NBA: The 25 least deserving Hall of Famers of all-time

Chris Bosh, Miami Heat (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 19: An official Spalding basketball falls through the net next to the NBA logo during the first quarter of the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 19: An official Spalding basketball falls through the net next to the NBA logo during the first quarter of the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

NBA: The 25 least deserving Hall of Famers of all-time: 10. Maurice Stokes

Stats: 16.4 ppg, 17.3 rpg, 5.3 apg

If time permitted, we have little to no doubt that Maurice Stokes Hall of Fame legitimacy would’ve never been questioned. However, with only three full years in the association, we have no choice but to bring him to the carpet.

Stokes was a monster in every sense of the word during his time in the league. He was easily voted the Rookie of the Year at the end of the 1955-56 season after putting together averages of 16.8 points and 16.3 rebounds, the latter led the league.

For the next two seasons, Stokes averaged in the mid-teens as a scorer and in the high teens as a rebounder. He was selected to three consecutive All-Star Games and three straight All-NBA squads as well.

Unfortunately for Stokes, his time in the league, and ultimately on earth, was cut short. The promising center was left paralyzed after suffering a seizure and would never play in the league again after the 1957-58 season.

For as great as he was, Stokes simply didn’t have the longevity to be named to the Hall of Fame.