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50 Active Potential Basketball Hall of Famers

Our Basketball Hall of Fame monitor for Basketball looks at the following criteria:

The most significant factor we look at is how each active player measures up to the last fourteen players who were chosen.  To be specific, we are focusing only on players who were voted through the conventional means and not through any special committee. What this means that no Direct-Elect Committee Inductees will part of the comparisons.  The Direct-Elect categories are Contributors, Early African-American Pioneers, International, and Veterans.  Please note that at present, we are not ranking women, but may make a separate list in the future.  

Inspired by Jay Jaffe’s JAWS statistic that looks at the best seven-year stretch of a baseball player according to bWAR, we are doing the same with current basketball players.  Specifically, we compiled the average PER, Win Shares and VORP for each of the past Hall of Famers based on their best seven-year period.  The additional thinking behind this is that in Basketball, there is an additional focus on periods of greatness as opposed to sports like Baseball, where compiling statistics is more glorified.

As opposed to what we have done with Football, we are not isolating these metrics by their position as the PER, Win Shares and VORP considers everything.

We are also looking at the amount of All-Star Games and All-NBA Selections.  In terms of the All-NBA and All-Defensive Selections, we are compiling in a weighted fashion.  In terms of Third Team All-NBA Selections, one point will be assigned, Second Team All-NBA Selections will have two points will be granted, and First Team All-NBA Selections will have three points.  

So, let’s continue!

We have made one huge change, as we added the members from the 2022 Class, and focused exclusively on the last five years.  This has generated a pool of 17, players, who we are looking at.

The 17 players from the last five induction classes who we are using for the composite averages are:

Ray Allen, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Maurice Cheeks, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Manu GinobiliTim Hardaway, Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, Sidney Moncreif, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Jack Sikma, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber and Paul Westphal

With the addition of Ginobili and Hardaway, the Averages have all gone down, but remember that a year ago, they exploded with Garnett, Bryant and Duncan joining.

Here are the averages:

Based on their elite seven-year stretch the average PER of the last 17 Modern Era Hall of Famers is 21.4.  In our previous tally, it was 22.5.

Based on their elite seven-year stretch, the average Win Shares of the last 17 Modern Era Hall of Famers is 70.0.  In our previous tally, it was 70.9.

Based on their elite seven-year stretch, the average VORP of the last 17 Modern Era Hall of Famers is 32.4, slightly up from 32.0 last year.

With All-Star and All-NBA Selections, we look at the entire career of the player.  

The average All-Star Selections of the last 16 Modern Era Hall of Famers is 8.3, down from 9.4 last year.

The average All-NBA Selections (based on the pointed average of one for a Third Team, two for a Second Team and three for a First Team Selection) is 11.9, again significantly lower than the 14.6 from last year.

We are also adding NBA Championships. Often,  players in this team sport more than any other (except for NFL Quarterbacks) are judged by the number of rings they have.  Perhaps, that shouldn't be as regarded as it is, considering the average amount of titles of our last 17 Modern Era Hall of Famers is a little more than 1.  Specifically, it is 1.4, which is way higher than the .79 it was two years ago.

Wrapping this up in a bow, the six variables we are looking at Elite Period PER, Elite Period Win Shares, Elite Period VORP, All-Star Games, Weighted All-Pro Selections, NBA Championships.

This is all simple enough, right?

A few more notes before we begin:

As the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes College and International accomplishments, we will mention those if any are significant. Those add-ons can (and have) pushed a bubble candidate to immortality in Springfield.

This list is based on the beginning of the 2023-24 Season:

Please remember that this list is based on accomplishments and not necessarily future potential.  Think of it as where they stand if their career ended today.

Any asterisk in front of a statistic indicates that this metric exceeds the average.

**In front of a player means that the seven-year elite period was up to last season and could extend, thus potentially increasing their averages.

***In front of a player means that he has yet to play seven seasons.

Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobili, Tim Hardaway, Sidney Moncreif, Diek Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Paul Pierce, Jack Sikma, Dwyane Wade, Ben Wallace,, Chris Webber, and Paul Westphal

 

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 22.4
  • Elite Period Win Shares 73.1
  • Elite Period VORP 33.6
  • All-Star Selections 8.8
  • All-Pro Selections 13.1
  • NBA Championships 1.9

James has become every bit of the Hall of Fame lock that pundits said he would be when he was drafted 1st Overall in 2003.  James doesn't just exceed our six criteria; he destroys them. Already a bona fide Hall of Famer years ago, the only question left is where he finishes in terms of the greatest of all time.  Three years ago, under the rigors of the COVID-19 bubble, James took the Lakers to a championship, earning his fourth, and leading three teams to the promised land. He isn’t done yet, having broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record last year, but is slowing down   Pre-2019-20 Rank: #1, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #1, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #1, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #1

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 29.7 (+7.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 114.3 (+41.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 61.9 (+28.3)
  • All-Star Selections 19 (+10.2)
  • All-Pro Selections 45 (+31.9)
  • NBA Championships 4 (+2.1)
  • Additional Notes James has also won 2 Olympic Gold, 1 Olympic Bronze, 1 FIBA World Bronze, 1 FIBA Americas Gold for the United States

