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The NBA’s 10 Most Criminally Underrated Stars

By Gerald Bourguet

January 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the basketball against Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Heat 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the basketball against Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Heat 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) reacts after a play against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. The Wizards defeat the Bulls 114-100. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

2. John Wall

2015-16 Statistics: 19.6 PPG, 9.6 APG, 4.1 RPG, 2.1 SPG, .430/.353/.784 shooting, 20.1 PER

If it weren’t for John Wall, the Washington Wizards would be one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. His season numbers — 19.6 PPG, 9.6 APG, 4.1 RPG, 2.1 SPG, .430/.353/.784 shooting — aren’t quite MVP-caliber, but when you consider the way he’s been carrying his team since the start of December, it’s baffling that his name doesn’t come up more.

To be fair, his team’s lack of success has a lot to do with that. The Wizards are currently 17-19, sitting two games out of the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Injuries have played a major part in Washington’s early struggles, with Bradley Beal missing the team’s last 16 games due to a leg injury and Marcin Gortat now dealing with a knee issue.

But since the start of December, Wall is averaging an unbelievable 21.9 points, 11.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game on .450/.392/.826 shooting splits. Whatever it takes for his team to win, Wall has done his best to provide it.

Wall ranks second in the league in assists per game and he’s accounted for 45.5 percent of his team’s points this season (between made and assisted field goals). Without John Wall, the Wizards would have no shot at the playoffs.

Washington still needs a healthy Beal back to work their way back into the playoff field, but Wall is on the verge of his finest season yet. From his highlight reel transition layups to his elite distribution to his chase-down blocks, Wall is doing everything he can to carry the Wizards back to the promised land.

Next: No. 1