These are the most underrated players on every NBA team in 2015
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Nerlens Noel: Philadelphia 76ers
Nerlens Noel was arguably the most talented prospect in the 2013 NBA Draft. A knee injury hurt his draft stock, as he dropped to the 76ers at No. 6 overall. While many talk about No. 3 pick Jahlil Okafor and the injured Joel Embiid, Noel is a rim protector who is developing into one of the better defensive front-court players. Noel is still just 21 years young.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks
Known as the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo is an athletic specimen who just keeps getting better and better on the court for the Bucks. If the 2013 NBA Draft was re-selected today, there's little doubt Antetokounmpo would be the No. 1 pick. Watch out, NBA, the Greek Freak hasn't even turned 21 yet!
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Nikola Mirotic: Chicago Bulls
The Bulls struck gold after maneuvering to get Nikola Mirotic, the 2013 Spanish League MVP, to Chicago last season. As a rookie, Mirotic impressed with an awkward offensive style that gave defensive players fits. Mirotic was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in '15.
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Timofey Mozgov: Cleveland Cavaliers
After Anderson Varejao was injured last season, the Cavaliers made an extremely savvy move to trade for Timofey Mozgov. Before being dealt, Mozgov was known more for being one of the pieces in the Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks swap. Mozgov soared with LeBron James and the Cavs, yet the team fell just short of an NBA Championship.
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Isaiah Thomas: Boston Celtics
The Celtics were another team that made an incredible in-season trade. After dealing Marcus Thornton and a first-round pick for Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics made a strong playoff push. In just 21 games, Thomas became one of the best sixth men in the league, averaging 19 points and five boards to lead the Celtics to the postseason. Thomas's role will continue to grow this season in Boston.
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DeAndre Jordan: Los Angeles Clippers
It might be hard to believe that a player on a max contract is underrated, but just look at the evidence. The Clippers are led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, but when DeAndre Jordan decided to briefly leave the Clips this offseason, the team went into a frenzy. In one of the craziest offseason days ever, the Clippers persuaded Jordan to return as the defensive cog, along with a larger offensive role. Jordan is a young center who has developed from a second-round pick into a defensive maven.
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Mike Conley: Memphis Grizzlies
Every year there's talk about who is the best point guard in the league, yet no one brings up the Grizzlies' Mike Conley. The underrated point guard is overshadowed by big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, but Memphis sorely relies on Conley. Conley is a good shooter who also excels on defense.
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Paul Millsap: Atlanta Hawks
After spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Jazz, Paul Millsap jumped to the rising Hawks, on a team-friendly deal. Last season, Millsap helped the Hawks to a franchise-record 60 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
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Credit: Jason Getz, Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports -
Hassan Whiteside: Miami Heat
Before joining the Heat, Hassan Whiteside traveled the world playing basketball on four D-League squads and in Lebanon and China. Finally, Whiteside found a home in Miami and has flourished since. Still just 26, Whiteside had career highs in every major statistical category last season.
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Credit: Steve Mitchell, Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports -
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: Charlotte Hornets
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist might not be able to shoot well, but he's still the heart and soul of the Hornets team. MKG brings energy and shutdown defense to Charlotte. Unfortunately, the Hornets' most underrated player will miss the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder.
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Alec Burks: Utah Jazz
The team in Salt Lake City doesn't get a lot of national buzz, but the Jazz have put together quite the talented squad. Alec Burks has developed into a knockdown shooter who, when healthy, is teamed with rising stars Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors.
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Rudy Gay: Sacramento Kings
Rudy Gay might be one of the stars of Sacramento, but he was tossed around the league before settling in with the Kings. After two lackluster seasons in Toronto, Gay has rebounded back to being one of the top 20 players in the league. He set a career high in points per game in '15.
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Kyle O'Quinn: New York Knicks
Don't look now, but the Knicks made some nice roster moves in the offseason. One of the best -- and most underrated -- deals was the acquisition of Kyle O'Quinn. O'Quinn showed flashes of his talent in Orlando, but his role with the Knicks will surely expand. Not to mention, O'Quinn also has one of the most underrated beards in sports.
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Jordan Clarkson: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are a team on the search for their next superstar and might have found one in an unlikely place. With all eyes on the injured Kobe Bryant and lottery pick Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson transformed into the sole bright spot in Laker Land last year. Now in his second year, the focus has turned to Bryant, Randle and No. 2 pick D'Angelo Russell, while Clarkson could quietly make a big jump for Los Angeles.
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Credit: Mark D. Smith, Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports -
Tobias Harris: Orlando Magic
At 23, Tobias Harris is on a Magic team ripe with potential. Harris started to realize that potential once he joined Orlando in 2012. He has developed into a valuable wing player on a young team eager for a star to materialize.
