[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Stephon Marbury
‘Starbury’ has carved out a nice role (and business venture) in the Chinese League, but was possibly one of the most selfish and arrogant players during his time in the NBA. His jealousy for Garnett’s contract with the Timberwolves forced him out of Minnesota, and Marbury believed at every stop during his career the team should be built around his play. During his time in New York he clashed with Larry Brown, was one of the main reason Brown got fired, and was vilified during his the rest of his years with the Knicks.

Looking at Marbury as a player he might have been THE top guard in the NBA during some of his years in the league. He was up-and-coming with the Timberwolves (1998-1999: 17.7 ppg – 3.4 rpg – 9.3 asp), became an all-star in New Jersey and Phoenix and played at the Olympics in 2004. Everybody knows he could score with the best of them, but very few people know he had a very nice court vision, which he wasted by being to selfish to pass. Moreover, he had all the qualities needed to be a top defender, being 6-2 with quick hands and good footwork, but just never brought the effort needed to thrive on that end of the floor. If only Marbury had the drive he has shown during his time in China when he played in the NBA he could have been one of those special lead guards who could average 20+ ppg and 10+ apg.

Eddy Curry
The image most people have of Curry is his balloon-like posture he showed during his last games with the Knicks, or him sitting on the bench for the Heat in 2010. Probably as lazy as they come, Curry ballooned to 400 lbs over one summer (2008) to transform from being one of the premier big men in the league to a player who had a hard time running up and down the floor. Although his heart condition played a role, the biggest issue for Curry was basically that while he loved food, and didn’t like to work out like professional athletes should do.

Before all of this however Curry was a dominant big man, who used his big frame to bully opponents inside. He was one of the young stars on Chicago Bulls during the beginning of the 2000s, and led the team to the 2005 playoffs. His best season came in 2006-2007, when he averaged career highs in points (19.6 ppg) and rebounds (7.1 ppg), and he looked on his way to true stardom in the Big Apple. As an old-school center, one could only think about what could’ve been if not for the off-the-court issues.
Small side-note: Curry did average 24 ppg and 10 rpg in the Chinese League (CBA) during the 2012 season.

Latrell Sprewell
Sprewell is probably best remembered for him chocking P.J. Carlismo during his time with the Warriors. During his career, Sprewell had some serious physical violence issues, and carried an attitude that killed any chance for achieving his potential. Worst of all, he declined a 3-year, $21 million extension by claiming “I have a family to feed…”, never signing another contract again retiring from the game at the age 34.

However, although not a heralded prospect in high school and college, Sprewell played very well his rookie season (15.4 ppg (46 FG%) – 3.5 rpg – 3.8 apg), and showed flashes of stardom during the 1996-1997 season (24.2 ppg – (45 FG%) – 4.6 rpg – 6.3 apg). He could score, pass and defend and was very good at getting to the foul line. On top of that, he could rise to the occasion, like during the 1999 Finals when he averaged 26.0 ppg in their series against the Spurs (35 pts in final game). In the end, Sprewell could’ve been one of the biggest stars in basketball during his time.

Tim Thomas
Most likely the most lazy player ever in the NBA, Tim Thomas wasted all the talent in the world to become strictly a tall, average three-point shooting big man during his later years. He just never seemed motivated, always giving 80% or less when being on the floor. It is not that Thomas was arrogant, or selfish, but he seemed content with being an average NBA player where he could have been special.

As a prospect, Thomas was heralded as a do-it-all guy, a big 6-10 forward, who could shoot and handle the basketball. He was the classic example of a point forward, bringing the ball up the floor, finding teammates and showing a sweet shooting touch from the outside. During the 2005-2006 season he showed what he was capable off, averaging 15.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for D’Antoni’s Suns, fooling the Clippers in a horrible deal before getting back to sleep… zzz…

Others:
Andrew Bynum – One of the most talented big man every completely fell off a cliff after leaving the Lakers due to physical issues, but mainly because of his lackluster mentality.

Lamar Odom – This guy would revolutionize basketball, the second coming of Magic, ended up with Zero All-Star games, zero All-NBA selections. Just didn’t had the drive to improve his game and become the best of the best.

Shawn Kemp – Probably one of the most exiting players to every play in the NBA, Kemp’s career toiled away due to weight problems and a lack of drive that doomed his career.

[ropeParticipant]

 Chris Washburn and Roy Tarpley.  Both completely destroyed what should have been amazing careers.  At least Tarpley got a little bit of run.  Washburn made it two half seasons.  I remember him well and his bomb out in the pros.  

Tarpley was also great.  He was everything that teams would want in a center.

Cocaine killed off more than one career.

Another guy I wonder about is Jonathan Bender.  He had scads of talents and had a tremendous amount of upside.  His knees did him it pretty quickly, though.  His comeback story to even get on the court again is a good one, but he was a shell of himself by then.

Jay Williams – Great at basketball, not so good on a motorcycle.  Darn shame, as he had that look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ropeParticipant]

 Chris Washburn and Roy Tarpley.  Both completely destroyed what should have been amazing careers.  At least Tarpley got a little bit of run.  Washburn made it two half seasons.  I remember him well and his bomb out in the pros.  

Tarpley was also great.  He was everything that teams would want in a center.

Cocaine killed off more than one career.

