15 Underrated Seasons from The Past 15 Years (2003-2004 to 2017-2018)

9. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans, 2014-2015

Stats: 24.4 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2.9 bpg

Finished 5th in MVP voting.

Many great things have been expected from AD ever since the Hornets (now the Pelicans) took him first overall in 2012. After two mediocre seasons from the AD-led Hornets/Pelicans, The Brow stepped up his game even more in his third year, leading the league in blocks en route to leading the Pelicans to the playoffs, a death-sentence against the 67-win Warriors team. The shot AD hit to virtually send the Pelicans to the playoffs still remains as crazy as it was before.

While the Pelicans were swept in the Playoffs by the Warriors buzzsaw, Davis dominated once playing under the playoff spotlight, averaging 31.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg, and 3.0 bpg in 4 games. Davis stepped up in a big way in the 14-15 season, leading them in the playoffs as a 21-year old.

8. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves, 2011-2012

Stats: 26.0 ppg, 13.3 rpg, 2.0 apg

Finished 6th in MVP voting.

Love definitely peaked in the 2013-2014 season, but his 11-12 season closely approximates his impact both with his scoring and rebounding. He is the only player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 13 rebounds, along with providing stellar spacing (shooting at least better than 35% from deep). His offensive impact is off the charts, but his defense cramps his overall ceiling. His lateral mobility and presence on the defensive glass is underrated, but his rim protection has been mediocre all throughout his career, which limits the minutes he can be played at the 5. But during this lockout-shortened season, Love showed one of the reasons why Minnesota Love exists.