The NBA is a league rich in history, with legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar towering over the narrative. Yet, some great players remain underappreciated despite their contributions. These players—through their scoring, defense, leadership, or versatility—have left indelible marks on the NBA. Yet, their legacies often get lost amid flashier names or bigger markets. By recognizing their contributions, we gain a fuller understanding of basketball history. Here, we highlight 20 NBA greats who deserve more recognition and explain why they should be celebrated.
Sidney Moncrief
Achievements: 2x Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), 5x All-Star
Why: A defensive juggernaut and offensive force, Moncrief anchored the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1980s, regularly leading them to 50+ wins. His two-way brilliance set the stage for modern “3-and-D” stars.
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Bernard King
Achievements: 4x All-Star, Scoring Champion (1985)
Why: Few players matched King’s scoring ability in his prime. His 1984 playoff performances are legendary, including a series where he averaged 42.6 points per game despite playing injured.
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Alex English
Achievements: 8x All-Star, Scoring Champion (1983)
Why: The leading scorer of the 1980s, English’s silky midrange game was unparalleled. Despite amassing over 25,000 career points, he’s often overlooked due to playing in a smaller market (Denver).
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Chris Webber
Achievements: 5x All-Star, 1994 Rookie of the Year
Why: A cornerstone of the Sacramento Kings’ resurgence in the early 2000s, Webber’s elite passing and scoring as a power forward redefined the position. The Kings’ controversial 2002 playoff loss to the Lakers overshadowed his greatness.
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Pau Gasol
Achievements: 2x NBA Champion, 6x All-Star
Why: Gasol’s versatility and skill set were critical to the Lakers’ championship runs in 2009 and 2010. Overshadowed by Kobe Bryant, Gasol’s contributions warrant more recognition.
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Kevin Johnson
Achievements: 3x All-Star
Why: One of the best point guards of the 1990s, Johnson’s blend of speed, scoring, and playmaking powered the Phoenix Suns to consistent playoff success. Injuries, however, curtailed his legacy.
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Adrian Dantley
Achievements: 6x All-Star, 2x Scoring Champion
Why: Dantley’s efficiency was astonishing; he led the league in true shooting percentage multiple times. Despite scoring over 23,000 career points, he’s rarely mentioned among scoring greats.
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Bob Lanier
Achievements: 8x All-Star
Why: A dominant center in the 1970s, Lanier averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds for his career. Playing on mediocre teams limited his visibility.
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Dennis Rodman
Achievements: 5x NBA Champion, 2x DPOY
Why: Known for his rebounding and defense, Rodman’s basketball IQ and versatility were critical to multiple championship teams. His off-court antics often overshadow his on-court impact.
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Mark Price
Achievements: 4x All-Star
Why: Price was a pioneer of the modern pick-and-roll offense and one of the best shooters ever, with a career 90.4% free throw percentage. He helped make the Cleveland Cavaliers contenders in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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Grant Hill
Achievements: 7x All-Star
Why: Hill was LeBron James before LeBron James, excelling as a scorer, passer, and rebounder. Injuries robbed him of a potentially all-time great career.
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Artis Gilmore
Achievements: 11x All-Star (ABA/NBA)
Why: Gilmore was a dominant big man with incredible efficiency, holding the NBA record for career field-goal percentage (59.9%). His time in the ABA clouds his historical standing.
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Manu Ginóbili
Achievements: 4x NBA Champion, 2x All-Star
Why: Ginóbili’s creativity and selflessness revolutionized the sixth-man role. A key figure in the Spurs’ dynasty, he deserves to be ranked among the all-time great guards.
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Vince Carter
Achievements: 8x All-Star
Why: Known for his electrifying dunks, Carter was also a skilled scorer and a consummate professional. His longevity (22 seasons) highlights his adaptability.
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Joe Dumars
Achievements: 2x NBA Champion, 1989 Finals MVP
Why: Dumars was the steady hand in the “Bad Boys” Pistons, excelling as both a scorer and a defender. His quiet demeanor often leads to him being underrated.
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Shawn Marion
Achievements: 4x All-Star, 2011 NBA Champion
Why: Marion’s versatility on both ends of the floor was vital for teams like the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. He’s a prototype for modern positionless basketball.
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Alonzo Mourning
Achievements: 2x DPOY, NBA Champion (2006)
Why: Mourning’s defense and intensity anchored teams for over a decade. His successful return from a kidney transplant adds a layer of inspiration to his story.
Paul Westphal
Achievements: 5x All-Star
Why: A key player for the Suns in the 1970s, Westphal’s scoring and leadership helped take Phoenix to its first Finals in 1976. His offensive skills were ahead of his time.
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Carmelo Anthony
Achievements: 10x All-Star, Scoring Champion (2013)
Why: Anthony’s scoring prowess places him among the elite, but his lack of postseason success often overshadows his individual brilliance. He’s ninth on the all-time scoring list.
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Chauncey Billups
Achievements: 2004 Finals MVP, 5x All-Star
Why: “Mr. Big Shot” epitomized clutch performances and team leadership, leading the Detroit Pistons to an NBA title in 2004. His steady play and defensive acumen are underrated.
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