<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"Sports Illustrated asked 227 pro ballers, ``Who is the most underrated player in the NBA?'' Seattle forward Rashard Lewis garnered 8 percent of the vote, followed by Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko, Seattle guard Ray Allen and Milwaukee guard Michael Redd, all with 5 percent." Akron Beacon Journal</div> source
I think Rashard is rated about right, actually. A great second option who can explode offensively, but he's yet to show he can become a consistent first option and that he can perform in the playoffs (although to be fair, he's been to the playoffs only twice and both times he hasn't been fully healthy). That being said, it's always nice to see Rashard has the respect of his peers - nothing is more valuable than recognition from those you compete against every night. Made big strides last season, now needs to show the All-Star nomination wasn't a one-off. Ray on the other hand probably gets rated a notch below superstar by most people, which is underrated in my book.
i agree... the only thing holding back Rashard is Consistency. If he can put up 18 and 8 on every single night, he'll get his ink.
I think what's underrated about Rashard is how good offensively he is. Specifically, his perimeter shooting at 6'10".
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pwn3d!:</div><div class="quote_post"> A great second option who can explode offensively, but he's yet to show he can become a consistent first option and that he can perform in the playoffs (although to be fair, he's been to the playoffs only twice and both times he hasn't been fully healthy).</div> Well considering that he has been in the postseason three times and his best performances were when he was a 20 year old second year player (vs. Utah, 2000) I'd say he can begin to be labeled a regular season wonder. He signed his first big deal after his playoff explosion in 2000. He was our second best player behind Payton. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting PUREPOINT:</div><div class="quote_post">i agree... the only thing holding back Rashard is Consistency. If he can put up 18 and 8 on every single night, he'll get his ink. </div> The 18 points have been there basically his entire career. The 8 rebounds is as improbable as Phoenix making it to the Finals.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">Well considering that he has been in the postseason three times and his best performances were when he was a 20 year old second year player (vs. Utah, 2000) I'd say he can begin to be labeled a regular season wonder. He signed his first big deal after his playoff explosion in 2000. He was our second best player behind Payton.</div> I can't believe I forgot about that series - that was a great season too, I remember Rashard putting up 30 and 12 against the Mavs in Rodman's first game for Dallas. Anyway the point I was getting at is he's been to the playoffs twice as a proven player. 14/8 was great as an NBA soph, but it's not going to cut it in May anymore for him. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The 18 points have been there basically his entire career. The 8 rebounds is as improbable as Phoenix making it to the Finals.</div> I'm not overly fussed with his rebounding, it's becoming a consistent 20+ ppg scorer that needs to happen with Sweet Lew.
Although finaly making the all star team this season. I think he is defintely underated and should get some more credit for what he does on the court.
