NBA: All-Slept-On First Team, First Quarter Edition

Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Kings won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Kings won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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A lot of very good players in the NBA don’t get the shine they should. The All-Slept-On First Team looks to highlight the most underrated players at each position through the first quarter of the season.

Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Kings won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Kings won 122-105. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA is a league driven by stars, perhaps more than any other. Superstars are great for the game–Michael Jordan was the biggest star the Association ever saw, and he pushed the league to new heights through his unbelievable feats.

There are players in the NBA besides stars, though. Lots of them, actually. Some of them happen to be tearing up the competition right now, although because of their lack of stardom they don’t get the credit they deserve for doing so.

This piece is meant as a way to give those players a brief moment in the spotlight. They all are under appreciated talents–many casual fans might not recognize some or all of the names.

This is not a place for Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even if younger stars get a little slept on, people are very aware of how good they are. Players with contingencies of haters likely have legions of fans too.

Also See: NBA's 50 Greatest Duos Of All-Time

If a player has think pieces dedicated to them, they aren’t really slept on. Nobody on the All-Slept On team can be one of the two most popular players on their team either. If you carry a team, it’s hard to be slept on.

These five players are certainly under appreciated by the NBA community. Hopefully they aren’t for too much longer.