NBA: 50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame

With the latest Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class announced, the question remains: Who are the greatest players left outside of Springfield?

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has become significantly more star-studded. Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett highlighted the delayed Class of 2020, and the likes of Chris Bosh and Paul Pierce headline the Class of 2021.

Unfortunately, there are players left outside of the Hall of Fame who are often forgotten by history—until now, of course.

The number of snubs from the Hall of Fame is admittedly limited, if there are any at all. Just because a player isn’t a Hall of Famer, however, doesn’t mean that we should forget their immense contributions to the sport or the NBA in specific.

As such, it’s important to occasionally highlight the individuals who thrived in the NBA at a level that brought them near Hall of Fame consideration, even if they couldn’t clinch it altogether.

In some instances, the players on this list will be elite talents who simply couldn’t overcome the injuries they endured. In others, they’re individuals who found consistent success on individual and team levels, thus resulting in renown at a tier below Springfield territory.

Regardless of where you place these players on an all-time list, the reality is that they belong in the discussion.

In a positive twist of fate, the Class of 2021 actually knocked four names off of this list: Bob Dandridge, Toni Kukoc, Ben Wallace, and Chris Webber. All had been praised by teammates, fans, and peers as deserving of consideration, and all made that long-awaited leap.

The 50 who remain on the outside may never join them, but they represent the new class of players who sit right on the cusp of immortalization.

Note: To qualify for this list, players must be eligible for Hall of Fame induction.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 50. Red Kerr

Red “Johnny” Kerr played 11 NBA seasons between 1954-55 and 1965-66. During his time with the Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia 76ers, and Baltimore Bullets, he became one of the sports original walking double-doubles, alongside Hall of Famers such as Dolph Schayes and Hal Greer.

Kerr would later find success and notoriety as a head coach and commentator, but it was his time as a player that has him quite close to Hall of Fame status. Between 1956-57 and 1963-64, Kerr averaged 15.3 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. He also appeared in 76 playoff games, helping the Nationals win the championship in 1954-55.

Kerr helped Syracuse reach the 1956 Eastern Division Finals, as well, and added two more appearances in 1959 and 1961.

While he may not have been the go-to offensive player on those teams, his contributions as a scorer and rebounder provided stability down low for a long list of teammates and coaches. It also added up in an impressive manner.

Statistically, Kerr finished his career with 12,480 points and 10,092 rebounds. For perspective, only five players who debuted during the 1950s accumulated at least 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds: Elgin Baylor, Bob Pettit, Bill Russell, Dolph Schayes, and Kerr.

The other four players are all-time greats who are comfortably in the Hall of Fame. Kerr is the only individual in that group who remains on the outside looking in. Whether or not that should be the case, Kerr deserves more respect for his contributions to the growth of the sport.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 49. Dan Roundfield

When evaluating the players at this stage of the discussion, one of the key factors considered was balance. For some, that meant a combination of individual statistics and team success. For others, it was acknowledging the individuals who got the job done on both ends of the floor.

One of the players who tied that all together was Dan Roundfield, who shouldn’t be lost by history—but instead, praised as a worthy blueprint for forward play.

Roundfield was a two-way player who could score, rebound, and defend at high levels. That enabled the former Atlanta Hawks star to build a complete résumé that places him among the better power forwards in NBA history.

Roundfield made three consecutive All-Star Game appearances, also earning All-NBA Second Team honors alongside another name that you’ll find on this list: Marques Johnson.

Additionally, Roundfield was named All-Defense in five different seasons while playing for the Hawks. This was all a result of his routine double-doubles, his shot-blocking prowess, and the ability he possessed to additionally score when needed.

For statistical context, Roundfield averaged 17.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game across six seasons with the Hawks.

Productive and committed on both ends of the floor, Roundfield deserves more attention than he receives.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 48. Sam Cassell

There are few players who commanded the respect of their peers quite like Sam Cassell was able to. A 15-year veteran as a player turned revered assistant coach with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers, Cassell has been winning since his very first season—literally.

Cassell won championships in each of his first two NBA seasons, added another in his final campaign, and managed a level of play that earned him both All-Star and All-NBA honors.

Some would argue that those accolades were long overdue.

Between 1997 and 2006, Cassell averaged 18.4 points, 7.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 46.4 percent shooting from the field. He only earned one All-Star Game appearance during the time, but he’s the perfect example of a player who didn’t need the accolades to earn the respect.

That doesn’t even include his time with the Houston Rockets, for what it’s worth, when he was arguably the best distributor on teams that went back-to-back as NBA champions.

Cassell appeared in 136 career playoff games, starting 60. In addition to being a key contributor to the Rockets teams that went back-to-back, he helped the Milwaukee Bucks reach the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals. Cassell also ran point as the Minnesota Timberwolves reached the 2004 Western Conference Finals and helped the 2005-06 Los Angeles Clippers win their first playoff series since 1976.

To close out his career in true Cassell fashion, he was a veteran presence as the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship in 2007-08, thus helping Doc Rivers and company end a 22-year championship drought.

It’s difficult to understate just how valuable Cassell was to winning during his NBA career. Whether or not he ultimately ends up in the Hall of Fame, he deserves to be remembered by fans and players alike.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 47. Ron Boone

This will be the first entry of multiple ABA legends who are currently outside of the Hall of Fame. Considering it is the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and not an NBA-specific Hall, ABA success is beyond relevant.

One of the great players who thrived outside of the NBA, but isn’t currently in the Hall of Fame, is eight-year ABA veteran Ron Boone.

Amongst who aren’t currently in the Hall of Fame, Boone received the third-most votes for the ABA All-Time Team. He even received more votes than several players who are in the Hall of Fame, and received just one less than 1986 inductee Billy Cunningham.

The primary reason for the votes he received was that Boone scored at about as prolific a level as anyone in ABA history.

Boone finished his ABA career with 12,153 points, which ranks third in the league’s history. The more compelling context is that every other player in the top five—Louie Dampier, Dan Issel, Mel Daniels, and Julius Erving—has been enshrined in Springfield.

Boone also proved he could thrive in the NBA by averaging 22.2 points and 4.1 assists per contest during his first season in the Association.

Boone made the All-ABA First Team in 1974 and the All-ABA Second Team in 1975. He was a four-time ABA All-Star. Most important of all, however, is that he helped the Utah Stars win the ABA Championship in 1971.

It was one of two ABA Finals appearances for Boone, whose scoring ability and value to winning makes for an interesting case study in Hall of Fame omissions.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 46. Jason Terry

Jason Terry had one of the most interesting career arcs of the past 20 years. He was a top-10 draft pick after a decorated career with the Arizona Wildcats, during which he helped Lute Olsen and company win the 1997 NCAA Championship and became Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1999.

14 years later, Terry won an NBA championship to put a bow on his success—and he did so in a way that catapulted him onto this list.

Terry won Sixth Man of the Year in 2008-09, thus solidifying his status as one of the best Sixth Men of his time. He was a starter for the first eight years of his career, but he truly came into his own as the third guard on the Dallas Mavericks.

He was a high-volume scorer who could facilitate when need be. That much is proven by his elite—yes, elite—statistical combinations.

Over the course of his 19-year career, Terry poured in 18,881 points, dished out 5,415 assists, racked up 1,603 steals, and buried 2,282 three-point field goals.

As of this article, Terry ranks seventh all-time in career three-point field goals and 35th in steals. Even more impressive: He’s the only player in NBA history who produced at least 18,000 points, 5,000 assists, 2,000 three-point field goals made, and 1,500 steals.

Yes, the one and only.

Furthermore, Terry was one of the stars of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks team that upset LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in the NBA Finals. Terry outscored James during that series, including his 27-point curtain call in the decisive Game 6.

Terry has his No. 31 jersey retired by the University of Arizona and could one day receive the same honor with the Mavericks.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 45. Horace Grant

Being the third-best player on a team that won three consecutive championships is generally going to be enough to secure Hall of Fame consideration. That’s exactly what Horace Grant was for the Chicago Bulls, as evidenced by the fact that he ranked third on the team in minutes by a considerable margin during each of those championship seasons.

In fact: Grant was the only player other than Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to play more than 30 minutes per game in 1990-91, and the only player other than Jordan and Pippen to eclipse 35 minutes per contest in 1991-92 and 1992-93.

That’s a fairly clear sign of how important Grant was to the Bulls’ three-peat.

Grant played a crucial role in the triangle offense, due in large part to his unselfishness. His passing from the high post enabled Jordan and Pippen to operate more freely within the scheme.

His commitment on the defensive end of the floor helped two of the greatest on-ball defenders of all time take more chances in the passing lanes.

Grant was also undeniably clutch in key moments for those championship teams. For instance, he put forth 20-point performances in Game 2 and Game 3 of the 1991 NBA Finals after Chicago dropped Game 1.

When Jordan retired in 1993, Grant immediately proved that he could handle the weight of a brighter spotlight. He made his lone All-Star Game appearance that season and received one of his four All-Defensive Second Team selections.

Perhaps even more importantly: He helped Chicago win a playoff series and push the eventual Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks to the limit.

