Ranking the greatest NBA players who could never get a selection into the All-NBA First Team.
In the illustrious history of the NBA, certain players stand out for their exceptional contributions to the game, yet find themselves missing a particular accolade that often crowns the elite – an All-NBA First Team selection. This distinguished list brings together ten legendary figures whose brilliance, though not always reflected in First Team honors, left an enduring impact on the sport.
From prolific scorers and defensive maestros to iconic dunkers and rebounding titans, these players showcased a diverse array of skills that defined their era. As we delve into the careers of these basketball luminaries, we explore their statistics, honors, and the unique legacies they carved, transcending the absence of a coveted All-NBA First Team nod.
Lakers Fans React To Yet Another Loss To The NuggetsRead More1. Carmelo Anthony
Credit: Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Career Stats: 22.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Career Honors: 10x NBA All-Star, 4x All-NBA Third Team, 2x All-NBA Second Team, 2012-13 Scoring Champion, 2003-04 All-Rookie Team, NBA 75th Team
Carmelo Anthony, a virtuoso on the hardwood, crafted a career defined by scoring brilliance and unwavering versatility. His journey, marked by statistical marvels and individual accomplishments, paints a portrait of a player who left an indelible mark on the NBA.
Anthony’s scoring prowess reached its zenith during the 2012-13 season when he claimed the NBA Scoring Champion title, averaging a staggering 28.7 PPG. This remarkable feat not only showcased his ability to navigate through defenses but also solidified his status as one of the league’s premier offensive forces.
Throughout his illustrious career, Anthony exhibited remarkable consistency, surpassing the 20 PPG mark in 13 out of 19 seasons. His best individual season came in 2006-07 with the Denver Nuggets, where he posted career-high averages of 28.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 3.8 APG.
A 10-time NBA All-Star, Anthony’s impact wasn’t confined to scoring alone. His versatility is evident in his career averages of 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, reflecting his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game.
In the international arena, Anthony played a pivotal role in securing three Olympic Gold Medals for Team USA, underlining his global impact.
While the absence of an All-NBA First Team nod is a statistical anomaly, it in no way diminishes the numerical testament to Anthony’s brilliance. His career is a numerical symphony, resonating with the echoes of a player who defied defensive schemes, surpassed scoring milestones, and etched his name among the statistical giants of the game.
2. Paul Pierce
Credit: Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Career Stats: 19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Career Honors: NBA Champion (2008), NBA Finals MVP (2008), 10x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA Second Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999), NBA 75th Team, Hall of Famer
Paul Pierce, known as “The Truth,” etched his name as one of the most iconic players in Boston Celtics history through a career marked by scoring brilliance, tenacity, and a championship pedigree.
Pierce’s scoring ability is evident in his career average of 19.7 PPG, but it was during the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons that he showcased his scoring prowess at its zenith, averaging 26.1 and 25.9 PPG, respectively. His offensive repertoire, characterized by a lethal mid-range game and a knack for hitting clutch shots, made him a perennial threat.
The crowning achievement of Pierce’s career came in 2008 when he led the Celtics to an NBA Championship, earning Finals MVP honors. In the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Pierce played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ triumph, contributing 21.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 6.3 APG. The series went six games, and Pierce’s impact extended beyond the box score, as he played a crucial role in uniting a star-studded Celtics team and bringing a title back to Boston.
Pierce’s influence wasn’t confined to his playing days; his leadership and dedication to the Celtics earned him the distinction of being the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. His 15 seasons in Boston solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Celtics of all time.
The 10-time NBA All-Star’s impact on the game goes beyond statistics. Pierce’s ability to rise to the occasion, especially in crucial playoff moments, endeared him to Celtics fans and etched his name among the pantheon of Boston sports legends.
3. James Worthy
Credit: Fadeaway World
Career Stats: 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Career Honors: 3x NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP (1988), 7x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Third Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team (1983), NBA 75th Team, Hall of Famer
James Worthy, often referred to as “Big Game James,” etched his name in NBA lore with a career highlighted by championship success, postseason dominance, and consistent excellence.
Worthy’s impact was immediate, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in the 1982-83 season. As a key contributor to the “Showtime” Lakers, he played a pivotal role in the team’s up-tempo, electrifying style of play.
The zenith of Worthy’s career came in the 1988 NBA Finals, where he was named NBA Finals MVP. Averaging 22.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and shooting an impressive 62.8% from the field, Worthy’s performances against the Detroit Pistons underscored his ability to elevate his game on the grandest stage.
Worthy’s statistical prowess is reflected in his career averages of 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 3.0 APG. His versatility as a forward, combined with his ability to score in transition and execute in half-court sets, made him a unique force on the court.
A linchpin of the Lakers’ championship runs in the 1980s, Worthy secured three NBA titles (1985, 1987, 1988). His impact in crucial moments earned him the moniker “Big Game James,” solidifying his status as one of the premier forwards in NBA history.
