On the Brink: Predicting the fates of 16 borderline NBA Hall of Famers
By Cal Durrett
12) LaMarcus Aldridge
Although he has one of the lowest profiles of any player on this list, former Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Brooklyn Nets big man LaMarcus Aldridge has arguably the strongest case to make the Basketball Hall of Fame. In 15 seasons in the NBA, Aldridge posted 20,000 points and 8,500 rebounds, making him just one of 21 players to ever reach those levels.
Aldridge playing in a small or medium market for the majority of his career meant that he was often overlooked but he was a terrific big man and one of the more skilled ones of his era. Aldridge's size at 6'11 and his 7'5 wing span make him a tough player to stop, especially with a deadly mid-range jumper and as an underrated rim protector.
His ability to pick and pop from 18 feet made him a nightmare to guard in the 2010s when big men who could space the floor were less common. Not only that but he was a bruising post player who could bully his way to within five feet of the rim and then hit an unblockable turnaround jumper.
The numbers speak for themselves, with him averaging at least 20 points and 8 rebounds seven times in 16 seasons, making seven all-star teams and five all-NBA teams. Ultimately, Aldridge might not have as many fans as others on this list after leaving Portland high and dry and requesting a trade in San Antonio, but he is a strong candidate to make the Basketball Hall of Fame.