The following season, he helped the Orlando Magic reach the 1995 NBA Finals as the team’s veteran leader. He then won a fourth championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000-01 while starting all 16 of the games he played that postseason.

The analytical fact that pieces his place on the list together: Grant has the fourth-most Win Shares of any eligible player who isn’t in the Hall of Fame behind Shawn Marion, Chauncey Billups,  and Buck Williams.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 44. Willie Wise

Willie Wise only played eight professional seasons, but he made a tremendous impact during his limited time. He was a go-to player on a championship team, helped lead that same franchise to a second Finals appearance, and even made the ABA All-Time Team.

A lack of longevity will likely keep him out of the Hall of Fame, but in terms of peak performance, Wise is a player who made tremendous waves in the ABA.

Wise made the All-ABA Second Team in two different seasons, became a three-time ABA All-Star, and made a pair of ABA All-Defensive Second Teams. That’s quite the combination of accolades considering the league only existed for nine years.

It was in the postseason, however, that Wise made the leap from a fringe player to one who enters this list of the 50 greatest players outside of the Hall of Fame.

Wise helped the Utah Stars win the 1971 ABA Championship by navigating an incredibly difficult path to the title. He helped Utah upset the three-time champion Indiana Pacers in the Western Division Finals, putting up 31 points in Game 7.

Wise averaged 19.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists for the series.

In the championship round, Wise took his game to an entirely new level. He averaged 25.3 points, 16.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest, and dropped 22 points, 20 boards, and six assists in Game 7 as the Stars defeated a Kentucky Colonels team led by Hall of Famers Dan Issel and Louie Dampier.

Before injuries took him down in 1975, Wise helped Utah get back to the ABA Finals in 1974 to further prove what could’ve been.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 43. Antawn Jamison

Antawn Jamison was the 1998 College Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Tournament MVP. He would go on to become the No. 4 overall selection in the 1998 NBA Draft, thus embarking on a 16-year journey around the NBA.

Jamison became one of the most statistically prolific players who aren’t currently in the Hall of Fame, including one feat that will have some pondering if he should be.

To date, Jamison and Tom Chambers are the only two eligible players who scored at least 20,000 career points that aren’t currently in the Hall of Fame. Jamison finished his career with 20,042 career points, as well as 8,157 career rebounds.

Jamison is one of just 22 players to record at least 20,000 career points and 8,000 career rebounds. Every other player who did so is in the Hall of Fame.

Jamison made the All-Star Game in both 2004-05 and 2007-08 and was named Sixth Man of the Year in 2003-04. He averaged upwards of 20 points per game in five different seasons, including his career-best 24.9 points per contest in 2000-01, and 21.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per outing in 2007-08.

Jamison is also one of just 29 players in NBA history to record at least 17 points per game at or after the age of 35.

For a crowning moment, look no further than the 2007 NBA Playoffs. With both Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler sidelined by injuries, Jamison averaged 32.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as the Washington Wizards battled LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jamison led all players in scoring in three of those four games and tied James at 31 in the decisive Game 4.

All things considered, there haven’t been too many scorers as prolific as Jamison.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 42. Fat Lever

Long before Russell Westbrook spawned a generation of players who racked up triple-doubles without pause, Fat Lever was Magic Johnson’s 10-10-10 contemporary. The 12-year NBA veteran finished his career with 43 triple-doubles, which ranks 10th all-time.

That’s a ridiculous fact considering the meteoric rise of the pursuit of triple-doubles during the modern era of the Association.

It was made even more impressive by the fact that Lever was just 6’3” in an era of giants. While neither is truly better or worse than the other, it’s certainly pertinent that Lever played with bigs who were more content to grab rebounds than space the floor or defend the perimeter.

Lost in the praise that Lever receives for his triple-doubles, is the fact that he was a legitimate two-way player.

Despite having his career cut short by injuries, Lever ranks 25th all-time in steals and amassed just under 5,000 assists. Between 1986-87 and 1989-90, Lever raised his game and nearly averaged a triple-double at cumulative marks of 18.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.

In 1986-87, he became one of just three players in NBA history to average at least 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game over the course of a full season.

The others: Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.

Lever made a pair of All-Star Game appearances during that run, as well as an All-NBA Second Team and an All-Defensive Second Team.  He played 48 playoff games, as well, including a run to the Western Conference Finals as Alex English’s co-star with the Denver Nuggets.

That further validated the career of one of the NBA’s forgotten great point guards.

Lever will be forever linked to the triple-double, but even that doesn’t cover how well-rounded he was. A tough defender, elite ball-hawk, and complete offensive player, Lever was a unique talent.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 41. Larry Johnson

For a generation of basketball fans, Larry Johnson was amongst the most important figures in the sport. He was the face of college basketball, leading the genuinely iconic UNLV Runnin’ Rebels to the NCAA Championship in 1990, and winning the Naismith College Player of the Year and John R. Wooden Awards in 1991.

His No. 4 jersey was inevitably retired by UNLV.

Johnson’s career got off to a hot start at the next level, as he won NBA Rookie of the Year in 1991-92 and earned All-NBA Second Team honors in just his second season. The players who joined him: Joe Dumars, Patrick Ewing, John Stockton, and Dominique Wilkins.

Every one of those players are in the Hall of Fame.

Injuries would take their toll shortly thereafter, with Johnson only able to play 10 NBA seasons before having to retire. Nevertheless, Grandmama was the complete package with the Charlotte Hornets and, for a brief time, with the New York Knicks.

Over five seasons with the Hornets, Johnson averaged 19.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 49.6 percent shooting from the field. As for team success, he and Alonzo Mourning co-starred as Charlotte won a postseason series for the first time in franchise history in 1992-93.

Despite the chronic back problems, Johnson was able to extend his career and play significant playoff basketball in New York. He famously hit one of the greatest shots in NBA history—the legendary four-point play—as the Knicks became the only No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals.
Johnson would go on to post a pair of 25-point games in the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, as well, offering a last hurrah from a talent who was ahead of his time.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 40. Freddie Lewis

When the ABA announced its All-Time Team in 1997, a long list of Hall of Famers was honored with a new type of distinction. Unfortunately, there were also players who were selected who aren’t in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Considering the ABA is the league that gave basketball its swagger, perhaps that shouldn’t be the case.

One of the most egregious ABA omissions from Springfield is Indiana Pacers legend, multi-time champion, and statistically elite combo guard Freddie Lewis.

Lewis ranks sixth in ABA history in scoring at 11,660 points. He also ranks fourth in ABA history in assists. That’s a statistical combination of facts that at least puts him in the conversation for the Hall of Fame.
The reality of Lewis’ case, however, is that it’s made in the Playoffs.
Lewis helped the Pacers win three separate ABA Championships, including back-to-back titles in 1972 and 1973. He won ABA Playoffs MVP in 1971-72, which should tell you all you need to know about his value to the Indiana teams that won it all.

For perspective, he’s one of just two players who won that award but are not in the Hall of Fame. The other is Warren Jabali, whose only real detraction is the length of his career.

For further context: Lewis led the Pacers past Rick Barry and the New York Nets to win the title in 1972. He averaged 22.8 points and 5.3 assists per game during that Finals series.

Lewis is one of the all-time great Pacers players and a champion point guard. The ABA deserves enough respect for Lewis to be in.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 39. Terry Cummings

Very few players in Association history have managed to play 18 years in the NBA. That’s one of the many claims to fame for Terry Cummings.

He began his career as a star with the San Diego Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks, continued as a productive power forward for the San Antonio Spurs, He finished his NBA tenure as one of the game’s most respected veterans.

Cmmings wasn’t too far off from finishing his career with 20,000 points (19,460) and 10,000 rebounds (8,630). One would imagine that could’ve actually happened had he not suffered a career-altering knee injury in the middle of his career.

Prior to the injury, Cummings was named Rookie of the Year in 1982-83, and earned All-NBA and All-Star honors in both 1984-85 and 1988-89. During his run alongside Sidney Moncrief and Marques Johnson, Cummings helped the Bucks become one of the best teams of the 1980s.

Milwaukee won playoff series over the likes of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, Julius Erving’s Philadelphia 76ers, and Dominique Wilkins’ Atlanta Hawks.

That includes a memorable bout with Jordan in 1985 when Cummings closed out the series with 30-point, 37-point, and 29-point performances—and dropped 41 points and 12 rebounds against the 76ers in the very next series.

Cummings would continue to produce big numbers in the playoffs while starring for the Bucks as one of the game’s most talented big men. His strength and toughness were only matched by his ruthlessness around the rim, fluidity in transition, and versatility with the ball in his hands.

For what it’s worth: In the 10 seasons that preceded the knee injury, Cummings averaged 21.3 points and 8.7 rebounds on 48.9 percent shooting from the field.

The numbers and the film support his appearance on this list.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 38. Latrell Sprewell

Polarizing as he may have been, there’s no possible way to deny the tremendous talent that Latrell Sprewell possessed. Over the course of 13 seasons, Sprewell emerged as a dynamic scoring threat, a dominant on-ball defender, and a team leader in minutes played during a trip to the NBA Finals.

