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In a recent confidential survey involving players across the league, NBA stars have vocalized their opinions on various aspects of the sport, including identifying the player perceived as the most overrated. The comprehensive poll, administered by The Athletic, explored subjects ranging from MVP selections and championship predictions to evaluations of team managements and coaching.
NBA Players Identify Most Overrated Star
Within the category seeking the “most overrated player,” Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton prominently emerged, receiving the highest number of votes. Out of 90 participating players, 13 selected the All-Star, accounting for 14.4 percent of the total votes recorded in this specific category.
Following Haliburton, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was listed second with 10 percent of the vote, while Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young ranked third, garnering 8.9 percent. A portion of respondents, 2.2 percent, expressed the view that “no one who reached the NBA is overrated.”
Additional players who received votes for the “most overrated” distinction included:
- Jimmy Butler (5.5 percent)
- Bradley Beal, Draymond Green, Ja Morant, and Julius Randle (tied at 4.4 percent each)
- Joel Embiid (3.3 percent)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dillon Brooks, Paul George, Tyler Herro, Jrue Holiday, Jaren Jackson Jr., LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Domantas Sabonis, and Zion Williamson (tied at 2.2 percent each)
Providing context for Haliburton’s selection, the Pacers star’s scoring average was 18.6 points per game this season. He also averaged 9.2 assists and demonstrated effective three-point shooting, hitting 38.8 percent from beyond the arc. His team, the Indiana Pacers, secured the fourth position in the Eastern Conference standings during the regular season.
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It is worth noting that the 90 players who participated in the “most overrated” segment of the survey represent approximately one-fifth of the players under standard contracts in the NBA.
Cunningham Named Most Underrated Player
Conversely, in the poll identifying the “most underrated player” – which saw participation from 136 voters – Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham was selected as the league’s most overlooked talent. Cunningham garnered 8.8 percent of these votes.
Derrick White of the Boston Celtics was ranked second (7.4 percent), and Norman Powell of the LA Clippers was third (4.4 percent).
Other players recognized in the most underrated category included Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers, who received 3.7 percent of the vote. Reaves achieved a scoring average exceeding 20 points per game for the first time in his career this season.
Additional Poll Highlights
Beyond player evaluations, the survey covered various other topics:
- MVP Selection: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the prevalent choice among players for the Most Valuable Player award.
- Championship Pick: The Boston Celtics were favored by players to emerge victorious in the NBA Finals this season.
- Future Face of the League: Victor Wembanyama was frequently mentioned as the player expected to be the prominent figure in the NBA in five years’ time.
- Team Organization: The Golden State Warriors were rated as the league’s top organization, while the Charlotte Hornets were identified as the least effective.
Coaching Opinions Revealed
Players also offered their perspectives on coaching performance, distinguishing between the “best” and “worst” head coaches.
Top Coaching Honors
Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder received the most votes for the league’s “best coach,” following his team’s impressive 68-win regular season campaign. In this category, which included 147 votes, Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat finished in a tie for second place, each receiving 13.6 percent of the vote.
Least Effective Coaching
The “worst coach” category involved fewer participants, with 73 players casting votes. Brian Keefe of the Washington Wizards received the highest percentage of votes, accounting for 24.7 percent. He was followed by former coach Mike Budenholzer and Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks, respectively, who ranked second and third.
One player, reflecting on the quality of coaching across the league, was quoted as saying, “I’m not answering because I think the coaches are really good now.”