Another guy I wonder about is Jonathan Bender.  He had scads of talents and had a tremendous amount of upside.  His knees did him it pretty quickly, though.  His comeback story to even get on the court again is a good one, but he was a shell of himself by then.

Jay Williams – Great at basketball, not so good on a motorcycle.  Darn shame, as he had that look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Man Sprewell really is one of the most underrated players ever. He carried that 99′ knicks team, was an all-NBA first team selection his 2nd season in the league, and if Sam Cassell didn’t get injured in 04, had a very realistic chance of winning it all. Just his behavior just couldn’t be consistent.

i would like to think JR Smith also had all the talent in the world, but he never came off as a player that worked hard. He showed flashes when he was 6th man of the year, but that didn’t last long.

 

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Man Sprewell really is one of the most underrated players ever. He carried that 99′ knicks team, was an all-NBA first team selection his 2nd season in the league, and if Sam Cassell didn’t get injured in 04, had a very realistic chance of winning it all. Just his behavior just couldn’t be consistent.

i would like to think JR Smith also had all the talent in the world, but he never came off as a player that worked hard. He showed flashes when he was 6th man of the year, but that didn’t last long.

 

[CynthiaParticipant]

I recall seeing Eddy Curry on a major sports magazine as a high school student, I think he was one of/if not the first high school basketball player to make the cover of a major magazine (I think it was Sports Illustrated but I can’t for the life of me find it).

He had huge hype and was toted as the next big thing…well he got BIG alright…

 

[BubbaChuckParticipant]

I remember first reading about him on Slam. He and Tyson Chandler had a feature about them. A few months later they got drafted 2nd & 4th and played together on the Baby Bulls for several years.

[BubbaChuckParticipant]

I remember first reading about him on Slam. He and Tyson Chandler had a feature about them. A few months later they got drafted 2nd & 4th and played together on the Baby Bulls for several years.

[CynthiaParticipant]

I recall seeing Eddy Curry on a major sports magazine as a high school student, I think he was one of/if not the first high school basketball player to make the cover of a major magazine (I think it was Sports Illustrated but I can’t for the life of me find it).

He had huge hype and was toted as the next big thing…well he got BIG alright…

 

[BallGawd01Participant]

I like to think of great players in terms of how they would play in other era’s. Sprewell played in the 90’s but he would have been just as good in the 80’s or now. If Spree played in the current era we are in, where teams prioritize versatility, shooting, and defense? He’d be a max contract guy and won’t ever have to worry about feeding his family again lmao. Sprewell could do everything on the court, he could shoot, drive, pass, rebound, and defend. Last year at the draft, when Wiggins went number 1, Jalen Rose said Wiggins reminded him of a young Sprewell, I thought it was a great comparison! Sprewell in his prime was a consistent do it all player, and I think Wiggins has that potential as well, only double because of his insane athletic ability. But Spree was a beast, it just sucks that he was a huge headcase as well.  

[BallGawd01Participant]

I like to think of great players in terms of how they would play in other era’s. Sprewell played in the 90’s but he would have been just as good in the 80’s or now. If Spree played in the current era we are in, where teams prioritize versatility, shooting, and defense? He’d be a max contract guy and won’t ever have to worry about feeding his family again lmao. Sprewell could do everything on the court, he could shoot, drive, pass, rebound, and defend. Last year at the draft, when Wiggins went number 1, Jalen Rose said Wiggins reminded him of a young Sprewell, I thought it was a great comparison! Sprewell in his prime was a consistent do it all player, and I think Wiggins has that potential as well, only double because of his insane athletic ability. But Spree was a beast, it just sucks that he was a huge headcase as well.  

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

 Does Rashard Lewis fall under this category?

At 6’10", he was one of the most talented shooters the league has seen. His numbers in his prime scoring wise were decent. Always around 18-22 ppg during his prime. But at the same time, I feel like he played at about 75% of true capabilities. A career average 5.2 rebounds per game in 32 minutes per game at 6’10" just….disappoints me lol.

 

[CynthiaParticipant]

What’s weird to me about Rashard Lewis is that he was an excellent player, well above average. Then all of a sudden he was a bottom feeder. What happened?

 

[CynthiaParticipant]

What’s weird to me about Rashard Lewis is that he was an excellent player, well above average. Then all of a sudden he was a bottom feeder. What happened?

 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 When you’re handed the biggest contract in all of basketball at the time, and told to just sit in the corner and launch 3’s while playing minimul defense (literally, those ORL D’s were just defenses aimed at funneling the offense into Dwight, not actually man-to-man), your most likely going to slip a bit mentally. And on top of that getting caught doing roids, your career is going to take a huge hit. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 When you’re handed the biggest contract in all of basketball at the time, and told to just sit in the corner and launch 3’s while playing minimul defense (literally, those ORL D’s were just defenses aimed at funneling the offense into Dwight, not actually man-to-man), your most likely going to slip a bit mentally. And on top of that getting caught doing roids, your career is going to take a huge hit. 

[drice4life1753Participant]

 He always needed Ray at the end of the day.  Go Sonics baby.

[drice4life1753Participant]

 He always needed Ray at the end of the day.  Go Sonics baby.

[cjwParticipant]

 He was a beast in his prime with the sonics and magic. Definately reached his potential of a gifted shooter and slasher. Then after the big contract he had a rapid decline due to injuries and being traded to bad sutuations. 

