Sports professionals dedicate their lives to grueling routines, working hard to be the best they can be. They are amongst the list of professionals with the highest net worths and their victories also bring joy to the masses. Most earn accolades throughout their careers in recognition of their skills.
In the world of the National Basketball Association, several players have made it to the coveted Hall of Fame for their performances. However, a few names have raised eyebrows because they aren’t necessarily considered the greatest at the sport. Let’s count down some of the NBA players inducted, or not yet inducted, into the Basketball Hall of Fame who many sports fans have second thoughts about.
Dražen Petrović - New Jersey Nets
Dražen Petrović's NBA career began in 1989. He gained a reputation as a top shooter before his career came to an abrupt end after a car accident. He played for just four seasons and before the tragic incident, he was part of the Portland Trail Blazers who traded him to the New Jersey Nets.
Petrovic averaged 22.2 points during his last two seasons of playing. He had a promising career but it’s bitter-sweet having him inducted into the Hall of Fame while other players who have put in more seasons haven’t come close to the honor.
Earl Monroe - New York Knicks
Earl Monroe is credited for helping the New York Knicks earn a championship win back in 1973. He has also made it to four All-Star Games. Monroe, “The Pearl”, averaged 18.8 points each game for his 13 NBA seasons. An impressive feat, right?
However, Monroe only averaged 3.9 assists when it came to his passing record which isn’t the best for a point guard. While he’s always been considered to lead the floor, some may also dismiss him as a ball hog. He still earned a spot in 2006 on the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 1990.
Bill Walton - Bolton Celtics
Bill Walton excelled during his time at UCLA and he managed to earn a spot with the Portland Trail Blazers, kicking off his NBA career. He had a championship win in 1977 with the Blazers followed by another in 1986 with the Bolton Celtics.
Walton suffered from a series of injuries that plagued him and he played a full season in only a total of around 10 seasons of his career. At one point, his health issues had him sit out two entire seasons. He still earned a spot in the Hall of Fame but some believe it should have instead been for the success he achieved in broadcasting, later on.
Calvin Murphy - San Diego Rockets
In the late 60s, when Calvin Murphy attended Niagara University, he served as an electrifying guard. While at the university, he averaged 33 points for each game and the San Diego Rockets drafted him as a second-round pick in 1970.
Murphy spent 13 seasons with the Rockets, solidifying his skills as a shooter, and he averaged 17.9 points during his professional career. As a point guard, he averaged 4.4 points, which was rather disappointing. Add in his trial in 2004 for inappropriate misconduct against five of his daughters and he doesn’t fit the bill to earn a spot on the Hall of Fame.
Frank Ramsey - Boston Celtics
Frank Ramsey proved a valuable member of the Boston Celtics in the 50s and 60s. His career spanned over nine seasons and he averaged 13.4 points with 5.5 rebounds. He played for the Boston Celtics during their peak and rode under their success.
As such, most basketball enthusiasts consider him overrated, with his seven championship wins a result of his team’s efforts rather than his personal skills. You could say that he should have earned a position on the Hall of Fame based on his later contributions or innovations but not for his performance on the basketball court.
Gail Goodrich - New Orleans Jazz
Gail Goodrich received nation-wide attention during his days at UCLA under John Wooden’s coaching. He started his NBA career in 1965 playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and New Orleans Jazz. He played a total of 14 seasons, as well as, five All-Star Games and he even won a title in 1972.
His gameplay didn’t earn too much attention and he averaged only 4.7 assists. It’s safe to say that if he wasn’t part of a winning team like the Los Angeles Lakers we probably wouldn’t have heard too much about him.
Dave Bing - Boston Celtics
Dave Bing began his career with the NBA playing for the Detroit Pistons and also for the Washington Bullets and Boston Celtics. His performance as a shooting guard, when he was drafted by the Pistons, in 1966, was impressive and he averaged 20 points.
Twelve seasons into his career and Bing appeared in seven All-Star Games. He averaged 20.3 points each game with six assists which are quite decent numbers. The reason we have second thoughts about him is because he never earned a championship win and wasn’t considered an innovator or game-changer.
Arvydas Sabonis - Portland Trail Blazers
Lithuanian national, Arvydas Sabonis, launched his NBA career in 1986 when the Portland Trail Blazers drafted him as a first-round pick. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that he started playing for the team, owing to his history of injuries, as well as, his decision to play in Europe.
He was 31 when he officially kicked off his NBA career but competed for only seven seasons. As a center guard, he averaged 12 points per game with 7.3 rebounds. By all accounts, Sabonis was an average player and his biggest accomplishment would have been being placed on the All-Rookie Team in his first season.
Bill Bradley - New York Knicks
Bill Bradley spent 10 seasons with the Knicks before he went into retirement and switched over to politics. Bradley graduated from Princeton University and after his basketball career, he served as a senator, representing New Jersey for three terms. He even tried to run for office during the 2000 presidential elections but he didn’t get the Democratic nomination.
In 1982, he was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, perhaps owing to his two championship wins with the Knicks. Despite his All-Star stint in 1972, there isn’t much to say about Bradley’s basketball career. He averaged 12.4 points each game with 3.2 rebounds which might be considered quite subpar.
