League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: General

LaMelo Ball, Jalen Johnson, and James Harden cited as underrated players

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 14, 2026, 7:00 PM

Last updated Oct 14, 2026

LaMelo Ball, Jalen Johnson, and James Harden cited as underrated players

Summary

As CBS Sports releases its NBA Top 100 list, writers identify players they believe are underrated. LaMelo Ball of the Timberwolves, who had a strong season despite concerns about his defense and health, was ranked 41st. Jalen Johnson of the Hawks, coming off an All-Star season, is regarded as deserving of a higher ranking than 30th. James Harden of the Cavaliers, listed at 47th, is viewed as underestimated despite his impressive career accolades. The discussion highlights ongoing debates about player rankings in the league.

Source Links

CBS NBA

Key Details

•LaMelo Ball posted 20.1 PPG and 7.1 APG in 2025-26.
•Jalen Johnson increased his scoring and earned All-Star honors.
•James Harden is an 11-time All-Star ranked 47th on the list.
•The discussions arose following the release of the Top 100 rankings.
•Debates around player rankings can impact contracts and trades.

Latest Updates

7:00 PMCBS NBA — NBA's most underrated players: An improving LaMelo Ball, a picked-on James Harden ... and a rookie?

What they're saying

"
In wake of our NBA Top 100 list going live, CBS Sports writers are picking who they think are the most underrated players in the league
— CBS NBAby Sam Quinn

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