As each year goes by, Kevin Durant becomes less and less media-friendly, but does it matter?  It shouldn't, as his Hall of Fame resume is officially secured.  Establishing himseld as a superstar with Oklahoma City, Durant wanted to be a champion and became one with the Golden State Warrioes.  Following a devastating injury, Durant was expected to lead a new big three (with James Harden & Kyrie Irving) in Brooklyn, but that resulted in a documentary-level implosion, with all three forcing trades out.  KD is now a Phoenix Sun, and in the wide open West, but did this net a Title or another Durant sepeartion?.  Durant, who made history Internationally as the highest scorer ever in Olympic history is already a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but his overall legacy is complicated.  Pre-2020-21 Rank: #2, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #2, Pre 2021-22 Rank: #2, Pre 2022-23 Rank: #2.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 27.1 (+4.7)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 97.7 (+24.6)
  • Elite Period VORP 38.6 (+5)
  • All-Star Selections 12 (+3.2)
  • All-Pro Selections 26 (+12.9)
  • NBA Championships 2 (+0.1)
  • Additional Notes Durant also has won 3 Olympic Golds, 1 World Championship Gold for the United States. He was a Consensus National College Player of the Year, All-American, and Big 12 Player of the Year at Texas

Moving into #3 is Steph Curry who has two MVPs and four NBA Championships, with the last one being especially sweet as the band was back together.  If he wasn't already Curry is now one of the official faces of the NBA, and there are few players in any sport who boast the accolades that he has.  Still young enough to win more trophies Curry already holds the all-time record for Three Point Field Goals, and if the ball is in hand, where can't he drain it from?,   Pre-2019-20 Rank: #5, Pre-2020-21 Rank #5, Pre-2021-22 Rank #5, Pre-2022-23 Rank #3.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 25.8 (+3.4)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 89.4 (+16.3)
  • Elite Period VORP 45.4 (+11.8)
  • All-Star Selections 9 (+0.2)
  • All-Pro Selections 21 (+7.9)
  • NBA Championships 4 (+2.1)
  • Additional Notes Curry also has 2 World Cup Gold Medals for the United States and was a Consensus First Team All-American at Davidson

Chris Paul is a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee, and there should not be any doubt of that.  However, as we say that, the Point Guard is in serious danger of being on the Mount Rushmore of NBA Hall of Fame First Ballot entrants who never won an NBA Championship.  It is not that he has not been close, as he was on a very good Clippers team, and a Suns team that made the 2021 Finals.  As we enter this season, Paul has so much on his docket, inclufing the 12 All-Star Games, five Assists Titles, six Steals Titles and the 11 All-NBA Selections, and statstcailly became the first player to amass 20,000 Points and 11,000 Assists.  That is a lofty amount of accolades, but how many of those would he give up for a Title?  He begins this season on a loaded, but aging Golden State team, but it might be his best shot for a ring.  Pre 2019-20 Rank: #3, Pre 2020-21 Rank #4, Pre 2021-22 Rank: #3, Pre 2022-23 Rank: #4

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 26.6 (+4.2)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 96.1 (+23)
  • Elite Period VORP 43.9 (+10.3)
  • All-Star Selections 11 (+2.2)
  • All-Pro Selections 22 (+8.9)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Paul also has won 2 Olympic Gold, 1 FIBA World Bronze for the United States, and was a Consensus All-American and First Team All-ACC player at Wake Forest

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP and he still could add more.   Still in his prime, Antetokounmpo continues to improve his Elite Period metrics, and is now over the MPA in All-NBA Selections, VORP,  Win Shares, and All-Pros. There has never been a two-time MVP that never made the Hall of Fame, and going into last season, the only blemish on his record was the lack of an NBA Championshiip, and he fixed that three seasns ago, and with the addition of Damian Lillard to the fold, the chances for a second ring has skyrocketed.  Amazingly, he is still under 30 and is a Hall of Famer right now.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #14, Pre 2020-21 Rank: #12,  Pre-2021-22 Rank :#7 Pre-2022-23 Rank :#6

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 29.2 (+6.8)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 81.6 (+8.5)
  • Elite Period VORP 44.7 (+11.1)
  • All-Star Selections 7 (-1.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 19 (+5.9)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Antetokounmpo has represented Greece in two World Cups

There is no player in NBA history who won the MVP who did not make it to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.  Nikola Jokic has won it twice, and had a significant case for a three-peat before losing it to Joel Embiid.  A three-time First Team All-NBA Selection, Jokic has been the top dog in the league over the last three years, and he accomplished the onlu thing left to do, which was win a Championship, his first, as well as Denvers.  Jokic, who rarely seeks the spotlight, will never be the face of the league despite being the best player for an extended period of time and the "Joker" will never have a problem  with it.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #42, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #31, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #13, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #8

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 28.3 (+5.9)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 87.9 (+14.8)
  • Elite Period VORP 50.3 (+16.7)
  • All-Star Selections 5 (-3.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 13 (-0.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Jokic plays Internationally for Serbia and has won a Silver Medal in the Olympics