[cjwParticipant]

 He was a beast in his prime with the sonics and magic. Definately reached his potential of a gifted shooter and slasher. Then after the big contract he had a rapid decline due to injuries and being traded to bad sutuations. 

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

 Does Rashard Lewis fall under this category?

At 6’10", he was one of the most talented shooters the league has seen. His numbers in his prime scoring wise were decent. Always around 18-22 ppg during his prime. But at the same time, I feel like he played at about 75% of true capabilities. A career average 5.2 rebounds per game in 32 minutes per game at 6’10" just….disappoints me lol.

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

If Eddy Curry had a work ethic, he’d be what Jahlil Okafor is going to be… I know most of you are young guys never watched Eddy in HS but he was just as good as Jahlil was in regards to his foot work and great touch.

[Robb_CParticipant]

If Eddy Curry had a work ethic, he’d be what Jahlil Okafor is going to be… I know most of you are young guys never watched Eddy in HS but he was just as good as Jahlil was in regards to his foot work and great touch.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 In Utah, he was one of the best pg in his prime and there was a debate between him and CP3 on who is the best PG but now he is a shell of his former self but he is still producing though. He can still be a starter to a team but can no longer be in conversation for best PG. It sucks because I always choose him over CP3 at that time but at least he’s still good on 2k though.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

I think D-Will mainly declined because of injuries though, not so much because of his attitude. He had some issues (e.g. with Sloan), but not to the point where it derailed his career.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

I think D-Will mainly declined because of injuries though, not so much because of his attitude. He had some issues (e.g. with Sloan), but not to the point where it derailed his career.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 In Utah, he was one of the best pg in his prime and there was a debate between him and CP3 on who is the best PG but now he is a shell of his former self but he is still producing though. He can still be a starter to a team but can no longer be in conversation for best PG. It sucks because I always choose him over CP3 at that time but at least he’s still good on 2k though.

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

I say.. Gilbert Arenas, if not for the knee injury and gun nonsense, would have been a surefire hall of famer. Dude was unreal with the Wizards. #Clutch

Another is Steve Francis. I don’t know what happened to him but he absolutely flamed out when he got traded from the Rockets. I remember he and Iverson were the faces of Reebok at that time and were such beasts. Francis was super quick, and his handles were one of the best, if not the best, in the league. 

Antonio Mcdyess also was a big what-if player for me. If that guy did not have glass knees, who knows how his career would have turned out. The guy was ultra explosive. Watching his old highlights I’m still in awe of how high he jump but also how powerful hisjumps and dunks were. Coupled with a feathery touch and good low-post game dude would have been something special.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Gil is a great one!

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Gil is a great one!

[ropeParticipant]

 Good call on McDyess.  He was just as you say before his knee injury.  Just a menace on the break.

[ropeParticipant]

 Good call on McDyess.  He was just as you say before his knee injury.  Just a menace on the break.

[ncballer]

 Gil is a great pick!  Have any of you read Tim Grover’s book Relentless?  He worked with Gilbert Arenas and talks about how he just suddenly lost his fire.  The guy was supremely talented.

Most of the guys that are being listed had let something in their minds hold them back.  Some still managed to have decent careers and have made more money than a lot of us will make in our lifetime, but if they had become Relentless…

My homer pick is Brandan Wright.  He is still a solid role player, but someone with his physical attributes and ball skills should not be a backup big man.  This guy has a 7’4" wingspan, a 37 inch vertical, a solid touch around the basket.  I know injuries early in his career set him back.  Two things stick out to me though, he still only weights 210 lbs, and it had never struck me, but at UNC he would coast and still put up monster numbers.  There is no reason he could not have been a Chris Bosh like player in the league, just didn’t have the drive.  

 

 

[ncballer]

 Gil is a great pick!  Have any of you read Tim Grover’s book Relentless?  He worked with Gilbert Arenas and talks about how he just suddenly lost his fire.  The guy was supremely talented.

Most of the guys that are being listed had let something in their minds hold them back.  Some still managed to have decent careers and have made more money than a lot of us will make in our lifetime, but if they had become Relentless…

My homer pick is Brandan Wright.  He is still a solid role player, but someone with his physical attributes and ball skills should not be a backup big man.  This guy has a 7’4" wingspan, a 37 inch vertical, a solid touch around the basket.  I know injuries early in his career set him back.  Two things stick out to me though, he still only weights 210 lbs, and it had never struck me, but at UNC he would coast and still put up monster numbers.  There is no reason he could not have been a Chris Bosh like player in the league, just didn’t have the drive.  

 

 

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

I thought about Francis, who had a lot of talent, but his main issue was that he was a ball dominant shooting guard in a point guards body. He was Iverson-lite, scoring with the best of them but unlike Iverson it didn’t result in winning games.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

I thought about Francis, who had a lot of talent, but his main issue was that he was a ball dominant shooting guard in a point guards body. He was Iverson-lite, scoring with the best of them but unlike Iverson it didn’t result in winning games.

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

I say.. Gilbert Arenas, if not for the knee injury and gun nonsense, would have been a surefire hall of famer. Dude was unreal with the Wizards. #Clutch

Another is Steve Francis. I don’t know what happened to him but he absolutely flamed out when he got traded from the Rockets. I remember he and Iverson were the faces of Reebok at that time and were such beasts. Francis was super quick, and his handles were one of the best, if not the best, in the league. 

