Unsung Heroes: 3 Top Underrated Players in NBA History
Explore the overlooked greatness of Rod Strickland, Horace Grant, and Sidney Moncrief in NBA history.
Of NBA stars, there exist players who are overshadowed. We shine a light on the Top 3 Underrated Players in NBA History, whose excellence on the court has been pivotal to their teams' successes.
1. Rod Strickland
Rod Strickland's career, spanning from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, was a masterclass in playmaking and scoring. Despite av eraging 13.2 points and 7.3 assists over his career, Strickland's name seldom comes up in discussions of the greatest point guards. He never made an All-Star team. Strickland's underappreciation could be attributed to the era he played in, overshadowed by point guard contemporaries like John Stockton and Gary Payton.
2. Horace Grant
A four-time champion, Horace Grant was reliable and efficient. Playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on three Chicago Bulls championship teams, Grant was often the third cog in a well-oiled machine, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. Averaging 11.2 points and 8.1 rebounds over his career, his defensive prowess and rebounding ability were critical, yet it's Jordan and Pippen who are most remembered from those legendary squads.
3. Sidney Moncrief
Sidney Moncrief's excellence in the 1980s for the Milwaukee Bucks is a case study. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Moncrief's offensive output (15.6 points per game) combined with his defensive tenacity made him a unique guard of his time. Despite his accolades, including five All-Star appearances, Moncrief is rarely mentioned, likely because his prime was during an era dominated by larger-than-life figures like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
