Most underrated NBA players rarely dominate highlight reels, yet they often decide close games, stabilize rotations and build real value away from the spotlight. Yahoo Sports recently highlighted four lesser-known names who could prove their worth, and their cases show how much production hides outside the headlines. Here is a closer look at who they are and why they deserve your attention.
Why the Most Underrated NBA Players Deserve More Attention
Every season, a handful of players climb from obscurity into the conversation. Fans spend most of their time on superstar debates, such as our NBA MVP odds for 2026-27, but role players often shape how a season actually unfolds. These underrated NBA stars succeed by doing one or two things exceptionally well, whether that is shooting, rebounding or scoring. All four players below fit that mold. The stats cited come from the 2024-25 season, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Toronto Raptors
The 6-foot-11 big man is one of the most underrated NBA players when it comes to per-minute production. He has rarely received consistent minutes to show what he can do over a full season.
Last season with San Antonio, the 26-year-old averaged 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in just 11.2 minutes per game. Across 681 total minutes, he knocked down 60 three-pointers at 37.3% accuracy, making him one of the league’s highest-volume long-range shooting bigs.
Toronto is a natural fit. Scottie Barnes is not a natural shooter and needs floor spacing to attack the rim, and Mamukelashvili provides exactly that. If he earns a full rotation role, his name could get much bigger.
Brice Sensabaugh, Utah Jazz
Including a player who averaged almost 11 points may seem unfair, but few people watched the Jazz, which keeps him among the most underrated NBA players in the league.
The 21-year-old played 20 minutes per game and took 9.4 three-point attempts per 36 minutes. He may never become an all-around star, but his ability to get buckets is a real strength. For a rebuilding team in need of nearly everything, a reliable scorer is a valuable asset.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks fans already know his value, but the rest of the league is only starting to notice. Rollins is not a traditional point guard, yet he can create his own shot, play off the ball and space the floor around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
His 40.8% three-point shooting last season is encouraging, especially with Milwaukee needing every bit of spacing after Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury. The key question is playmaking, specifically whether he can keep the offense afloat when Giannis sits. If he answers that, he could be one of the most underrated NBA players no longer. He might even become a household name.
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
A thinner Celtics frontcourt opens the door for Queta, a 26-year-old who plays like a throwback center. He is not a shooter, but his rebounding and shot-blocking give Boston an interior presence.
Boston will keep leaning on the three-point shot, so touches may stay limited. Even so, a bigger minutes load should make his per-minute numbers stand out, and he belongs on any list of the most underrated NBA players to watch.
Who Could Break Out First?
Rollins may have the clearest path to a breakout, given his role next to Giannis and his shooting efficiency. Mamukelashvili and Queta depend on minutes, while Sensabaugh’s scoring touch could produce numbers on a team with plenty of shots available. Keep these four in mind as the new campaign develops, and check our NBA power rankings for 2026-27 to see how their teams stack up. To catch every game, here is how to watch NBA games in 2026-27.
FAQs
Which lesser-known players should NBA fans watch this season?
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Brice Sensabaugh, Ryan Rollins and Neemias Queta are four names Yahoo Sports flagged as capable of making an impact.
Why is Sandro Mamukelashvili considered a hidden gem?
He posted strong per-minute numbers and hit 37.3% of his threes on high volume. Playing for Toronto could finally give him the minutes to show it.
Can Ryan Rollins succeed next to Giannis Antetokounmpo?
His 40.8% three-point shooting makes him a strong spacing fit. His playmaking without Giannis is the main question.
What makes Neemias Queta valuable for Boston?
His rebounding and shot-blocking give the Celtics interior size, and a depleted frontcourt should increase his minutes.