There were certainly highs and lows, but when Sprewell was on his game, there were few wings as imposing during the 1990s and early 2000s as Spree.

Sprewell made four All-Star Game appearances during his 13-year career, including an explosive season in 1996-97. He appeared in 80 of 82 games for the Golden State Warriors, averaging 24.2 points and 6.3 assists while shooting a commendable 35.4 percent from beyond the arc.

That was three seasons after he was named to the All-NBA First Team alongside Hall of Fame inductees John Stockton, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, and Hakeem Olajuwon.

After a controversial 1997-98 campaign, Sprewell reestablished himself as a force to be reckoned with in 1998-99. He led the New York Knicks in minutes as they became the only eight-seed in Association history to reach the NBA Finals.

Throw in a Western Conference Finals appearance with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003-04, and Sprewell proved that he played winning basketball with multiple franchises.

He could break down his opponent, finish with power or finesse at the rim, and play lockdown defense when the situation called for it.

The Hall of Fame may not be on the horizon for Sprewell, but he showed great perseverance as he overcame adversity to carve out a lengthy and successful career.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 37. Mack Calvin

As previously acknowledged, this list wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging some legends of the ABA who are not currently in the Hall of Fame. One of the most egregious ABA omissions from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is Mack Calvin.

For perspective on what he meant to that league, Calvin received the most votes of any player on the All-Time ABA Team who isn’t currently in the Hall of Fame.

At a time when the NBA was without a plethora of elite players, including Rick Barry, Julius Erving, George Gervin, Artis Gilmore, and David Thompson, Calvin was one of the best players in the league they called home.

During his seven seasons in the ABA, Calvin averaged 19.9 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.7 steals over the course of 533 games played. Those numbers inevitably led to significant accolades. He was named All-ABA in four different seasons.

That includes three years during which he was named All-ABA First Team and five that he was an ABA All-Star.

The ABA may not have been as deep as the NBA, but it had similar star power at the top of the proverbial food chain. The fact that Calvin was routinely named as a player who was at the same level as the aforementioned legends should provide all the context one needs as to just how great he was.

Calvin ranked eighth all-time amongst ABA players in scoring and second all-time in steals.

The ABA was too important to the history of basketball for Calvin not to be in the Hall of Fame with his legendary peers.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 36. Richard Hamilton

This slideshow will address an unfortunate truth: The Detroit Pistons teams of the 2000s are criminally under-appreciated. Detroit didn’t play the prettiest style, but it got the job done with intense defense, selfless ball movement, and unwavering poise in the most crucial of moments.

One of the players who embodied the mechanics that made Detroit such a well-oiled machine was midrange marksman and jump shooting metronome Richard Hamilton.

Hamilton led the Connecticut Huskies to the 1999 NCAA Championship, winning Most Outstanding Player honors during the Final Four. Five years later, Hamilton added an NBA Championship to his résumé as perhaps the most reliable offensive option on the Pistons.

Hamilton was Detroit’s leading scorer in every game of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, and scored 31 points during a crucial Game 3 win during the 2004 NBA Finals.

Hamilton would finish his career with upwards of 15,000 career regular-season points and more than 2,500 points in the playoffs. He ranks top-40 all-time in postseason scoring and accumulated those statistics while helping Detroit dominate the Eastern Conference.

That dominance played out in the form of six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances.

At 17.1 points per game over 14 seasons, Hamilton was one of the better and more productive scorers of his time. He boosted that figure to upwards of 20 points per game during five of the Pistons’ six trips to the NBA Semifinals, as well as both journeys to the NBA Finals.

With championships at the professional and collegiate levels, and impressive scoring numbers all around, Hamilton easily makes the cut for these rankings.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 35. Jermaine O’Neal

It’s easy to forget how many accolades Jermaine O’Neal was able to accumulate before the injuries caught up to him. He had a sustained period of renown, played a rather significant amount of postseason basketball, and was even the go-to scorer on a 60-win team.

Most would likely agree that O’Neal misses the cut for the Hall of Fame, but he’s closer than one might presume.

O’Neal made six All-Star Game appearances, which is tied for the second-most amongst eligible players who are not in the Hall of Fame. He was also named All-NBA in three different seasons, including a career-defining rise to prominence in 2003-04.

O’Neal was named All-NBA Second Team that season and actually finished third in MVP voting behind fellow power forwards Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.

In other words: Had Garnett and Duncan not been No. 1 and No. 2 in MVP voting, O’Neal would’ve been All-NBA First Team.

O’Neal finished that season with team-best averages of 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game as the Indiana Pacers went 61-21 and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. It was just one season in his string of six straight years of star-level play.

Between 2001-02 and 2006-07, O’Neal averaged 20.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game while helping Indiana make the Playoffs in all but one of those seasons.

In turn, O’Neal ranks No. 1 in Pacers history in blocks, No. 5 in scoring, and No. 6 in rebounding despite ranking outside of the top 10 in franchise history in games played.

Injuries prevented O’Neal from realizing his true potential, but 97 games of postseason experience, including his 72 games started, further prove how great he could’ve been.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 34. Gilbert Arenas

Between his time with the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards, Gilbert Arenas was something of a precursor to James Harden. Arenas, like Harden, was a magician with the ball in his hands, able to create offense from seemingly every angle of the court

Arenas’ career came to an abrupt end before he could build a Hall of Fame résumé, but his brief peak showed all of the signs of a player who belongs on this list.

Arenas certainly accumulated his fair share of accolades during his 11-year NBA career. He was named All-NBA in three separate seasons and was an All-Star during each of those unforgettable campaigns.

He was also named NBA Most Improved Player during the 2002-03 season. which was his first year as a full-time starter.

The true mark of what made Arenas a deserving inclusion on this list is the fact that he’s one of the greatest scoring point guards in the history of the game. He amassed a ridiculous 29 career games with at least 40 points and had 128 over 30 in just 11 seasons.

He’s also one of just 30 players to record a 60-point game. He’s one of just 39 players to record at least three 50-point games. He ranks 37th in NBA history in 40-point games, ahead of the likes of Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, George Mikan, and David Robinson.

Signature moments also help, even if we want to pretend they shouldn’t. For Arenas, his career-defining performance was a legendary duel between he and the incomparable Kobe Bryant.

The Black Mamba put up 45 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds. Arenas responded by pouring in 60 points, eight assists, and eight boards of his own.

Talent in absolute spades.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 33. Andrew Toney

The Philadelphia 76ers of the 1980s are one of the best teams that contemporary discussions seem to omit. In addition to winning a championship smack dab in the middle of the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson years, the 76ers routinely competed for titles with Julius Erving in the starring role.

Although Erving and later the likes of Moses Malone and Charles Barkley stole headlines, it was “The Boston Strangler” Andrew Toney who gave the 76ers’ top rival absolute fits.

Toney only played eight NBA seasons due to injury, but his short peak was a sight to behold. He was one of the most dependable clutch players of his generation, combining fearless scoring ability with the necessary skill level to create offense for the players around him.

That earned Toney selections to the All-Star Game in both 1982-83 and 1983-84, which just so happened to coincide with the 76ers’ championship season during the former.

After being somewhat quiet in the 1983 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Toney erupted during the final two rounds of that historic postseason run. He scored a game-high 30 points during the 76ers’ series-ending win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Overall, he averaged a series-leading 22.2 points per contest.

One series later, Toney gave Michael Cooper and the Lakers all they could handle in the NBA Finals. He set the tone with 25 points in Game 1 and poured in 23 points and nine assists in the decisive game of that battle.

Injuries prevented us from finding out just how far Toney could take his success, but a championship and multiple All-Star seasons offer a fair illustration of what makes him an all-time great, “What if?” player.

As for that famous nickname, look no further than the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals. Toney dropped 30 points in Game 2, 39 in Game 4, and 34 in Game 7 as the 76ers overcame Bird and the Celtics.

As clutch as they come.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 32. Deron Williams

Fans of the era will remember that there was a time when many argued that Deron Williams was the best point guard in the NBA. An absolute master of the pick and roll, as well as a three-level scoring threat, Williams struck fear into the hearts of teams all around the Association.

Injuries added up to cost Williams the prime of his career, but the former Utah Jazz star was almost a foreshadowing example of what NBA point guards would one day accomplish.

Williams made the All-Star Game in three consecutive seasons between 2010 and 2012, and made the All-NBA Second Team in 2007-08. He also made the All-NBA Second Team in 2009-10. More importantly: He played in 90 games during the postseason and started 72 of them.

That includes a somewhat under-appreciated tenure with the Nets of Brooklyn and New Jersey, as he actually averaged 20.6 points and 8.4 assists during the 2013 NBA Playoffs.

Williams averaged upwards of 18.7 points and 10.3 assists in every year between 2007-08 and 2010-11. His biggest claim to a spot on this list was in the playoffs, however, as he was the best player on a Utah Jazz team that reached the 2007 Western Conference Finals.

During that monumental series, Williams averaged 25.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game against Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs.

