20 NBA Players Who Had Exceptional Careers But Not Good Enough To Become Hall Of Famers

Career Stats: 13.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Achievements: 4x All-Star, 1x All-Defensive Team Selection

Paul Millsap was an underrated and superbly skilled forward who played 16 seasons in the NBA. Over the course of those 16 seasons, Millsap played for the Jazz, Hawks, Nuggets, Nets, and 76ers, making four All-Star teams and an All-Defensive Team along the way.

Millsap’s shot at the Hall of Fame would have been much better had his prime and peak lasted longer than four seasons. From 2014 through 2017 with the Utah Jazz, Millsap made four consecutive All-Star games averaging 17.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field.

While Millsap was underrated and deserves far more praise than he gets for his outstanding career, the Hall of Fame is reserved for those who went above and beyond for an extended time. In 13 playoff appearances, Millsap averaged just 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while advancing to the Conference Finals once and never appearing in an NBA Finals.

19. Terry Porter

Career Stats: 12.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Achievements: 2x All-Star

Terry Porter is another underrated star on this list, overshadowed by Clyde Drexler for most of his 10 seasons spent with the Portland Trail Blazers. Porter played a total of 17 seasons in the NBA from 1986 through 2002 and would go on to play in two NBA Finals with two selections as an NBA All-Star.

Porter’s best stretch of play came with Portland from 1989 through 1993. During this time, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. Above all else, Porter’s defensive ability, leadership, and precise perimeter decision-making helped the Trail Blazers advance to both the 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals.

Porter was good not great for the entirety of his career which is likely what has kept him off the Hall of Fame’s radar since his retirement in 2002.

18. Shawn Kemp

Career Stats: 14.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Achievements: 6x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection

When Shawn Kemp first arrived in the NBA, fans and fellow players were in awe of a man his size, able to run and jump with such explosion. Kemp was an athletic anomaly who would go on to become a six-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA Team selection, and help the 1996 SuperSonics advance to the NBA Finals where he went toe-to-toe with Michael Jordan as the best player on the court.

From 1993 through 1999 with Seattle and Cleveland, there were hardly any power forwards who were playing at Kemp’s level. During these seven years, Kemp made six All-Star teams averaging 18.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game on 51.0% shooting. Unfortunately, off-the-court issues would lead to a rapid decline in health for Kemp and ultimately, the end of his playing career in 2003.

If Kemp had maintained the discipline necessary to remain an elite athlete in the NBA, there is no doubt he would be a lock for the Hall of Fame. He was certainly on his way there by the time he was 29 years old. Sometimes, things do not work out that way and, likely, we will never see his name called for Hall of Fame status.

17. Joe Johnson

Career Stats: 16.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements: 7x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection

During the 200s and 2010s, there were few players more exciting to watch go to work on a nightly basis than Joe Johnson. Known for his handles and an insane burst of speed off his first step, Johnson embarrassed any defender who took on the challenge of guarding him. Johnson was particularly lethal in clutch situations, knocking down eight buzzer-beating game-winners which is tied for second with Kobe Bryant and trails only Michael Jordan who has nine.

Johnson earned the nickname “Iso Joe” for his ability to make any opponent look inferior in one-on-one situations. Johnson’s best stretch of play in his career came from 2006 through 2015 with the Hawks and Nets. During this time, he averaged 19.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 44.6% shooting overall and 36.8% shooting from three.

While Johnson was one of those players who fans constantly talked about, his all-time standing is not seen in a great light. If there was a Hall of Fame for pure skill, he would have been a first-ballot lock. Unfortunately, the Hall of Fame doesn't work that way.

16. Deron Williams

Career Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements: 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection

There was a time during the late 2000s and early 2010s when Deron Williams was in a serious debate with Chris Paul for the title of best point guard in the NBA. Now, Paul eventually ran away with this distinction but Williams earned contention due to his leadership, scoring ability, and incredible playmaking that made every teammate he had elevated their games.

Williams’ best stretch of play came from 2007 through 2013 with the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets. In these seven seasons, Williams averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 45.6% shooting from the field. He led the Jazz to the playoffs four times in six years including the 2007 Western Conference Finals.

Once again, if skill in a player’s prime determined their Hall of Fame status, Deron Williams would have been in by now. Instead, he is on the outside looking in where he will likely remain for the rest of time.

