Who are the five most overlooked players in the NBA over the past five years?

In the star-driven world of the NBA, it’s easy to overlook the contributions of players who may not show up in the stat sheet but are essential to their team’s success. These players excel at defense, passing and the little things that add up to victories.

Over the past five years, several players have consistently flown under the radar despite their significant impact. Here’s a look at five of the most underrated players in the NBA during this time period.

5. Royce O’Neale, Phoenix Suns

Royce O’Neale may not be a household name, but his reliability and consistency have made him one of the most underrated players in the league. Over the past five years, O’Neale has been a model of durability, with 374 games played in a career that has seen him trail only Buddy Hield and Mikal Bridges.

O’Neale’s ability to guard the opposing team’s best player and shoot three-pointers at a 38.2 percent clip has made him a valuable asset. His contributions were vital during his time with the Utah Jazz, where he was a full-time starter on teams that consistently ranked among the top in point differential. Today, O’Neale continues to provide value as a versatile three-and-D wing for the Phoenix Suns, who signed him to a four-year, $42 million contract.

4. Mike Conley, Minnesota Timberwolves

Mike Conley has long been recognized as one of the league’s most underrated players, and despite finally earning an All-Star nomination in 2021, he still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Conley’s contributions go beyond traditional stats; his leadership, professionalism, and ability to orchestrate an offense have made him a cornerstone of every team he’s been a part of.

Over the past five years, Conley has consistently outpaced many bigger names in advanced metrics like Value Over Replacement Player (VORP). Despite being in the twilight of his career, Conley continues to be a positive influence on the court, as evidenced by his impressive on-off splits with teams like the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.

3. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

Ivica Zubac may not be the prototypical modern NBA center, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the league’s most effective big men. Since being traded to the LA Clippers in 2019, Zubac has quietly established himself as a dominant force in the paint.

Zubac’s old-school style of focusing on rim protection and efficient scoring around the basket has made him a rarity in today’s game. He hasn’t shot below 61.3 percent from the field in any of the last five seasons, and on defense he’s been nearly impenetrable, ranking in the top five in field goal percentage allowed within six feet of the basket.

2. Kyle Anderson, Golden State Warriors

Known as “Slo-Mo” for his deliberate playing style, Kyle Anderson is the epitome of an underrated player. Over the past five years, Anderson has quietly been one of the most versatile defenders in the league, combining a unique skill set with a high basketball IQ.

Anderson’s ability to rack up blocks and steals at elite speed while being an exceptional passer sets him apart. His defensive contributions are equal to the league’s best, and his assist-to-use ratio consistently ranks in the top percentiles for his position. Despite his unorthodox play, Anderson has been a valuable contributor to winning basketball, most recently with the Golden State Warriors.

1. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets

Fred VanVleet has been a key figure in the NBA over the past five years, but he remains one of the league’s most underrated players. Known for his tenacity and clutch performances, VanVleet has quietly built an impressive resume, including a key role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run.

Since 2019-20, VanVleet has consistently ranked among the league’s best in advanced metrics like VORP, outscoring several All-Stars. His impact on both ends of the court has been significant, and despite flying under the radar, he remains a force in the NBA, now with the Houston Rockets.

These five players may not always be in the spotlight, but their contributions have been crucial to the success of their teams over the past five years. It’s time they get the recognition they deserve.