# NBA's most underrated players

> LaMelo Ball, James Harden and a rookie could be NBA's most underrated players.
- Title: NBA's most underrated players · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: LaMelo Ball, James Harden and a rookie could be NBA's most underrated players. CBS Sports lists LaMelo Ball, James Harden and Cameron Boozer as NBA's most…
- Keywords: nba, lamelo ball, james harden, cameron boozer, cavaliers, timberwolves, hawkins, rookie of the year, sports, NBA's, most, underrated
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-most-underrated-players-lamelo-ball-james-harden-rookie
- Published: 2026-10-14T18:57:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nba, lamelo ball, james harden, cameron boozer, cavaliers, timberwolves, hawkins, rookie of the year, sports
## NBA's most underrated players
CBS Sports lists 100 players ranked by their voters, with some players overlooked in the top 100.
## LaMelo Ball's impact
LaMelo Ball, a Timberwolves player, improved his team's offense significantly despite low scoring and assists in 2025-26.
## James Harden's ranking
James Harden, a Cavaliers player, is ranked 47th despite being an 11-time All-Star with eight All-NBA nods.
## Cameron Boozer's potential
Cameron Boozer, a Grizzlies rookie, is expected to be the Rookie of the Year despite missing most of the 2025-26 season.
## Jalen Johnson's growth
Jalen Johnson, a Hawks player, earned his first All-Star and All-NBA selection in 2025 after improving his shooting efficiency.
## Domantas Sabonis' injury
Domantas Sabonis, a Kings player, missed nearly the entire 2025-26 season due to a knee injury.
## Why players are underrated
Players like LaMelo Ball and James Harden are underrated because their impact on the team's offense and defense is underestimated.
## Rookie of the year contender
Cameron Boozer, a Grizzlies rookie, is expected to win the Rookie of the Year award despite his limited playing time in 2025-26.
## What happens next
LaMelo Ball and James Harden are expected to gain more recognition as their teams improve in the 2026-27 season.
## Key takeaway

CBS Sports lists LaMelo Ball, James Harden and Cameron Boozer as NBA's most underrated players based on their 2025-26 stats and potential impact.