15. Elton Brand

Career Stats: 15.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Achievements: 1x Rookie Of The Year, 2x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection

Former No. 1 overall pick Elton Brand was once seen as the Chicago Bulls’ saving grace during the early 2000s. He started his career with exceptional two-way talent, winning the 20000 Rookie of the Year award averaging 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game on 48.2% shooting. Brand would continue to be one of the game’s top power forwards for the remainder of the decade.

From 2001 through 2008, Brand went on a dominant run with the Bulls and Clippers. He averaged 20.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game in 533 games during that stretch with two All-Star selections and an All-NBA Second Team selection in 2006. While Brand excelled as an individual, his teams suffered, making just five playoff appearances in 17 seasons and never advancing past the second round.

Lack of success on a team level and failure to accumulate more individual accolades are why we will not see Brand ever grace the Hall of Fame stage for induction. His skill and production are definitely worthy of consideration but that is where his case falls apart.

14. Andrei Kirilenko

Career Stats: 11.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.8 BPG

Achievements: 1x All-Star, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection

Andrei Kirilenko is one of the most underrated stars of the 2000s. At 6’9’’ tall, Kirilenko dominated the power forward position on most nights, shutting down some of the game’s most physically imposing big men as well as showing his versatility in slowing down some of the game’s best offensive wing players of his era.

Kirilenko played the first 10 seasons of his career with the Utah Jazz where he averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game. He won a blocks title in 2005, averaging 3.3 blocks per game while also adding 1.6 steals per game as well. In a five-year period from 2003 through 2007, Kirilenko averaged at least 1.1 steals and 2.0 blocks per game as one of the game’s most impactful defenders.

Historically, defense is not celebrated as much as offensive firepower is by the Hall of Fame voters. This and the lack of individual accolades such as only one All-Star selection have taken Kirilenko out of consideration, likely for good.

13. Jamal Crawford

Career Stats: 14.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements: 3x Sixth Man Of The Year

There have been few guards in the last 30 years to affect an entire generation the way Jamal Crawford did in his career from 2001 through 2020. With his elite ball-handling skills and explosive scoring ability, Crawford was feared by most defenders who didn’t want to end up on SportsCenter because Crawford made them do a pirouette while trying to keep up with him.

Crawford was at his best during the period from 2004 through 2011 when he averaged 17.4 points per game on 41.1% from the field. In 2010, 2014, and 2016, Crawford was honored for his work off the bench with the Hawks and Clippers, winning three Sixth Man of the Year awards in those seven years.

12. Peja Stojakovic

Career Stats: 17.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Achievements: 1x NBA Champion, 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection

For NBA fans of the 2000s, Peja Stojakovic holds a special place in our memories. Stojakovic became one of the greatest three-point shooters in league history in a time when it wasn't as glorified as it is in today's game. Stojakovic played 13 seasons in the NBA with the Kings, Pacers, Hornets, Raptors, and Mavericks from 1999 through 2011.

Stojakovic's greatest years were undoubtedly the early 2000s with the Sacramento Kings. In eight seasons with the team from 1999 through 2006, Peja averaged 18.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game on 46.1% shooting overall and 39.8% shooting from three. He would earn three straight All-Star selections from 2002 through 2004 and record four different seasons of at least 20.0 points per game on at least 40.0% shooting from three.

In 2011, Stojakovic would add a championship to his career resume with the Dallas Mavericks. In 19 games off the bench in the playoffs, he averaged 7.1 points per game on just 40.1% shooting overall. While Peja is undeniably a fan-favorite from the 2000s, the lack of an extended peak and individual accolades will likely keep him out of the Hall of Fame.

11. Kevin Johnson

Career Stats: 17.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements: 1x Most Improved Player, 3x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection

I am on record previously stating that Kevin Johnson is the most underrated player in NBA history. Johnson was originally the seventh overall pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1987 until they made one of the worst trades in team history, dealing him to Phoenix for Larry Nance and Mike Sanders.

Johnson responded by winning the 1989 Most Improved Player award with the Suns averaging 20.4 points and 12.2 assists per game in his first season with Phoenix. Johnson would go on to record four straight seasons of 20.0 points and 10.0 assists per game, helping lead the Suns to 11 playoff appearances, two Western Conference Finals appearances, and an NBA Finals in 1993.

Johnson should undoubtedly be in the Hall of Fame but issues off the court and run-ins with the media likely mean that ship has sailed. Regardless, Johnson is easily one of the NBA’s greatest players not honored with Hall of Fame stature after his career was over and his absence is a travesty to the Hall itself.

