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NBA: The 25 best NBA players never to make an All-Star game

By Josh Cornelissen

DENVER - NOVEMBER 9: Marcus Camby #23 of the Denver Nuggets pumps his fist after a big play against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter on November 9, 2005 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
DENVER - NOVEMBER 9: Marcus Camby #23 of the Denver Nuggets pumps his fist after a big play against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter on November 9, 2005 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Tom Sanders
Tom Sanders Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

The 25 best NBA players never to make an All-Star game — 22. Tom Sanders

Thomas “Satch” Sanders is a part of a talented group of players who were primarily cast in supporting roles that helped their teams win, but reduced their statistics and kept them out of the spotlight. Recent examples would be Andre Iguodala on the Golden State Warriors or Tayshaun Prince on the no-star Detroit Pistons. Multiple other entries on this list fit the bill as well.

Sanders is one of the more extreme examples, along with the to-be-named Don Nelson, as they were talented role players on the nigh-unbeatable Bill Russell Boston Celtics of the 1960s. Drafted by the Celtics in 1960, Sanders made the leap in his second season, ranking fourth on the team in minutes played. For the next decade, he was a key part of eight championship teams.

An elite defender, Sanders and Russell formed the stoutest frontcourt in the league, denying all takers. Hindered by the lack of defensive counting stats while he played, Sanders nonetheless made his impact on the best defensive team of the 60s; nine times in ten seasons they were the best defense by net rating in the league.

Sander retired in 1973 after 13 seasons, with eight titles to his name; only Bill Russell and K.C. Jones have won more in league history. It’s hard to separate Sanders’ worth from those teams’ success, and he never scored enough to get into the All-Star conversation, but he deserves recognition for his defense and role on a number of dominant squads.

Closest Call: In the 1968-69 season, the Boston Celtics yet again finished with the league’s top defense, and Sanders was finally formally recognized for his work, earning All-Defensive Team honors. The Eastern Conference All-Star roster was loaded that year, but Sanders deserved to be right in-the-mix for consideration.