Most Underrated Athletes

[Cdog923]

The top 10 NBA players topic gave me an idea: who are your most underrated athletes across team sports? Who doesn't necessarily get the recognition that their accomplishments might deserve? One for me is Derrick Thomas. He was an absolute monster as a pass rushing LB, and still owns the single game record for sacks at 7. I might be a bit biased, as he's still my favorite NFL player of all time, but he left us far too early, and doesn't get his due IMO. 

 

[The Murphinator]

You already know mine. Tim Duncan "The Big Fundamental" was as smooth as you could get. He is clearly a top 10 player all time, but should be considered a top 5 player all time.

 

[huKSer]

Charles Barkley

If you don't believe me, just ask him

 

[NUance]

NBA:  

Scottie Pippen.  Pippen was an excellent defensive player and rebounder.  Without Pippen, Michael Jordan would not have had the honors and stats that he did.  MJ played about half his career with Pippen.  All six of Michael Jordan's NBA championships came during the years he played with Pippen. 

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MLB:  

Chad Bradford.  The sidewinder pitcher from the book Moneyball, and movie of the same name.  The real life Chad Bradford was merely okay in high school ball.  No college recruited him.  Played for Hinds Community College.  Then hooked up with Southern Miss.  Got drafted in the 13th round.  Ended up playing in MLB for 11 years.   His fastball went around 80 mph.  But batters couldn't hit him because the ball came from an angle they hadn't seen before.