The NBA is often dominated by star power, yet it is essential to acknowledge those players who, while lacking marquee recognition, have made significant contributions to their teams. Ranking the most underrated players of the past five years is inherently subjective, as this exercise aims to focus on key contributors who consistently deliver on the court without the usual accolades attached to their names.

Royce O'Neale retains his fifth-place position from last year, which raises the question of whether multiple appearances in the 'most underrated' lists could imply he is, in fact, properly rated. Despite this, O'Neale's consistency as a low-usage wing who excels in three-point shooting and defensive effort cannot be understated. Since the 2020-21 season, he has made 724 three-pointers at a 38.8 percent rate while maintaining a usage rate of just over 12. O'Neale holds the lowest usage rate among players with similar volume and efficiency, highlighting his unique role in today's NBA, where point production often overshadows contributions to defensive matchups.

Isaiah Hartenstein's profile has risen since signing a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are the reigning champions. However, his actual impact often gets overlooked due to context. The contract includes a team option for the final year, effectively turning it into a two-year deal. Hartenstein stands out for his versatility, performing tasks ranging from setting effective screens to rebounding, shot-blocking, and playmaking. He ranks 10th in Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) among players averaging at least 20 minutes per game without an All-Star nod, reinforcing the significance of his contributions which often go unnoticed.

Josh Hart has faced criticism, particularly regarding his three-point shooting efficiency. However, despite these shortcomings, Hart's hustle and determination contribute positively to his team's performance. While his on-off metrics took a hit last season, much of this can be attributed to the New York Knicks' lineup combinations. Hart influences the game across multiple facets, including offensive pace and versatility on defense. His true shooting percentage of 58.7 is commendable, placing him alongside elite players like Bam Adebayo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić in terms of efficiency while reflecting his rebounding, assist, and steal rates.

Derrick White's positioning on this list may raise eyebrows, especially given his recent recognition in All-NBA discussions. Nevertheless, White's lack of All-Star recognition indicates that he is still viewed outside the conventional framework of a star player. Over the past few seasons, White's evolution from primarily a defensive player to someone who can create shots and playmake effectively showcases his growth. His contributions extend beyond the offensive box score, as he currently leads all non-All-Stars in VORP since 2020-21, with only Giannis Antetokounmpo matching his assist and block numbers during that period.

Finally, Ivica Zubac's breakout this season has garnered him attention, including considerations for Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year. Zubac’s progression has been subtle yet steady, showcasing improvements in defensive footwork, rebounding, and offensive skills. His recent performance is not solely a reflection of one season; he has consistently excelled defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile in rim points saved per 100 possessions. He is among an elite group of players who have maintained high defensive and rebounding statistics while logging substantial minutes, reinforcing the idea that Zubac's contributions deserve acknowledgment.