Most overrated/underrated NBA Players

[Buckley]

Overrated I would have to say Steve Francis. His point production has dropped, FT% dropped, and assists have dropped too. His assist-to-turnover ratio is an abysmal 1.68 to 1. Also it is getting clear that Dwight Howard, instead of of Francis is the centerpiece of this team.

Underrated I would have to say David West. He has gone from a minor role on the bench to maybe the 2nd most important player on this team (to rookie Chris Paul). 16.8 ppg and 7.8 rpg are career highs, and he is also shooting 82.4% from the foul line (up from 68% this year). Definitely a candidate for Most Improved Player and with Chris Paul they could make the Hornets a good team over the next few years.

[John WB]

No one really talks about Francis anymore, so I really wouldn't consider him over-rated.

[BIG GREEN]

How many times has this thread been done?

[Matt]

Steve Francis has improved though. @ the 2 he doesn't the ball as much anymore.

Underrated:

Chris Bosh- dude is a monster, top 5 PF in the game.
Chris Paul- This kid will be an absolute superstar. Doesn't seem to have that "me first" mentality of previous quality rookie PG's like Davis or Francis. Already a Top 10 PG the way he runs the show.


Overrated:

Z Ilgauskas- jump shooter, solid rebounder....nothing else
Earl Boykins- scores a lot, but Nuggets offense goes to shit when he's on court
Dirk Nowitzki- his offense is insane but when that's not going he's a liability (playoffs)

[Laxation]

people only like boykins because he is so dam short

[axare]

Darko is Underrated...Francis is overrated...Pavel is Underrated...Shaq is not as good as he used to be

[Laxation]

darko is shit
underrated my ass, hes overrated because people think he is going somewhere in detroit.
the only thing he does well is block, and if you watch him play, his blocks come from his shit defence in the first place.

[cklitsie]

Pavel is Underrated...

How the heck would you know? Has he even played more than 1 minute in the NBA?

Tim Duncan is overrated, he's messing it up this year. In comparison to his previous years of course. He's not even clearly the best player on his team anymore, well maybe he is but not by far as it used to be.

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

Tim Duncan is overrated, he's messing it up this year. In comparison to his previous years of course. He's not even clearly the best player on his team anymore, well maybe he is but not by far as it used to be.

Facts:

1. Heis playing every game this season with excruciating foot pains

2. he averages 20-11

3. His team are top of the west and second in the NBA.

4. He has won 3 NBA titles in the past 7 years

5. The consensus is that Tony Parker would be nowhere near as good if the big man was not getting all the attention. I can verify that by watching TP stinking it up at the Eurobasket in a French team that had Freddy Weis as their starting center.



Result: HE'S OVERRATED?!?!?!?!?!?

[j.23]

Tim Duncan is overrated, he's messing it up this year. In comparison to his previous years of course. He's not even clearly the best player on his team anymore, well maybe he is but not by far as it used to be.

[Indy]

Stupid comment Ceekay.

Overrated:

Shaq- He's not as good as he was, but he's still spoken about as the most dominant player in the game. He'll never be a 20-10 guy again, not by a long shot, and this isn't even a biased comment when I say he is not the best O'Neal in the Eastern Conference.

Manu Ginobili- Manu is a 15/4 type player, and that's all. If you bring up the two names Manu and Stephen Jackson, most people would say that Manu is by far a better player, and I wouldn't disagree that Manu is better, but his numbers are worse in points, the same in rebounds, and his field goal percentage is only about 4-5 percent better.

Baron Davis- I like B-Diddy, but the season he is having is overrated. He has a terrible shot selection, and he's only scoring 17 points a game. 17 points per game on over 16 shots per game is not good. He's terrible from the charity stripe at 65 percent, he's horrible from beyond the arc, barely even shooting 30 percent, and his field goal percentage is a horrid 37 percent.