Beyond championships and individual accolades, Worthy’s seven NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA Third Team nods attest to his sustained excellence throughout his career. As a member of the Hall of Fame, Worthy’s legacy is not just defined by the championships but by the indelible mark he left on the Lakers’ dynasty.
4. Reggie Miller
Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Career Stats: 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Honors: 5x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA Third Team, NBA 75th Team, Hall of Famer
Reggie Miller, a sharpshooting virtuoso, etched his name in NBA lore through a career defined by clutch performances, long-range marksmanship, and a relentless competitive spirit.
Miller’s scoring proficiency manifested in his consistent ability to contribute on the offensive end. While he may not have won a scoring title, his career average of 18.2 PPG underscores his scoring reliability and offensive impact. A closer look at his career reveals impressive individual seasons, with his highest-scoring campaign occurring in 1989-90 when he averaged 24.6 PPG.
Beyond the scoring column, Miller showcased versatility, averaging 3.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game throughout his career. His playmaking ability, often overshadowed by his scoring, contributed significantly to the success of the Indiana Pacers during his tenure.
Reggie Miller’s moniker as the “Knick Killer” is a testament to his uncanny ability to deliver in clutch moments, particularly against the New York Knicks. Throughout his career, Miller built a reputation for stepping up when it mattered most, leaving an indelible mark on the fierce rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the Knicks.
One of the most iconic moments in this regard occurred during the 1994 NBA Playoffs. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, with the Pacers trailing by six points with just 18.7 seconds remaining, Miller orchestrated a stunning comeback. He scored eight points in 8.9 seconds, hitting two three-pointers and a pair of clutch free throws. This remarkable sequence not only secured the win for the Pacers but also solidified Miller’s status as a clutch performer.
The pinnacle of Miller’s career came with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, a fitting tribute to a player whose impact stretched far beyond the three-point arc and resonated in the hearts of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
5. Pau Gasol
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Career Stats: 17.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Career Honors: 2x NBA Champion, 6x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team, NBA Rookie of the Year (2002), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), Hall of Famer
Pau Gasol, the Spanish sensation, left an indelible mark on the NBA with a career defined by skillful versatility, basketball IQ, and a winning pedigree.
Gasol’s career averages of 17.0 PPG and 9.2 RPG underscore his ability to impact both ends of the floor. His prime years, particularly with the Memphis Grizzlies and later with the Los Angeles Lakers, showcased a unique blend of scoring finesse, rebounding tenacity, and shot-blocking prowess.
In his debut season (2001-02), Gasol made an immediate impact, securing the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Averaging an impressive 17.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 2.1 BPG, he set the stage for a career marked by consistent excellence.
Gasol’s championship aspirations reached fruition with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. In the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic, Gasol’s contributions were instrumental. He averaged 18.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 2.6 BPG, forming a formidable frontcourt tandem with Kobe Bryant.
The following year, in the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Gasol’s impact was once again crucial. Despite a tough seven-game series, he averaged 18.6 PPG, 11.6 RPG, and 2.6 BPG. His ability to perform at an elite level on the grandest stage solidified his status as a clutch performer.
A six-time NBA All-Star, Gasol’s impact wasn’t solely confined to individual accomplishments. His selfless style of play and ability to elevate his teammates contributed significantly to the Lakers’ championship runs. As a testament to his influence, Gasol remains one of the most beloved and respected international players to grace the NBA hardwood.
Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Career Stats: 18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Career Honors: 2x NBA Champion, 10x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team, NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997), NBA Three-Point Shootout Champion (2001), NBA 75th Team, Hall of Famer
Ray Allen, a sharpshooting maestro, left an indelible mark on the NBA with a career defined by precision three-point shooting, scoring prowess, and clutch performances.
Throughout his illustrious career, Allen showcased an unparalleled ability to stretch defenses with his deadly accurate three-point shooting. His career average of 18.9 PPG is a testament to his scoring versatility, combining perimeter excellence with an ability to finish at the rim.
Allen’s impact was immediate, earning him NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in the 1996-97 season. His scoring ability continued to flourish, reaching its zenith during the 2006-07 season with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he averaged 26.4 PPG.
The pinnacle of Allen’s career came in 2008 when he played a crucial role in the Boston Celtics’ championship run. In the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Allen’s marksmanship was on full display. He averaged 20.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 2.5 APG, helping secure the Celtics’ 17th NBA title.
In 2013, during his tenure with the Miami Heat, Allen etched another iconic moment in NBA history. In Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, he hit a game-tying three-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime. The Heat eventually won in OT, and Allen’s clutch shot became synonymous with his ability to perform under pressure.
Allen’s legacy extends beyond his scoring, highlighted by his historic achievement as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, having retired as the all-time three-point leader with 2,973 triples. This, coupled with his 10 All-Star selections and two NBA championships, solidifies Allen’s place among the legends of the game.
7. Tony Parker
Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Career Stats: 15.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Career Honors: 4x NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP (2007), 6x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA Second Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), Hall of Famer
Tony Parker, the crafty point guard hailing from France, carved out a remarkable NBA career marked by statistical prowess, instrumental leadership, and a penchant for shining on the biggest stages.
