Bill Laimbeer is arguably the least popular player in the history of the NBA.  Part of the infamous Bad Boys teams that won back to back titles for Detroit in the late 80s, Laimbeer reputation as a physical and some called dirty player have superseded his on court accomplishments. Still, Laimbeer was one of the best centers of his generation making 4 All-Star teams and becoming only the 19th player to accumulate 10,000 points and rebounds in a career.  A superb long range shooter for a big man, Laimbeer was as important to the success of the Pistons as any other member.  His ability to bang down low on defense and grab rebounds (he actually led the league in rebounding in 85-86), allowed the Piston machine to roll and his teammates to do the bulk of the scoring. 

How many other players can say they are one of the top 50 all time scorers as well as top 25 all time in assists. And how many of these are shooting guards?  Well the answer would be two.  Jerry West is one of them.  Yes, that Jerry West, the image behind the NBA emblem for the last 30 years. And the other guy?  Well that would be none other than one Reggie Theus.  I am pretty sure Mr. West got into the hall in his first year of eligibility.  As for Mr. Theus?  Well he’s still waiting.  Why you may ask? 

Terry Cummings was an All-American at DePaul in the heyday of Demon basketball during the early 80's.  He teamed with the likes of Mark Aguirre and Tyrone Corbin to lead dominant teams that never got over the hump during the NCAA tournament although they always seemed to be seeded number one.  Drafted second in 1982 by the San Diego Clippers, Cummings had a brilliant rookie season averaging 23.7 points and 10.4 rebounds a game and deservedly won Rookie of the Year. He was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks after the 83-84 season and continued to put up impressive numbers.  Cummings was a consistent twenty point scorer and ten rebound guy for most of his career and was one of the most reliable power forwards in the league. 

Tom Chambers perfectly defined the new role of the big man.  At six foot eleven he could run like a shooting guard and could finish anything.  His jump shot was unblockable due to his size and though he never was a great post player, he did not shy away from contact. Chambers scored over 20,000 career points and made four All-Star games. He was not on winning teams but Chambers was a great offensive player and players today such as Dirk Nowitzki owe their careers to his influence in changing the way the game thought of big men.