Antonio Mcdyess also was a big what-if player for me. If that guy did not have glass knees, who knows how his career would have turned out. The guy was ultra explosive. Watching his old highlights I’m still in awe of how high he jump but also how powerful hisjumps and dunks were. Coupled with a feathery touch and good low-post game dude would have been something special.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 He didn’t play in the NBA until his 30s when age and injuries robbed him of his athleticism. And he was still a very good player despite barely being able to move.

Prior to injuries he was absolutely unreal. He was like a mix between Kareem and Larry bird. An athletic 7-3 center with great post moves, legit 3 point range and an outstanding feel for the game. He could have been one of the all-time greats if he were born in a different era at a different time. I can only imagine how much NBA scouts would drool over a player with his potential today.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 He didn’t play in the NBA until his 30s when age and injuries robbed him of his athleticism. And he was still a very good player despite barely being able to move.

Prior to injuries he was absolutely unreal. He was like a mix between Kareem and Larry bird. An athletic 7-3 center with great post moves, legit 3 point range and an outstanding feel for the game. He could have been one of the all-time greats if he were born in a different era at a different time. I can only imagine how much NBA scouts would drool over a player with his potential today.

 

[bennydabullParticipant]

 Tim Thomas – What If He Tried

 

[bennydabullParticipant]

 Tim Thomas – What If He Tried

 

[CameronCrazy11Participant]

 Just about every year he’s been in the league, I wonder how good Michael Beasley could be with the right mental approach to the game.

[CameronCrazy11Participant]

 Just about every year he’s been in the league, I wonder how good Michael Beasley could be with the right mental approach to the game.

[Toronto16Participant]

I know he carved out a decent career, but if Vince Carter had more of a drive he would have been one of the all time greats.

[Toronto16Participant]

I know he carved out a decent career, but if Vince Carter had more of a drive he would have been one of the all time greats.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

alot of folks have said vince carter underachived…but i think he overachieved,nobody expected him to have the career he had coming out of college..

8 time all star,all nba 2nd & 3rd team(2000 & 2001)…

ranks among the top 25 in nba history in scoring….

1 of the nba’s most exciting and premiere players in the early 2000s…

made the dunk contest watchable again….

inspired 100s of canadian kids to play ball….

a borderline hall of famer….

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

alot of folks have said vince carter underachived…but i think he overachieved,nobody expected him to have the career he had coming out of college..

8 time all star,all nba 2nd & 3rd team(2000 & 2001)…

ranks among the top 25 in nba history in scoring….

1 of the nba’s most exciting and premiere players in the early 2000s…

made the dunk contest watchable again….

inspired 100s of canadian kids to play ball….

a borderline hall of famer….

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Vince is forsure a hall of famer

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

 Vince is forsure a hall of famer

[OaktownWarriorsParticipant]

I was never really big on Eddy Curry, he was very huge and if I remember right?  He only averaged like 6 or7 rebounds a game in high school.  He had some goood low post moves, but with his size along he should’ve done more. 

[OaktownWarriorsParticipant]

I was never really big on Eddy Curry, he was very huge and if I remember right?  He only averaged like 6 or7 rebounds a game in high school.  He had some goood low post moves, but with his size along he should’ve done more. 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Hes had a pretty decent career and you can’t really consider him a bust. However, I’ve always thought the guy had as much natural talent as any sg in the league, which is why I would consider him kind of disappointment overall. He has always shown flashes but has never really been consistent. With a better work ethic and more disciplined approach to the game, I think he could of been on the same level as someone like Vince Carter or at least close.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Hes had a pretty decent career and you can’t really consider him a bust. However, I’ve always thought the guy had as much natural talent as any sg in the league, which is why I would consider him kind of disappointment overall. He has always shown flashes but has never really been consistent. With a better work ethic and more disciplined approach to the game, I think he could of been on the same level as someone like Vince Carter or at least close.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Grant Hills injury issues held him back big time. Was still the model of perseverance as he just kept bouncing back showing his passion yet he would have had a Lebron James type impact to the game.

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Grant Hills injury issues held him back big time. Was still the model of perseverance as he just kept bouncing back showing his passion yet he would have had a Lebron James type impact to the game.

 

 

[Make’Em Say UGHParticipant]

Via BallIsLife:

“Roy 365 days, seven days a week. Roy has no weaknesses in his game.” – Kobe when asked who the toughest player to defend in the Western Conference was.

“I told him I don’t know of any player outside of myself that has no weaknesses besides him. If you think about it, he can go left and pull up and shoot. He can go right and pull up and shoot. He can fade left shoulder, he can fade right shoulder. He can shoot the long ball. He can finish at the rim. He can shoot free throws. He has no weaknesses in his offensive game.” – Kobe talking about B. Roy

http://ballislife.com/brandon-roys-top-10-plays-of-his-career/

 

 

[Make’Em Say UGHParticipant]

Via BallIsLife:

“Roy 365 days, seven days a week. Roy has no weaknesses in his game.” – Kobe when asked who the toughest player to defend in the Western Conference was.

