As usual, there are certain NBA players that are criticized and doubted entering the new season. As talent comes and goes in the league, some NBA players are forgotten. This is nothing new, and there are a few players who have shined for their respective teams up to this point.
Midway through the season, here are the most forgotten players who have performed admirably for their teams despite being doubted even before picking up a ball in an official game.
Markelle Fultz
12.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 SPG
Fultz was regarded as a bust everywhere around the league. Many thought he would never be healthy, and that his abnormal shoulder problems would affect his shooting forever.
But this has not been the case since Fultz has shown flashes of why he was the number one pick in his draft. The young man is full of potential, and he has incredible talent and skill. Fultz has been the best guard for the Orlando Magic all season long, and it is only a matter of time before he builds momentum and starts adding some shine to his name.
Brandon Ingram
25.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.3 APG
Ingram is a very good player, and we all know that, but many felt that he would never achieve All-Star status especially since he is out of the media’s eye on Los Angeles.
But Ingram has played at an All-Star level, and it would be a farce if he didn’t make the team in the Western Conference this season. Ingram is the leading scorer on a Pelicans team that is missing their young superstar in Zion Williamson, so Ingram has been carrying them with the incredible offense and consistent performances all year long. Ingram is finally living up to this All-Star potential.
Derrick Rose
18.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 5.9 APG
Derrick Rose will never be the MVP of the league again, but he can certainly make another All-Star team especially if he continues this level of play.
Rose has taken over the point guard spot for the Pistons, who would be completely out of the playoff race if it wasn’t for the resurgence of the former MVP. Rose has improved in every aspect in comparison to last year, and it is only a matter of time before the Pistons received trade offers for a man who might help a championship team tremendously.
Carmelo Anthony
16.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.3 APG
One of the best stories around the league was the resurgence of former superstar Carmelo Anthony, a player whom many felt was exiled from the league. Melo’s reputation took a massive hit during his stints with the Thunder and Rockets, as he seemed like a ball-hog who couldn’t defend or play the modern style of basketball anymore.
But Melo has practically been a revelation for the struggling Trail Blazers, who have found a third option alongside Lillard and McCollum. While Anthony is still a defensive liability, the Blazers would probably not be close to the playoffs if they hadn’t taken a leap on Melo. It’s great to see him playing well so far this year.
Dwight Howard
7.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Howard was another former superstar who seemed exiled from the league. Howard has struggled with injuries and off-court issues since his first time with the Lakers, and his career never took off since he left. Despite still being a productive player, many teams felt that he was just too much trouble for his worth.
But a rejuvenated Howard returned to the Lakers this season, with the hopes of winning a championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Howard was so motivated, that he asked for a non-guaranteed contract in order to motivate himself to earn his place back in the league. His play and dedication have allowed him to do so.
Chris Paul
16.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG
Finally, Chris Paul has shocked NBA Doubters across the league since he looks spry and happy playing in OKC. Since the Thunder have some of the best fans in the league, it might be their support that Paul is playing at such a high level.
Currently, the Thunder are in a playoff spot and Paul’s leadership and production are major reasons why. CP3 has given the Thunder an all-time great playmaking asset, and his ability to control the pace of the game with his dribbling and passing is something to behold. Despite looking old and slow last year with the Rockets, Paul is seemingly back to his best and it will be interesting to see if he will remain a Thunder by the end of the season.
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