James Harden is a three-time scoring champion and a former MVP, but he enters this season familiar territory, as he is agian upset with his situation.  We have seen this before, as he wanyed out of Houston, then Brooklyn and now Philadelphia, but he is no longer an elite player, and his All-Star days are behind him. "The Beard" already has passed the Hall of Fame bar regardless of what the narrative on him might be, but we have to ask what the voters will do when asked with the real questions as he never won a title, and left each team worse off.  What if this happens again in Philly?  What if they move him, and the Sixers win without him?  These are legitiate questions.  Pre-2019-20 Rank #4, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #3, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #4, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #4

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 27.4 (+5)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 101.2 (+28.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 52.5 (+18.9)
  • All-Star Selections 10 (+1.2)
  • All-Pro Selections 19 (+5.9)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Harden also has won 1 Olympic Gold, 1 FIBA World Gold for the United States, and was a First Team All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year at Arizona State

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Let's be blunt.  Russell Westbrook' tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers can only be classified as a disaster.  HIs shot left him, as did his confidence, and many predicted that the pairing with LeBron Would not work, but how many of us thought that he would fall off a cliff this bad?  Saying that, does t erase what he accomplished before?  Let's remember that Westbrook was the master of the Triple-Double, a former MVP, a two-time Scoring Champion, a nine-time  All-NBA Selection, a three-time Assists Champion and more recently, selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.  That latter honor alone should be enough to place Westbrook into the Hall on the first ballot, regardless of what happens from here.  Saying that the Lakers were a horrendous fit for Westbrook, and we can't see why with his declineing skills, he will do better as a Clipper.  Could this destroy his narrative?  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #6. Pre-2020-21 Rank: #6, Pre-2021-22 Season Rank: #6, Pre-2021-22 Season Rank: #7

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 26.0 (+3.6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 71.5 (-1.6)
  • Elite Period VORP 49.4 (+15.8)
  • All-Star Selections 9 (+0.2)
  • All-Pro Selections 19 (+5.9)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Westbrook also has won 1 Olympic Gold and 1 FIBA World Gold with the United States. He would play two years at UCLA and was once the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.

Everybody has known for years that Anthony Davis is a phenomenal player, but he never had anyone close to his level to play at his side.  That was until he joined the Los Angeles Lakers and suited up next to LeBron James.  He is entering his fifth year as a Laker, and in his first, his desire to leave New Orleans proved accurate as he won the NBA Title with LeBron.  Davis could easily win more, but we think that with compounding injuries, the Elite Period is over.  WIth that being said, Davis has many of the stats and accolades the Hall will look for, and unlike some of the others who are ahead of him, he carries no baggage..  He will need to be healthy and win another title to remain on the right side of the HOF debate but he might not need it.  Pre 2019-20 Rank: #11, Pre 2020-21 Rank #8, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #9.Pre-2021-22 Rank: #9.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 28.1 (+5.7)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 77.0 (+3.9)
  • Elite Period VORP 36.0 (+2.4)
  • All-Star Selections 8 (-0.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 12 (-1.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Davis has also has won 1 Olympic Gold and 1 FIBA World Cup playing for the United States. At the University of Kentucky, he would lead the Wildcats to a National Championship. He would also win the Final Four MVP, was a Consensus First Team All-American, Consensus MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year.

Embiid has now completed seven seasons in the NBA, so we now have a complete period to work with in regards to a complete Elite Period.  The Sixers superstar just completed his best season in Basketball, winning his first MVP, and like we said many times before, that award always equates to a Hall of Fame induction.   Embiid has been in the conversation as a top five player in the league for a long time now, but the Sixers process has not yielded an NBA Championship, and it is looking more and more like he will have get his ring elsewhere..  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #49, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #39, Pre-2021022 Rank: #32, Pre-2021022 Rank: #21.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 27.9 (+5.5)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 56.0 (-17.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 26.9 (-6.7)
  • All-Star Selections 6 (-2.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 11 (-2.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Embiid played one year at the University of Kansas and was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Leonard won two NBA Championships with two different teams (San Antonio & Toronto) and was the MVP in both Finals.  That fact alone makes him a Hall of Famer in many eyes. He falls below the Elite Period Win Shares but has now passed that in VORP.  We think that his Elite Period os over. but If he leads the Los Angeles Clippers to a championship, it will never matter what stats he posts after.  Pre 2019-20 Rank: #13, Pre 2020-21 Rank: #11, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #10, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #11.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 25.8 (+3.4)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 63.8 (-9.3)
  • Elite Period VORP 32.2 (-1.4)
  • All-Star Selections 5 (-3.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 13 (-0.1)
  • NBA Championships 2 (+0.1)
  • Additional Notes Leonard was also a Second Team All-American at San Diego State

An Olympic Gold Medalist with the United States, Damian Lillard has been treading wate r NBA wise with his team in Portalnd for over a decade.  They were always good, but in the NBA, you need more than one really good player.  Portland never had that when he was there, and the seven-time All-Star gets to push himself over the Hall of Fame hump as a Milwaukee Buck.  If the Bucks gel, and they win it all, Lillard should be considered a first ballot entry.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #19, Pre 2020-21 Rank: #13, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #11, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #11.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 24.2 (+1.8)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 76.9 (+3.8)
  • Elite Period VORP 36.9 (+3.3)
  • All-Star Selections 7 (-1.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 13 (-0.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Lillard won Olympic Gold with the United States once, and played at Weber State and was a two-time Big Sky Player of the Year.