“I told him I don’t know of any player outside of myself that has no weaknesses besides him. If you think about it, he can go left and pull up and shoot. He can go right and pull up and shoot. He can fade left shoulder, he can fade right shoulder. He can shoot the long ball. He can finish at the rim. He can shoot free throws. He has no weaknesses in his offensive game.” – Kobe talking about B. Roy

http://ballislife.com/brandon-roys-top-10-plays-of-his-career/

 

 

[trelos6Participant]

I was about to say Brandon Roy.  Did a quick search to see if anyone else had posted it.

Roy was basically the next in line of great SG’s.  Drexler. Jordan. Kobe. Wade. Roy

He gave so much everytime he stepped onto the court.

 

 

  

[trelos6Participant]

I was about to say Brandon Roy.  Did a quick search to see if anyone else had posted it.

Roy was basically the next in line of great SG’s.  Drexler. Jordan. Kobe. Wade. Roy

He gave so much everytime he stepped onto the court.

 

 

  

[cjwParticipant]

 Dajuan Wagner- the 6th overall pick in the 02 draft by the Cavs out of memphis. This guy was a pure scorer and Infamously dropped 100 points in high school. He had a good rookie year averaging 14 ppg but then heart injury forced him to retire early. Interesting to imagine if he stayed healthy and gave the Cavs and Lebron a much needed secondary scorer.

[cjwParticipant]

 Dajuan Wagner- the 6th overall pick in the 02 draft by the Cavs out of memphis. This guy was a pure scorer and Infamously dropped 100 points in high school. He had a good rookie year averaging 14 ppg but then heart injury forced him to retire early. Interesting to imagine if he stayed healthy and gave the Cavs and Lebron a much needed secondary scorer.

[XYRYXParticipant]

Wagner truely is a sad story. He had colitis diagnosed very early and due to this he had his entire colon removed in 2005 with only 22 years of age. 

He could have been LeBrons running mate at least for some time but fortunately he still came away with his life which is something one of my best friends and Basketball homie cannot say who also had colitis and passed away 4 months ago after fighting cancer for one and a half years. 

Wagner tried some comebacks and went for acareer overseas which also didn’t work out as expected due to his health condition. 

[XYRYXParticipant]

Wagner truely is a sad story. He had colitis diagnosed very early and due to this he had his entire colon removed in 2005 with only 22 years of age. 

He could have been LeBrons running mate at least for some time but fortunately he still came away with his life which is something one of my best friends and Basketball homie cannot say who also had colitis and passed away 4 months ago after fighting cancer for one and a half years. 

Wagner tried some comebacks and went for acareer overseas which also didn’t work out as expected due to his health condition. 

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

Dajuan Wagner could have been much like Monta Ellis but stronger. That guy was a pitbull on the court and it would’ve been great to pair him up with a point-forward like LeBron James.

That’s one of the weird things about LeBron’s first run with the Cavs and how they never were able to get sufficient enough talent to surround him. Once LeBron James got drafted, they missed the playoffs narrowly twice and only got one lottery pick out of it in 2004 with Luke Jackson, who ended up having back problems in his rookie year and was completely out of the league in 2008 and played a total of 73 games, and they traded their 2005 draft pick in 1997 as a future draft pick. Then looking back before LeBron got there, Wagner was a high pick and got drafted but faced an incredibly odd and sad condition, much less injury, and the other high lottery picks in DeSagana Diop and Chris Mihm turned out be bust. Then the whole Carlos Boozer thing and trading Andre Miller for Darius Miles.

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

Dajuan Wagner could have been much like Monta Ellis but stronger. That guy was a pitbull on the court and it would’ve been great to pair him up with a point-forward like LeBron James.

That’s one of the weird things about LeBron’s first run with the Cavs and how they never were able to get sufficient enough talent to surround him. Once LeBron James got drafted, they missed the playoffs narrowly twice and only got one lottery pick out of it in 2004 with Luke Jackson, who ended up having back problems in his rookie year and was completely out of the league in 2008 and played a total of 73 games, and they traded their 2005 draft pick in 1997 as a future draft pick. Then looking back before LeBron got there, Wagner was a high pick and got drafted but faced an incredibly odd and sad condition, much less injury, and the other high lottery picks in DeSagana Diop and Chris Mihm turned out be bust. Then the whole Carlos Boozer thing and trading Andre Miller for Darius Miles.

[Sharp ShooterParticipant]

rasheed wallace. I thought he always could’ve been up the with KG and TD if he only worked harder. Also, he attitudes overshadows his play 

[Sharp ShooterParticipant]

rasheed wallace. I thought he always could’ve been up the with KG and TD if he only worked harder. Also, he attitudes overshadows his play 

[drice4life1753Participant]

Baron Davis:  Was great for a short time, sort of similar to Francis, but defintely had the talent to do much more than he ever accomplished. At his best he averaged 23 ppg and 7.5 apg.  Made the playoffs 7 times in 13 seasons, but never made it past the 2nd round.  One of the most athletic point guards in his prime. 

TJ Ford:  College stud at Texas w/ some pretty good NBA success, but dealt w/ too many injury issues.  Started shwoing some signs of breaking out after his 3rd NBA season then injuries really never let him play at a high level again.  14 ppg and nearly 8 apg in his 3rd season.

