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NBA Draft 2016: Every team’s most underrated pick ever

By Brad Rowland

Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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WASHINGTON DC MAY 10 : Former Washington Bullets and Wizards mingle on the stage under the new logos after the Washington Wizards unveil their new logo and uniforms at the Verizon Center in Washington DC , May 10 , 2011. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON DC MAY 10 : Former Washington Bullets and Wizards mingle on the stage under the new logos after the Washington Wizards unveil their new logo and uniforms at the Verizon Center in Washington DC , May 10 , 2011. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards: Gus Johnson, No. 10 pick, 1963 NBA Draft

Raise your hand if you know who Gus Johnson is.

No, not the famous play-by-play man that is best known for his over-the-top calls and general excitement level. The basketball player version of Gus Johnson.

That’s what I thought.

Because he played five decades ago, Johnson is long forgotten by a few generations of NBA fans, but he was one of the best players in Wizards/Bullets history. The 6-foot-6 power forward was one of the best rebounders in the sport during his decade-long career, and Johnson’s peak was mighty impressive for a player that went in the second round of a then-abbreviated NBA Draft.

In the eight seasons from 1964 through 1971, Gus Johnson averaged 18.3 points and 13.5 (!) rebounds per game, peaking during the 1970-1971 campaign when he averaged 18.2 points and 17.1 rebounds per contest as a 32-year-old. That level of production would likely be considered Hall of Fame worthy in today’s landscape, but the five-time NBA All-Star is largely overlooked.

Not ever player from his era is “underrated”, but more people should recognize Gus Johnson’s name than actually do right now. That’s a shame for one of the best players of his generation.

Find more NBA Draft content at our FanSided NBA Draft hub and for updated scouting reports of all NBA draft prospects, check out Upside and Motor.

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