Ranking the Basketball Hall of Fame Eligibility of the NBA's Veterans

When watching the NBA, it’s fair to wonder where some of the league’s best players rank among the game’s all-time greats. Minutiae such as historical comparisons and talk of a player’s “potential” are bandied about on TV and in writing all the time, but ultimately a player’s legacy will be defined by his tangible accomplishments on the floor.

We would assume (this is probably naïve) that the goal of nearly every player who puts on an NBA uniform is to one day be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Well, that and to get paid. Making it to the Hall of Fame likely means you did both, considering that the best players in the league tend to also be the most well-compensated.

While the Basketball Hall of Fame is the goal, a player has to hit a lot of checkmarks along the way to get there. He’ll need a combination of All-Star bids (at least a few), All-NBA awards (hopefully at least one), and maybe even a couple championships to ensure his future enshrinement, and there are certainly a number of players who fit the bill who have currently spent a long, prosperous career in the league already.

Ignoring the “locks” (those that scored 95 percent or higher on Basketball Reference's Hall of Fame Probability list. A list that includes Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, and Ray Allen), we’ve taken a look at the league’s most experienced players and are now Ranking the Basketball Hall of Fame Eligibility of the NBA's Veterans.

23. Derek Fisher

Years in NBA: 18
NBA stats: 1274 G, 8.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
College stats: 112 G, 12.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.2 APG
NBA accolades: 5x NBA Champion
College accolades: 1996 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year
International accolades: None

The individual statistics are less than eye-popping, but what can't be denied is the imprint Derek Fisher made on all those championship Lakers teams. They never won a ring without him, and in addition to playing point guard Fisher also served as a Kobe Bryant soothsayer, keeping the Mamba happy and supplied with as many shots as possible. Fisher himself has had some memorable playoff moments, and off the court was a huge presence as the president of the NBA Players Union. However, the numbers don't lie, and they tell us that Fisher has simply not been on a Hall of Fame level at any point.

22. Andrei Kirilenko

Years in NBA: 12
NBA stats: 781 G, 12.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.9 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 1x NBA All-Star, 1x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 2x NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2002 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 1x EuroBasket MVP, 2x FIBA Europe Player of the Year, 1x Euroscar, 1x All-Europeans Player of the Year, 1x Euroleague MVP, 1x All-Euroleague First Team, 1x Euroleague Defensive Player of the Year, 1x Russian League MVP, 1x VTB United League MVP, 1x VTB United League Final Four MVP, 1999 FIBA World Under-19 Championship MVP, 1x Olympic Bronze Medal, 1x FIBA EuroBasket Gold Medal, 1x FIBA EuroBasket Bronze Medal

Andrei Kirilenko may actually be one of the more under-appreciated players in the NBA, a forward who has the skill to defend pretty much anybody. While AK47 may not be the most dynamic offensive player, he's been a steady double-digit scorer throughout his career while also playing lockdown defense. He received his first All-Star bid in just his third year in the league, and it looked like he was a player who would continue to rise.

Unfortunately, that season (2003-04) proved the be the high water mark of Kirilenko's career in terms of points, rebounds, and steals per game average, and since then the Russian has battled numerous injury issues and has had problems just staying on the court. But his international accomplishments are impressive and might sneak him in eventually.

21. Jerry Stackhouse

Years in NBA: 19
NBA stats: 970 G, 16.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
College stats: 69 G, 15.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.3 APG
NBA accolades: 2x NBA All-Star, 1996 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: 1x First Team All-American, 1995 Sports Illustrated Player of the Year
International accolades: None

Jerry Stackhouse has bounced around from team to team throughout his career, but at pretty much every stop along the way he has been productive in whatever role he's been deployed. His best run came during a four-year stretch from 1999-00 through 2002-03, where he averaged 24.2 points per game for Detroit and Washington and finished second in the race for the 2000-01 scoring title. Those years would be Stack's peak, though, as following 2002-03 he would never play more than 67 games in a season again and due to this lack of durability had a hard time finding his groove on the court.

His career was certainly long and relatively productive, but Hall of Fame-caliber? We're afraid not.

20. Andre Iguodala

Years in NBA: 10
NBA stats: 751 G, 14.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
College stats: 62 G, 9.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.4 APG
NBA accolades: 1x NBA All-Star, 1x NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2005 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: 2004 All-Pac-10 First Team
International accolades: 1x Olympic Gold Medal, 2010 FIBA World Championship Gold Medal, 2002 FIBA Americas U18 Championship Bronze Medal

The other "A.I." in Philadelphia, Andre Iguodala learned ropes under Allen Iverson for two years before the Sixers sent the latter out of town and handed the keys over to the young, athletic Iguodala. He responded quite well, becoming a reliable scorer who could get to the rim with ease, was capable of getting hot from outside, and used his tremendous length to become one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders.

His strong all-around game has at the very least kept him in the All-Star discussion, but the fact that he's only made the team once and lacks significant team accomplishments as well means he's really just another very good player, not an all-time great.