Parker made an immediate impact in his rookie season (2001-02), earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors while showcasing his scoring ability with 9.2 PPG and 4.3 APG. His proficiency at running the offense became a cornerstone of his career.
The pinnacle of Parker’s individual success came in the 2007 NBA Finals, where he was crowned NBA Finals MVP. Averaging 24.5 PPG, 5.0 APG, and shooting an impressive 56.8% from the field, Parker’s performances against the Cleveland Cavaliers underscored his ability to take over when it mattered most.
A linchpin of the San Antonio Spurs’ dynasty, Parker played a pivotal role in securing four NBA championships (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014). In the 2007 NBA Finals against the Cavaliers, he delivered a masterclass, particularly in Game 1, where he notched 27 points and provided a glimpse of the scoring prowess that defined his career.
Parker’s statistical consistency is evident in his career averages of 15.5 PPG and 5.6 APG. His ability to control the pace of the game and make crucial plays in clutch moments made him a cornerstone of the Spurs’ success.
Beyond individual accolades and championships, Parker’s basketball IQ, court vision, and relentless work ethic culminated in six NBA All-Star selections and three All-NBA Second Team nods. As he took his place in the Hall of Fame, Parker’s legacy is not just defined by the numbers but by the indelible mark he left on the game of basketball.
8. Dennis Rodman
Credit: Fadeaway World
Career Stats: 7.3 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Career Honors: 5x NBA Champion, 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 7x NBA Rebounding Champion, 2x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Third First Team, 8x NBA All-Defensive Team, NBA 75th Team, Hall of Famer
Dennis Rodman, the indomitable force on the boards and defensive stalwart, carved out a niche in NBA history with his tenacious rebounding, defensive prowess, and unparalleled intensity.
Rodman’s impact transcended traditional statistical measures, but his career averages of 7.3 PPG and an astounding 13.1 RPG underscore his dominance in controlling the glass. His rebounding prowess is further highlighted by his seven consecutive NBA Rebounding Champion titles from 1992 to 1998.
A linchpin of the Chicago Bulls’ second three-peat in the 1990s, Rodman’s defensive acumen and unrelenting hustle were instrumental in the team’s success. His contributions were pivotal in securing five NBA championships (1989, 1990, 1996, 1997, 1998).
Rodman’s defensive prowess was acknowledged with consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1990 and 1991. His tenacity on that end of the floor was a key factor in earning seven NBA All-Defensive Team selections.
Beyond his defensive prowess, Rodman showcased versatility with two nominations to the All-NBA Third Team. His impact on the game was not confined to traditional positions, as he seamlessly adapted to various roles on different championship-winning teams.
While his career was marked by colorful off-court antics, Rodman’s commitment to winning and his ability to disrupt opponents with his defensive prowess solidified his place in NBA history. As a member of the Hall of Fame, Rodman’s legacy extends beyond statistics, symbolizing the heart and soul of championship-caliber teams.
9. Vince Carter
Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Career Stats: 16.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Career Honors: NBA Rookie of the Year (1999), 8x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team, NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2000), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999)
Vince Carter, known as “Vinsanity,” captivated basketball fans with his electrifying dunks, scoring prowess, and longevity that spanned over two decades in the NBA.
Carter burst onto the scene in the 1998-99 season, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors while showcasing his scoring versatility with 18.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 3.0 APG. His impact was immediate, and he became a cornerstone for the Toronto Raptors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Carter’s scoring ability and dunking prowess made him a marquee attraction. His career averages of 16.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 3.1 APG underscore his all-around offensive contributions.
While Carter never secured an NBA championship, his impact was felt through eight NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA Second Team nods. His iconic victory in the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest remains etched in the memories of basketball fans worldwide.
Carter’s career longevity is noteworthy, as he played in four different decades, showcasing his adaptability and passion for the game. His impact on the court, coupled with his influence off it, makes Vince Carter a unique figure in NBA history. As he hung up his sneakers, the enduring legacy of “Vinsanity” resonates as a testament to his remarkable career.
10. Alex English
Career Stats: 21.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Career Honors: NBA Scoring Champion (1983-84), 8x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA Second Team, NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1977), NBA Hall of Famer
Alex English, a prolific scorer and versatile forward, left an indelible mark on the NBA with his smooth offensive game and consistent excellence.
English’s scoring prowess reached its pinnacle in the 1983-84 season when he led the league in scoring, averaging 28.4 PPG. His ability to score from various spots on the floor and his offensive versatility were key elements of his game.
Despite not winning an NBA championship, English’s impact is evident through his eight NBA All-Star selections and three All-NBA Second Team nods. His consistency as a scorer and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made him a perennial All-Star.
A true ambassador of the game, English’s influence extended beyond the hardwood. As a member of the NBA Hall of Fame, his legacy is a testament to his skill, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport.
While the absence of an NBA championship may be a notable gap in his resume, English’s impact on the game, both as a player and as a person, cements his place among the greats in the history of the league.
