Hoops Habit
Fansided

15 1990’s NBA Players That Would Suck Today

By Matthew Handel

MANHATTAN, NY - CIRCA 1990's: Point Guard John Stockton #12 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks circa early 1990's during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. Stockton played for the Jazz from 1984-03. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, NY - CIRCA 1990's: Point Guard John Stockton #12 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks circa early 1990's during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. Stockton played for the Jazz from 1984-03. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 16
Next
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 1: Kenny Smith of the Houston Rockets (L) works against Dallas Maverick’s Jason Kidd during early action at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas 28 February. The Mavericks defeated the Hosuton Rockets 102-101. (COLOR KEY: Rockets wear red) AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read PAUL K. BUCK/AFP/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 1: Kenny Smith of the Houston Rockets (L) works against Dallas Maverick’s Jason Kidd during early action at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas 28 February. The Mavericks defeated the Hosuton Rockets 102-101. (COLOR KEY: Rockets wear red) AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read PAUL K. BUCK/AFP/Getty Images) /

Kenny Smith

Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets (1990-1997)

Kenny “The Jet” Smith made his mark with the Houston Rockets and earned his nickname for being a very fast player. He averaged 12.8 points per game over his career, but in today’s NBA he would get eaten alive by the guards.

More hoops habit: NBA: 25 Greatest Scorers of All-Time

Smith would lag far behind, lacking athleticism and defensive ability. Many of the players on this list needed extra offensive game, but Smith is one that needed work on the opposite end of the ball. The only part of the current NBA that Smith would benefit from is the hand check rule. Despite that, his lack of defense would over shadow that benefit.