15 Best NBA Players Not in the Hall of Fame

Every year, a new class of inductees is enshrined, but there are always deserving players who need to be noticed. Considering impressive careers, accolades, and stat sheets, many of today’s stars can only wish to have their letter to join their fellow greats in Springfield, Massachusetts was lost in the mail or something.

From dominant scorers and elite defenders to influential coaches and global icons, let’s lace up the sneakers, clean up the floors, and break down who the 15 best NBA players not yet inducted into the Hall of Fame are and why they should be considered for basketball’s highest honor.

Who Is The Best Player Who Has Never Played In The NBA?

Okay, ok, ok. We were about to crack down on the best NBA players not in the Hall of Fame. And we will, don’t worry. But before that, I feel it’s worth mentioning a player who many consider the best never to have graced an NBA court: Nikos Galis.

The legendary Greek shooting guard dominated the European leagues throughout the 1980s, showcasing incredible scoring prowess and leading his teams to multiple championships.

Galis was an 8-time EuroLeague top scorer, a 5-time EuroBasket champion with Greece, and a FIBA Hall of Fame inductee. His impact on international basketball is undeniable, and some argue his dominance overseas would have translated seamlessly to the NBA.

Who Isn’t In The NBA Hall of Fame?

The list of players in the NBA Hall of Fame is long and could take more than one article to dissect. But again, we’re not here for that. We’re here to talk about the talents that haven’t been invited to join the Hall, including many deserving candidates. Here are 15 who stand out:

• Dwight Howard: A dominant center known for athleticism, rebounding, and defense. Howard is an 8-time All-Star, 8-time All-NBA Team member, and 3-time Defensive Player of the Year. His omission is likely due to his later career decline and perceived lack of offensive polish compared to other legendary big men.
• Shawn Kemp: The “Reign Man” was an athletic freak of nature, known for his powerful dunks and ferocious play above the rim. Kemp was a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA Team member. His high-flying style and impact on the Seattle Supersonics’ success in the 1990s should put him in the conversation. If Kemp could have stayed in the league longer, playing at his elite level, it begs me to wonder if he would be on an NBA top five what-if careers list.
• Mark Price: A sharpshooting point guard known for his accuracy and efficiency. Price was a 4-time All-Star and 4-time All-NBA Team member. His impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the early 1990s solidified his place among the elite point guards of his era.
• Larry Foust: One of the best centers in the 1950s, Foust was an 8-time All-Star and a 2-time All-NBA Team member. He led the Fort Wayne Pistons to two NBA Finals appearances and consistently ranked among the league leaders in scoring and rebounding.
• Tom Chambers: A high-scoring power forward, Chambers was a 4-time All-Star known for his powerful dunks. He was among the most prolific scorers of the 1980s and early 1990s.
• Kevin Johnson: A dynamic point guard known for his speed and scoring ability, Johnson was a 3-time All-Star and led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993.
• Horace Grant: A key member of the Chicago Bulls’ first three-peat, Grant was a versatile power forward known for his defense and rebounding. He was a 4-time NBA champion and an All-Star in 1994.
• Kenny Anderson: A talented point guard with exceptional ball-handling skills, Anderson was an All-Star in 1994 and played for several teams throughout his career.
• Amar’e Stoudemire: A powerful and athletic big man, Stoudemire was a 6-time All-Star known for his ferocious dunks. He formed a dynamic duo with Steve Nash in Phoenix.
• Shawn Marion: A versatile forward known for his defensive prowess and unique offensive game, Marion was a 4-time All-Star and a key member of the Phoenix Suns’ high-octane offense in the mid-2000s. He also won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. If you’re a true hoops fan, you can easily recognize that Shawn Marrion would have been an All-Star in any era.
• Michael Finley: A prolific scorer and two-time All-Star, Finley was a key member of the Dallas Mavericks in the early 2000s.
• Detlef Schrempf: A versatile forward known for his all-around game, Schrempf was a 3-time All-Star and a Sixth Man of the Year. He was a key contributor for the Seattle SuperSonics and Indiana Pacers in the 1990s.
• Marcus Camby: A defensive stalwart and former Defensive Player of the Year, Camby was a consistent shot-blocker and rebounder.
• Lou Hudson: A prolific scorer in the 1970s, Hudson was a 6-time All-Star and averaged over 20 points per game for multiple seasons. He was a key player for the Atlanta Hawks.
• Antawn Jamison: A skilled and versatile scorer, Jamison was a two-time All-Star and a consistent scorer for multiple teams throughout his career. He was known for his scoring ability and rebounding.

Is Tracy McGrady In The Hall of Fame?

Tracy McGrady is indeed in the Hall of Fame! He was inducted in 2017, cementing his legacy as one of the most electrifying scorers in NBA history. While his peak was relatively short-lived due to injuries, his impact on the game and his two scoring titles solidified his place as one of the best shooting guards of his era.

Is Shawn Kemp in the Hall of Fame?

Like McGrady, Kemp is not in the Hall of Fame. However, his explosive athleticism and highlight-reel dunks made him a fan favorite, and his impact on the Seattle Supersonics’ success in the 1990s is undeniable.

However, his lack of longevity at the highest level and off-court issues hindered his chances for Hall of Fame induction.

It’s important to remember that the Hall of Fame selection process is complex, and many factors are considered beyond just statistics and accolades. While these 15 players have yet to be exalted, their impact on the game is undeniable, and their legacies deserve to be celebrated.

Who knows, perhaps, in the future, we’ll see some of these names added to the prestigious list of basketball hall of famers. My vote is for Kemp all the way.