It was Utah’s first Conference Finals appearance since 1997-98, and is the franchise’s most recent trip there as of this article.

Williams also won two Olympic Gold Medals with Team USA, which certainly strengthens his case for the Hall of Fame. Not only did he win two significant titles, per se, but simply being a point guard on those stacked teams is evidence enough of how valued his talents were.

If health had permitted, Williams likely would’ve been well on his way to reaching Hall of Fame status.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 31. Peja Stojakovic

Peja Stojakovic joins a select few others from this list as players who would’ve been perfect fits in the modern era of NBA basketball. Ahead of his time as a 6’10” wing who could shoot the lights out, Stojakovic was a key component of a Sacramento Kings offensive system that helped revolutionize the sport.

Before Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni did the same with the Phoenix Suns, the Kings turned offensive execution on its head and put the rest of the NBA on skates on a nightly basis.

Between 2000 and 2005, Stojakovic averaged 21.1 points per game on .472/.408/893 shooting with the Kings. That includes 2003-04, when he averaged 24.2 points per game, shot 43.3 percent from beyond the arc with 240 conversions, and ultimately earned All-NBA Second Team honors.

That was also one of three All-Star seasons for Stojakovic, who would prove to be one of the best players in a deep and downright legendary Western Conference.

Upon leaving the Kings, Stojakovic would continue to find success around the NBA. He helped Chris Paul and the then New Orleans Hornets end a three-year postseason drought.

He also stepped up with several crucial performances for the Dallas Mavericks in 2010-11, including 21-point performances against the Portland Trail Blazers in Round 1, and in the closeout game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Round 2.

Stojakovic won his championship as more of a role player than a star, but he amassed 63 starts in a postseason setting. He even started seven of 10 games when Sacramento reach the 2002 Western Conference Finals.

Throw in his Gold Medal at the 2002 FIBA World Cup, a run during which he led FR Yugoslavia to a massive upset of Team USA, and Stojakovic had a career to remember.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 30. Micheal Ray Richardson

Micheal Ray Richardson had the potential to be one of the greatest guards in NBA history. He was a 6’5” athlete who could operate from either point guard or shooting guard with effectiveness and efficiency, as well as an elite ball-hawk who could create offense for himself and others.

Richardson’s career was derailed by his personal demons, but it’s hard to exclude him from this list given the sheer magnitude of his immense talent.

Over the course of nine NBA seasons, Richardson averaged 14.8 points. 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. For perspective on just how insane those numbers are, it puts him in company with the player known as, “The Point God.”

Richardson joins Chris Paul as the only players in NBA history to average at least 14.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.0 steals over the course of their careers.

Richardson only appeared in 556 games to Paul’s 1,090 and counting, but it’s a testament to just how special of a player he was despite what he battled off of the court.

Richardson actually led the NBA in both assists and steals in 1979-80 at 10.1 and 3.2 respectively. He was the first player in league history to lead the Association in steals in three separate seasons, which is a mark that still ranks second all-time behind Paul at six.

Throw in four All-Star Game appearances and two All-Defensive First Team nods, and Richardson has an impressive résumé.

Richardson would go on to experience success overseas, but fans will always be left to wonder what he could’ve done had he been able to overcome the issues that plagued him early in his career.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 29. Detlef Schrempf

Before European players were filling out rotations and starting lineups around the Association, Detlef Schrempf was helping break the mold. There were clearly others who helped pave the way, but Shcrempf experienced sustained success at a level that few European players before him had been able to in the NBA.

Schrempf spent 16 years in the NBA, earning awards and honors during the regular season and helping his teams play at a contending level in the postseason.

Schrempf is regarded by many as one of the greatest Sixth Men in NBA history. He’s one of just five players to have won the award on multiple occasions, and joins Kevin McHale and Lou Williams as the only individuals to secure the honor in consecutive seasons.

Perhaps most significant of all is the fact that Schrempf’s success actually translated to the 114 career postseason games that he played with the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Schrempf’s greatest claim to fame took place in 1995-96, when he helped the SuperSonics reach the NBA Finals. He started all 21 games for Seattle that postseason, providing consistent production as a scorer and unique playmaker who could create for others from either forward position.

It may seem like standard practice in the modern era, but it was rare for a 6’10” player to be able to facilitate and space the floor when Schrempf was playing. He did so to the tune of 6.0 assists per game in 1992-93 and 51.4 percent shooting from three-point range in 1994-95.

A case could be made that, due to a combination of his prowess and his influence, Schrempf should join his fellow European influencers in the Hall of Fame.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 28. Norm Van Lier

There’s something to be said about a player who gets the job done on both ends of the floor. That’s exactly what Norm Van Lier did over the course of his 10 NBA seasons, racking up All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense honors while also thriving as one of the best facilitators of his era.

Van Lier may not have the name value of former teammates such as Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, or Tiny Archibald, but he deserves to be mentioned as one of the best players outside of the Hall of Fame.

Van Lier was named All-Defense in eight consecutive seasons. For perspective on how significant that is, no player in NBA history has been named All-Defense in at least nine seasons without ultimately making the Hall of Fame.

Perhaps Van Lier was just one season shy.

In addition to being an All-Defense mainstay, Van Lier also earned All-NBA honors in 1974 and became an All-Star in 1974, 1976, and 1977. He led the Association in assists in 1970-71, racking up a career-best 10.1 dimes per game.

Van Lier’s greatest success would come with the Chicago Bulls. He helped Bob Love and Jerry Sloan make the Bulls a contending-level team, including trips to the Western Conference Finals—yes, Western Conference—in both 1974 and 1975.

That combination of individual and team success puts him in an interesting position as far as Hall of Fame candidacy is concerned.

Regardless of whether or not he should be in, the reality is that Van Lier is one of the best defensive point guards in NBA history. That counts for something significant.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 27. Larry Costello

There aren’t many players who have a résumé like that of Larry Costello. Most who do are in the Hall of Fame. A 14-year veteran who won championships as both a player and a head coach, Costello is one of the players who seems to represent the thin line between a great player and a Hall of Famer.

Nevertheless, Costello deserves mention and praise for being one of the great guards of his era, as well as an individual who helped three legends capture championships.

Costello was a six-time All-Star and a one-time All-NBA Second Team honoree. That puts him square in the discussion of Hall of Fame or otherwise. He also helped Wilt Chamberlain win his first NBA title in 1966-67, albeit as a veteran leader rather than a featured contributor.

Costello also helped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson win their first titles in 1970-71, this time as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

As far as his playing career is concerned, Costello’s six All-Star Game appearances are actually the second-most of any eligible player who isn’t currently in the Hall of Fame. That trails only Larry Foust at eight.

He also made three Eastern Division Finals with the Syracuse Nationals and Philadelphia 76ers. While the Hall of Fame is about individual play, team success matters—especially as a point guard.

Costello may not reach the Hall of Fame, but he deserves praise as one of the best players who sit on the outside looking in. Six All-Star Game appearances prove it.

If nothing else, there’s certainly a case to be made for Costello deserving to make it as a head coach.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 26. Larry Foust

Larry Foust may actually be the most interesting case study amongst the players who are currently not in the Hall of Fame. Many have accolades and talent levels that suggest they should be in, but few managed to compile a résumé quite like Foust’s.

Actually, zero players outside of the Hall of Fame have a résumé quite like Foust’s.

The former Fort Wayne Pistons, Minneapolis Lakers, and St. Louis Hawks star made eight All-Star Game appearances during his 12-year NBA career. That’s the most of any player who is not in the Hall of Fame.

That alone is reason to discuss Foust as a potential omission, or at least a player who belongs on the list. The 1950s weren’t the most glamorous era in NBA history, but they were relatively star-studded with the likes of George Mikan, Bob Pettit, Bob Cousy, and Dolph Schayes putting together their Hall of Fame résumés.

The fact that Foust made eight All-Star Game appearances, as well as receiving two All-NBA nods with a First Team selection in 1954-55, certainly inserts him in the heart of this discussion.

Foust led the NBA in rebounding once and managed to amass a relatively significant amount of postseason success. He made six Division Finals appearances, the equivalent of the Conference Finals at that time.

He played a significant role on five of those teams, and added an impressive five NBA Finals appearances to his résumé, with a featured role in four of those instances.

Foust was one of the better big men of his generation, with quite a bit to show for his efforts. Whether or not you believe he should be a Hall of Fame, his place on this list is undeniable.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 25. Mark Aguirre

With no hyperbole whatsoever, Mark Aguirre is one of the most important players in NBA history. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick during the 1981 NBA Draft who became a multi-time All-Star with the Dallas Mavericks.

More significant: He was the player who pushed the Detroit Pistons from being Bad Boys to becoming two-time NBA Champions in an era with Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan.

Aguirre may not be in the Hall of Fame, but the former Naismith College Player of the Year has a significant place in history and two championship rings that silence the skeptics.

Aguirre played 13 NBA seasons, amassing 18,458 points and averaging 20.0 points per game through 923 appearances. That includes his explosive 1983-84 campaign, during which he put up a career-best of 29.5 points per outing en route to his first of three All-Star Game appearances.