#3-6 of 2004 NBA Draft (Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Shaun Livingston, Devin Harris, and Josh Childress)..based on where they were drafted for Childress and Emeka.  Livingston dealt w/ injuries.  Ben Gordon had a nice run of attempting to scratch the surface of lead scoring guard in Chicago w/ Hinrich.  Devin Harris seemed like he could be nice intially in Dallas.

Most recentyl I would say Johnny Flynn. Sure he was a SG in a PG body, but man there are a lot of scoring PG’s that succedd in the NBA and learn to create…watching him in college I def thought he would be Kyle Lowry type of talent…very different players…but that potential talent level

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

[drice4life1753Participant]

Baron Davis:  Was great for a short time, sort of similar to Francis, but defintely had the talent to do much more than he ever accomplished. At his best he averaged 23 ppg and 7.5 apg.  Made the playoffs 7 times in 13 seasons, but never made it past the 2nd round.  One of the most athletic point guards in his prime. 

TJ Ford:  College stud at Texas w/ some pretty good NBA success, but dealt w/ too many injury issues.  Started shwoing some signs of breaking out after his 3rd NBA season then injuries really never let him play at a high level again.  14 ppg and nearly 8 apg in his 3rd season.

#3-6 of 2004 NBA Draft (Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Shaun Livingston, Devin Harris, and Josh Childress)..based on where they were drafted for Childress and Emeka.  Livingston dealt w/ injuries.  Ben Gordon had a nice run of attempting to scratch the surface of lead scoring guard in Chicago w/ Hinrich.  Devin Harris seemed like he could be nice intially in Dallas.

Most recentyl I would say Johnny Flynn. Sure he was a SG in a PG body, but man there are a lot of scoring PG’s that succedd in the NBA and learn to create…watching him in college I def thought he would be Kyle Lowry type of talent…very different players…but that potential talent level

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 first thought was Ben Mclemore, then i remembered he is in sac town, maybe the man will get his eventually. … then i though of hasan whiteside and how he went from nobody to starter after 4 yrs of d-league stints…

miami actually drafted dexter pitman that draft with whiteside going right after that…hmmmm dexter who?

 

[nill650Participant]

 first thought was Ben Mclemore, then i remembered he is in sac town, maybe the man will get his eventually. … then i though of hasan whiteside and how he went from nobody to starter after 4 yrs of d-league stints…

miami actually drafted dexter pitman that draft with whiteside going right after that…hmmmm dexter who?

 

[-Aria-Participant]

 Theres a few players that come to mind, but one that I’m personally sad didn’t pan out is Martel Webster, gosh I remember reading about him leading up to the 05 draft and I thought he was going to be an all time great. He had a great touch, good size, athletic. I saw him as the second coming of Glenn Rice but also expected him to have a better career. 

Really that whole blazers team in the mid to late 2000s had me excited, Rudy Fernandez, Nick Batum, Lamarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, Brandon Roy, I was sure they were gonna win championship after championship…

 

Another player I really liked was Sebastian Telfair, I was really really young when he was drafted, but I remember being so angry that Clevland passed on him in the 04 draft I was sure he was going to become the best point in the league, but I think most of this was from the hype I read online, because I don’t think to this day I’ve actually seen him play. But the things I heard about him really had me excited and I really had hoped it worked out for him.

 

 

 

 

 

[-Aria-Participant]

Replying to myself since I can’t seem to edit my post, but there is another player and I am ashamed I didn’t mention him in my first post

 

My favorite player growing up, and one that never quite seemed to pull anything together was Eddie Griffin, man he had all the tools to be KG’s right hand man and I was sure one day he’d average 20 and 10, but he just couldn’t ever bring it all together, it still saddens me that hes no longer around. 

oh and one last player, Yi Jillan, I was pretty hype about him coming into the league too, and I thought he’d atleast be a 19ppg 6~7 rpg player in the league, I mean he really tore it up in China and was probably the biggest thing since Yao, I have no idea why he didn’t susceed.

 

 

 

 

 

[cjwParticipant]

 Yea what in the world happened to Yi?

[cjwParticipant]

 Yea what in the world happened to Yi?

[-Aria-Participant]

Replying to myself since I can’t seem to edit my post, but there is another player and I am ashamed I didn’t mention him in my first post

 

My favorite player growing up, and one that never quite seemed to pull anything together was Eddie Griffin, man he had all the tools to be KG’s right hand man and I was sure one day he’d average 20 and 10, but he just couldn’t ever bring it all together, it still saddens me that hes no longer around. 

oh and one last player, Yi Jillan, I was pretty hype about him coming into the league too, and I thought he’d atleast be a 19ppg 6~7 rpg player in the league, I mean he really tore it up in China and was probably the biggest thing since Yao, I have no idea why he didn’t susceed.

 

 

 

 

 

[-Aria-Participant]

 Theres a few players that come to mind, but one that I’m personally sad didn’t pan out is Martel Webster, gosh I remember reading about him leading up to the 05 draft and I thought he was going to be an all time great. He had a great touch, good size, athletic. I saw him as the second coming of Glenn Rice but also expected him to have a better career. 

Really that whole blazers team in the mid to late 2000s had me excited, Rudy Fernandez, Nick Batum, Lamarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, Brandon Roy, I was sure they were gonna win championship after championship…

 

Another player I really liked was Sebastian Telfair, I was really really young when he was drafted, but I remember being so angry that Clevland passed on him in the 04 draft I was sure he was going to become the best point in the league, but I think most of this was from the hype I read online, because I don’t think to this day I’ve actually seen him play. But the things I heard about him really had me excited and I really had hoped it worked out for him.

