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To be an underrated player isn't a slight. Being underrated is exceeding someone's expectations whether low or high. Being underrated is having more value than previously expected.

In the NBA (National Basketball Association), underrated players accomplish several things. 1) They maintain a high level of competitiveness while their team struggles. 2) They are necessary in helping a team win. 3) Their performances are "recipes" in a team's "winning formula". 4) Their contributions aren't normally noticed in overall statistics. 5) They display a model of consistency in their efforts.

Underrated players are mostly "team-first" players. They sacrifice their total game to stay within the concept. A 20-point scorer may average 15-16 points a game, but work hard on grabbing five rebounds. A defensive specialist may look their offense more. Instead of concentrating on shutting down their man, they decide to score nine to 10 points a game. They become more of an offensive threat to make opposing defenses guard five on five. Also, an offensively-gifted player may concentrate more on defending their position, stealing errant passes from "passing lanes" and taking "charges" in the paint. Underrated players focus more on "solid play" than "showtime" play. Here are some of the NBA's Most Underrated since 2003.

Maurice Williams (Cleveland Cavaliers) 2003 2nd round pick

Formerly a Milwaukee Buck, Williams is displaying why Cavalier General Manager, Danny Ferry, deserves NBA Executive of the Year. The point guard is averaging 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal a game. Also, he is shooting over 40% from three-point range and 90%+ from the free throw line. LeBron James is the biggest beneficiary of Williams' point-guard play. Teams aren unable to focus their defense on him. Williams and guards, Delonte West and Daniel Gibson are terrific, perimeter shooters. James is able to penetrate and pass out to his trifecta of three-point "assassins". The Cavaliers are enjoying a 25-5 record as of 12/29/08.

Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat) 2003 2nd round pick

Udonis Haslem plays a thankless position at power forward. A power forward has to do the "dirty work", such as grab rebounds, block shots and defend the paint. Their offense comes strictly from put-backs, dunks and getting fouled while throwing up shots. However, Haslem is a wonderful, "face-up" shooter. He's a marksman from 12-18 feet. For a career, he is averaging around 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocks a game. He is providing the improved Heat with interior scoring and rebounding. The Heat are 16-12 so far this season; a far cry from last season's 15-67 record.

Linas Kleiza (Denver Nuggets) 2005 2nd round pick

After starring as a Missouri Tiger, Linas Kleiza is finding home in NBA's ultra-fast, Western Conference. The 6'9 small forward has guard-like quickness and dribbling ability. He attacks the paint with reckless abandon. Also, he shoots over 35% from three which makes him a viable, scoring threat. Being the first player off Denver's bench, he is averaging almost 12 points and six rebounds this year. Nevertheless, he plays his best ball against top-flight competition. Against the Lakers, he is accumulating about 18 points a games and shooting over 50% from the field. In the playoffs, Kleiza is scoring close to 20 points and also grabbing six rebounds. He, J.R. Smith and Anthony Carter are giving the Nuggets a high-octane bench capable of 40 point game outputs. Their 20 victories so far, is putting them on a pace for another 50-win season.

Here are the three underrated, but much appreciated stars of the NBA.

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