13. Grant Hill
It's painful to consider the potential Grant Hill had and how injuries can reshape a player's legacy. His early career was incredibly promising, showcasing his versatility and skill set. He was named 1995 Co-NBA Rookie of the Year, sharing the award with Jason Kidd. From 1995-2000 he averaged 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game and was selected to five of his seven overall All-Star games and five All-NBA teams.
Over the next four seasons, Hill would be limited to just 47 games while missing the entire 2003-2004 season. Despite all the injuries, Hill’s undeniable talent and perseverance allowed him to carve out an 18-year career in the NBA, retiring after the 2012-13 season at the age of 40.
Although Hill was elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, his career is a reminder of the fragility of athletic careers and how quickly fortunes can change due to injuries. Even though his prime years were marred by physical setbacks, his impact and talent still left a mark on the NBA.
If not for all the injuries he would likely be ranked much higher on this list or would have won at least one championship and not even be on the list at all. It's one of those "what could have been" scenarios that often linger in sports discussions.