Full Breakdown
NBA Players Vote: Alperen Sengün Topped Overrated List While Jalen Johnson and Derrick White Lead Underrated Rankings
5/7/2026, 10:55:36 PM
Poll Results Reveal Overrated and Underrated Designations
An anonymous NBA-player poll conducted by The Athletic released its 2025-26 results on May 1, 2026. Eighty-one players voted on the “most overrated” category and 151 voted on the “most underrated” category. The poll’s organizers—Josh Robbins, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon—compiled the votes and published the full rankings across Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Methodology and Historical Context
The poll follows a yearly tradition of peer-based rankings. In 2024 Tyrese Haliburton topped the overrated list before leading the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals. The 2025-26 edition again attracted attention because several high-profile players received votes despite missing significant time (e.g., Haliburton missed the entire season due to an Achilles tear).
Vote Totals and Player Season Statistics
- Alperen Sengün (Houston Rockets) – 12.3 % (10 votes) -> 20.4 pts, 8.9 reb, 6.2 ast, 51.9 % FG, 30.5 % 3P. Playoff line: 20.3 pts, 10.2 reb, 4.7 ast, 46.5 % FG, 12.5 % 3P.
- Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves) – 8.6 % (7 votes) -> 10.9 pts, 11.5 reb, 1.6 blk; 4th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
- Trae Young (Washington Wizards) – 8.6 % (7 votes).
- Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) – 6 votes (tied top) -> 22.5 pts, 10.3 reb, 7.9 ast (career highs).
- Derrick White (Boston Celtics) – 6 votes (tied top) -> 16.5 pts, 39.4 % FG, 32.7 % 3P (worst shooting season).
- Underrated tier (3.3 % each) – Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard, Austin Reaves.
- Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors) – 2.5 % (?2 votes) -> 13.8 pts, 3.7 ast, 5.1 reb; final-20-game surge: 17.6 pts, 46.7 % FG.
Players Receiving Overrated and Underrated Labels
The poll highlighted a split perception of young talent. Sengün’s statistical output earned an All-Star nod yet placed him at the poll’s apex for overrated status. Johnson and White, despite solid individual numbers, were celebrated as the league’s most underrated. Podziemski’s modest vote total placed him near the bottom of the overrated list, reflecting mixed fan and peer sentiment.
Official Summaries and Organizational Responses
The Athletic’s coverage noted that the Rockets finished sixth in defensive rating despite Sengün’s perceived defensive shortcomings. The poll’s organizers emphasized that the voting was anonymous and that each participant could cast a single vote per category. No formal statements from the Rockets, Hawks or Celtics were included in the source material.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Sengün focused on perceived on-court demeanor, with multiple players citing “crying every play.” Gobert expressed frustration at being labeled overrated, stating he feels “disrespected.” A poll non-voter defended the inclusion of Haliburton on the overrated list, arguing his prior playoff performance warranted the vote.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s crying every play. He’s talented, but, dude, just play hard.” — anonymous NBA player (on Alperen Sengün)
- “Not the first time I’ve been disrespected. Probably not the last,” — Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves center
- “I was part of the group that said Tyrese Haliburton for most overrated, and what he did in the playoffs last year was unreal,” — poll non-voter
- “You'll drive in, and you've kind of got a layup, and you see him, and you turn and go the other way,” — player who voted for Victor Wembanyama
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The poll’s sample size (81 overrated, 151 underrated) limits statistical robustness. Votes were cast despite some nominees missing the season (e.g., Haliburton). The sources do not provide league-wide commentary on how the poll influences contract negotiations or team decisions.
Outlook and Upcoming Developments
Sengün enters the 2026-27 offseason with a contract extension on the horizon and trade speculation circulating. Podziemski indicated a desire to secure a new deal with Golden State. Austin Reaves faces a player-option decision for 2026-27, while Johnson and White’s elevated peer regard may bolster All-NBA candidacy. The poll’s results are likely to shape narrative threads throughout the upcoming preseason and free-agency period.