We had said prior to his arrival in Miami that Jimmy Butler has had a tumultuus career, but for an NBA player, his past looks very tame by comparison to others ranked,  Butler looked to be slowing down last year,failing to make the All-Star Game, but the four-time Second Team All-Defensive Player, kicked in high gear in the second half, while leading Miami to another deep playoff run.  Butler may not have a titlle, but if he wills Miami to won this year, he is undoubtedly over the hump.  He might be already.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #26, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #19, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #17, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #17.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 24.3 (+1.9)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 70.4 (-2.7)
  • Elite Period VORP 31.8 (-1.8)
  • All-Star Selections 6 (-2.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 6 (-7.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Butler won an Olympic Gold Medal with the United States and played three years at Marquette.

Luka Doncic was already a top five NBA player when he willed the Dallas Mavericks to a Western Conference FInal in 2021, and he is on a four-year streak of All-Star and First Team All-Pros.  There are two things left for Doncic to do; win an MVP and win an NBA Championship.  He won't win the Title on this year's Dallas team, but an MVP is in the card for the under-30 Slovenian.  His best is still ahead of him.  2021-22 Pre-Season Rank: #42, 2021-22 Pre-Season Rank: #27

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 25.2 (+2.8)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 39.2 (-33.9)
  • Elite Period VORP 26.4 (-7.2)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 12 (-1.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Doncic represents Slovenia Internationally and won the EuroBasket in 2017.

If we look at statistics and the MPA< Kyrie is there.  He is a multi-time All-Star, even adding another last year, and has been an All-NBA Selection.  He has the Championship.  He has the ability (and still does) to take over a game and be the best player on the court regardless of the competition.  What holds Irving back the most is the perception that surrounds him that he is a selfish player, stemming not only from his refusal to get vaccinated, the way he left Boston and his desire to leave LeBron, and later Brooklyn  Kyrie is a very polarizing individual and one who marches to his own drum, and his convictions have cost him millions of dollars, and could Hall of Fame voters hold all of this against him?  They could, and he has to be a champion again for them to keep him out.  This could prove to be a touh task, as last year he forced his way out of Brooklyn to join Luka Doncic and the Mavericks,,,who got worse upn his arrival!  They will now begin the year together, but Kyrie is so polarizing, we could see voters looking to punish him.  Even more than other contrversial players ahead of him. Irving has to leave no statistical doubt.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #15, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #14, Pre-2021-22 Rank #14, Pre-2022-23 Rank #14

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 22.2 (-0.2)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 52.6 (-20.5)
  • Elite Period VORP 24.1 (-9.5)
  • All-Star Selections 9 (+0.2)
  • All-Pro Selections 4 (-9.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Irving also played one year for Duke and has won an Olympic Gold and World Cup Gold Medal for the United States.

George would have the best year in the second of two years in OKC. Joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2021 and joining his friend, Kawhi Leonard, should have proved fruitful for George, but it has not yet done much for George in terms of finger jewelry as the Clippers have yet to make the FInals. Nevertheless, George still has more basketball left and the Clippers are decent.  An NBA Championship, even as the “number two” would be colossal for George, who is below (though not by much) in the average Elite Period numbers.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #12, Pre 2020-21 Rank #15, Pre-2021-22 Rank #15, Pre-2022-23 Rank #15.

*Note that we are including the six games from George's 2014-15 injury-ending year.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.1 (-2.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 66.9 (-6.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 32.9 (-0.7)
  • All-Star Selections 7 (-1.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 8 (-5.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes George also has won 1 Olympic Gold Medal with the United States. He also played two years at Fresno State.

After missing the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Seasons due to injury, Thompson came back in the middle of last year, and the "Splash Brothers" were reunited..and it felt so good!   Thompson's return was the necessary tonic for Golden State to capture their fourth NBA Title in the last ten years, and this vaulted Thompson up the list, but how much does he have left, as his elite period appears to be over. Pre-2019-20 Rank: #22, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #23, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #24, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #19

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 16.4 (-6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 46.8 (-26.3)
  • Elite Period VORP 11.3 (-22.3)
  • All-Star Selections 5 (-3.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 2 (-11.1)
  • NBA Championships 4 (+2.1)
  • Additional Notes Thompson played for Washington State and was a two-time All-Pac-10 Selection. Representing the United States, he was a Gold Medalist in both the Olympics and World Cup

Last year, we said that this would be a "crossroads" year for Rudy Gobert in regards to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and if we were right, the Frenchman took a wrong turn.  The Timberwolves gave up a lot to get the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, but his first year in Minnesota saw a significant regression, a non-All-Star year, and little change for Minnesota's pursuit of a title.  If Gobert can't turn it around this season, the narative on him will be that of a franchise killer, especially if his former teammate in Utah, Donovan Mitchell, shines brighter.  We love defense here at Notinhalloffame, but Gobert was not even All-Defensive last year, breaking his six-year streak.  Tony Parker might be the lone Frenchman in the Hall for a lot lobger than we thought.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #36, Pre-2020-21 Rank #33, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #19, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #16

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 22.6 (+0.2)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 78.2 (+5.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 23.9 (-9.7)
  • All-Star Selections 3 (-5.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 5 (-8.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Gobert has won an Olympic Silver Medal, two World Cup Bronze Medals, and one EuroBasket Bronze for France.

