I was thinking about how Nick Young turned into a legit 3&D guy in his last year in LA and his year for Golden State, and how he will always be a meme, but ended his career as a legitimately useful role player.
Rajon Rondo's role in the Lakers title I think is overlooked, but he was also very good for the Kings and Pels. Shot above 40% from 3 for Lakers and Pels in the playoffs. Doesn't get talked about enough that Rondo got much better as a shooter in his late career. Obviously he was never Steph, but got reliable.
Ish Smith is a guy who if he hasn't played on your team you don't understand why he's still in the league, but everywhere he goes the fans of that team really appreciate him.
For my friend back in the day it was Biyombo for the Raptors.
I'm sure there are more egregious examples of players the general NBA fanbase doesn't appreciate but fans of the team they play for recognise play a vital part. Any examples?
Dwight Powell. He’s the longest tenured Maverick and catches a lot of flak for not being a great starting center. In reality, he’s a great bench big who’s been tasked as the starting center for too many seasons by an org incapable of finding a legitimate center (til this year with Lively). Casual fans (and even many non casuals) treat him like a fringe G-Leaguer.
I just know him from years of seeing him in game highlights catching some nasty lobs so I've always thought he's at least valuable for being a big body and good pick and roll option with pretty much every PG/ball handler he's played with. Also just on the topic on Mavs, lot of love for JJ Barea and even Devin Harris. I liked them as role players in the mid 2010s, especially Barrea.