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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) /
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CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: John Stockton (R) of the Utah Jazz reacts to being called for a foul on Steve Kerr (L) of the Chicago Bulls 07 June in game three of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls won the game 96-54 to lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: John Stockton (R) of the Utah Jazz reacts to being called for a foul on Steve Kerr (L) of the Chicago Bulls 07 June in game three of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls won the game 96-54 to lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) /

John Stockton

Utah Jazz (1990-1999)

Yes, the player with the most assists in his career in NBA history (15,806) would struggle in today’s NBA. John Stockton was gifted with a pick and roll powerhouse by the name of Karl Malone. Not taking anything away from Stockton, because he is a great passer, but who knows how his career would have gone if he would have never played alongside Malone.

Being so dependent on the pick and roll in today’s NBA wouldn’t be the worst thing, but teams would be able to stop a point guard without elite athleticism. If Stockton were to play in today’s NBA and not have a great pick and roll partner, he wouldn’t be a great player, he would be a sixth man at best.

Not to mention being undersized, Stockton would struggle to find a good role on the offensive end for many current teams. The only thing that would keep him relevant in today’s game would be his ability to steal the ball and his shooting ability. But players are so much more athletic today than they were in the ’90s.

Stockton has quick hands, but he would struggle to keep up with many players in the NBA today.

Next: Another Guard Too Slow To Compete