Top 5 most Underrated Players in the NBA (No order)

1.  Omer Asik




Spending his first few years as Joakim Noah's backup on some dangerous Chicago Bulls teams, Omer Asik has picked up his effort in his 1st year starting for the Houston Rockets.  The "Turkish Hammer"  whose averaging a double-double at 10.2 ppg  and 11.2 boards per contest, and is known for being a tough low post defender has been a bright spot for a Houston team whose young nucleus will be a problem out West for years to come.

2.  J.J. Redick

Known as the one trick 3 point specialist that everybody loved to hate at Duke, J.J. Redick has expanded his game and been a steady role player for the Orlando Magic since he entered the L.  With more load to carry with the departure of D12 to Los Angeles, Redick has not only been a problem scoring the ball (15.0 ppg)  but has been an excellent passer averaging just under 5 assist per game this season.  All around he's played soild basketball and when you have a guy whose changed his moniker from a 3 point specialist to an All-around basketball player while continuing to shoot 45% FG%, and 40% 3p% you've definitely got quite a ballplayer.  

3.  Lance Stephenson 

Born Ready is enjoying his best season as a Pro and seems to finally be getting it.  The 6'5 Cony Island native whose name has been prominent in basketball since his days starring for Brooklyn's Lincoln High school seems to be finally grasping his potential.  Although his stats may seem modest at 7.8 ppg and a little under 4 boards and 3 dimes, Lance has made a huge impact for a Pacers team that has been generally good since Danny Granger's Knee injury.  With Stevenson in the starting lineup the Pacers have been a better team averaging an increase in offensive rating, defensive rating and overall team net rating. His multi-faceted game has allowed him to create for himself and others and the emergence of Paul George has been keyed by Stevenson's willingness to drive and kick.  Stevenson uses his bullish frame and bevy of moves to create and if he continues to play smart efficient basketball, there's a lot of expectations that the young 2 guard could live up to including living up to the best player on the Pacers billing that none other than Larry Bird dubbed him his Rookie year.  Not too bad of a cosign.

4. Thaddeus Young

Although not, a flashy player Thaddeus Young has been  quite a steady player since he entered the league in '07.  The 6'8 swingman from Georgia Tech has been nothing more than an asset for a young 76ers Franchise that is Andrew Bynum away from making a playoff run.  Young has been enjoying his best year as a pro averaging 15.0 ppg 7.3 rbg 1.6 steals and a block, while shooting shooting 52% from the field.  He may not get the notoriety  but don't sleep on Young who could be the spark plug to a 1st round playoff upset for the 76ers this season.

5.  Nicholas Batum



The ultra athletic French swingman has continued to live up to the first round billing he earned in '08. Batum has enjoyed a season in which his statistics have gone up across the board averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assist and steals at 16.4ppg , 6.1rpg, 4.9apg and 1.4 spg respectively.  He also earned his second career triple-double three nights ago in a one-point win over the Clippers with a 21 point, 12 dimes and 10 board outburst.  With Nicholas Batum's do-it-all production watch Portland become a force in the West for years to come with the emergence of Rookie Damien Lillard and All-star Power Forward Lamarcus Aldridge running along side of  him.

Honorable Mention:

Chandler Parsons 
Jarrett Jack 
Greivas Vasquez
Jose Calderon