With news of the entire dream team from the 1992 Olympics earning a spot in the upcoming hall of fame induction, we decide to look at the players still playing in the NBA and have more than 10 years on their shoes and are hall of fame locks, at least we think they are. So no Lebron or Wade yet, but yes to Shaq, Kobe, Duncan and others.
Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
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I think Ray was a HOF lock without the title in 2008, but him being part of the trio that won the NBA title in 2008 with the Boston Celtics hushed any doubters he might of had. Allen was an All-American at UCONN, played 6.5 season with the Bucks, 4.5 with the Seattle SuperSonics and has played the last two with the Boston Celtics. He’s a nine time All-Star and has averaged 20.9 points per game in the regular season and 20.5 in the playoffs. He’s also just below 40% from three point land and just below 90% in his career from the line.
Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
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It took Garnett 13 years to reach the promised land, to win a title he deserved after being stuck in Minnesota for so long, he needed that trade that sent him to Boston and Ray Allen and Paul Pierce around him to win that 2008 title and cement his place in history. Garnett is averaging 20.2 points per game in his career in the regular season and 21.6 in the playoffs. He’s also averaged 11.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. He’s a 12 time All-Star and won the MVP in 2004.
Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
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Pierce, like Allen, needed the 2008 historic Boston Celtics Championship to cement his place in history. Suddenly, everybody understood how great he was on a crappy team before Garnett and Allen arrived. Pierce has played his entire career with the Boston Celtics, averaging 22.9 points per game in the regular season and 22.2 in the playoffs. He’s also a 36% career three point shooter and has been to 7 all star games.
Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
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It took Billups some time to really find his place as a dominant starter in the league, but ever since his move to the Detroit Pistons in 2002 he has become one of the best point guards in the league and also won the title with the Pistons in 2004. He reached the Finals again a year later but lost with his team to the San Antonio Spurs in seven games. Billups is averaging 15.1 points in the regular season and 17.7 in the playoffs. He’s also a 38.8% three point shooter and just below 90% from the line in his career.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
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Kobe Bryant is one of those who could just let his career stats do the talking, but he’s also got tons of achievements to go with them. He’s a four time NBA Champion and six time finalist, one time MVP (2008) and finals MVP (2009), a two time scoring champion and an 11 time all star. He’s averaging 25.1 points in the regular season and 25 in the playoffs.
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
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Tim Duncan is another no brainer, and he maybe the greatest Power Forward to play the game, yes greater than Barkley and Karl Malone. He was great from the first moment, and he didn’t go number one in the draft just because of slim pickings. Duncan is a four time NBA Champion, two time NBA MVP, three time Finals MVP, an 11 time all star and averages 21.4 points and 11.4 rebounds in the regular season in his career. His Playoff numbers are even better, with 23.3 points and 12.6 rebounds per game.
Allen Iverson, Free Agent
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From the looks of things, Iverson may very well retire without an NBA title. He’ll make the hall of fame anyways despite this last season leaving a bad impression, it won’t damage his career body of work. Another no.1 draft pick, Iverson was rookie of the year (1997), MVP (2001), including reaching the finals that year with a very limited Philadelphia 76ers team. He is a 10 time all star and a four time scoring champion. His regular season scoring average is 27.1, fifth best all time. His Playoff average is 29.7 points per game.
Jason Kidd, Free Agent
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One of the greatest point guards and passers in the game’s history, Kidd is currently juggling offers from the Knicks and the Mavericks, and maybe other teams. Not a scoring threat like almost everyone else on this list, but his all around game more than made up for it in his career. No title in two NBA finals with the New Jersey Nets and a nine time all star, Kidd’s career averages are 13.8 points and 9.2 assists per game in the regular season and 15.2 points and 8.9 assists in the playoffs. His third all time in regular season triple-doubles with 103 and second in the playoffs with 11.
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
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The only European on this list and probably the greatest European to play in the NBA. Nowitzki didn’t look very impressive as a rookie but has blossomed into one of the best in the league since. He has reached the finals once and lost, he won one MVP (2007), is an eight time all star and has career averages of 22.7 points and 8.6 rebounds, including 37.8% from three point. In the playoffs he’s averaging 25.5 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
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Some would debate this, but Nash will probably end up in the hall of fame, and Mike D’antoni’s run&gun years in Phoenix are the main reason for that. They didn’t win a championship for the Suns and Nash, but they did make him a two time MVP and the Suns the most fun to watch team in the league. Nash is a six time all star and has averaged 14.4 points and 8 assists in his career, while shooting 43.2% from three and 90% from the line. In the playoffs he’s averaging 17.3 points and 8.7 assists.