The elite period of Blake Griffin is well over, and his career night be too.  Last year, Griffin was a shell of the shell he became only a couple of years before, and  all of the injures have caught up.  Griffin is still a six-time All-Star, and a multi-time All-NBA player, but the failure to take the Los Angeles Clippers deep into the playoffs will haunt his Hall chances.  There does not seem to be an opportunity for Griffin to add to his resume, and even if he gets signed, how many minutes will he actually log?  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #16, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #16, Pre-3021-22 Rank: #16, Pre-3021-22 Rank: #18

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 22.8 (+0.4)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 62.4 (-10.7)
  • Elite Period VORP 25.6 (-8)
  • All-Star Selections 6 (-2.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 8 (-5.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Griffin was also a National College Player of the Year, First Team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year at Oklahoma.

We will argue that the fourth Dubs Title helps Draymond Green more than it does anyone else, as even though Green is a  four-time All-Star,, and a seven-time All-Dfeensive Selection, his overall advanced metrics fall short and they probably won't meet the MPA, especially now that he is slowing down.  That being said, Green was a huge part of Golden State's success, and the push for him will be strong. That second Gold Medal won for the United States didn't hurt.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #25, Pre 2020-21 Rank: #26, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #26, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #26

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 15.7 (-6.7)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 43.9 (-29.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 19.9 (-13.7)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 3 (-10.1)
  • NBA Championships 4 (+2.1)
  • Additional Notes Green played for Michigan State and was a Consensus All-American, NABC National Player of the Year, and Big Ten Player of the Year. He also won a Gold Medal in the Olympics for the United States twice.

If DeMar DeRozan enters the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, we will point to his run in Chicago, which may not have (yet) generated a significant playff run, but reestablished himsefl as an All-Star.  DeRozan is now a six-time All-Star, with him currenty on a two-tear streak, which is all the more imressive considering his previous last was in 2018.  He is also on a ten-year streak of 20-plus PPG years.,. Pre 2020-21 Rank: #28, Pre-2021-22 Rank:: #29, Pre-2022-23 Rank:: #24.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 21.8 (-0.6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 58.2 (-14.9)
  • Elite Period VORP 19.2 (-14.4)
  • All-Star Selections 6 (-2.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 5 (-8.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes DeRozan played at USC in college where his number was retired. He also won Gold Medals for The United States. at the 2016 Olympics and the 2014 World Cup.

Jayson Tatum is the latest entry in a long list of egastars that the Boston Celtics have boasted over the years.  Currently on a run of four All-Stars and two First Team All-NBAs, Tatum led Boston to an NBA Final in 2022, and was close to doing the same last year.  Tatum was also a member of the U.S. Team that won Olympic Gold, and this only aids his overall resume.   All he needs to cement himself as a legend is an MVO and ring, and he could do that in the next 12 months. Pre-2021-22 Rank: #50, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #33

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 19.7 (-2.7)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 45.6 (-27.5)
  • Elite Period VORP 19.8 (-13.8)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 7 (-6.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Tatum played one year at Duke and won a Gold Medal with the United States in the Olympics.

Kevin Love was brought in to be the third piece of the Cavaliers with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, and it resulted in an NBA Championship.  His All-Star days are well behind him, but he found a new life as a bench player and was in contention for the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2021-22.  Love was traded to the Heat during last season, and if he provides a solid role in a title, it could help him make the Hall.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #18, Pre-2020-21 Rank #17, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #19, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #20.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 22.5 (+0.1)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 60.3 (-12.8)
  • Elite Period VORP 21.3 (-12.3)
  • All-Star Selections 5 (-3.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 4 (-9.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Love also took UCLA to a Final Four, and he was a First Team All-American, First Team All-Pac 10 Player and Pac-10 Player of the Year. Representing the United States, Love was a Gold Medalist in both the 2012 Olympics and 2010 FIBA World Cup.

The Elite Period of Kyle Lowry has come to an end, but he still provides leadership and a solid role on a contending Heat team.  Previously, Lowry can boast sic consecutive All-Star Games, an NBA Championship and is arguably the most important (not most historical) player in Toronto Raptors history.  He is closer than you think, especially if he adds another ring.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #20, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #20, 2021-22 Pre-Season Rank #21 2022-23 Pre-Season Rank #21.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 19.8 (-2.6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 62.9 (-10.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 31.0 (-2.6)
  • All-Star Selections 5 (-3.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Lowry played at Villanova in college where his number was retired. He also won a Gold Medal for the United States at the 2016 Olympics

Oh boy.  Derrick Rose is in grave danger of becoming the first former NBA MVP not to make the Hall of Fame.   If you look at his overall numbers, Rose probably shouldn't be inducted.  Over the last few years, Rose settled in on a strong bench role, capable of exploding with big numbers in any game, but last year, he was again injured, and only played 27 Games.  Now with the Grizzlies, his chance for the Hall relies on compiling stats, his MVP, and sentiment.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #27. Pre-2021-22 Rank: #22, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #22, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #22

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 18.3 (-4.1)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 31.4 (-41.7)
  • Elite Period VORP 10.6 (-23)
  • All-Star Selections 3 (-5.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 3 (-10.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Rose played for Memphis where he was a Third Team All-American and took the Tigers to NCAA Championship Game. He also won a Gold Medal at the 2010 & 2014 World Cup for the United States.