Aguirre then averaged 25.7 points per game in 1984-85 before closing out his Mavericks career with scoring marks of 25.7 and 25.1. He earned back-to-back All-Star Game selections in the process.

In 1989, Aguirre’s career and legacy took a turn for the graeter. Known as an explosive scorer on an exciting Mavericks team, he changed his game, embraced defense, and replaced Adrian Dantley as the Pistons won consecutive championships in 1988-89 and 1989-90.

Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Laimbeer may be the household names from that era of Detroit basketball, but don’t ever forget Aguirre.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Aguirre is the only eligible player in NBA history to average at least 20.0 points per game over the course of at least 900 regular-season contests and not end up in the Hall of Fame.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 24. Rolando Blackman

The Dallas Mavericks may not have won a championship during the 1980s, but if you’re ever looking for great YouTube material, watch those teams play. An explosive offensive unit with a wide array of players whose names you’d recognize, Dallas was about as fun as it got.

One of the best players from those teams is an individual who quietly ranks amongst the better shooting guards in the history of the sport: Rolando Blackman.

Although not a Hall of Famer, Blackman produced big scoring numbers across 13 NBA seasons and even compiled a solid list of individual accolades. He scored 17,623 points for his career, finishing with an average of 18.0 per game over the course of 980 regular-season appearances.

That includes three seasons above 21.0 points per game and 10 consecutive seasons at or above 17.7, with nine being well over 18.

Compounded by the fact that he shot 49.3 percent from the field, 84.0 percent from the free throw line, and even developed into a capable three-point shooter—37.7 percent over his final four seasons—Blackman was the complete package.

To this day, Blackman trails only Dirk Nowitzki in terms of career points as a member of the Mavericks. Blackman also ranks top-10 all-time in franchise history in rebounds, assists, and steals. That tremendous company speaks for itself.

As far as what that meant for team success, Blackman and the Mavericks pushed the Los Angeles Lakers to seven games in the 1988 Western Conference Finals. Blackman was also a veteran presence for the New York Knicks when the team from The Mecca reached the 1994 NBA Finals.

As far as numbers, Blackman averaged 21.6 points and 4.1 assists per game during his 48 postseason outings between 1984 and 1990.

With four All-Star Game appearances and his No. 22 jersey retired by the Dallas Mavericks, Blackman’s place in history is safe.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 23. Glen Rice

Long before Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were rewriting the rules of three-point shooting, there were Ray Allen, Larry Bird, and Reggie Miller. Those names are spoken even to this day, whether it be by those who witnessed their success or those who have merely heard of it.

Inexcusably lost amongst the legends, however, appears to be one of the purest shooters in NBA history: Glen Rice. And believe me when I say it: Rice could shoot.

Between 1990 and 2001, Rice shot 40.7 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 1.7 three-point field goals made per game. That includes his historic 1996-97 campaign, when the Michigan Wolverines legend averaged 26.8 points per game and buried 207 three-point field goals.

Rice knocked down an awe-inspiring 47.0 percent of his attempts from distance that season. In the process, he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 200 three-point field goals made on 45.0 percent shooting or better from distance.

It was one of four seasons during which Rice shot above 40 percent from three-point range, and he added an additional seven over 38 percent.

Not to be confused with some of the other spot-up shooters who can make a similar claim to fame, Rice was a complete scorer who experienced both regular season and postseason success. He was the starting small forward when the Los Angeles Lakers won the championship in 2000.

Rice averaged 33.3 minutes played per game during that postseason, scoring 21 points in Game 2 of the NBA Finals and 16 in the close-out win in Game 6.

A 15-year veteran with two All-NBA selections, three All-Star Game appearances, a championship, and an All-Star Game MVP award, Rice is one of the best shooters and players outside of the Hall of Fame.

Throw in his iconic performance in the 1989 NCAA Tournament, when he led Michigan to its first and only championship, and Rice was great on multiple levels.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 22. Alvin Robertson

Over the course of 12 NBA seasons, Alvin Robertson proved to be one of the most dominant defensive forces in the NBA. He also established himself as a capable scorer and productive facilitator, thus emerging as one of the more valuable combo guards in the Association.

The accolades are present and the status as an elite defender is undeniable, thus combining to make Robertson one of the best two-way players of his generation.

Robertson made four All-Star Game appearances during his career, as well as an All-NBA Second Team during the 1985-86 campaign. He won Defensive Player of the Year that season, as well as earning the NBA Most Improved Player award.

Robertson is also one of just four players in NBA history to record a quadruple-double.

In total, Robertson made six All-Defensive Teams and led the league in steals in three different seasons. He was just the second player in league history to have three seasons at the top of the steals leaderboard, following only Micheal Ray Richardson.

Robertson’s accolades continue on the global scene, as he helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles—before NBA players called international play a second home.

Throw in three 30-point games during the Playoffs and Robertson has a combination of statistics and accolades that make for quite the intriguing candidacy.

For perspective on just how good Robertson was during his prime, he averaged 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.1 steals per game on 48.4 percent shooting between 1985-86 and 1990-91.

If nothing else, Robertson ranking 10th all-time in steals is a significant feat.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 21. Bob Love

Long before Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to the only championships and NBA Finals appearances in franchise history, Bob Love was keeping the franchise afloat. He began his NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks, but it was an eight-year run with the Bulls that elevated the organization.

Love is one of the most respected players of his time, as well as an individual whom some would argue should find his way onto a Chicago Bulls Mount Rushmore.

Love made three All-Star Game appearances with the Bulls, as well as two on the All-NBA Second Team and three on the All-Defensive Second Team. A 6’8” forward with skill and athleticism, Love averaged 22.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game during his seven full seasons in Chicago.

To date, he ranks third in Bulls history with 12,623 points. Only Jordan and Scottie Pippen managed to score more while wearing a Bulls uniform.

Love didn’t just compile statistics with the Bulls; he also found a way to play winning basketball. The Bulls made six consecutive postseason appearances with Love leading the charge, including back-to-back Conference Finals appearances during the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons.

Love and the Bulls came within one game of reaching the 1975 NBA Finals, in fact, only falling to all-time great Rick Barry and the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in Game 7.

The Bulls were a talented team featuring a number of productive players such as Jerry Sloan, Norm Van Lier, and Chet Walker. It was Love, however, who was the go-to scorer.

He tried in that role, as evidenced by his career-defining performance against the Kansas City-Omaha Kings in the 1975 NBA Playoffs. Love averaged 30.0 points and 8.7 rebounds on 49.0 percent shooting from the field to send Chicago to the Conference Finals.

Before there was Jordan, there was Love—a two-way wing who could score and defend at borderline elite levels.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 20. Larry Nance

There are only 10 players in NBA history who have amassed at least 15,000 points, 7,000 rebounds, and 2,000 blocks. Nine of those 10 individuals are household names: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert Parish, and David Robinson.

The other player to achieve the feat is former Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers great Larry Nance—and he did so in just 12 seasons.

Nance was the complete package as far power forwards are concerned, combining elite defensive proficiency with impressive scoring instincts. He averaged double-figure scoring numbers during every season of his NBA career minus his rookie year, and poured in upwards of 20 points per game in each of his final two seasons with the Suns.

In terms of a 10-year peak, Nance averaged 18.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game on 54.9 percent shooting from the field between 1982-83 and 1992-93.

In addition to being one of the most productive big men in the regular season, Nance was a proven postseason performer. He appeared in 68 playoff games, reaching the Western Conference Finals with Phoenix in 1984 and the Eastern Conference Finals with Cleveland in 1992.

He was the defensive stalwart for both teams, as well as a solid scoring option at 16.9 and 18.0 points per game during the playoffs.

That includes the 15 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists that Nance recorded as Cleveland defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals. He was also second in scoring on the Cavaliers when they took Michael Jordan’s Bulls to six during the following series.

Nance, a three-time All-Star and three-time All-Defense selectee, may be the blueprint for shot-blocking forwards.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 19. Maurice Lucas

The 1977 Portland Trail Blazers quietly won a championship in improbable fashion. Led by Hall of Fame center Bill Walton and dynamic power forward Maurice Lucas, Portland defeated a long list of legends, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar included.

Walton was the MVP of both the 1977 NBA Finals and the following regular season, but Lucas was amongst the most complete players in the Association during that time.

Lucas was a walking double-double and a potent scoring threat. Over the course of his 10-year peak, he proved exactly that with averages of 16.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.

He actually led the Trail Blazers in scoring during their championship season, averaging 20.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per contest during the regular season. He averaged 21.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the playoffs.

Those numbers may not have landed him in the Hall of Fame, but that combination of production and toughness certainly made him a staple of NBA basketball for 14 strong seasons.

Lucas was technically a five-time All-Star, with four appearances in the NBA and one in the ABA. He was also named All-NBA in 1975-76 and All-Defense in both 1978 and 1979. Furthermore, Lucas was named to the ABA All-Time Team and had his No. 20 jersey retired by the Trail Blazers.

With just under 15,000 career points and more than 9,000 career rebounds, Lucas should be remembered as one of the better power forwards in NBA history.

