Star players undoubtedly drive the NBA's popularity and excitement, yet there is significant merit in acknowledging those who have made substantial contributions without receiving the mainstream recognition they deserve. Ranking the league's most underrated players of the past five years is a subjective endeavor, as the exercise seeks to highlight essential contributors who may not boast the usual star credentials.

To refine the pool of candidates for this analysis, certain criteria will be employed. All players meeting these standards are eligible for a top-five designation, with the final order reflecting how well each player's contributions have been recognized over the last five years. Continuing in the fifth position from last year is Royce O'Neale. A notable point of discussion surrounding O'Neale is his consistent presence in this category, which some may argue undermines his status as "underrated." Nevertheless, O'Neale has exemplified the qualities sought in this discussion: a low-usage wing who excels at shooting three-pointers and plays tenacious defense. Over the past five seasons, he has made 724 three-pointers at a 38.8 percent shooting rate while maintaining a usage rate just above 12. Remarkably, O'Neale holds the lowest usage rate among all players achieving this level of efficiency and volume since the 2020-21 season.

Similarly, Isaiah Hartenstein has garnered attention for his contributions, particularly following his three-year, $87 million signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite his newfound recognition, many still overlook the context surrounding his elevated status. The Thunder possess a team option for the final year of his contract that is unlikely to be exercised, effectively rendering it a two-year deal. Hartenstein's well-rounded skill set has been pivotal, encompassing everything from screening and rebounding to rim protection and facilitating plays. With an impressive Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) ranking among players averaging at least 20 minutes per game without being an All-Star, Hartenstein's impact cannot be understated. His rebounding, assist, and block rates are only matched by elite players like Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama.

Josh Hart is often criticized for his three-point shooting woes, which some argue detracts from his overall effectiveness. However, the 30-year-old has showcased an impressive hustle that consistently contributes to his team's success. Aside from the previous season, his teams have tended to perform better with Hart on the court. This season's struggles can largely be attributed to unfavorable lineups featuring non-productive teammates. Hart plays an integral role in defensive transitions and creates opportunities with his aggressive rebounding and fast-paced gameplay. While his shooting percentages may not reflect the highest efficiency, he maintains a true shooting percentage of 58.7, surpassing the league average. Significantly, only three players sustain a similar level of efficiency while matching Hart's rebounding, assist, and steal rates: Bam Adebayo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić.

Derrick White’s presence on this list may raise eyebrows, particularly considering his recent status as a fringe All-NBA candidate. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that recognition does not equate to an official accolade. While White has yet to achieve an All-NBA or All-Star selection, he is still frequently viewed outside the conventional lens of a superstar player. His primary reputation was built on strong defensive skills, but he has progressively enhanced his offensive game with improved decision-making, three-point shooting, and playmaking abilities. His contributions continue to shine through, even when sharing the court with Boston Celtics stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Statistically, White leads all non-All-Stars in VORP since 2020-21, showcasing his well-rounded impact.

Ivica Zubac recently attracted attention for his developmental strides, earning consideration for both the Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. His evolution as a player has been gradual but significant, marked by refined defensive skills, improved rebounding positioning, and the development of a post-up game. His performance this past season has culminated in a noticeable surge in statistics, distinguishing him within the league. It is critical to recognize that Zubac's defensive prowess has consistently ranked him among the best in rim protection, achieving a 90th percentile or better in rim points saved per 100 possessions across multiple seasons. Only a select few players have matched Zubac's defensive and offensive efficiency metrics during this five-year stretch.