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

Top 15 Point Guards in the NBA Today

During the Boston-Cleveland game the other night, the announcers debated on the top 5 point guards in the league today. It is a great subject to discuss, no doubt. There are SO many guys worthy of this list. In fact, when taking notes for this list I wrote down the guys that I thought could be in the top 10. Before I knew it… well… I had written 22 names. I would do a top 25 list, but you know I love hearing everybody whine that their PG isn’t on the list or aren’t quite as high as they like. I am sure I will hear it from you guys, especially on numbers 1-2. Let’s do work.


1. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
Nope, not CP3. He is the Utah Jazz. He is what brought them back. Utah is known for their one-guards. John Stockton is one of the best points to ever convert an assist but I assure you, Williams will reach his fame. Deron is one of my favorite players today – behind Shaq. You cannot go wrong with picking Paul or Williams at this spot, but I am a firm believer that DW is just as good as Chris Paul is.
2009 Stats: 19 PPG, 11 APG, 40 wins

2. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
At the young age of 23, Paul is just one year younger than my #1 on this list. He led the USA team to the gold medal in Beijing. Just like Boozer is to Williams, Tyson Chandler and Paul have a very close relationship that has led to tons of hookups between the two. Chris Paul is having an amazing year this year, but I just think Williams is the better all-around player.
2009 Stats: 21 PPG, 11 APG, 39 wins

3. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets
Where would Dallas be if they still had this kid? Instead they traded this kid for a different, aging, and soon-to-be washed up Kidd. I will tell you where they’d be. The Finals. Whoever made that trade needs to be killed if you ask me. Too harsh? Well, Harris is on his way to establishing a high-powered offense in NEW JERSEY. Yi Jianlian, Brook Lopez, Carter, and Devin have created such a strong bond, the Nets actually have something to look forward to. He is only getting better.
2009 Stats: 22 PPG, 7 APG, 27 wins

4. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
Rondo is an amazing young talent and has improved every season he was in the NBA. The Celtics have almost turned into a big 4 because of him. Boston would be good without Rondo, but they are great because of this guy. He is leading the Celts in assists, he hustles for every rebound, and if he can’t get it he just goes up and steals the ball. He is a Jason Kidd type of guy. He may never be the player who drops 30+ every game, but he is and will be the player that turns in a 15 point, 10 assist, and 10 rebound game.
2009 Stats: 12 PPG, 9 APG, 49 wins

5. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Is this guy underrated or what? He has been brilliant this season and is the reason why the Spurs are still contending with that aging lineup. If you look at his stats, top to bottom, they look almost identical to Harris’. He has flirted with some minor injuries so far this year, but has still been able to lead his team to a #2 seed in the West so far. They have a huge game against Phoenix tonight where Shaq and Parker’s buddy Tim Duncan will square off.

6. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
Current hurt, but you cannot argue that he is a top 10 PG in this league.

7. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
Mr. Triple-Double is unfortunately on the decline, but still worthy of a 7 spot.

8. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
In front of his home-town crowd in Denver, Billups is trying to get them Nuggets into the postseason.

9. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
This guy is always going to be rising up this list until he reaches Paul and Williams. Really impressed me so far.

10. Baron Davis, Los Angeles Clippers
A new team, a new city, a new offense... He is contributing but do you expect them to actually win?

11. Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
I would love to put this guy higher on this list, but who do I move down?? He is the main reason why this year’s Cavs team is the best in the LeBron era.

12. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
He is playing even better than his breakout year last season, and it is evident that he worked on shooting in the offseason.

13. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
This guy is on my fantasy team and I LOVE him. He is just solid. Westbrook, Durant, and Green will make OK City something one day… soon.

14. Mike Bibby, Atlanta Hawks
Another guy, like Nash and Kidd, on the decline. He is no longer in the shooting role. He is the one who distributes to ball to Johnson, Horford, etc.

15. Andre Miller, Philadelphia 76ers
He is yet another young gun PG that is rising up this list very quickly. Iggy, Dalembert, and he are what seems to be a bright spot in the city of brotherly love.


Chris Paul, Mo Williams, Chauncey Billups, and Andre Miller fans… please don’t hate me.

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Justin Hulsey

StLDieHard24@gmail.com

FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com

Budding Stars Who Will Soon Cash In

With the NBA's age limit forcing most elite prospects to spend at least one year in school, the NCAA is rapidly becoming a freshman-dominated league. Who is this year's Kevin Durant or Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley? Well, maybe there aren't any players as dominant as those freaks, but here are three freshmen from the 2008-2009 class who are making a push for the top spot among their peers.

1. Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma
Warren is full of confidence and backs it up with his athleticism. He is averaging 15.1 ppg while shooting 38 percent from deep. Warren stepped up big in the Sooner's two games without Blake Griffin has had continued his high level of play even with the big man's return. His 6-4 frame makes him a huge PG in comparison to the rest of one-guards in the league. He is no doubt a legimate contender for Freshman of the Year and one player to look out for in the NCAA Tournament.

Off Season Forecast: Top 10 Pick (Indiana Pacers?)

2. Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
The Deamon Deacons are a freshman heavy team but no player stands out more than Al-Farouq Aminu. With his blend of pure athleticism and intangibles, Aminu is a star in the making. If he can improve his 3-point shooting, he will be impossible to guard. Aminu runs the floor and rebounds very well. He is almost averaging a double with 12.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg, while helping lead Wake to a possible Tournament berth.

Off Season Forecast: Top 7 Pick (Toronto Raptors?)

3. Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis
Evans is an all-around basketball player as evidenced by his season averages (16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.1 spg). He has fill in nicely at the point guard position for coach John Callipari and is on the verge of leading the Tigers to yet another #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. He is another big PG, and is even taller than Warren. Evans is my pick for Freshman of the Year.

Off Season Forecast: Top 15 Pick (Philadelphia 76ers?)

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I think we can all agree that these three players are some of the best that the college game has to offer... and will all soon be cashing in.

Cory Guinn

cryguinn@yahoo.com

FANdemoniumsports.blogspot.com