Chris Mullin - St. John's
The Golden State Warriors drafted Chris Mullen in 1985 and he played for them twice. He also competed for the Indiana Pacers and St. John’s. He averaged 18.2 points for each game with 4.1 points when it came to rebounds, averaging 3.5 points for assists.
Mullin was described as a very good player but we consider those who make it on the Naismith Hall of Fame as exemplary in the sport. Following his basketball career, he worked in broadcasting and then landed a coaching position in 2015 at St. John’s University. He resigned from the post in 2019.
Mitch Richmond - Los Angeles Lakers
Mitch Richmond's career began with the Golden State Warriors and he also played for the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, and finally, for the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 21 points for each game and only made it to the postseason team four times during his 14-season career.
During his time with the Lakers, he only played during two games which earned him three points. The overall consensus is that his lack of success postseason has hurt his claim to the Hall of Fame, however, he is still a recipient of this accolade.
Ralph Sampson - Rockford Lightning
The Houston Rockets gave Ralph Sampson his start with the NBA and he competed for Rockford Lightning before switching to coaching. As a player, he averaged 15.4 points for each game but he was also plagued by injuries that hampered his professional success.
He had to undergo three knee surgeries which forced him to finally retire from the sport but with several accolades to his name. Sampson has earned himself spots in the Hall of Fame, while attending the University of Virginia, and also, during his time with the NBA.
Bernard King - New Jersey Nets
Bernard King kickstarted his NBA career in 1977 when the New Jersey Nets drafted him. He also played for the Utah Jazz, Warriors, Knicks, and the Washington Bullets before returning to the Nets. He averaged 22.5 points for each game over the 14 seasons of his career.
King was considered a professional scorer but he didn’t rake in noteworthy achievements postseason. He also suffered from a series of injuries including a torn ligament and broken leg that nearly ended his career in 1985. In 2013, he earned his spot on the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Walt Bellamy - New Orleans Jazz
After playing for the Indiana University team, Walt Bellamy joined the NBA in 1961. He played for the Chicago Packers, Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and New Orleans Jazz. Bellamy averaged 20.1 points per game and he was an NBA All-Star, a total of four times.
Bellamy performed decently during his initial seasons and he was even crowned an NBA Rookie. However, his averages began to decline as injuries plagued him, forcing him to retire from the sport. His track record doesn’t quite warrant him a spot on the A-list but he still became a Hall of Fame inductee, nonetheless.
Adrian Dantley - Milwaukee Bucks
DeMatha Catholic High School is where Adrian Dantley had his start in basketball and the Buffalo Braves gave him his break in the big league. He played with several teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Pistons, and finally, the Milwaukee Bucks.
Dantley averaged 24.3 points per game and he led in scoring, a total of two times. Given the fact that he wasn’t a member of any winning team during his time with the league, some believe he has fallen short of truly deserving his spot on the Naismith Hall of Fame; an honor which he received in 2008.
Dikembe Mutombo - Houston Rockets
After Dikembe Mutombo played for the Georgetown University team, Denver Nuggets drafted him in 1991. He played a total of 18 seasons as a highly decorated defensive guard and averaged 9.8 points each game which is believed to be subpar.
Mutombo enjoyed an abundant career with the league and earned achievements like being an NBA All-Star, a total of 10 times, and boasting of having blocked the second-highest number of shots. His peak is still not considered as stratified greatness and he never finished at any spot higher than 13th position in award shares.
K.C. Jones - Boston Celtics
K.C. Jones represented the Boston Celtics and won eight championships with the team. His career average was 7.4 points and 4.3 assists per game. He went on to have an illustrious career as a coach for several teams including the Lakers, Pistons, and New England Blizzard.
Furthermore, Jones tied third for the most championships won in a career as a basketball player. Sure, eight championship wins as a player and four as a coach are great on the books but, apparently, it's not enough to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Alonzo Mourning - Miami Heat
Alonzo Mourning is another Georgetown alumni who was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets. He joined the team in 1992. Mourning also played for Miami Heat and finished his career by competing for the New Jersey Nets. He averaged 17.1 points, 2.8 blocks and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Mourning had to get a kidney transplant but he bounced back and went on to secure a championship victory in 2006. However, his career took a downward turn following this success and he just never got back to the height of his career.
Horace Grant - Los Angeles Lakers
Horace Grant is equally known for his eyeglasses as much as he’s known for his time with the Chicago Bulls. However, Grant is simply thought to have made things easier for team-mates Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan without stealing much of the spotlight for himself.
He also played for the Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Orlando Magic, averaging 11.2 points for every game. Grant served as a valuable power forward but he never really became the focal point in all of the four teams he played for. That’s why we raise our eyebrows at his inclusion in the Hall of Fame.
Jack Sikma - Milwaukee Bucks
Jack Sikma averaged 17 points for each game with 10 rebounds during his first four years with the league. During his first two years, he also made it to the NBA Finals with the SuperSonics. Sikma had attended a little-known school, Illinois Wesleyan, which made him a rare success story.
