In the realm of the NBA, star players often take center stage, yet it is essential to acknowledge those who, while not in the limelight, play critical roles in their teams’ success. The task of ranking the Association's most underrated players over the past five years is inherently subjective. The objective is to highlight dependable contributors who, despite their invaluable contributions, do not possess the conventional star recognition. To shape this analysis and curate a list of worthy candidates, certain criteria have been established. All eligible players for a top-five designation will be assessed, recognizing their contributions based on how well they have been acknowledged or remembered from past seasons.

Royce O'Neale maintains his fifth-place position from the previous year in this exercise, a placement that invites playful commentary about the idea that repeated entries in the 'Most Underrated' ranks might contrarily suggest an appropriate level of recognition. O'Neale is entering a phase in his career where he may begin to fade from such discussions, yet his role as a low-usage wing shooter who excels defensively has continually stood out. Since the 2020-21 season, he has made 724 three-pointers at a rate of 38.8%, standing out in both volume and efficiency despite a usage rate that hovers just above 12. Notably, O'Neale possesses the lowest usage rate among players who have matched his impressive shooting statistics, illustrating the remarkable efficiency of his game while defending the opponent’s top scoring threats.

Isaiah Hartenstein, who recently joined the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder on a lucrative three-year, $87 million contract, embodies another player often overlooked despite his impact. The nuances of his deal suggest it may equate to a two-year agreement due to the impending team option for the final year, which is unlikely to be exercised. Hartenstein’s versatility has made him a valuable asset: he screens effectively, rebounds fiercely, protects the rim, and facilitates the offense with finesse. His metrics indicate potential All-Defense honors if he played more minutes, as he ranks 10th in Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) among those who have seen at least 20 minutes of play per game without receiving an All-Star nod. Notably, only Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama have matched Hartenstein's rates for rebounding, assists, and blocks during this period—a testament to his impactful performance.

Despite some criticism regarding his inconsistent three-point shooting, Josh Hart’s hustle and relentless energy are pivotal to his teams’ successes. He has often faced scrutiny for his hesitance to shoot and low efficiency from beyond the arc, enabling defenses to exploit these limitations. However, Hart’s efforts have consistently correlated with improved team performance during his playtime, and the past season’s struggles can be attributed to gameplay dynamics rather than personal shortcomings. His ability to influence offensive pace and pressure the basket, along with his defensive skills crossing multiple positions, is significant. Furthermore, Hart boasts a 58.7 true shooting percentage, exceeding the league average, and ranks alongside elite talent such as Bam Adebayo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić in efficiency, defensive rebounding, assists, and steals.

Derrick White, who has emerged as a key figure in recent seasons with the Boston Celtics, garners attention as he ranks second on this list. While he has received All-NBA consideration, it is crucial to note that he has yet to secure an official nod. His recognition may not align with public perception, evidenced by reactions to proposed trades featuring him. Once primarily known for his defensive acumen, White has expanded his offensive game over the past half-decade, showcasing improved decision-making, three-point shooting, and playmaking abilities. His statistics reflect his growth, shooting 38 percent from deep in the absence of stars like Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. White has proven to be a player deserving of attention beyond traditional metrics, leading all non-All-Stars in VORP since 2020-21, with only Giannis Antetokounmpo matching his combined assists and blocks.

Lastly, Ivica Zubac demonstrated growth last season that garnered him Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year consideration. His prior development went largely unnoticed, focusing on refining his defensive abilities, rebounding mechanics, and expanding his offensive skill set. His breakout season is less of an anomaly and more a culmination of steady improvement; he has consistently been among the best in rim protection and defensive metrics. Zubac stands out in a select group of players who have achieved remarkable statistics in efficiency, rebounding, and blocking—only Jarrett Allen, Rudy Gobert, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have similarly thrived in terms of minutes played, making Zubac’s contributions particularly noteworthy.