32 players you forgot were once NBA All-Stars
By Cal Durrett
![Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3000,h_1687,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/307/01hpdptmezsq45chr49j.jpg)
8) Luol Deng
Former Chicago Bull Luol Deng spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the franchise, helping them return to prominence after struggling for years post-Michael Jordan. Deng was a part of the Bulls' 2011–12 season, which won 50 out of 66 games and featured then-MVP Derrick Rose. He was a key part of their success, leading the team and NBA in minutes and serving as their best perimeter defender.
However, an untimely injury ended their title hopes, with Rose missing all but one game of the playoffs and all of the following season. Still, Deng managed to make back-to-back all-star teams by averaging 16 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
He appeared well on his way to a third straight appearance when he was traded during the 2013–14 season to the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he was still an effective player with the Cavs and then the Heat, the wear and tear of playing big minutes for coach Tom Thibeadou began to affect his game.
Over a span of eight seasons, Deng averaged nearly 37 minutes a game, which is a lot to ask of a two-way player. As a result, by the time he signed with the Lakers at the age of 31, it became evident that he wasn't the same player. Deng played just 57 games with the Lakers after signing a four-year deal—one of the worst free-agent signings ever.
He was later bought out, and he finished his career in Minnesota. At his peak, Deng was a workhorse wing who could both score and defend the other team's best player. That resulted in two all-star appearances, but the high number of minutes he played on a nightly basis resulted in a shorter career.