Pre-2019-20 Rank: #42, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #31, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #13, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #8, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #6

*Peak Period: 2017-18 to 2023-24.

What does it say about the quality of active players in the NBA when we have a three-time MVP and one-time NBA Champion who we have at only #6 among active players for HOF contention?

Nikola Jokic goes into the 2024-25 season as a three-time MVP and the favorite to win it again.  His Nuggets are also top contenders, and he is also a four-time All-NBA First Team Selection.  The only question for the “Joker” is not when he is a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee but when that will occur. 

Jokic gives us Tim Duncan vibes, as he is unassuming, does not seek the spotlight, and is the consummate team player.  He is now in the conversation as the greatest European player of all time, and he has the goods in him to be a top ten all-time player. 

We are blessed to be able to watch him play basketball.

Somehow, we might have convinced ourselves to place him at #2, but that could quickly happen with a fourth MVP, and notably, he is still in his peak.

Pre-2019-20 Rank: #41, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #36. Pre-2021-22 Rank: #34, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #26, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #27.

Positional Notes: Towns has played more at Power Forward in the last two seasons.

Peak Period: From 2016-17 to 2022-23.

The Karl-Anthony Towns era in Minnesota is over, and it gave us four All-Stars, a pair of Third-Team All-NBAs, and lots of double-doubles.  Last season, Minnesota put the pieces together, but KAT’s playoff was disappointing, and the Timberwolves traded him for Julius Randle.  This move could be a boom or bust move regarding the HOF for Towns, which is still under 30. 

If he brings New York a title alongside Jalen Brunson, would KAT feel more like a Hall of Famer?

Pre-2022-23 Rank: #45, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #34

*Positional Notes:  Sabonis also spends time at Power Forward.

*Peak Period:  From 2017-17 to 2023-24.  Sabonis is likely to remain in his Peak Period after this season.

Sabonis is on a two-year streak of Third Team All-NBA Selections and top-ten MVP finishes.  If Sacramento goes on a deep run in 2025 with Sabonis as the catalyst, look for his Hall of Fame chances to rise significantly. 

Pre-2019-20 Rank: #38, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #42, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #41, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #41, Pre-2023-24 Rank #41.

Peak Period: From 2012-13 to 2018-19.

It took 14 seasons before Mike Conley Jr. finally made his first All-Star Game. Frankly, it felt a bit like a lifetime achievement award, but it was one that so many of us were happy to see him obtain.  Conley does not have the stats, the elite period, or the rings to get into Springfield, but he is one of the most respected players of all time, as shown by his two Teammate of the Year Awards and four Sportsmanship Awards.  If there were a Hall of Fame of Class, Conley would be the first ballot. 

If Minnesota captures an NBA Championship in 2025, we won’t be alone in being happiest for Mike Conley Jr.