Al Horford's best years are behind him, but he is still a starter on a very good Bston Celtics team that could win it all in 2024.  Horford has five All-Star Games on his resume, but the Hall looks at it all, and this icludes two NCAA Championships at Florida.  This is a better candidate than you might tthink..  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #23.  Pre-2020-21 Rank: #25, Pre-2021-21 Rank #27, Pre-2021-21 Rank #28

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.2 (-2.2)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 51.9 (-21.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 21.5 (-12.1)
  • All-Star Selections 5 (-3.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Horford won two NCAA titles at Florida and was a Third-Team All-American. He plays Internationally for the Dominican Republic and won a FIBA Bronze Medal

Karl-Anthony Towns is a three-time All-Star but has he ever felt like a Hall of Fame player.  Last season, he was joined by Rudy Gobert, but the team dd not gel, and Twns was held to only 27 Games due to an injury.  Furthermore, in those 27 Games, he had his worst statistical year to date.  This season has to change for KAT to have a Hall of Fame shot..  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #41, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #36. Pre-2021-22 Rank: #34, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #26

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 24.7 (+2.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 66.1 (-7)
  • Elite Period VORP 28.3 (-5.3)
  • All-Star Selections 3 (-5.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 2 (-11.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Towns was a Consensus Second Team All-American and SEC Freshman of the Year at the University of Kentucky,. He plays Internationally for the Dominican Republic. He won the 2012 Gold Medal in Centrobasket

Rondo's Elite Period is well in his rear-view mirror, but he was already an NBA Champion when he was with the Celtics.   It also needs to be reiterated how much he helped them win that title.  Rondo won another with the Lakers a few years ago, which helps his cause, albeit in a secondary capacity.   It also should be discussed that in terms of traditional stats, Rondo is a three-time Assists Champion and one-time Steals Champion, but he does not scream Springfield.  A third title, even if he is deep on the bench could put him over, but for that to hapen, he has to find work, as he is currently a Free Agent, and did not play last year.  Bluntly, it does not look good.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #24, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #24, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #25, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #29

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 17.6 (-4.8)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 42.6 (-30.5)
  • Elite Period VORP 17.1 (-16.5)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Rondo played two years at the University of Kentucky where he was an All-SEC Freshman Selection.

The Elite Period of Jordan's career is over, nevertheless, his advanced stats are much better than his lone All-Star Game Selection reflects.  Still, Jordan will need a lot of help for Springfield enshrinement, and it would have to come in the form of multiple titles, which was just blostered by winning his first last year. Pre-2019-20 Rank: #29, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #30, Pre-2021-22 Season Rank: #30, Pre-2022-23 Season Rank: #31

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 19.8 (-2.6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 69.9 (-3.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 22.2 (-11.4)
  • All-Star Selections 1 (-7.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 5 (-8.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Jordan played at Texas A&M and was named to the Big 12 All-Rookie Team. He would also win a Gold Medal for the United States in the Olympics

DeMarcus Cousins hasn't had a lot of luck in his career, especially in the last 48 months.  After being injured for much of his brief run in New Orleans, the former Sacramento King signed for a one-year contract with Golden State in a chase for a title, but it didn't go well.  "Boogie" didn't play for much of the season after recovering from an Achilles injury, and when he returned, he wasn't the same All-Star player.  To make matters worse, the Warriors didn't win the NBA Title.  He joined the Los Angeles Lakers last year but a torn ACL kept him out the entire season, and he never he played a game for them.  He then became a Houston Rocket, amd finished off with the Clippers, and then the Nuggets year,, but it is probablt that his NBA career is over as he currently playing in the Puerto Rican League.  Pre-2019-20 Rank #33, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #29, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #31, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #31..

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 23.7 (+1.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 40.6 (-32.5)
  • Elite Period VORP 21.0 (-12.6)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 4 (-9.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Cousins was a Consensus Second Team All-American, a First Team All-SEC Selection and was the SEC Rookie of the Year at the University of Kentucky. He also won a Gold Medal in both the 2016 Olympics and 2014 FIBA World Cup for the United States.

The narrative on John Wall has taken a pounding over the last few years.  Wall lost the entire 2019-20 Season due to a torn ACL and he was surprisingly traded to the Houston Rockets where he was decent, but he sat out last year.  He joins the Clippers last year, but all he did was cement that he is a shell of what was once the most exciting Point Guard in the NBA.  Pre-2019-20 Ran: #28. Pre-2020-21 Rank: #35, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #36, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #36

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.1 (-2.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 41.0 (-32.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 20.4 (-13.2)
  • All-Star Selections 5 (-3.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Wall played at the University of Kentucky and won the Adolph Rupp Trophy, the SEC Player of the Year and was a First Team All-American.

Here is what we wrote last year:  "MItchell was had a contentuous relationship with Rudy Gobert, who is now his former teammate, as both he and Gobert were shipped off to new squads  What the three-time All-Star does tin his first year in Cleveland should state whether there is Hall of Fame potential or not."  Well, we know the answer to that, as Mitchell elevated his game, was an All-NBA player for the first time, and  had his best stats to date, and he could get even better this year.  2022-23 Pre-Season Rank: #44.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 19.6 (-2.8)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 37.9 (-35.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 18.2 (-15.4)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 2 (-11.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Mitchell was a First Team All-ACC player at Louisville.