Underrated:

Stephen Jackson- See Manu Ginobili comparison. The guy really is a stud in many ways. He is a winner, for one, and what people don't realize is that he can be a very viable second option. His defense is highly underrated, all you need to do is watch him to recognize that. (VanK) And, when he catches fire, he can really catch fire (See yesterdays blowout of the Kings in which he made 5 threes in the 3rd quarter, and made 4 threes in a row in 4 straight trips up the court.)

Earl Watson- His numbers aren't earth shattering at 8/3, but he definitley can make an impact on the game. He is a great point guard defender and really excells guarding guys like Allen Iverson, he's quick, and is good at beating the player to the spot.

Trenton Hassell- Trenton is an excellent defender, one of the best wing defenders in the NBA, but he is also a pretty capable scorer. His problem is that he doesn't take enough shots, and doesn't have the confidence to step in to the role of third scorer for Minny. He takes barely 7 shots a game, and if he stepped up his intensity on the offensive end and got to the line more, I think he could score 10-13 ppg.

[J@3]

I hate the Tim Duncan fan club rolling into town. I also believe after previous instances that Dweaver should be banned from commenting on anything related to the NBA. Tell me all about the "excruciating" foot pain Dweaver, are you his doctor?

[Jackal]

Yao Ming is over-rated. Well, maybe not entirely over rated, I just hear too much about how he's going to tear it up. Do it already.

Psh Jae, you know Dweaver's reponse.

" Smooth. "

[cklitsie]

Oh well, you might say it was a dumb comment then but it's still my opinion and I won't change it.

And DWeaver, you might want to re-read your post because none of your 5 arguments prove me wrong. Of course, 'overrated' is a big word but for me, TD has nothing but sucked so far this season.

1. Many more players play/have played through injuries (Iverson?)
2. He has averaged way better before, he's in his prime now so he's supposed to go up rather than down.
3. So Sean Marks is MVP material too? His team is atop the West and second in the standings as well.
4.

In comparison to his previous years of course.

5. Let's ignore the tiny difference between Weis and Duncan for now; a skilled big man is supposed to draw defenders closer to the basket and open up space on the outside. I've heard Tony Parker leads the league in FGs in the paint. Hmm..

So judging from your reactions (no not yours DWeaver) TD isn't overrated, but he has definately been dissapointing and underachieving this year. There's no point denying that.

Another thing (I don't mind if you guys are going to say "stupid post" again):
Wade and Lebron are overrated highlight-wise. Every day they get (the top) 3 spots in the Daily Top 10, by doing the same dunks they always do.

[Matt]

I agree with CK, Duncan is just not playing the way he has previously, injury or not. Parker really has been the teams leader out there, scoring easy bucket after easy basket.

his Plantar Fascitis musn't be to "excruciating" if he isn't going to sit out any games.

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

I hate the Tim Duncan fan club rolling into town. I also believe after previous instances that Dweaver should be banned from commenting on anything related to the NBA. Tell me all about the "excruciating" foot pain Dweaver, are you his doctor?

I can see why you might say that about TD, since he is neither Australian nor plays for the Lakers... To each his own, that is what they say, no? After all, objectivity always prevails, son.

I understand why you may be confused , but no, I am a Ph. D, not an M.D. But then again, neither is Pops:

On Tim Duncan's lingering foot injury:

"He's had plantar fasciitis the whole season from the beginning. He's been playing in pain and doing a pretty good job of it. He won't let me take him out of the lineup. The only thing that's go to cure him is rest, but that's not going to happen. So he's playing with the pain and back-to-backs are tough for him. He's basically gutting it out really well. Its not like if he continues to play its going to get worse, because that would have already happened. It just isn't getting better. And when he gets a couple of days off it feels better, and then it (the pain) will come back. Everybody has that, everybody has bumps and bruises. The biggest concern is that against Detroit I'd want to see physicality, aggressiveness, purpose, and win or lose I'll come away from it feeling great at this point in the year."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=A ... &type=lgns

Now, on to the stuff that might actually matter.

1. Many more players play/have played through injuries (Iverson?)

... and have nothing in terms of silverware to show for it...