Outside of the Hall of Fame, but certainly a Trail Blazers legend.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 18. Lou Hudson

It’s impossible to explore the history of Atlanta Hawks basketball—or St. Louis, for that matter—without seeing Lou Hudson’s name come up. He spent 11 seasons with the Hawks and 13 years in the NBA, earning various accolades and having his No. 23 jersey retired for his efforts.

Hudson arrived shortly after the championship season that was led by Bob Pettit, but he deserves all of the praise possible for keeping the Hawks relevant throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.

Hudson was a prolific scorer, as evidenced by his career average of 20.2 points per game and his 17,940 total points scored. He ranks third in Hawks history in scoring, trailing only Dominique Wilkins and Pettit—both of whom are in the Hall of Fame.

He did this before the three-point shot existed, which is a shame due to the skill level he possessed as a jump shooter.

Nevertheless, Hudson averaged upwards of 25 points per game in four different seasons. He even marks of 25.2 points on 49.7 percent shooting between 1968 and 1974. That helped him make Hudson six All-Star Game appearances and an All-NBA team.

More importantly, it helped the Hawks make the Playoffs in every season between 1966-67 and 1972-73. Not only did he help the franchise survive, but thrive during the post-Pettit era.

That includes 1969, when Hudson scored 27 points to close out the San Diego Rockets and send the Hawks to the Western Division Finals—the equivalent of the Conference Finals during that time.

As far as his place in history as a scorer, Hudson’s 23 40-point games land him in the top-50 all-time.

Hudson was a tremendous scorer who holds a special place in the history of a franchise that was founded in 1946.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 17. Terry Porter

There aren’t many players who have played 17 seasons in the NBA, let alone point guards who achieved such a feat. That’s something that Terry Porter can say he did, with an additional ranking of 30th all-time in career games played at an incredible 1,274.

Beyond sticking around for 17 seasons and 1,274 games, Porter was one of the most respected leaders and floor generals of his generation—and he helped multiple teams achieve a significant amount of success in that crucial role.

Porter made the All-Star Game in both 1990-91 and 1992-93, thus providing the accolades to support his general acclaim as a player and leader. He also had his No. 30 jersey retired by the Portland Trail Blazers.

That was earned by helping Portland experience its greatest success of the post-Walton era—contemporary teams included.

With 124 postseason games played and 90 starts, including 84 and 73 with the Trail Blazers, Porter played winning basketball for the entirety of his career. Seriously: Porter made the Playoffs in all but one season between 1985-86 and 2001-02.

It’s no coincidence that the lone exception, 1994-95, only occurred because he was injured.

Not to be confused with a player who was along for the ride, Porter averaged 19.9 points and 7.2 assists per playoff game on .496/.411/.840 shooting between 1987 and 1992. That includes trips to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992.

Porter also averaged upwards of 20 points per game during the 1990 and 1992 NBA Playoffs. That includes marks of 19.0 points, 8.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game during the 1990 NBA Finals and 16.2 points on 47.1 percent shooting in 1992.

He was second on the team in scoring in both series.

Porter was one of the best point guards no one talks about. Hopefully this article can contribute towards changing that.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 16. Brandon Roy

When great players suffer untimely injuries, they become something of folk heroes to the fans who watched them play. For a generation of basketball fanatics, that’s exactly what former Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Brandon Roy has evolved into over the years.

A player who has been praised by legendary peers, local fans, and rival supporters in unison, Roy was one of the best players in the game by his second season.

Unfortunately, it all ended due to injury shortly thereafter.

Roy won Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 and made the All-Star Game in each of the three seasons that followed. He was named All-NBA in both 2009 and 2010, including a Second Team appearance in ’09 alongside Hall of Fame inductees Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, and Paul Pierce, and future honoree Chris Paul.

During Roy’s all too brief period of brilliance, the great Kobe Bryant was quoted as praising Roy as the hardest player to guard in the entire Western Conference, per NBC Sports:

"“Roy 365 days, seven days a week. Roy has no weaknesses in his game.”"

That’s high praise from one of the greatest players and on-ball defenders in NBA history.

Roy was a dynamic scoring threat who could convert shots at all three levels. He was one of the best midrange marksmen of his era, as well as a more than capable three-point shooter who could balance those abilities by finishing in the paint or getting to the line with volume.

If only to preserve his legacy as one of the all-time great, “What if?” players, Roy essentially ended his career with a nigh-iconic 24-point game against the eventual NBA champion Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

He scored 18 of those 24 points in the fourth quarter of a 23-point comeback that ranks amongst the most exhilarating in postseason history.

That was just two years after Roy dropped 42 points against the Houston Rockets in a series during which he averaged 26.7 points per game.

Roy’s career is not only an example of what could have been, but what should have been.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 15. Tom Chambers

Tom Chambers makes this list with relative ease, as he has a statistical distinction that puts him in rather rare company. Of the 46 players who have scored at least 20,000 career points in the NBA, Chambers is one of just two eligible individuals who are not currently in the Hall of Fame.

There’s a case to be made that Chambers should be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but whether or not you agree, he most certainly belongs on this list of players on the outside looking in.

Chambers played 17 NBA seasons, which is reason enough to evaluate how valuable of a player he was. He scored upwards of 20,000 career points and pulled down 6,703 rebounds, all the while shooting an impressive 46.8 percent from the field.

He’s one of just 34 players in NBA history to record at least 20,000 career points and 6,000 career rebounds.

It wasn’t all about accumulation for Chambers as far as the statistics are concerned, as he averaged 22.9 points and 7.0 rebounds during the six-year period between 1984-85 and 1989-90.

Beyond being a productive player individually, Chambers helped his teams win. He appeared in 108 playoff games and was a go-to player on three different teams that reached the Western Conference Finals.

Chambers made the 1993 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns as a key rotational contributor.

Add another Conference Finals appearance with the Utah Jazz in 1993-94 as a role player, and Chambers has the combination of statistics and team success that should put him in the discussion.

Two All-NBA nods, four All-Star Game appearances, and an All-Star Game MVP award strengthen Chambers’ cause even further.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 14. Brad Daugherty

Brad Daugherty has a strong case for being the starting center on the All-What-If? team. The former Cleveland Cavaliers big man was among the best players in the Association during his brief run in the NBA, with postseason success and individual production combining to make an intriguing legacy.

A longer and healthier prime would’ve all but guaranteed a place in the Hall of Fame, but instead, the former North Carolina Tar Heels star is regarded as one of the best to narrowly miss the cut.

Daugherty made five All-Star Game appearances during his career, which ranks third amongst eligible players who are not in the Hall of Fame. He was also named All-NBA in 1992 and made the All-Rookie First Team in 1987.

He had his No. 43 jersey retired by the Cavaliers just one year after he was forced to formally retire due to injuries.

Daugherty’s career effectively came to an end at just 28 years of age, just one year after he averaged 20.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while helping Cleveland reach the 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Daugherty actually led Cleveland in points and rebounds per game during the team’s run to the 1992 Eastern Conference Finals. He famously put up 28 points in Game 2 of that series as the Cavaliers took a game from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

He also picked up 14 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists as Cleveland won another in Game 4.

The frontcourt combination of Daugherty and Larry Nance, with Mark Price running point, could have won a championship if not for injuries. Nevertheless, all three players make the cut on this list.

One of the greatest, “What if?” teams of the past 40 years with one of the best could-have-been centers ever.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 13. Buck Williams

Over the course of his 17 NBA seasons, Buck Williams earned the reputation of one of the most complete and respected players in the NBA. An individual who got the job done on both ends of the floor, Williams achieved early stardom and then became a proverbial metronome for the contending Portland Trail Blazers teams of the 1990s.

A walking double-double who averaged double-figure scoring and rebounding for his career, Williams ranks 20th all-time in regular season games played and accumulated 108 postseason game appearances, as well.

If longevity is a factor you consider, Williams had it in spades.

Williams made a name for himself with the New Jersey Nets, playing in all but one game between 1981 and 1987. He won Rookie of the Year in 1981-82, made three All-Star Game appearances, and was even selected to the All-NBA Second Team in 1982-83.

The other players on the All-NBA Second Team in 1982-83 were four Hall of Famers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Alex English, George Gervin, and Isiah Thomas.

Williams’ greatest feat in New Jersey was leading the Nets past Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 NBA Playoffs. Williams averaged 18.4 points, 15.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks as he and Micheal Ray Richardson helped the Nets do the unthinkable.

In Portland, Williams showed the humility to sacrifice offensive touches for additional defensive contributions. He finished his career with four All-Defense nods, including three with the Trail Blazers. Moreover, he helped the franchise make the leap to reach the 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals.

For perspective: The Trail Blazers had lost in the first round during each of the previous four seasons before making the Finals in Williams’ first in Portland.

Undeniable influence.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 12. Rasheed Wallace

When discussing the players who could’ve made the jump from their generation to the current iteration of NBA basketball, Rasheed Wallace should be near the top of the list. A versatile defender, effective three-point shooter, and skilled all-around offensive player, Wallace was a unique talent who could play either power forward or center.

