The All-Star Game starters are set to be announced Thursday; by definition, they represent some of the most popular players in the NBA, by virtue of the fan vote.
In some cases, it's deserved: Stephen Curry, the leading vote-getter in the West, is also one of the leading candidates for MVP honors this season. In other cases, it's the product of massive staying popularity: Kobe Bryant, despite shooting 37 percent from the field, likely will snag the West's other starting backcourt position. The coaches will vote for the reserves, and while these players are more likely to be deserving picks, there still will be an element of "brand recognition" that goes into their selection. Where does that leave players such as Golden State's Draymond Green, a do-it-all versatile combo forward who has been a huge part of the Warriors' success this season?
Luckily, here at Insider Daily, we look out for the downtrodden, the undervalued and underappreciated. Green is on everyone's radar now, emerging as a League Pass darling for his spirited play, but here are some other players performing in pivotal roles for their teams -- they make up the "All-Underrated Team."