Making it to the NBA is one thing, and becoming great is definitely another. That said, those with a phenomenal career are being recognized through induction into the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
However, while many legendary players have rightfully earned a spot in the Hall of Fame , some, despite their lasting legacy and impact, have not been inducted into the coveted club to this day.
Let's look at some of the best NBA players not in the Hall of Fame.
Rasheed Wallace
Rasheed Wallace is best known for his time with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Detroit Pistons. Despite being a four-time All-Star player and a key figure in the Pistons' NBA championship run in 2004, Sheed has yet to be compared to legendary power forwards such as Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, or Dirk Nowitzki.
Some believed that Wallace deserved to be in the Hall of Fame after proving that he could adapt to any situation and perform at a high level on both ends of the floor throughout his entire career.
Penny Hardaway
Known for his craftiness and versatility on the court, Penny Hardaway was a fan-favorite back in the '90s. Whenever he was healthy, Penny showcased remarkable talent, finishing his NBA career with 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
Hardaway's leadership qualities and on-court vision were instrumental in guiding the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995, becoming the only team to eliminate Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs.
Penny was also a four-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA team member. However, Penny has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But it should've been a no-brainer for those who have faced healthy and prime Penny.
"He's going to get into the Hall of Fame this year. If he did not get hurt, we'd be talking about him and Michael [Jordan] getting MVPs and who the scoring leader is, because he was just that good," former Miami Heat point guard Tim Hardaway once said of Penny .
Horace Grant
Horace Grant was one of the NBA's first stretch fours. Grant put up impressive statistics as a formidable power forward, averaging a double-double in points and rebounds for multiple seasons.
Grant is a one-time NBA All-Star but he is best known for being one of Jordan's co-stars in the Bulls' first three-peat. He was also a tenacious defender, having been an All-NBA Defensive team selectee four times. He won another NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001 as a role player.
Despite his notable accolades, Grant is still not in the Hall of Fame.
Bill Laimbeer
Famous for his grit, determination, and fierce competitiveness, Bill Laimbeer was a force to be reckoned with during his time with the Detroit Pistons. As a reliable big man and a key player in the Pistons' "Bad Boys" era, "Lambs" made it to the All-Star four times and won two NBA championships with the team.
Known for his rebounding skills and physical style of play, Laimbeer earned quite a reputation as one of the most intimidating players of his generation. Considering how polarizing yet legendary the Bad Boys are, Laimbeer has yet to be called for his Hall of Fame induction.
Shawn Kemp
Another standout player who has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame is former Seattle Supersonics high-flier Shawn Kemp . Also known as the "Reign Man," Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star and one of the most electrifying dunkers in the game's history.
He formed one of the most dominant duos in the '90s alongside Gary Payton and challenged the vaunted Jordan and the Bulls during their record-setting 72-10 season. All told, Kemp's career was nothing short of legendary, but he has not been honored with a Hall of Fame induction.
Cliff Robinson
The late Cliff Robinson was a reliable player known for his remarkable skills and notable contributions to the teams he played for. His ability to score points and make crucial plays when it mattered the most made him a valuable asset to the Portland Trail Blazers in the '90s.
Robinson's achievements warrant a place among the all-time greats. But despite his on-court success, "Uncle Cliffy" has yet to be inducted into the prestigious Basketball Hall of Fame.
Robert Horry
Robert Horry did not earn the moniker "Big Shot Bob" for nothing. He played for several teams and left a lasting impact on each of them as a clutch shooter and brilliant player.
Many consider Horry as arguably the best role player in NBA history. However, he is best known for winning seven NBA championships, two with the Houston Rockets, three with the Los Angeles Lakers and two more with the San Antonio Spurs.
With fans and analysts now considering championship rings as a metric to determine if a player deserves to be in the pantheon of all-time greats, some argue that Horry should be inducted into the Hall of Fame . Unsurprisingly, the man in question also feels the same way about it.
For Horry, winning seven titles with different teams is something perhaps only a few players could accomplish.
"If you look at the people that are in, I deserve to be in," Horry once said. "If you look at the people who aren't in, I don't deserve to be in. For me, I'll be happy if I do, and I'll be happy if I don't because basketball is a team sport. If I was a tennis player and I didn't get in the Hall of Fame for tennis, then I'd be really upset, but for me, it's a team sport. If the Hall of Fame comes calling one day, I'll be proud. If it doesn't, so be it. I know one thing, half those guys in there don't have what I have, and that's seven rings."
Shawn Marion
A versatile player known for his defensive prowess and unique playing style, Shawn Marion had a legendary career as well. Nicknamed "The Matrix," Marion made a significant impact during his time with the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks.
Throughout his career, he amassed impressive stats, including over 17,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 1,500 steals. Marion's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made him one of the best all-around players of his generation.
Like with the others, Marion's omission in the Hall of Fame has sparked discussions among NBA fans.
Amar'e Stoudemire
Amar'e Stoudemire won the Rookie of the Year award in 2003 before developing his game into a perennial All-Star. During his prime, "Stat" was a beast, scoring over 15,000 points and grabbing more than 5,000 rebounds.
Stoudemire made a great co-star with Steve Nash in Phoenix and Carmelo Anthony in New York. Despite his remarkable achievements and contributions, Stoudemire is also not in the Hall of Fame.
Despite not being inducted into the Hall of Fame, these players continue to be celebrated by basketball fans all over the world. Whether they get the nod in the near future or not, their contributions, highlights, and unforgettable moments will still serve as a reminder of the diverse talent and unforgettable performances that have graced the NBA hardwood over the years.
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