 

 

 

 

 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

Not sure if anyone has said this one yet, but it would had been interesting to see how Jay Williams would have developed had he not gotten in that motorcycle accident after his rookie year.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

Not sure if anyone has said this one yet, but it would had been interesting to see how Jay Williams would have developed had he not gotten in that motorcycle accident after his rookie year.

[JR RyderParticipant]

Darius Miles – Electric athlete but a bonehead player. Really could have been one of the best players in thw league with his combination or length, skills and athletecism.

Isiah Rider – Could have been the Dwayne Wade of the 90s. Instead wasted his talent getting high, getting in trouble and getting out of shape.

[JR RyderParticipant]

Darius Miles – Electric athlete but a bonehead player. Really could have been one of the best players in thw league with his combination or length, skills and athletecism.

Isiah Rider – Could have been the Dwayne Wade of the 90s. Instead wasted his talent getting high, getting in trouble and getting out of shape.

[TWILL123Participant]

Terrence Williams (my namesake for this website) has always been the most frustrating "what if" player for me. The way he played in college and how he finished up his rookie season, I thought he was going to become a sure fire starter and maybe get to that Andre Iguodala all star caliber player. As soon as Avery Johnson took over for the nets and sent him to the D league as a punishmnet it was like he completely shut it off mentally and never came close to being anywhere near the player he was his rookie year and in college. I’ll never stop thinking about how good he could’ve been if drafted to a good system and with a good coach. He was my favorite player of all time coming out of college and it’ll always be a sad thought for me to think about. 

[drice4life1753Participant]

 TWill is from Seattle.  Saw him play in the state tourney back in the day…was pretty dope.  I really liked him at Louisville but always thought he still should probably score more for how athletic he is.  That’s one thing I remember from watching him in HS is, for how much of an athletic stud he was he would drop some of the quietest 20-25 pt. games.  All in all disappointing he’s not in the league.  Like most guys from Seattle he is considered a headcase.

[TWILL123Participant]

 Yeah being a die hard louisville fan, I’ve loved the Seattle pipeline throughout the years, although it is most likely over with Shaqquan Aaron abandoning ship after one year. T-Will and Peyton Siva were incredible players for Louisville. Pitino really did get everything out of them. He was able to keep a stable head on T-will, which has shown to be impossible to do. He absolutely had the ability to be a real factor in the NBA, sad to see him flame out the way he did. Hopefully he figures it out and finds a way to at least give himself a good life going forward. He”s my favorite player to ever come through Louisville and hope he figures it all out. 

[TWILL123Participant]

 Yeah being a die hard louisville fan, I’ve loved the Seattle pipeline throughout the years, although it is most likely over with Shaqquan Aaron abandoning ship after one year. T-Will and Peyton Siva were incredible players for Louisville. Pitino really did get everything out of them. He was able to keep a stable head on T-will, which has shown to be impossible to do. He absolutely had the ability to be a real factor in the NBA, sad to see him flame out the way he did. Hopefully he figures it out and finds a way to at least give himself a good life going forward. He”s my favorite player to ever come through Louisville and hope he figures it all out. 

[drice4life1753Participant]

 TWill is from Seattle.  Saw him play in the state tourney back in the day…was pretty dope.  I really liked him at Louisville but always thought he still should probably score more for how athletic he is.  That’s one thing I remember from watching him in HS is, for how much of an athletic stud he was he would drop some of the quietest 20-25 pt. games.  All in all disappointing he’s not in the league.  Like most guys from Seattle he is considered a headcase.

[TWILL123Participant]

Terrence Williams (my namesake for this website) has always been the most frustrating "what if" player for me. The way he played in college and how he finished up his rookie season, I thought he was going to become a sure fire starter and maybe get to that Andre Iguodala all star caliber player. As soon as Avery Johnson took over for the nets and sent him to the D league as a punishmnet it was like he completely shut it off mentally and never came close to being anywhere near the player he was his rookie year and in college. I’ll never stop thinking about how good he could’ve been if drafted to a good system and with a good coach. He was my favorite player of all time coming out of college and it’ll always be a sad thought for me to think about. 

[properbreaksParticipant]

Whenever I think of a player who isn’t working hard and is wasting his talent; you guys are right, I think Tim Thomas. I mean, I literally envision him attempting a jump shot from 20 when he has a whole lane wide open to drive thru. (lol) He was so smooth and graceful and he was really fast to the rim the few times in his career that he actually attempted to maximize his speed. He’s one of those dudes at the neighborhood court that people yell at when he’s on your team because he’s supposed to be way better than he is and just does nothing.

Donte Greene followed the Tim Thomas formula, but received even less success. He’s BEEN out of the league. I remember he was 6’7 going to his high school senior year as one of the top ranked players in the country and everybody compared him to Carmelo Anthony. They said he tore up the summer circuit aup nd scored at will like Melo. You know, jump shots, jab moves towards the basket, posting other small forwards up inside abusing them and going to the line all game. Then he grew 4 inches and got to about 6’11 and shot only jump shots in the league???? The OPPOSITE of what you are supposed to do.