Beal completed 11 seasons in Washington where he almost won a sceing title, had two 30-plus PPG years, and went to three All-Star Games, but the Wizards were a low-profile team, and Beal was never in that top-tier, or even considered a must-watch player.  Could this change with the Suns this year, where he should play for the best team og his life?  Pre-2019-20 Season: #44, Pre-2020-21 Season: #41, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #37, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #37.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.4 (-2)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 38.8 (-34.3)
  • Elite Period VORP 18.5 (-15.1)
  • All-Star Selections 3 (-5.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Beal played one year at the University of Florida and was a First Team All-SEC Selection
Sabonis led the the Kings to their first playoff in years, and he added a third All-Star and a his first All-NBA Selection.  He also won his first rebounding title.  Prior to last season, there were a lot of people sleeping on Sabonis.  Theu won't anymore. Pre 2022-23 Rank: #45

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 19.6 (-2.8)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 47.2 (-25.9)
  • Elite Period VORP 16.6 (-17)
  • All-Star Selections 3 (-5.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Sabonis played collegiately at Gonzaga where he was a First Team All-WCC Selection. Internationally, he represents Lithuania and has a Silver Medal in EuroBasket competition.

After seven years of NBA purgatory in Charlotte, Kemba Walker took over the Point in Boston, and got to enjoy life in the playoffs.  While that was nice, it was a tad underwhelming, and his subsequent run with New York was no better.  Walker's stint in Detroit was even worse, and he bgins this season in the French league and might never return to the NBA.  If that is the case, we have our complte NMA resume, and it isn't enough  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #34, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #32, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #31, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #34.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.2 (-2.2)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 47.5 (-25.6)
  • Elite Period VORP 23.7 (-9.9)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Walker played at UConn where he took the Huskies to a 2011 Tournament Win. He would also win the Final Four Most Outstanding Player Award and was a First Team All-American that year

Millsap may not have the credentials for the Basketball Hall of Fame, and the only way that changes is if he wins titles.  Like others n this list, the four-time All-Star is looking for a team and is in a hired gun phase, though that too, may be over.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #32, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #34, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #35, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #35

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.0 (-2.4)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 54.7 (-18.4)
  • Elite Period VORP 24.6 (-9)
  • All-Star Selections 4 (-4.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 0 (-13.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Millsap played three years at Louisiana Tech where he was twice a First Team All-WAC Selection and is a three-time NCAA Rebounding Champion

Booker was the highest debut on the pre-2022-23 ranking, and the flashy Guard has already been to an NBA FInal.  The bright star of the Suns was a First Team All-Star two years ago,,but his three-year streak of All-Stars was broken in a dispapponting year for both Booker and the Suns.  An Olympic Gold Medalist with the United States in 2021, Booker should have a boucne back year and should ascend this list.  Pre 2022-23 Rank #38.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 19.3 (-3.1)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 34.0 (-39.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 13.6 (-20)
  • All-Star Selections 3 (-5.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 3 (-10.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Booker played his college ball at Kentucky where he was a Second Team All-SEC player and won a Gold Medal for the United States at the 2021 Olympics.

Khris Middleton has been to three All-Star Games, but he was the second option on a Milwaukee Bucks team that won the NBA Championship in 2021.  Not only did he get a ring that year, he also won an Olympic Gold Medal for the United States.  Well over 30, Middleton's only pth to the Hall is to win a lot more Titles, and number two could come his year with Milwaukee.  Pre-2020-21 Rank #47, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #40, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #37

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 17.7 (-4.7)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 40.3 (-32.8)
  • Elite Period VORP 12.3 (-21.3)
  • All-Star Selections 3 (-5.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Middleton played his college ball at Texas A&M and was a Second Team Big-12 Selection, and won a Gold Medal for the United States at the Olympics.

Drummond has peaked, but despite being a four-time Rebounding Champion and two-time All-Star, Drummond has never been considered an upper-echelon player, and if his Elite Period is truly over, his Hall of Fame path relies on titles and stat-padding.  That title will be hard to obtain in Chicago this year. Pre-2019-20 Rank: #37, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #38, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #39, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #40.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 22.1 (-0.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 56.4 (-16.7)
  • Elite Period VORP 15.9 (-17.7)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Drummond played one year at the University of Connecticut and won a Gold Medal for the United States in the FIBA World Cup

Jrue Holiday was an All-Star in 2013 (hs last in Philadelphia), and it took another ten, which coincidentally was his last in Milwaukee, to earn a second ttip.  In between, Holiday joined a special group that won an NBA Championship (with Milwaukee) and an Olympic Gold Medal (with the United States) in the same year .  Holiday was and will never be a superstar, but he fills his role well, and will do so this year on a powerful Boston squad that is going for it all.  His only path to Springfield is titles, and he needs one this year wearing the Celtics shade of green.  Pre-2021-22 Rank: #47, Pre-2023-23 Rank: #43

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 18.6 (-3.8)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 40.4 (-32.7)
  • Elite Period VORP 17.9 (-15.7)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 0 (-13.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Holiday is an Olympic Gold Medalist with the United States, and he played a year at UCLA.

