The results of the first round of fan voting for the NBA All-Star Game have been released, and the usual names dominate the list.
Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo top the Western and Eastern Conference, respectively, with more than two million votes.
Only these two got more than two million. Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid got around 1.8 million each.
In general, fans got the starting five for each conference right. The debates will be about those coming off the bench.
The first-round results include shoo-ins for the All-Star bench, but some names deserve the spotlight in the Indiana festivities this February.
These players' names should have been included, but they don't play in the big market, are not top picks from their draft class, or barely have national TV games.
Most underrated players that coaches should consider for the ASG:
1. Derrick White
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will make it to the All-Stars. The former is most likely a stater. Their teammate and Boston Celtics fourth-best scorer, Derrick White, should join them.
Read more: Why This Could Be the Year the LA Clippers Will Win the NBA Title
Boston prides itself in defense, and White, the guard with the highest blocks per game (1.3), is integral in their defensive schemes. He is dubbed the perfect role player for his efficiency and a reliable floor spacer.
He currently records career high in all major statistics- 16.8 points on 49% shooting, 5.2 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks.
2. Michael Porter Jr.
This is a toss between Jamal Murray and Michael Porter, but the honor should go to the latter by virtue of more games played.
The Nuggets explained that their success is because of a team effort with two-time MVP Nikola Jokic in the lead. If that is the case, it is criminal that they only have one All-Star player ever since they became perennial contenders.
Porter Jr. is a silent killer for the Nuggets. The 14th overall pick of 2018 currently averages 16.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 0.8 BPG.
3. Mikal Bridges
It is just a matter of time for Mikal Bridges to become an All-Star. The time is now.
He is still underrated because his exploits go under the radar and barely get national recognition.
Recording 21.2 RPG, 5.2 APG, and 3.7 PIE, Bridges is a consistent performer for the Nets, who are not expected to make the playoffs this season. He is also third in most clutch points in the league.
4. Rudy Gobert
Of the five persons selected for this list, only Rudy Gobert has made it to the All-Star. Thrice.
He was dubbed the most overrated by his fellow NBA players in April last year because he only blocked shots. Such an assessment only means they underestimate his defense. For that, he is underrated.
Gobert is one of, if not the best rim protector in the league.
Teams adjust their offense with Gobert around. According to Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey, the Timberwolves are +8.8 points per 100 possessions with Gobert on the floor and -1.9 without him.
"For his career, Gobert's teams are +6.7 with him and -0.9 without him."
5. Paolo Banchero
The Orlando Magic started the season strong, although they were back being bad the past weeks.
At one point, they were the second-best team in the Eastern Conference, next to the Boston Celtics. They still have the fourth-best record at 21-15
Credit should go to 2022 number-one pick Paolo Banchero, who leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists.
He is underrated because not enough attention is given to his brilliance. After all, not much was expected from the Magic this season.
Banchero is 10th in voting in the frontcourt for the East, but his standing should be higher than that.
Related article: Is Derrick White An All-Star? Making the Case for Boston Celtics Guard's Inclusion in February Festivity
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