16,000 points and a championship later, Wallace is one of the most identifiable stars from his time—and one of the key figures from multiple contending teams.

Over the course of his 16 NBA seasons, Wallace appeared in 177 postseason games, starting 154. That alone should tell you what kind of basketball he played, as his impact on the court was undeniably positive for the Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons.

Wallace was the key acquisition for the Pistons in 2003-04 when Detroit won the NBA Championship by defeating Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton, Karl Malone, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

A year later, Wallace again helped Detroit reach the NBA Finals in 2005. He was also an All-Star level player when Portland reach the Conference Finals in 1999 and 2000 and was present for five total Conference Finals appearances with the Pistons.

With eight career Conference Finals appearances, including one as a veteran leader for the Boston Celtics, the point is hammered won: Wallace’s presence equated to winning.

His four All-Star Game appearances must also be mentioned, with the accolades arriving due to his reputation as a player who could be relied upon for high-level contributions on both ends of the floor. It’s why he ranks 19th all-time in career postseason games played.

As far as the statistics are concerned, Wallace ranks in the top-75 all-time in career Win Shares. He’s also one of just two players in NBA history with at least 15,000 points, 7,000 rebounds, 1,000 blocks, 1,000 steals, and 1,000 three-point field goals made.

The other: Dirk Nowitzki.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 11. Walter Davis

If you’re unfamiliar with Walter Davis, then I’d advise you to understand just how important he was to the Phoenix Suns organization. A 15-year NBA veteran who spent 11 seasons in Phoenix, Davis may very well be the gatekeeper for the Hall of Fame.

Accomplished in the regular season and postseason alike, Davis is right on the line of being a Hall of Famer—and is undoubtedly one of the best players in Suns history.

Davis began his career with a bang, winning Rookie of the Year in 1975-76 over future Hall of Famers Bernard King and Jack Sikma. He went on to make six All-Star Game appearances and secured All-NBA Second Team honors in both 1977-78 and 1978-79.

It’s worth noting once again that the All-NBA Third Team wasn’t introduced until 1988-89. There’s no way to guarantee this, but one is inclined to believe that Davis would’ve made quite a few appearances.

Nevertheless, he proved to be one of the best players and scorers of his generation while helping Phoenix achieve its greatest pre-Barkley success.

Davis was a featured player for the Suns teams that reached the Western Conference Finals in both 1979 and 1984. He scored upwards of 25 points in four of the seven games during the 1979 series, and looked like the best player on the floor during multiple games of the 1984 series against the Showtime Lakers.

Davis may not be a Hall of Famer, but he’s a Phoenix legend worth knowing.

Throw in the fact that Davis scored 19,521 career points, and it’s clear to see that he’s right on the line of being a Hall of Famer—and easily deserving of his placement on this list.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 10. Gus Williams

If you’re searching for a player who embodies the term, “Overlooked,” then you’re likely to land on Gus Williams. Williams played 12 seasons in the NBA, entering the Association with the Golden State Warriors, thriving with the Seattle SuperSonics, and then finishing out his career with the Washington Bullets and Atlanta Hawks.

During those 12 years, Williams earned a significant number of accolades—including that of NBA champion as the primary scoring option for his team.

One of Williams’ former teammates, Jack Sikma, was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, with the legendary 1978-79 season being a major reason for it. Sikma was certainly spectacular, but it was actually Williams who led Seattle in both points and steals, as well as ranking second on the team in assists, during that championship season.

Williams also led the SuperSonics in scoring during the postseason, putting up 26.7 points per game as the defensive-minded SuperSonics won the first and only championship in franchise history.

That includes an average of 29.0 points per game during the 1979 NBA Finals.

Williams was also the leading scorer when Seattle reached the 1980 Western Conference Finals.

That was the beginning of a rise to superstardom for Williams, who earned an All-NBA Second Team nod in 1979-80 and First Team honors in 1981-82. The other players on the All-NBA First Team that season: Larry Bird, Julius Erving, George Gervin, and Moses Malone.

Williams was also an All-Star in both 1981-82 and 1982-83. Unfortunately, success in 1980-81 was rendered impossible by the fact that he sat out the entire season due to a contract dispute.

Williams won the now-defunct NBA Comeback Player of the Year award in 1981-82, but one can only wonder how much stronger his résumé would look had he not missed the 1980-81 campaign.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked players in NBA history would be appreciated for the star that he was in common conversation. Seriously: How many players can say they were the go-to scorer for a championship team?

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 9. Marques Johnson

The term, “Point forward,” has been utilized at nauseam as the copycat league that is the NBA attempts to emulate the success of Scottie Pippen, Grant Hill, and LeBron James. Most would argue that this process began with a legendary player whose last name was Johnson, and they would be right.

The only point of contention would be that it wasn’t Magic Johnson, but Marques Johnson who popularized the point forward trend.

Johnson was one of the stars of a Milwaukee Bucks team that was one of the underrated contenders of the 1980s. His all-around contributions fueled the team’s success throughout.

Johnson has a list of accolades that puts him on the cusp of the Hall of Fame, including three All-NBAs and five All-Star Game appearances. The necessary context is that the All-NBA Third Team wasn’t introduced until 1988-89, which poses the question of how many more All-NBA nods Johnson would have if the Third Team were available to him.

Nevertheless, Johnson made the All-NBA First Team alongside four Hall of Fame inductees in 1978-79: George Gervin, Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, and Paul Westphal.

Beyond the regular-season success, Johnson appeared in 54 playoff games as a star for the Bucks. He helped Milwaukee upset the No. 3 seed Phoenix Suns in 1978, averaging 28.5 points and 14.0 rebounds per game during the series.

He was also one of the best players on the 1983 Bucks team that actually swept Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. For proof of just how good he was, Johnson poured in 33 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two blocks during the closeout game.

Career postseason averages of 21.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 48.9 percent shooting from the field further establish just how well-rounded Johnson’s game was.

A neck injury prevented Johnson from further solidifying his Hall of Fame case, but he’s one of the 50 best players without a championship and one of the 50 greatest players who are not currently in the Hall of Fame.

Marion also has the most Win Shares of any eligible player who isn’t in the Hall of Fame.

Ridiculous production plus winning? Shawn Marion easily finds his place on this list.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 8. Mark Price

It’s often exaggerated when someone says, “This player would be even better in this era than their own!” There are complex factors that play into whether or not that would be true, including some combination of skill level, athletic ability, and the vague blanket statement of how they’d fit.

One player who fits the bill of a player whose game not only fits the modern structure of basketball, but perhaps influenced the development of it, is Cleveland Cavaliers legend Mark Price.

Price is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, which certainly helps when discussing hypothetical cross-generational success. What many from his time will be quick to remind you of, however, is that Price is the player who popularized the splitting of the pic.

In turn, Price revolutionized the single most popular play in contemporary basketball.

As a pick and roll maestro and sharpshooting point guard who excelled at both creating his own shot and finding opportunities for others, it’s safe to say that Price checks the boxes for players we wish could hop in a time machine.

More important than what he could do, however, is what Price actually managed to accomplish. Despite having his career shortened by injuries, he was named All-NBA in four different seasons, including the First Team nod he received in 1992-93 alongside Michael Jordan and ahead of John Stockton.

That was one season after Price led the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals, a series during which the Cavaliers actually had home-court advantage. They pushed Jordan’s Chicago Bulls to six games during that series, which was a monumental feat unto itself.

Whether or not that success would’ve translated to 2021 will never be proven, but Price was a series of devastating injuries away from ending up with the other star point guards from his era in the Hall of Fame.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 7. Shawn Marion

If one were to look strictly at the statistics, then it would be hard to argue against Shawn Marion being inducted into the Hall of Fame. He finished his career with 17,700 points, 10,101 rebounds, 2,198 assists, 1,759 steals, and 1,233 blocks.

He’s also the only player in NBA history to record at least 150 blocks and 100 steals in four consecutive seasons.

Throw in his tremendous defensive performances in the 2011 NBA Finals against LeBron James, the entirety of his Phoenix Suns run, and his underrated performance in 2012 against Kevin Durant, and Marion has quite a case.

Whether or not he’s in the Hall of Fame, Marion pieced together a career that puts him in rare territory amongst wing players. He played 16 years in the Association, won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks, and earned two All-NBA and four All-Star nods along the way.

Marion also played a featured role on three different teams that reached the Conference Finals, including 2005, when he scored 38 points to close out Dallas in Round 2. In 2006, he had 30-point games in four of the final five games of a seven-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Simply put: Marion produced big numbers in the regular season and routinely stepped up in the Playoffs.

Productive on both ends of the floor, Marion played winning basketball for the vast majority of his career. He appeared in 109 playoff games, starting 103, and was a walking double-double with better range than his oft-maligned shooting form should’ve permitted.

Between 2000 and 2008, Marion averaged 18.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 three-point field goals made per game on a slash line of .481/.343/.820.

