Pre-2019-20 Rank: #15, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #14, Pre-2021-22 Rank #14, Pre-2022-23 Rank #14, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #15.

Peak Period: 2014-15 to 2020-21.

For many years, Kyrie Irving has been the most polarizing player in Basketball, and at times, all North American sports.  It has never been about his play, as he is a multi-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA Selection at Point Guard who can take over a game.  He helped LeBron James win the NBA Championship in Cleveland, and when he wanted to be the alpha, he was primarily applauded when he became a Boston Celtic in 2017, but that was when things became weird for the former Uncle Drew.

Irving pledged to bring greatness to Boston, but despite two All-Star years (and no deep playoff run), he signed with their rival Brooklyn, where a super team formed with him, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.  The big three fell apart as quickly as they came together, with Irving’s Brooklyn run marred by his refusal to get the jab and alleged antisemitism.  Irving, who marches to his tune, may have alienated many fans, but he is true to his convictions, knowing that it would (and did) cost him millions in endorsements.  He would force his way out of Brooklyn and, in his first full year in his fourth team, the Dallas Mavericks, where, along with Luka Doncic, he went to the NBA Finals.

With all his past (and maybe future) controversies, Irving might have to do more than most to ensure a spot in Springfield, and if he adds a ring in Dallas, his biggest haters will struggle to keep him out.

Pre-2019-20 Rank: #14, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #12, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #7 Pre-2022-23 Rank: #6, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #5.

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

You could argue (and we will) that 2023-24 was the most disappointing season of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career.  He was joined by Damian Lillard, arguably the biggest star he ever shared a court with, but Lillard and new Coach Doc Rivers were bounced in the first round and fell well short of expectations. 

Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo is a two-time league MVP and an NBA Champion who will turn 30 this year.  What does that mean?   The “Greek Freak” is in a prime position to add to his lofty resume, and since he is already a first-ballot HOF entrant, the only question is what his 30s will bring.  We would wager that will be an awful lot!

Pre-2019-20 Rank: #13, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #11, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #10, Pre-2022-23 Rank: #11, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #11.

*Peak Period: 2013-14 to 2020-21.  Leonard only played 9 Games in 2017-18.  Thus, we are giving him eight seasons.

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.  Following his one-and-done in Toronto, Leonard has given the Clippers three All-Star years, but the moody Forward has also missed an entire season (2021-22 due to an ACL injury), and begins this year on the shelf. 

Leonard, who has the 75^th Anniversary Selection should get in easily, but we openly wonder how much his legacy will take a tumble (if at all) over the next few years. 

Pre-2019-20 Rank: #12, Pre-2020-21: Rank #15, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #15, Pre-2022-23 Rank #15., Pre-2023-24 Rank: #16.

*Positional Notes:  George has been playing more at Power Forward recently, but his peak was mostly at Small Forward.

*Peak Period: 2015-16 to 2021-22

The Paul George run with the Los Angeles Clippers has ended, and his union with his good friend, Kawhi Leonard, yielded very little post-season success. However, it was not all bad for George, who added three All-Stars, giving him nine overall, and he had his healthiest season in L.A. last year. 

Despite this, George is not a top-ten player anymore and is now in a new environment, Philadelphia, where he has his most potent teammate ever, Joel Embiid.  Can this tandem (along with Tyrese Maxey) fulfill “the Process?”

If so, that should vault PG to a first-ballot entry.