[properbreaksParticipant]

Whenever I think of a player who isn’t working hard and is wasting his talent; you guys are right, I think Tim Thomas. I mean, I literally envision him attempting a jump shot from 20 when he has a whole lane wide open to drive thru. (lol) He was so smooth and graceful and he was really fast to the rim the few times in his career that he actually attempted to maximize his speed. He’s one of those dudes at the neighborhood court that people yell at when he’s on your team because he’s supposed to be way better than he is and just does nothing.

Donte Greene followed the Tim Thomas formula, but received even less success. He’s BEEN out of the league. I remember he was 6’7 going to his high school senior year as one of the top ranked players in the country and everybody compared him to Carmelo Anthony. They said he tore up the summer circuit aup nd scored at will like Melo. You know, jump shots, jab moves towards the basket, posting other small forwards up inside abusing them and going to the line all game. Then he grew 4 inches and got to about 6’11 and shot only jump shots in the league???? The OPPOSITE of what you are supposed to do.

[mgreener_34Participant]

I’ll try and name off some people who aren’t such obvious choices. 

 Antoin Walker. He was extremely talented in the post and was a fantastic rebounder. His years with the Celtics though were marked with the dreadful Pitino saga, where Toine was alowed to pretty much do what ever he wanted to, and that was shooting 7 threes a game. I think he could have been alot better than he was, and had a David West/Lamar Odom like career as a great 3rd option on a championship team. His approach to the game was just terrible. 

Boris Diaw. Yes he’s had a fantastic run with the Spurs, and was amazing two years ago, but his career is very underwhelming as a whole. The guy had so much talent though, put up 13/7/6/1/1 on a stacked Suns team, was traded to the Bobcats and just disapeared for a few years. I would have loved to see what he could have done in his prime as a 2 or 3 option. He was so good in his early career and late career, but we were truely robbed of his prime years in CHA. 

Anthony Randolf. He showed so much potential, but Nelly is just not the coach to play for if you’re under the age of 26. Just like Darko in DET, his confidense was completely crippled, and he was never given the chance to truely develope at a organic pace. Sad, because I do think he would have had a solid career in the NBA. 

I think with the exception of injuries, the team that drafts you has a lot to do with how you develope. Some teams have a culture of winning/getting better, while others just throw you on the bench and hope you become something. OCK and UTAH are the two obvious examples, as they bring their players along slowly in a class-act organization, and because of it, most of their prospects become nice players who stick around in the league. With the exception of the stars, guys like Adams, Roberson, Jackson, Favors, Matthews, and others have all these organizations to thank for putting them in a situation to get better and to prove it. I think teams like CHA and NY are terrible in this regard, because they treat their young players like garbage, and get rid of them before they even know what they have. For example, Channing Frye, Fields, Hardaway are the ones that come to mind were they showed potential, and then were just dropped. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

I’ll try and name off some people who aren’t such obvious choices. 

 Antoin Walker. He was extremely talented in the post and was a fantastic rebounder. His years with the Celtics though were marked with the dreadful Pitino saga, where Toine was alowed to pretty much do what ever he wanted to, and that was shooting 7 threes a game. I think he could have been alot better than he was, and had a David West/Lamar Odom like career as a great 3rd option on a championship team. His approach to the game was just terrible. 

Boris Diaw. Yes he’s had a fantastic run with the Spurs, and was amazing two years ago, but his career is very underwhelming as a whole. The guy had so much talent though, put up 13/7/6/1/1 on a stacked Suns team, was traded to the Bobcats and just disapeared for a few years. I would have loved to see what he could have done in his prime as a 2 or 3 option. He was so good in his early career and late career, but we were truely robbed of his prime years in CHA. 

Anthony Randolf. He showed so much potential, but Nelly is just not the coach to play for if you’re under the age of 26. Just like Darko in DET, his confidense was completely crippled, and he was never given the chance to truely develope at a organic pace. Sad, because I do think he would have had a solid career in the NBA. 

I think with the exception of injuries, the team that drafts you has a lot to do with how you develope. Some teams have a culture of winning/getting better, while others just throw you on the bench and hope you become something. OCK and UTAH are the two obvious examples, as they bring their players along slowly in a class-act organization, and because of it, most of their prospects become nice players who stick around in the league. With the exception of the stars, guys like Adams, Roberson, Jackson, Favors, Matthews, and others have all these organizations to thank for putting them in a situation to get better and to prove it. I think teams like CHA and NY are terrible in this regard, because they treat their young players like garbage, and get rid of them before they even know what they have. For example, Channing Frye, Fields, Hardaway are the ones that come to mind were they showed potential, and then were just dropped. 

[TEQU1LAParticipant]

My choice would be Eddie Griffin the kid had size, athleticism and a solid 3 pt stroke. It’s unfortunate his demons got the best of him but at least he’s at peace

[TEQU1LAParticipant]

My choice would be Eddie Griffin the kid had size, athleticism and a solid 3 pt stroke. It’s unfortunate his demons got the best of him but at least he’s at peace

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 I’m not old enough to know all the guys you mentionned,but…what about Yao Ming?

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 I’m not old enough to know all the guys you mentionned,but…what about Yao Ming?

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

I nominate the swift boys: Robert & Stromile 

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

I nominate the swift boys: Robert & Stromile 

[Author]

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