10. Bill Laimbeer

Career Stats: 12.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Achievements: 2x NBA Champion, 4x All-Star

For the first time on this list, we encounter an NBA champion who is not in the Basketball Hall Of Fame. Bill Laimbeer was much more than that as the face of the most physical dynasty in NBA history, the Bad Boy Pistons, who took no B.S. from any opponent from Michael Jordan to Larry Bird.

Laimbeer displayed an exceptional amount of skill on the court as well. He was a ferocious rebounder and defender of course, but his ability to spread the floor and knock down perimeter shots is not talked about enough. From 1983 through 1989, Laimbeer averaged 15.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 50.3% shooting from the field, an underrated time for the Bad Boys enforcer.

Laimbeer would go on to aid in the winning of back-to-back NBA titles for the Pistons in 1989 and 1990, drawing ire from most fan bases but nothing but love from the Motor City. If it were up to Detroit, Laimbeer would have been in the Hall of Fame years ago but maybe the disdain he got from around the league is why they have kept him out this long.

9. Shawn Marion

Career Stats: 15.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Achievements: 1x NBA Champion, 4x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection

Shawn Marion is another former NBA star whose game has been underrated over the years. Marion may have had a funky form to his jump shot but his play on both sides of the ball was instrumental in impacting team success wherever he played.

Marion was one of the most diverse and talented defenders in the NBA during the 2000s and 2010s but was never honored with an All-Defensive Team selection which is downright criminal. From 2002 through 2011 with the Suns and Mavericks, Marion averaged 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. In 2011, his defensive play on the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James helped lead Dallas to their first and only NBA championship.

Marion's game may not have been pretty but his impact on his teams has never been forgotten by fans who were there to witness it. Marion’s legacy should be cemented in the Hall Of Fame yet will likely be left out due to his lack of individual achievements.

8. Larry Foust

Career Stats: 13.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.7 APG

Achievements: 8x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection

Larry Foust is both the oldest and most accomplished player on this list. Foust played 12 seasons from 1951 through 1962 with the Pistons, Lakers, and Hawks where he earned eight All-Star selections, a rebounding title, and two All-NBA team selections in those 12 seasons.

In his first seven seasons with the Fort Wayne Pistons, Foust was an All-Star six times, averaging 15.0 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. He would earn two more All-Star selections with the Lakers from 1958 through 1960 with 14.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game as well. Unfortunately, Foust missed out on championship glory but stood out as a dominant big man in an era filled with NBA legends.

If it hasn't happened by now, Foust will likely never see the Hall of Fame which according to its precedent, should not be the case whatsoever.

7. Horace Grant

Career Stats: 11.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Achievements: 4x NBA Champion, 1x All-Star, 4x All-Defensive Team Selection

Horace Grant was the unsung hero of many teams he played for during the 1990s and 2000s including the Bulls, Magic, and Lakers. Despite rarely being a dominant offensive force, Grant did the dirty work on both sides of the ball that failed to glorify the things he was doing to help his teams become successful.

Take his time with the Bulls during their three-peat from 1991 through 1993 for example. During this time, Grant averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1,2 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game and took on some grueling defensive assignments en route to three NBA championships. His short mid-range jumper was lethal as well and coupled with his defense, was a big reason the Orlando Magic advanced to the 1995 NBA Finals.

Grant's signature goggles and relentless effort are what fans will remember him most for during his playing days. His career should have been celebrated with a trip to the Hall of Fame but will likely never get there with just one All-Star appearance despite four championship rings.

6. Robert Horry

Career Stats: 7.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Achievements: 7x NBA Champion

Ahh yes, the curious case of Robert Horry. Nowadays, Horry’s name is only brought up as a way for fans of LeBron James to diminish the fact that Michael Jordan won six rings while Horry captured seven in his career. Realistically, seven NBA championships no matter what role one played should be something that is Hall of Fame worthy. However, when that is all a career comes down to, there isn't much of a Hall of Fame case to be had.

Horry captured his seven NBA championships with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995, the Lakers from 2000-2003, and the Spurs in 2005 and 2007. Despite never being the main guy on his team, Horry provided some memorable moments with clutch shots and timely buckets on numerous occasions.

If championships were the only prerequisite to the Hall of Fame, Horry would be considered and selected in an instant. When a resume lacks any other accolades, it will not be worthy of Hall of Fame status.