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Credit: Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports -
Chandler Parsons: Dallas Mavericks
Chandler Parsons might be the best player on the Mavericks, but he's still underrated on and off the court. On the court, Parsons developed into a sharpshooter who can run an offense as a point forward. Off the court, Parsons might be the best salesman in the NBA not named Pat Riley. He almost got DeAndre Jordan to leave the bright lights of L.A. for a rebuilding project in Dallas. Parsons' future in the NBA, and as a future GM, is bright.
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Credit: Troy Taormina, Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports -
Thaddeus Young: Brooklyn Nets
There might not be a lot to look forward to this season for Nets fans, but Brooklyn's front line should be fun. Alongside Brook Lopez is Thaddeus Young. The talented forward could could set career highs across the board on this Nets squad.
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George Hill: Indiana Pacers
George Hill's new hairdo isn't the only thing underrated on this Pacers team. After Paul George's devastating injury, it was a miracle the Pacers were competitive last season. Despite missing nearly 40 games a year ago, George Hill set a career high in points per game, and emerged as the point guard the Pacers have been hoping he'd develop into.
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Credit: Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports -
Danilo Gallinari: Denver Nuggets
Danilo Gallinari was on the verge of becoming a scoring star before knee injuries derailed his young career. Gallo finally returned last year to play in 59 games. The Nuggets will rely on Gallinari and first-round pick Emmanuel Mudiay to get the Nuggets out of the cellar of the Western Conference.
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Ryan Anderson: New Orleans Pelicans
Ryan Anderson came to fame when the stretch four started to become popular in the NBA. Anderson is a perfect complement to superstar Anthony Davis on the Pelicans. The sharpshooting Anderson should see a bigger role on this upgraded New Orleans squad.
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Credit: Troy Taormina, Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports -
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Detroit Pistons
All Kentavious Caldwell-Pope does is get better every year. The former lottery pick is a deadly shooter who continues to improve on defense. He also has the most underrated name in the game.
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Jonas Valanciunas: Toronto Raptors
It's easy to get lost in the NBA shuffle as the only team in Canada, but the Raptors are chock-full of underrated talent. With no real superstar on the roster, the Raptors must rely on the likes of Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan, but don't forget big man Jonas Valanciunas. At 23, Valanciunas will look to turn into a double-double machine in Toronto this season.
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Ty Lawson: Houston Rockets
The Rockets are another team that has talent across the board. One of the least-talked-ab
out moves in the offseason was the Rockets' acquisition of Ty Lawson for nearly nothing. Lawson figures to stabilize the Rockets' second unit and he'll bring much needed speed and scoring off the bench. That is, if Lawson can get right off the court. (Photo: USATSI)
Credit: Soobum Im, Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports -
Phoenix Suns: T.J. Warren
The Suns are hoping that last year's lottery pick, T.J. Warren, makes the leap in Year 2. If his Summer League performance is indicative of his future, he's bound to develop into a big-time player for Phoenix.
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David West: San Antonio Spurs
Every year David West is one of the most polished post players in the league, but how is he underrated? Well, the former Pacers forward took an $11 million pay cut to join the Spurs in hopes of winning a championship. West will now come off the bench on a stacked Spurs squad.
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Credit: Steve Mitchell, Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports -
D.J. Augustin: Oklahoma City Thunder
For most teams, losing its two best players to major injuries would ruin the season. But the Thunder managed to survive without Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook thanks in part to the play of D.J. Augustin. Augustin kept the team alive for a playoff berth until the final game of the season.
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Shabazz Muhammad: Minnesota Timberwolves
The future is bright in Minnesota. The T'Wolves have the last two No. 1 overall picks on its roster, along with a multitude of young talent. One player due for a breakout is Shabazz Muhammad. He was deemed a bust in his rookie year, only to become a key baller in Year 2.
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Credit: Benny Sieu, Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports -
C.J. McCollum: Portland Trail Blazers
After losing LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews this offseason, the Trail Blazers desperately need a player to emerge opposite Damian Lillard. C.J. McCollum, a prolific scorer in college, is expected to be the full-time starter this season in Portland.
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Credit: Jeffrey Swinger, Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports -
Marreese Speights: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have an unbelievable mix of talented young stars and underrated players. One baller who surprised everyone was reserve big man Marreesse Speights. Speights averaged a career high in points off the bench last season. The former first-round pick also showed a surprising ability to hit a consistent jumper.
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Bradley Beal: Washington Wizards
John Wall gets all the headlines in D.C., but his backcourt mate is starting to hit his stride. Bradley Beal, 22, improved on his shooting in Year 3 with the Wizards. If he becomes the player everyone thinks he can be, the Wizards backcourt should be one of the best for the next five to ten years.
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Credit: Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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