Shaquille O’neal, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Shaquille has a knack of moving from East to West on each trade he’s involved in and the last one that sent him from Phoenix to Cleveland was no different. Shaq is one of the top three players of the last decade, along with Kobe and Tim Duncan. He has won 4 NBA titles, three with the Lakers and Kobe and one with the Miami Heat. He is a one time MVP and a three time Finals MVP, two time scoring champion and a 15 time all star. His career averages are 24.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in the regular season and 25.2 points and 12.1 rebounds in the playoffs.
33 responses to “Active NBA Players Destined for Hall Of Fame”
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I would have narrowed this list down a bit. Kobe, Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, and Shaq are great choices. No argument there. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Dirk Nowitzki are all solid candidates as well. A few more All-Star years or another title will cement them in the years to come.
Steve Nash isn’t there yet. He spent too many of his early years finding his groove and his career averages aren’t as impressive as someone like Kidd. I’m on the fence with him.
I’m also on the fence about Allen Iverson. He has been a great scorer for years, but there’s something missing there.
Chauncey Billups is a definite no for HoF in my book. Unless he wins an MVP in the next few years or leads Denver to a title. Even then, I’m skeptical.
I guess we’re a bit lenient with our standards 🙂 but seriously – I don’t see Nash not entering the HOF, it’s hard with two MVP’s to ignore him despite his short “Star” status years… And I feel Billups still has more to give and will eventually deserve a HOF place… time will tell I guess.
Allen Iverson a definite Hall of Famer. One of the best players to ever play the game. Is there any better point guard…ever?
I think Magic and Isiah for starters… I’m not sure I’d put Iverson in the Point Guard category either… He’s hard to define, which is what also makes him such a special player
Maybe Isaiah Thomas or Tiny Archibald and Steve Nash? But I think Allen Iverson is bettern than all of them. I believe most would agree. That is the list for me. Yea, I agree…Allen Iverson will be voted into the Hall of Fame.
Allen Iverson:
Served as a co-captain for Team USA at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, and led the team in scoring (13.8 ppg)
Feb. 19, 2004, vs. Seattle scored 40 points in a game for the 50th time…50th – are you kidding me?
Iverson joined Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and
George Gervin as the only players in NBA history to capture four or more scoring titles
Named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter in 9th year in a row (2000-2009) – again 9th year.
Named the 2000-01 NBA Most Valuable Player, leading the league in scoring (31.1 ppg) and steals (2.51 spg) MVP, MVP, MVP
Most Valuable Player of the 2005 All-Star Game
Most Valuable Player of the 2001 All-Star Game
Four times selected All NBA First Team
Named the 1996-97 NBA Rookie of the Year
Set the Sixers all-time rookie record with 1,787 points
Scored 40 points in five straight games in April 1997 to set an NBA rookie record
Named MVP of the Rookie Game during the 1997 NBA All-Star Weekend, posting 19 points and a game-high 9 assists
Named NBA Rookie of the Month for November, 1997, leading all rookies in scoring (21.8 ppg), assists (6.4 apg) and steals (2.67 spg)
NBA Scoring Leader Title 4 Times
NBA Steals Title Leader 3 Times
Scored 60 points in a single game against the Orlando Magic on February 12, 2005
Iverson has scored 50 points in a single game, 17 times in his career …17 times…whaaaat?
Iverson just the seventh player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in two or more consecutive games.
Iverson is just the third player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in three straight games
Iverson became just the fifth player in NBA history to average more than 30 points and more than eight assists per game in a single season, joining Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Nate Archibald and Michael Jordan
Iverson became the first ever player in NBA history to rank in the top five in scoring average (30.7 ppg), assists per game (7.9 apg), and steals per game (2.40 spg) in a single season.
HALL OF FAMER WITHOUT A DOUBT
I love A.I.
YES,I’m from China
Nash is special , with the amazing assistances
i think there are some guys going in not mentioned here and some that r borderline, i realize its what they’ve done thus far
1. although i think hes overrated i would be very surprised if vince carter didnt eventually go in, maybe not 1st ballot though
2. people forget the amazing stats grant hill put up pre surgery. so with his amazing pistons stats, a respectable comeback, his likablity, and a terrific college career, which is factored in by the hall, i think he has a decent shot
3. tony parker may not dazzle but what -3 championships?, allstar games, great percentages, all nba selection a few times. as of right now i think he could get in
4. Bron has done enough
5. ben wallace has a championship, and a slew of defensive player of the year awards. it would be foolish of the hall to not reward defensive powerhouses the same as they would an offensive guy.