His five-year peak, between 2001-02 and 2005-06: 20.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.3 blocks, 1.2 three-point field goals made per contest on .472/.354/.837 shooting.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 6. Shawn Kemp

Shawn Kemp is one of the players who fall victim to just how exciting his highlights are. That may seem like a silly statement, but in many instances, said players are underrated for their skill level and fundamental prowess because it’s far more interesting to talk about their athleticism.

Make no bones about it, however, as Kemp was a midrange threat who made even the best defenders of his era struggle to predict which route the Seattle SuperSonics legend would follow to the bottom of the net.

Kemp was named an All-Star in six consecutive seasons between 1992-93 and 1997-98, and a case could be made that he was a snub in both 1998-99 and 1999-00. During that six-year peak, he averaged 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.4 steals while shooting 51.3 percent from the field.

More importantly: He and the SuperSonics made the postseason every season during that six-year period.

That includes a Western Conference Finals appearance in 1992-93, a 63-win season in 1993-94, and a 64-win regular season and NBA Finals appearance in 1995-96.

While Gary Payton is the player who may be most synonymous with Seattle basketball, Kemp deserves a significant amount of credit for that sustained success due to how he routinely stepped up against the best of the best at his position.

Kemp averaged 20.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks on 58.8 percent shooting from the floor against Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns in the 1993 Western Conference Finals. He also put up 20.0 points per game on 69.0 percent shooting against Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz in the 1996 Western Conference Finals.

That includes 26 points and 14 rebounds in Game 7—outscoring (26 to 22) and out-rebounding (14 to 5) Malone in the process.

For good measure, he recorded 23.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game on 55.1 percent shooting from the field against Dennis Rodman and the Chicago Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals.

Not only was Kemp a human highlight reel, but he went toe-to-toe with Hall of Famers. An arguable Hall of Fame snub.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 5. Penny Hardaway

There are few players in NBA history who amassed a level of popularity as what was achieved by Penny Hardaway. Co-starring with Shaquille O’Neal on an Orlando Magic team that went as far as competing for a championship, Hardaway proved that style and substance could go hand-in-hand—and not just for that guy wearing No. 23 in Chicago.

Injuries robbed Hardaway of what was all but guaranteed to be a Hall of Fame career, but that doesn’t change the fact that he belongs on this list—and incredibly high on it.

During his first four seasons, Hardaway was named to three All-NBA Teams, including two appearances on the All-NBA First Team. The highlight was in 1995-96 when he beat out Second Team selectees Gary Payton and John Stockton for the First Team nod alongside Michael Jordan.

The other players who made that team are all top-50 all-time players who are currently in the Hall of Fame: Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, and David Robinson.

Just one season after joining the elite of the elite for a second consecutive year, Hardaway suffered a knee injury that would mark the beginning of the end of his NBA superstardom.

For what it’s worth, Hardaway achieved enough to at least warrant consideration for the Hall of Fame. He won an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, helped Orlando reach the 1995 NBA Finals, and helped the Memphis Tigers reach the Elite Eight in 1992.

He was also third in MVP voting in 1995-96 and was Top 10 in that regard during the 1994-95 campaign. In other words: Hardaway was not only talented and popular but truly elite.

The Hall of Fame may or may not be in his future, but Penny Hardaway was a legend of his era. A star with a significant cultural impact on the game.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 4. Tim Hardaway Sr.

Tim Hardaway Sr. is one of the 50 greatest players to never win a championship and one of the most important point guards in NBA history. He not only popularized the crossover, but made the pull-up three one of the most fashionable shots in basketball.

Neither of those statements is hyperbolic, either; Hardaway was a household name in basketball circles.

One-third of the dare-I-say iconic Run TMC, Hardaway came close to winning a championship and played at a level that would certainly justify an induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Hardaway was a five-time All-Star with five All-NBA nods to match. He was even named All-NBA First Team during his phenomenal 1996-97 season with the Miami Heat. He finished that memorable campaign with averages of 20.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.

Miami would go on to reach the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals, with Hardaway thriving as the No. 1 scoring option and the primary facilitator on a team that otherwise lacked consistent shot creation.

That was made even more impressive by the fact that it was an official return to prominence for a player who had their career interrupted by a devastating knee injury. Prior to the injury in 1993-94, Hardaway accumulated averages of 22.7 points, 10.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.2 steals between 1980-91 and 1992-93.

He, Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond made a perimeter-oriented style of basketball cool—and even won a playoff series along the way.

For what it’s worth: Mullin and Richmond have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hardaway is the lone Run TMC member who hasn’t been, and one could even argue that he had the best career of the three.

For the stat-craving fans: Hardaway is No. 18 all-time in career assists, ranking ahead of Tony Parker and Bob Cousy.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 3. Kevin Johnson

When discussing the history of the Phoenix Suns, individuals often point to two superstars as the defining legends of the organization: Charles Barkley and Steve Nash. That’s certainly understandable, as Barkley won MVP and led the franchise to its second-ever NBA Finals appearance, and Nash redefined offensive execution en route to two MVP awards.

One of the players whom one could easily argue belongs on a Suns Mount Rushmore with Barkley and Nash, however, is the point guard who helped Barkley become an MVP: Kevin Johnson.

Johnson, the 1988-89 Most Improved Player, experienced a rather significant level of success before Barkley ever arrived in Phoenix. He helped guide the Suns to the 1989 and 1990 Western Conference Finals, as well as the Western Conference Semifinals in 1992.

Johnson then helped Barkley lead Phoenix to the 1993 NBA Finals.
During that time, Johnson was named All-NBA in five different seasons. He received Second Team nods in four of those campaigns and averaged at least 19.7 points and 10.1 assists every year between 1988 and 1992.

That includes 1988-89, during which he averaged 20.4 points and 12.2 assists, and 1989-90 when he posted 22.5 points and 11.4 assists per game.

In short: Johnson produced elite numbers and won multiple playoff series.

Injuries robbed Johnson of his prime, which makes his success even more profound. Nevertheless, he managed to play 12 NBA seasons and achieved more than many point guards who are currently Hall of Famers.

Not only is he one of the best players outside of the Hall of Fame, but he’s a player who has a genuine argument for deserving to be in.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 2. Amar’e Stoudemire

When discussing the greatest players who were robbed of their careers by injuries, Amar’e Stoudemire should be one of the first players mentioned. He managed to carve out a 14-year career, but he was a borderline, if not outright, superstar when he was healthy—and we simply didn’t see enough injury-absent seasons for some to put him in the Hall of Fame.

Nevertheless, Stoudemire helped the Phoenix Suns become a consistent championship contender and revitalized the New York Knicks before the trade for Carmelo Anthony even took place.

Stoudemire was a six-time All-Star and a five-time All-NBA Honoree, making Second Team or better in every one of those instances. That includes 2006-07 when STAT was named to the All-NBA First Team alongside the Hall of Fame lineup of Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki.

That incredibly rare air is a sign of just how good Stoudemire was, as is the fact that he averaged 23.2 points on 54.3 percent shooting from the floor between 2003-04 and 2010-11.

That’s an eight-year peak that was broken up, but not fully dismantled, by injuries.

Stoudemire played in 78 postseason games, starting 62. That includes 2004-05 when he averaged 29.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks on 53.9 percent shooting as the Suns reached the Western Conference Finals.

During the 2005 Western Conference Finals, Stoudemire averaged 37.0 points per game against Duncan—arguably the greatest power forward of all time—and the San Antonio Spurs.

If that isn’t enough to prove to you that injuries are the only thing that prevented Stoudemire, who had the Knicks above .500 at the time of the Anthony trade, from being in the Hall of Fame, I’m not sure what can.

Perhaps the fact that he averaged 26.4 points per game against Duncan in the Playoffs in 2006, thus proving that 2005 wasn’t a fluke, will convince you further.

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 1. Chauncey Billups

The Detroit Pistons went on a legitimate run of dominance between 2002 and 2008. It’s no coincidence that Chauncey Billups arrived in Detroit during the 2002-03 campaign.

Against all odds, Billups developed into one of the NBA’s greatest late-bloomers, if not one of the best point guards in the history of the Association.

The list of accolades that Billups accumulated are admittedly slanted by the fact that he found his place as a star-caliber player somewhat deep into his career. Nevertheless, he’s one of the few players on this list who should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Billups’ No. 1 claim to fame is the fact that he famously won Finals MVP when Detroit improbably defeated Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to win the 2004 NBA Championship.

Over the course of the years that followed, he would add five All-Star Game appearances, three All-NBA nods, and two All-Defense selections to his résumé. That combination of awards certainly puts him in the Hall of Fame discussion.

That case is strengthened further by the fact that a nickname like, “Mr. Big Shot,” is only given to players who routinely step up in the biggest of moments—and Billups did exactly that.

Billups made the Conference Finals in every single season between 2002-03 and 2008-09, including trips to the NBA Finals in 2003-04 and 2004-05. Once he left Detroit, he even guided the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since1985—a 24-year drought.

A winner in every sense of the word, Billups evolved from a journeyman into one of the greatest players of his rather loaded generation. It’s one of the best stories in basketball history.

As for the fans of advanced metrics, Billups has the second-most Win Shares of any eligible player who isn’t currently in the Hall of Fame.