It took 14 seasons before MIke Conley finally made his first All-Star Game, though frankly, it felt a bit like a lifetime achievement award, but one that so many of us were happy to see him obtain.  Conley does not have the stats, the elite period or the trings to get into Springfield, but he is one of the most respected players of all-time as shown by his Teammate of the Year Award and four Sportsmanship Awards.  If there was a Hall of Fame of Class, Conley would be first ballot.  Pre-2019-20 Rank: #38, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #42, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #41, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #41.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 18.8 (-3.6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 53.2 (-19.9)
  • Elite Period VORP 20.9 (-12.7)
  • All-Star Selections 1 (-7.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 0 (-13.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Conley played one year at Ohio State where he helped them reach the NCAA Championship Game
Bam Adebayo has played all his career with the Miami Heat where he has made two All-Star, an NBA Final, and earned four All-Defensive Selections.  At only 26, he is entering his prime and the best should be yet to come.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.0 (-2.4)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 42.8 (-30.3)
  • Elite Period VORP 14.5 (-19.1)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 0 (-13.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Adebayo played one year at Kentucky where he was a Second Team All-SEC and All-SEC Freshman. He also won Gold with the United States at the 2021 Olympics.
From Camaeroon, Pascal Siakam has proven to be a nice surprise for the Raptors over his seven seasons, where he was a two-time All-Star and a Most Improved Player winner.  Siakam was valuable in the Raptors 2019 NBA Championship, and though a second ring wont come to Siakam this year, a third All-Star could.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 18.1 (-4.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 41.0 (-32.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 14.6 (-19)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 3 (-10.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Siakam played two years at New Mexico State where he won the WAC Freshman of the Year and then the WAC Player of the Year.
 A nine-year veteran, Julius Randle went to his fist All-Star Game in year seven and his second last year.  Randle has become the suprise leader of a solid Knicks team, and is coming off his best year to date.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 18.7 (-3.7)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 37.9 (-35.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 14.3 (-19.3)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 3 (-10.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Randle played one year at Kentucky where he was All-SEC and the SEC Player of the Year.
While the core three with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LeVine has not generated a playoff series win, Nikola Vucevic is in a much better place than he was in Orlando.  The two-time All-Star is over 30, and has a lot to do to make the Hall of Fame,  but he still has time to do it.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.9 (-1.5)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 43.1 (-30)
  • Elite Period VORP 21.9 (-11.7)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 0 (-13.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Vucevic played three years at USC and has represented Montenegro in multiple tournaments.
Jaylen Brown is getting better by the year, and is the number two option on a top NBA team.  Brown should be able to add his third All-Star this season, and possibly another All-NBA.  Throw in a ring, and he will catapult up this list.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 16.4 (-6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 29.5 (-43.6)
  • Elite Period VORP 21.9 (-11.7)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 2 (-11.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Brown played one year at California and was the PAC-12 Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-Pac 12 Selection

If there was a Hall of "Fairly Decent", Brook Lopez might be the poster child for it.  That is the career that he had, and while he is worthy of being on the fringes of this list, we know he is not getting in.  He is however an NBA Champion and a second Title in 2024, which would create a whisper.   Pre-2020-21 Rank: #45, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #45, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #46.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 21.8 (-0.6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 35.9 (-37.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 11.8 (-21.8)
  • All-Star Selections 1 (-7.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 0 (-13.1)
  • NBA Championships 1 (-0.9)
  • Additional Notes Lopez played two years at Stanford where he was a Third Team All-American and First Team All-Pac-10 player
The young Point Guard has been an All-Star twice and is on a four-year streak of at least 25 Points per Game.  Young also has a Third-Team All-NBA Selection on his resume, but he has been labelled as inconsistent and there are rumblings that Atlanta may look to move on from him.  Narrative is important, and Young has not seen his grow in the last twelve months.  Pre-Season 2022-23 Rank: #49.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 22.2 (-0.2)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 33.0 (-40.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 15.3 (-18.3)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 1 (-12.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Young was a scoring and assists leader in his lone year at Oklahoma, where he was a Consensus First Team All-American and First Team All-Big 12 player.
Zach LaVine has done well with the Chicago Bulls thus far, apearing in two All-Star Games, and posting five conecutive 23-plus PPG years.  LaVine is nearing 30, and needs a title and a few years where he is considered in the top group in the NBA.  That may too much to ask.

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 18.8 (-3.6)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 28.9 (-44.2)
  • Elite Period VORP 13.2 (-20.4)
  • All-Star Selections 2 (-6.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 0 (-13.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes LaVIne played one year at UCLA where he was a member of the PAC-!2 All-Freshman Team.
We could have easily put a more seasoned player in this final spot, but SGA was so good last season that we had to honor his breakout.  What a future the young Canadian has in front of him!

Stats

  • Elite Period PER 20.1 (-2.3)
  • Elite Period Win Shares 29.0 (-44.1)
  • Elite Period VORP 13.1 (-20.5)
  • All-Star Selections 1 (-7.8)
  • All-Pro Selections 3 (-10.1)
  • NBA Championships 0 (-1.9)
  • Additional Notes Gilgeous-Alexander played one season at Kentucky where he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. He represented Canada in 2023 where he led them to their first FIBA medal, a bronze.