 RPG) and outplayed Kevin Garnett in critical moments.
He was one of the smartest big men of his era, capable of anchoring the offense when Kobe was swarmed by double-teams. Without Pau, Kobe’s legacy looks very different, and it’s time his importance as a co-star is recognized for what it was: championship-altering.
5. Chris Bosh
Nov 20, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Nov 20, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Chris Bosh was the third piece of Miami’s Big Three, but that label always diminished what he actually meant. In Toronto, he was a perennial 20-and-10 All-Star, but in Miami, he sacrificed numbers to do the dirty work to buy into Erik Spoelstra’s system.
His clutch corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals is one of the most underrated plays in NBA history, remembered less than Ray Allen’s shot but only possible because of Bosh’s rebound and awareness. But it was Bosh’s defense and versatility were the glue that held Miami’s dynasty together.
He willingly adjusted from being a star scorer to stretch big before that archetype was widely appreciated. While LeBron James and Dwyane Wade drew the headlines, insiders know Miami doesn’t win two titles without Bosh’s ability to defend opposing bigs, hit clutch jumpers, and accept a lesser role without complaint.
4. Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale Unbelievably Played 77 Of 82 Games Despite Having A Fractured Foot In 1987
Kevin McHale (32) of the Boston Celtics.
Credit: Fadeaway World
Larry Bird’s Celtics wouldn’t have been the Celtics without Kevin McHale. Armed with devastating post moves and suffocating defense, McHale was arguably the best low-post scorer of the 1980s.
In 1986, he averaged 21 points and 8 rebounds on 57% shooting as the second option! Bird himself often said McHale was the hardest player to guard in practice, which says everything you need to know about his talent. Despite three championships and seven All-Star appearances, McHale is still undervalued because Bird was such a transcendent player.
But McHale’s ability to dominate in isolation, anchor the defense, and close out games gave Boston the depth and balance that made them a dynasty. No doubt, he’s a classic case of a superstar whose shine was dimmed only because he played next to another all-time great.
3. Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars (4) of the Detroit Pistons.
Isiah Thomas may have been the face of the Bad Boys Pistons, but Joe Dumars was their backbone. A deadly midrange shooter and one of the best perimeter defenders of his generation, Dumars was the steadying presence Detroit leaned on.
He was named Finals MVP in 1989, outshining even Isiah during their first championship run, yet his quiet demeanor often kept him out of the spotlight. Dumars’ defense on players like Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler was legendary.
He didn’t talk trash or seek headlines, but he consistently delivered in the biggest moments. To be frank, Dumars wasn’t just a co-star but the Pistons’ secret weapon, which is why he ranks third on this esteemed list.
2. Klay Thompson
Jan 4, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors shooting the ball.
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Stephen Curry revolutionized modern basketball with this shooting, but the Golden State Warriors don't become a dynasty without Klay Thompson. The “Splash Brothers” were a package deal, and Klay’s gravity as an off-ball shooter and his lockdown defense on opposing guards freed Curry to be his most dangerous self.
Klay’s 37-point quarter and his historic Game 6 performances cement him as one of the greatest clutch shooters of all time, yet his brilliance doesn't always show up in traditional stats. His willingness to guard the opponent’s best perimeter player every night, while still spacing the floor at an elite clip, was the blueprint for Golden State’s success.
Steph is the headline, Draymond Green is the voice, but Klay is the missing piece to a dynasty that has captured four NBA titles. Not to mention, Klay did it with class and style as well.
1. Scottie Pippen
Feb 15, 1996; Auburn Hills MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls forward Scottie Pippen (33) at the freethrow line against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace at Auburn Hills. The Bulls beat the Pistons 112-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Feb 15, 1996; Auburn Hills MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls forward Scottie Pippen (33) at the freethrow line against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace at Auburn Hills. The Bulls beat the Pistons 112-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
No co-star in NBA history was more underrated than Scottie Pippen, and that remains the case until today. Michael Jordan is widely considered the GOAT, but those six Chicago Bulls championships don’t happen without Pippen.
A seven-time All-Star, eight-time All-Defensive First Team selection, and one of the most versatile forwards ever, Pippen was the do-it-all force who handled the toughest defensive assignments while also acting as Chicago’s secondary playmaker and scorer.
What makes Pippen criminally underrated is how much of Jordan’s dominance depended on his presence. He could guard all five positions, initiate the offense, and even lead the Bulls to 55 wins in 1993-94 when Jordan retired.
Yet, he’s often reduced to being “Jordan’s sidekick.” In reality, Pippen was a top-10 player of the ’90s, a two-way machine who helped the GOAT shine, and the ultimate definition of an underrated co-star.
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