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The 5 most underrated NBA players so far this season

By Michael Shearer

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 20: Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers passes the ball in the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 20, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 20: Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers passes the ball in the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 20, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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NBA Players
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 24: Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against Trey Lyles #8 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Fiserv Forum on November 24, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Top 5 most underrated NBA players so far this season: SG – Grayson Allen, Milwaukee Bucks

Going into the season, Grayson Allen’s performance was going to be a vital component of the Bucks’ defense of their crown. He has been all Milwaukee could have asked for and more.

Allen has always been a little underrated. He was caught in a crowded wing rotation in Memphis and came into the league with an iffy reputation from his Duke days. But he’s improved every season, and this year is playing with more confidence than ever.

Grayson carved out a starting role amidst the slew of injuries the Bucks have suffered, and he’s been a Cinderella-slipper fit. The Bucks starting lineup of Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bobby Portis is outscoring opponents by *squints, cleans glasses, drops jaw* 33 points per 100 possessions, the fourth-best high-usage lineup (more on another one of those lineups later) in the league!

Allen is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, threes made, and 3P%, while also committing a career-low in turnovers. He’s handling the ball less, acting primarily as a catch-and-shoot specialist, but he’s draining 42% of his threes on 7.5 attempts per game.

Grayson has 26 assisted baskets from Giannis alone – Giannis’ favorite target! His defense has not been a liability, either, as he knows where to be and fights hard to get through screens.

The Bucks will eventually get healthy again, and Allen’s role may diminish. But he’s proven that he can perform when called upon, and given the Bucks’ struggles with depth during last postseason, it’ll be a huge boon to have someone besides the Big 3 who can actually hit a jump shot.