LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 11: The NBA logo outside of the NBA store on October 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
This list is comprised of current and past NBA players who might have gotten a little more credit than they deserve. Do you agree? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!
25. Kyrie Irving
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 05: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 05, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Wrecked Cleveland, Boston, and Brooklyn and has never averaged more than seven assists in a season.
24. Shawn Kemp
17 Apr 1997: Forward Shawn Kemp of the Seattle Supersonics stands on the court during a game against the Denver Nuggets at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. The Supersonics won the game 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport
One of the great all-time dunkers but had no game to speak of.
23. John Starks
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1991: John Starks #3 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1991 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Starks played for the Knicks from 1990-98. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Averaged 12.5 points in his career and benefitted from playing in New York.
22. Ben Simmons
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 18: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers calls out a play against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
More known for quitting and passing up shots than anything at this point.
21. Spud Webb
Spud Webb #4, Point Guard for the Sacramento Kings in motion dribbling the basketball down court during the NBA Midwest Division basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on 13th January 1992 at the McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado, United States. The Nuggets won the game 111 – 109. (Photo by Tim DeFrisco/Allsport/Getty Images)
Shortest man to ever win the dunk contest, but the rest of his game was lacking.
20. Ralph Sampson
BOSTON, MA – CIRCA 1984: Ralph Sampson #50 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass the ball against the Boston Celtics during an NBA basketball game circa 1984 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Sampson played for the Rockets from 1983-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
People expected him to be the next Wilt or Kareem; he couldn’t get along with Olajuwon.
19. DeMarcus Cousins
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after teammates Rajon Rondo #9 made a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers at Sleep Train Arena on October 30, 2015 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
One of the worst attitudes in the game. It got so bad no team would roster him.
18. Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins #21, Small Forward for the Atlanta Hawks prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers on 25th November 1986 at The Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Hawks won the game 113 – 107. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images)
The Human Highlight Film never made it to an Eastern Conference Finals.
17. Chris Paul
TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 1: Chris Paul #3 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate at the end of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 1, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Just 1 NBA final in 18 seasons feels incredibly overrated.
16. Russell Westbrook
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 14: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 14, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
He’s super athletic, but way too many turnovers and way too many bricks.
15. Derrick Rose
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls lays on the floor aftrer suffering an injury against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 28, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 103-91. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Feels harsh since injuries derailed his career, but arguably the worst winner of the MVP award.
14. Dwight Howard
CHARLOTTE – APRIL 24: Center Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic collects himself before a free throw attempt during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Charlotte Bobcats during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. The Magic beat the Bobcats 90-86. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
It went all downhill for his career after he left Orlando.
13. Tracy McGrady
AUBURN HILLS, MI – APRIL 23: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Orlando Magic looks back as he walks to the bench during play against the Detroit Pistons in Game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills on April 23, 2003 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Pistons won 89-77. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
An elite score, but his career is filled with more “What Ifs” than almost anyone
12. Robert Horry
SAN ANTONIO – JANUARY 14: Robert Horry #5 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at AT&T Center on January 14, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 89-82. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“Big Shot Bob” has seven NBA rings but only averaged seven points a game in his career.
11. James Harden
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 16: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on January 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
No defense, no championships, and one of the worst teammates in the league.
10. Penny Hardaway
ORLANDO, FL – CIRCA 1995: Penny Hardaway #1 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a layup against the Indiana Pacers during an NBA basketball game circa 1995 at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. Hardaway played for the Magic from 1993-99. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
In 14 seasons, he missed almost 500 games. Never did anything post-Shaq.
9. Steve Nash
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Steve Nash #13 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards on February 23, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
Great leader and MVP winner who never played defense or won a title.
8. Blake Griffin
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 28: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 28, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Amazing dunker who had zero versatility to his game.
7. Jason Williams
30 Apr 2000: Jason Williams #55 of the Sacramento Kings watches the action during the NBA Western Conference Playoffs Round One Game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Lakers 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
“White Chocolate” was a flashy player who never averaged over eight assists in any season.
6. Vince Carter
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 7: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors plays against the Washington Wizards on November 7, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
Was all NBA twice in a 22-year career.
5. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller#31, Shooting Guard for the Indiana Pacers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Central Division basketball game against the Houston Rockets on 9th November 1994 at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The Rockets won the game 109 – 104. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
Would win the award for trash-talking but never won a title.
4. Yao Ming
LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 26: Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on October 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Global Icon, who only played 486 games in eight years.
3. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers takes a break during the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, March 27, 2005. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 96-89. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Brought a culture change to the NBA, but his lack of practice led him to a 42.5% career shooting percentage.
2. Carmelo Anthony
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. 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 Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Great scorer but never passed the ball or played any defense.
1. Stephon Marbury
Stephon Marbury during Stephon Marbury In-Store Appearance For His “Starbury” Clothing And Apparel – August 17, 2006 at Steve & Barry’s in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Jason Kempin/FilmMagic)
At one time was voted the “Most Reviled Athlete in the NBA”. Had his own Starbury shoe brand and finally found a place he could fit in—the China Basketball league.
