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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Sunday Debate: Who is the Most Underrated Player in the NBA?

Welcome to the newest FANdemonium Sports segment. It is called Sunday Debates.

Every Sunday, I will think of a hot topic subject in the world of sports. Today’s subject is the most underrated player in the NBA. So, I will show and analyze some of the top candidates and then give you, what I think is, the most underrated player in the NBA.

If you want to view my take on a topic, let me know about it. Email me any suggestions (along with anything else you want) at StLDieHard24@gmail.com. I will make a “Sunday Debates” shortcut on the right side of the page under the “It’s FANdemonium, baby!” section. There you will be able to view all of the Sunday Debates. Let’s get started with the very first Sunday Debate.

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You hear the term ‘underrated’ and ‘overrated’ all the time when talking about sports. Maybe a little too much.

The words are used to describe those that deserve a second look, for good or bad. Being underrated means they have the talent, dedication, and perseverance to be leaders. They know that they are underrated. Fans may know their name, but they aren’t necessarily a household name. Maybe they do not have the big stat on their profile, or they do not belong to a powerhouse, big-market organization.

Here are five of the most overlooked players in the sport, followed by the most underrated player in the NBA:


Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks
I have always had a thing for this guy. To me, he is one of the most complete players in the league… right up there with his colleague Dirk. When you are on a team with that guy, it is very easy to be under-appreciated. I mean, when you think of the Mavericks, you think of Dirk Nowitzki. He is currently in his worst season of his career and he is still averaging 19 points per game! His stats have improved every year of his career so far, and after he gets this injury-plagued season behind him, I would expect him to be back up to 25 and 8 per.

Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
He is probably the most talented player I have to offer on this list. His overall game is right up there with the elite players’. He has a balance of quickness, athleticism, and strength that is almost impossible to guard. It is too bad that he is on such a terrible team. They are rebuilding with him and Augustine, but at the moment they suck. With a good, full supporting cast, he would be regarded as one of the best players in the world. He is currently averaging 17 ppg, 6 rpg, and 3 apg.

Stephen Jackson, Golden State Warriors
His stats are comparable to players who are in the MVP race, but yet some only know him from the melee in Detroit. He won’t go out and drop 30 every night, but he will put in a solid productive game every single night. Now that Baron Davis is gone, he is the main-man in Cali. He is tough, he is agile, and he brings very high shooting percentages. I would say he is the catalyst behind the Warriors’ complete turnaround. He leads Golden State while averaging 21 ppg, 5 rpg, and 7 apg. How many players out there can do that??

Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Great personality, great fun, great player. That is the easiest way to describe this all-star. He is a skilled, versatile, power forward that can pretty much score and rebound at will. He made the All-Star team but had to pimp himself out (hilariously) through a Youtube commercial. Averaging 23 ppg and 10 rpg and doing his best to keep Toronto above sea level, if you will.


Now, the most underrated player in the NBA.

Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
This one is a certified tragedy. The Spaniard has the number one assists-per-turnover ratio, the best free-throw percentage in the league, the forth highest assist per game average, and he didn't get voted into the All-Star game. What the hell, bro? Who knows.
He averages only 34 minutes per outing and since filling in for starting point guard T.J. Ford, has flourished beyond belief. If he played as much as other top-notch PGs do, he would easily have as many assists. He doesn’t even get the credit he deserves from his own team! His game has elevated, his confidence has elevated and he has elevated his team. He is an old-fashioned point guard, a true quarterback and a genuine playmaker averaging 13ppg and 9apg.

Honorable Mentions:
Hedo Turkoglu, David West, Tyson Chandler, and Chris Kaman



There is obviously room for disagreement here with lots of great choices. Who's your choice?




Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com
CollegeSports-Fans.com A10 Correspondent

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