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#30. Karl-Anthony Towns: New York Knicks, #7 Centers
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?
#28. Domantas Sabonis: Sacramento Kings, #5 Centers
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.
#31. Mike Conley: Minnesota Timberwolves, #9 Point Guards
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.
#42. Andre Drummond: Philadelphia 76ers, #10 Centers
Pre-2019-20 Rank: #37, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #38, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #39, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #40, Pre-2023-24 Rank #41.
Peak Period: From 2015-16 to 2021-22.
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 genuinely over, his Hall of Fame path relies on titles and stat-padding. He has a lot better chance to do that in Philadelphia than he did in Chicago.