2. He has averaged way better before, he's in his prime now so he's supposed to go up rather than down.

... what if he doesn't need to score more for his team to win? Or, better, yet, what if he doesn't give a rat's ass about stats? Now there's soem food for your brown matter.

3. So Sean Marks is MVP material too? His team is atop the West and second in the standings as well.

I'm guessing that was the proverbial comedic relief...

4.

In comparison to his previous years of course.

Of Course.

5. Let's ignore the tiny difference between Weis and Duncan for now; a skilled big man is supposed to draw defenders closer to the basket and open up space on the outside. I've heard Tony Parker leads the league in FGs in the paint. Hmm..

I've heard rumors flying around that the truly skilled big man can be dangerous from 15 feet and draw his man away from patrolling the paint, thus making it easier for perimeter players to drive unhindered... Hmmm indeed....

So judging from your reactions (no not yours DWeaver) TD isn't overrated, but he has definately been dissapointing and underachieving this year. There's no point denying that.

You know what, you're right. There absolutely NO POINT in denying that. After all, Timmy is still going to reach the finals, with a sore foot, a total disregard for stats and a whole barrage of basketball ignoramuses who'd rather cheer for a human spring like Haroild Miner rather than watch a humble guy actually do what he is paid by the million to do: Score, rebound, block, open lanes, WIN! Now if only could make those free throws...


That's it... wait... something's wrong... I'm forgetting something...

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...oh yeah...

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smooth

[maes]

Overrated is hard to say, depends on expectations i guess.

Underrated:
Brad Miller
The list of top efficiency players is generally your list of superstars. KG, LBJ, Brand, Dirk, AI, Duncan, etc.. until you get to #22: Brad Miller. His 21.38 is pretty close to Kidd (21.84), McGrady (21.96) and Yao Ming (21.23), but he's never mentioned with these guys. And his 5.5 assists per game would be PG worthy.

Shane Battier
Accurate as hell, .511 FG% .431 3P%. Strong on-man defender and help defender, with 1.06 spg and 1.32 bpg. Does his share on the boards, pulls 5 rpg. All this and for less salary than Brian Cardinal, he gets just under $5 million this year.

Gerald Wallace
His NBA.com bio says it all:
Ranks #10 in the NBA in Field-Goal Percentage(0.525)
Ranks #3 in the NBA in Steals Per Game(2.12)
Ranks #13 in the NBA in Blocks Per Game(2.0)
Ranks #11 in the NBA in Steals(53.0)
Ranks #18 in the NBA in Blocks(50.0)
Ranks #5 in the NBA in Steals Per Turnover(1.26)
Ranks #2 in the NBA in Steals Per 48 Minutes(3.02)
Ranks #15 in the NBA in Blocks Per 48 Minutes(2.85)

He also grabs 6.2 rpg, including 2.4 offensive, which is right up there with guys like Jermaine O' Neal (2.4), Odom (2.5), and Gasol (2.6) and Webber (2.6).

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

Underrated:
Brad Miller
The list of top efficiency players is generally your list of superstars. KG, LBJ, Brand, Dirk, AI, Duncan, etc.. until you get to #22: Brad Miller. His 21.38 is pretty close to Kidd (21.84), McGrady (21.96) and Yao Ming (21.23), but he's never mentioned with these guys. And his 5.5 assists per game would be PG worthy.

If you take his chronic injury concerns into account, than he is not underrated. If you only regard basketball skills, than I definitely agree with you.

Shane Battier
Accurate as hell, .511 FG% .431 3P%. Strong on-man defender and help defender, with 1.06 spg and 1.32 bpg. Does his share on the boards, pulls 5 rpg. All this and for less salary than Brian Cardinal, he gets just under $5 million this year.

perfect choice. The consummate team player and winner. jack of all trades, master of none, but every coach would love to have him.

[air gordon]

Stupid comment Ceekay.

Overrated:

Manu Ginobili- Manu is a 15/4 type player, and that's all. If you bring up the two names Manu and Stephen Jackson, most people would say that Manu is by far a better player, and I wouldn't disagree that Manu is better, but his numbers are worse in points, the same in rebounds, and his field goal percentage is only about 4-5 percent better.