5. Cedric Maxwell

Career Stats: 12.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Achievements: 2x NBA Champion, 1x Finals MVP

At this point in time, there are just two retired players who have won Finals MVP and not been elected to the Hall of Fame. Cedric Maxwell is one of these two players as he played 11 seasons in the NBA from 1978 through 1988 with the Celtics, Clippers, and Rockets.

Maxwell was a versatile forward with the Celtics for most of the late 1970s and early 1980s. He helped Boston capture two NBA titles including the 1981 Finals in which he was named Finals MVP with 17.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 56.8% shooting. Maxwell would help them capture another championship in 1984 over the Lakers with 13.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Outside of his Finals MVP, Maxwell earned no other major awards or honors in his career which is what has kept him out of the Hall of Fame for all this time.

4. Chauncey Billups

Career Stats: 15.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements: 1x NBA Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, 2x All-Defensive Team Selection

The other Finals MVP without Hall of Fame recognition is Chauncey Billups. During the early stages of his career, Billups was an afterthought to several different organizations despite being the third overall pick in 1997. Billups would be traded from Boston to Toronto as a rookie then shipped to Denver and Minnesota before landing with Detroit in 2002-03.

It is Detroit where Billups would earn his reputation as an NBA star, leading the NBA’s number-one defense to the promised land in 2004. He captured Finals MVP by knocking off the Lakers that season with 21.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Billups would move on to Denver in 2008-09 where he remained an All-Star for two more seasons.

Billups will likely be on the ballot for a few more seasons but as it stands, will likely miss being selected for the Hall of Fame by the voters.

3. LaMarcus Aldridge

Career Stats: 19.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Achievements: 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection

LaMarcus Aldridge was an elite big man in the NBA for 16 seasons from 2007 through 2022. Aldridge was an offensive nightmare for defenders armed with a smooth mid-range jumper and an array of devastating moves in the low post. On defense, he was methodical and stifling with unteachable instincts that helped him earn respect from around the league.

Aldridge took some time to make his way to elite status with Portland in his first nine seasons, earning his first All-Star selection six seasons into his career in 2012. From 2012 through 2019 with the Trail Blazers and Spurs, he averaged 21.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game which would be Hall of Fame worthy numbers on their own.

Aldridge will likely be on the fence as his Hall of Fame status comes into question and his resume is stacked in front of voters over the next few years. I think he just misses out on a selection due to the lack of a significant peak and individual awards.

2. Amar’e Stoudemire

Career Stats: 18.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Achievements: 1x Rookie Of The Year, 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection

During the 2000s and early 2010s, Amar’e Stoudemire was a powerful force with the Phoenix Suns. He aided in their run as the top offense in basketball and was the perfect running mate for Steve Nash during his MVP seasons. Stoudemire finished with authority at the rim and could outrun most players at his position thanks to peak physical conditioning that allowed him to be the offensive weapon Phoenix needed to be.

From 2004 through 2011 with the Suns and Knicks, Stoudemire averaged 23.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 54.3% from the field. He helped the Suns make five playoff appearances including trips to the Conference Finals in 2005 and 2010. After his peak seasons from 2004 through 2012, injuries began to pile up for Amar’e, leading to multiple teams in consecutive seasons and a shortened career.

If things had lasted just a bit longer for him, Amar’e Stoudemire is a lock for the Hall of Fame. With the way things played out, it is likely he will always be on the outside looking in.

1. Jermaine O’Neal

Career Stats: 13.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.8 BPG

Achievements: 1x Most Improved Player, 6x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection

The final member of our list of NBA players with exceptional but not Hall of Fame-worthy careers is Jermaine O’Neal. In 18 seasons in the NBA, O’Neal was a two-way star for the Trail Blazers, Pacers, Heat, Celtics, Suns, and Warriors.

During his early days with Portland, O’Neal was terribly underutilized, coming off the bench behind players such as Rasheed Wallace and Bonzi Wells. Once he was traded to Indiana, O’Neal realized his true potential, becoming one of the best two-way centers in the NBA. In eight seasons in Indiana, O’Neal averaged 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game with all six All-Star appearances coming from 2002 through 2007.

Things were never the same for him after his role in the Malice at the Palace brawl between the Pacers and Pistons was put under a microscope. It is likely the lack of an NBA title and his role in that brawl that will keep him out of the Hall of Fame even if his play warrants a selection or at the very least, consideration to be inducted.