Hey, you know, it’s an opinion post, so some people think Grant Hill and Vince and Ben Wallace have a shot some don’t, I guess we will see in the next decade. About Lebron and Tony Parker – they haven’t been to the NBA for 10 years yet, so, they don’t qualify for the list, but yeah, they’d both get in.
ok it’s kobe, kidd, and Allen Iverson,,,,,, shaq his an ass
No problems with your list; but it’s not logical to say that Duncan failed to go #1 in the draft because of “slim pickings”. Think through that one; that’s like saying the only reason my team lost the game is because the other team was really bad, or the only reason I can’t afford this house is because it’s too cheap.
I think you misread the line about Duncan… But thanks for correcting us on the Nowitzki one… Although Kobe WAS born in the States as far as I know and read, Philly, no?
Nowitzski is NOT the only player on your list who wasn’t born in the USA. By my count there are at least 3 (can you really have overlooked Kobe and Nashie?). Do your homework!!!
yea Kobe was born in philly. he didnt go to italy until he was six….YOU do ur homework
No offense to anyone, but i think Pierce and Billups for now shouldn’t be in that row.
Hey, you’re entitled to your opinion… Eventually, I don’t think Billups will get in but there’s no doubt in my mind Pierce will end up in the hall of fame
Lets state the obvious. Kobe, Duncan, Shaq, Kidd, Kg, and nash because of the to huge MVPs are 100% sure togo to the hall. Ray Alllen is not Kobe, Or LEbron, or Wade. But besides Kobe if i needed a three he is the man im giving the ball too. Hes a shoein for the HOF. Iverson may get in, but it will be an arguement. . Billups needs 4yrs of all star ball. We should not even bring him in this conversation now..
Nash is real point guard,,2x mvp i dont think he desrves this awards,,jason kidd he deserves MVP better than tim duncan in 2003,,and kidd bring 2x in a row new jersey nets in the nba finals,,did steve nash do this?..you the one who will judge,,jason kidd now holds a lot of nba career,,read jason kidd profile,,its awesome
Dirk Nowitzki is the best player to ever live!!!
ummm… probably not… maybe the best European basketball player
iverson, garnett, nash, kobe, shaq, duncan the rest maybe after a long time
i wanna put kidd in there too as he is probably the better pg but nash has two mvp’s
Kidd is in there…
carter should straighten things up, he might be considered in the HOL. But his career is down sliding.
The way things are right now with his career and the general opinion about him, I find it hard to believe he’ll find himself in the HOF
Hey NBA scout you loser. AI was Olympic captain of the most disappointing team in Olympic history. That is precisely why he doesn’t deserve to ever be considered among those players that actually win and make their teammates better. Stupid idiot
give dirk shaq-pao-garnett-billups ect. he had nash early and kidd late. put dirk with kobe. put dirk with a younger shaq- put dirk duncan ect. ALL BATMEN need ROBINS-WHO HAS HE TRUELY HAD?”
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I don’t see Chauncey billups being in the hall of fame but all the others I think will…of ALL current players this is my list, DEFINITELY: KG, Shaq, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan. Possible inductees: Chauncey Billups, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobilli. Borderline: Vince Carter, Tony Parker, Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Al Jefferson, Pau Gasol, Yao Ming. Still Young But Will Can Eventually Make HoF: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Amar’e Straudemire, Andre Iguodala, Danny Granger, Josh Smith, Chris Bosh, Monta Ellis, Kevin Durant, Brandon Roy, Deron Williams, Gerald Wallace, LaMarcus Aldridge. Very Young With Great Potential or Great Career Ahead: Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Al Horford, John Wall, Zach Randolph, Kevin Love, Evans, Blake Griffin, Stephen Curry, Russel Westbrook, Rudy Gay. Not Yet Great But Can Soon Be: OJ Mayo, Avery Bradley, Derrick Favors, DeJaun Blair, Jamal Crawford, and many College players
@Tom I thought Billups had a few more very good years ahead of him. Guess I was wrong. I don’t think Vince Carter, Joe Johnson, Bibby, Jefferson or Ming will make it. I thought you gave a few guys way too much credit. Zach Randolph isn’t that young mate either. He’s been around for quite a while.
Yeah I messed up n I’m not to high on the idea thell make it either but I do think there all great players I dnt know what I was thinking with bibby or Jefferson n Johnson probably won’t but if he was just a little better I think he would well be capable of HoF status and a lot are just people that COULD possibly if they become better because they have not reached their potential yet
I’m from Detroit and I love the fact that ur showing Billups sum luv, but if u think he deserves a spot in the HOF, then I can make a case for half of the leaque
@Nick Back when we wrote the post, I thought Billups had a few more big years ahead of him. Bottom Line – I thought the Denver project would make a run for the title at some point. Didn’t happen, and Billups in the hall of fame makes less and less sense to me everyday. Things change in two years I guess.