Underrated:

Stephen Jackson- See Manu Ginobili comparison. The guy really is a stud in many ways. He is a winner, for one, and what people don't realize is that he can be a very viable second option. His defense is highly underrated, all you need to do is watch him to recognize that. (VanK) And, when he catches fire, he can really catch fire (See yesterdays blowout of the Kings in which he made 5 threes in the 3rd quarter, and made 4 threes in a row in 4 straight trips up the court.)
3 ppg.

i agree with the rest of your post. not about these 2 points.

I don't think you can consider Manu only 14-5 "type" player. You left out that he's a better playmaker, better defender, gets to the ft line more, less streaky shoooter, then Jackson.

Ginobili isn't the best out there but I think there's a bigger gap in "betterness" (;)) between him and Jackson then you're letting on

[Jona]

Now there's soem food for your brown matter.

What in heaven's name is BROWN matter? Never heard of it.

[Laxation]

Underrated:
Brad Miller
The list of top efficiency players is generally your list of superstars. KG, LBJ, Brand, Dirk, AI, Duncan, etc.. until you get to #22: Brad Miller. His 21.38 is pretty close to Kidd (21.84), McGrady (21.96) and Yao Ming (21.23), but he's never mentioned with these guys. And his 5.5 assists per game would be PG worthy.

it could just be me, but i always rated miller highly, as a good center who could pass.

Yao Ming is over-rated. Well, maybe not entirely over rated, I just hear too much about how he's going to tear it up. Do it already.

he still does 20-10, which is pretty dam good. people just expect so much more because he is taller than everyone else.

Shaq- He's not as good as he was, but he's still spoken about as the most dominant player in the game. He'll never be a 20-10 guy again, not by a long shot, and this isn't even a biased comment when I say he is not the best O'Neal in the Eastern Conference.

may not be dominant stats-wise, but when he is on the court the game is played alot differently
and what center would you say is more dominant?

[kevC]

Overrated is hard to say, depends on expectations i guess.

Underrated:
Brad Miller
The list of top efficiency players is generally your list of superstars. KG, LBJ, Brand, Dirk, AI, Duncan, etc.. until you get to #22: Brad Miller. His 21.38 is pretty close to Kidd (21.84), McGrady (21.96) and Yao Ming (21.23), but he's never mentioned with these guys. And his 5.5 assists per game would be PG worthy.

NBA.com efficiency system is absolute crap. It doesn't consider the pace the teams play and for rebounds, it only considers the actual rebounds grabbed instead of percentage of the actual rebounds available that he grabbed. A PER is a much accurate system of efficiency scoring because it's based on a per minute efficiency and it considers all those factors I've mentioned (It's puts everything on rates so all teams have the same standard). Here's how you calculate PER. Much complex from NBA.com's much elementary, flawed method, eh?

PER-wise Miller has a very respectable 18.5 this season. (League average is around 16).
Here's the PER of the players you mentioned:
KG(27.7), LBJ(29.3), Brand(27.6), Dirk(27.7), AI(26.9), Duncan(26.1), Kidd(20.4), McGrady(24.1), and Yao Ming(22.3)

So yes, he's a good player, high above average, but no where near all these super stars.

[Matthew]

PER is not the be all and end all when comparing players.

[kevC]

PER is not the be all and end all when comparing players.

It's sure as hell better than NBA.com's efficiency rating .

[Matthew]

I never said it wasnt, so why roll your eyes?

Here's the problem I have with it:

A PER is a much accurate system of efficiency scoring because it's based on a per minute efficiency

A per minute system? A NBA game is 48 minutes, and the more valueable a player the more minutes he plays. Think of all the great players, magic, bird, Jordan, shaq.. they all logged rather significant minutes becuase they were instrumental in their teams sucess. If you go by production by minutes, you might be fooled that bobby jackson was the best player in the nba in 2002 becuase of his great bench play.