Forward - Greg Monroe - Detroit Pistons
Greg Monroe in his third season has turned into a double double machine for the Pistons. He is averaging 16 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.3 APG in just 32.9 MPG. Imagine how those stats will inflate when he pushes those minutes north of 38. He is also the best big man at stealing the ball in the entire league, his 1.6 SPG is tied for 18th in the league. With the progression of rookie Andre Drummond over the next few years, the Pistons could have the best front court in the entire league in three years. As is usual with most overlooked players, Monroe plays on a team in the Pistons that is never on national television. Very few people outside of Detroit know how good he is.
Forward - Ryan Anderson - New Orleans Pelicans
Ryan Anderson is the quintessential stretch four player in the league. Leads the league in three pointers made at 160, shooting at .396 clip from distance just shy of .400. His rebounds have taken a slight dip from last season at 7.7 to 6.3. But, he also hasn't been an everyday starter in New Orleans as the coach seems to favor Robin Lopez until Anthony Davis is ready to anchor the paint 35 MPG. He is the best big man from the free throw line, and one of the the best in the entire league at .861 FT%.
Forward - Kawhi Leonard - San Antonio Spurs
My pick for the leagues most underrated player is Kawhi Leonard, and mark my words will give the Spurs that extra push to beat the Thunder in Western Conference Finals this year. If you just look at his stats of 10.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.2 APG. Those wouldn't justify my assertion, but those are in just 29 MPG and he shoots .493 FG%, .402 3P%, and .833 FT%. Which is as efficient as any wing player in the league. He is arguably the best perimeter defender in the entire league. Gregg Popovich says Kawhi is Bruce Bowen with offense, and that is a hell of a statement.
Guard - Greivis Vasquez - New Orleans Pelicans
Greivis is the point guard that gets no love nationally from the casual fans. He is averaging 9.4 APG which is good for third in the league. And it is not like the Pelicans have a plethora of offensive talent yet he sets up the talent he has in the best position for success. He is one of the five best guards in the league at running the pick and roll. He is not an elite shooter from the field or distance but still averages 13.8 PPG. The reason is he is as good as anyone in the league at laying a soft floater off the glass when the defense sinks towards the big man in the lane.
Guard - Derrick Rose - Chicago Bulls
Now I know what your thinking, "How can a MVP in Derrick Rose be underrated?" Yet, coming out of All Star weekend with Chris Paul winning All Star game MVP, and the big weekend of Kyrie Irving. The national perception is CP3 is the best point guard in the world and Kyrie will take over that thrown in the next two to the three years. They all seem to forget how good Derrick Rose is because he hasn't played this season. In his MVP season he had 2000 Points 600 Assists and 300 Rebounds, only the fifth time in the history of the league that has been accomplished. Last year he averaged 21.8 PPG and 7.9 APG during an injury plagued season. Derrick Rose has been to the playoffs every season in the league, and has won 62 games in a season. Chris Paul has never won 50 games let alone 60 (Clippers will win 50 games this year though). Kyrie can't even sniff a .500 record let alone the playoffs, and Kyrie isn't even on the same planet as Rose when it comes to distributing and defending. Derrick is also a player who listens to what people say and loves to prove people wrong, so watch out league once he comes back (which he said he won't play till he is 110% so he will be ready). When it comes to the leagues best point guard just watch this highlight of Rose putting up 29 points and 16 assists on Chris Paul last year.
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