Generic view of a Spalding NBA basketball dropping into the hoop during the FIBA European Basketball Championship on 25 June 1989 at the Dom Sportova in Zagreb, Yugoslavia. (Photo by Gray Mortimore/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
This list is comprised of NBA players who might have gotten a little more credit than they deserve. Do you agree? Leave a comment, and let’s discuss!
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.