Sikma finished his career competing for the Milwaukee Bucks before becoming the assistant coach for the SuperSonics, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Perhaps his numbers got him on the Hall of Fame but many believe it wasn't for his contributions to the game.
Toni Kukoč - Milwaukee Bucks
Croatian-born Toni Kukoč is best known for his time with the Chicago Bulls but he also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 11.6 points per game during his career and he was renowned for his passing abilities and versatility.
While, from time to time, he played all five positions, he was naturally a small forward. Kukoč's international honors and contributions are what earned him a spot on the hall. Alongside Vassilis Spanoulis, Kukoč also boasts of earning the EuroLeague Final Four MVP recognition, a total of three times.
Shawn Kemp - Orlando Magic
Shawn Kemp earned his spot in the league when the Seattle SuperSonics drafted him as a first-round pick in 1989. He also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic. Kemp averaged 14.6 points for each game and 8.4 rebounds per game.
Kemp also earned five out of his six All-Star Game selections which contributed to the reason the SuperSonics were quite the threat. His drug addiction issues, as well as, the weight challenges he battled when he played for his final three teams, hampered his reach for stratospheric success.
Chris Webber - Golden State Warriors
Chris Webber had his start at the University of Michigan before the Orlando Magic drafted him into the league in 1993. He went on to play for the Warriors, Washington Bullets, Sacramento Kings, 76ers, and Pistons. Webber averaged 20.7 points for each game and 9.8 rebounds per game.
He went on a roller-coaster ride, in terms of his performance, as he changed teams and only returned to his peak when he went back to the Sacramento Kings at the end of his career. Webber is also amongst the list of inductees who don’t have a championship ring.
Šarūnas Marčiulionis - Denver Nuggets
The Golden State Warriors catapulted Lithuanian-born Šarūnas Marčiulionis into the spotlight in 1987. He started off playing for the Lithuanian basketball club, Statyba and went on to compete for the Warriors, SuperSonics, Kings, and the Denver Nuggets.
Throughout his 17 seasons with the league, Marčiulionis played a total of 363 NBA games. This number was on the lower side and he only managed to tally upwards of 1,000 points, once, during his career. Marčiulionis also contributed to the game internationally and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Tom Chambers - Philadelphia 76ers
Tom Chambers started his NBA career in 1981 when the San Diego Clippers drafted him after he played for the Univesity of Utah. As a power forward, he averaged 18.1 points for each game and 6.1 rebounds per game. Chambers played for the Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers.
He also shuffled between Israel when he played for the Maccabi Tel Aviv and the NBA. Chambers remains one of the only players in the league’s history to have a career total of more than 20,000 points, who hasn't made it on the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Michael Cooper - Los Angeles Lakers
Former Laker's player, Michael Cooper, was considered amongst the best defensives during his time with the league and he earned the All-Defensive title a total of eight times. His name goes down in basketball history as the only player to have hoisted championship trophies under the NBA, WNBA, and NBA-D titles.
However, Cooper’s game stats were nothing to write home about, averaging 8.9 points, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Cooper then translated his skill, knowledge, and expertise of the sport into coaching, for several teams, including the Los Angeles Sparks.
Mark Aguirre - Los Angeles Clippers
The Dallas Mavericks drafted Mark Aguirre in 1981 as their first overall pick. Aguirre went on to play for the Pistons and Clippers, averaging 20 points for each game. His stats seem hall worthy but for some reason, he’s not on the Naismith Hall of Fame. However, he did earn his spot on the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
While Aguirre wasn't necessarily considered the leader of the Pistons, he is praised for helping them earn two championship titles. In fact, he’s said to have sacrificed his claim to the accolade when Dennis Rodman took up the role as the defensive stopper for the Pistons.
Dennis Rodman - Chicago Bulls
Dennis Rodman is still considered one of the league’s best rebounders. He played for 14 seasons, starting with the Detroit Pistons and finishing up with the Brighton Bears. He averaged just 7.3 points for each game but dominated when it came to rebounds for seven seasons.
Rodman’s reputation, however, is less than desirable and he received several suspensions for his dirty play antics. He, repeatedly, had issues with the front office and he would charge at players, as well as, the referees. It also didn’t help that he has had alcohol abuse issues over the years.
Yao Ming - Houston Rockets
Yao Ming is definitely respected for the strides he made as a representative of the Asian population in the NBA. The Houston Rockets drafted him as a first-round pick in 2002 after he played for the Shanghai Sharks. He averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Ming performed at his peak during the first three years of his nine-year career but then, he began missing several games. Ming was also recognized as an All-Star during his seasons with the league. However, his short-lived career, as well as, the lack of team successes in his portfolio have worked against him.
Reggie Miller - Indiana Pacers
Roger Miller played for the Indiana Pacers throughout his 18-year career with the league. The team drafted him in 1987 as a first-round pick and he averaged 18.2 points for each game. Miller was revered for his precision, shooting under pressure.
Miller also earned a spot in the All-Star Games, a total of five times, and he led when it came to free-throw accuracy. Despite most people placing him top of the list of the Pacers' greatest, he is yet to earn himself a spot on the Hall of Fame.