19. Richard Hamilton

Years in NBA: 15
NBA stats: 921 G, 17.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
College stats: 103 G, 19.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.6 APG
NBA accolades: 1x NBA Champion, 3x NBA All-Star
College accolades: 1999 NCAA Champion, 1999 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, 2x Big East Player of the Year, 1x First Team All-American, 1x Second Team All-American
International accolades: 1999 FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal

While he was never one of the league's best players, Richard Hamilton spent his prime as one of the league's most durable, dynamic, and consistent guards. Together with Chauncey Billups, he formed one of the most complete backcourts in the NBA, serving as Detroit's primary offensive weapon and putting up remarkably consistent numbers. By virtue of being the leading scorer on their 2004 championship team, he automatically must be considered for the Hall of Fame given other top scorers of championship teams.

However, Hamilton does not quite have enough of a personal record of success throughout his career to make it into the Hall of Fame.

18. Al Jefferson

Years in NBA: 10
NBA stats: 689 G, 16.9 PPG, 9.1 PG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.3 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 2005 NBA All-Rookie Second Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: None

Now given the chance to be the unequivocal star of his own team, Al Jefferson has emerged this year as a viable go-to option in the NBA. It's been a long time coming for the power forward, whose tremendously-skilled post game has flown under the radar for pretty much his entire career. Jefferson has had two major factors working against him during this time: his inability to play any meaningful form of defense, and injuries. His remarkable consistency has, nevertheless, made him into an All-Star caliber player, and it will be fascinating to watch how Jefferson's game evolves as he ages.

We could easily see him playing a supporting role on an NBA Championship team, which with his career-long consistency could make him a more legitimate Hall of Fame candidate than he is right now.

17. Jermaine O'Neal

Years in NBA: 18
NBA stats: 1002 G, 13.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.8 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 6x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Second Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team, 2002 NBA Most Improved Player
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 2003 FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal, 2001 Goodwill Games Gold Medal

Jermaine O'Neal has been in the NBA a shockingly long time, and is one of the few remaining players from the 1996 Draft class. Following four years in which he couldn't find regular minutes, O'Neal was traded to Indiana and shortly thereafter became a star. Playing alongside Reggie Miller, he made six consecutive All-Star teams and kept the Pacers in contention every year; the 2004-05 Pacers will be one of the decade's great "what if?" teams, as behind O'Neal and Ron Artest they were off to a dominant 7-2 start when the Malice at the Palace completely derailed their season.

O'Neal has battled numerous injury problems as well since the 2008 season, and combined with his lack of team accomplishments likely means he won't be going to Springfield.

16. Joe Johnson

Years in NBA: 13
NBA stats: 968 G, 17.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
College stats: 53 G, 15.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.4 APG
NBA accolades: 7x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Third Team, 2002 NBA All-Rookie Second Team
College accolades: None
International accolades: 2006 World Championships Bronze Medal

Joe Johnson has had an interesting career. He's the kind of player you'd assume had been on a bunch of All-NBA teams, given his reputation as one of the NBA's best three-point shooters and a steady slew of playoff appearances. However, with just one All-NBA appearance under his belt, Johnson has not distinguished himself from the league's other above-average guards over the course of his 13-year career. His Hall of Fame résumé would look a lot better if he won a ring or two, and given his sweet stroke, he'll have no shortage of quality teams looking for his services even as he gets into his late 30s.

If he can win a title as a key contributor, that could be enough to get him in.

15. Metta World Peace

Years in NBA: 15
NBA stats: 931 G, 13.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
College stats: 69 G, 13.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
NBA accolades: 1x NBA Champion, 1x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Third Team, 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 2x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 2x NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2000 NBA All-Rookie Second Team
College accolades: 1999 Haggerty Award
International accolades: None

It's a shame that the career of Ron Artest/Metta World Peace is likely going to be remembered for him going berserk and running into the stands in Detroit. It covers up the fact that World Peace was also an immensely talented player, especially on the defensive end. His size and strength should've had him on the All-Defensive team every single season, and offensively he was just starting to come into his own when the Malice at the Palace occurred and changed the entire course of his career. That volatility alone is enough for voters to keep him out of the Hall of Fame.

14. Tyson Chandler

Years in NBA: 13
NBA stats: 833 G, 8.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 1x NBA Champion, 1x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Third Team, 1x NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 1x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 2x NBA All-Defensive Second Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 1x Olympic Gold Medal, 1x FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal, 1x FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

It seems a little premature to say it given that he's just 31-years-old, but it might be too little too late for Tyson Chandler. The center has emerged into one of the game's best big man, a defensive stalwart who can single-handedly transform a team on one end of the floor while also providing a deft shooting touch around the basket on the other. It's worth mentioning that Chandler is not just the active leader in career field goal percentage, but in fact is second all-time behind only Artis Gilmore.

If he can stay healthy and crank out several more double-double average seasons, Chandler has a chance to become a legitimate Hall of Fame candidate.

13. Zach Randolph

Years in NBA: 13
NBA stats: 832 G, 17.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
College stats: 33 G, 10.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.0 APG
NBA accolades: 2x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Third Team, 2004 NBA Most Improved Player
College accolades: None
International accolades: None

Despite a rocky start that saw him have a lot of troubles off the court, Zach Randolph has been a very good player throughout his NBA career. While he may not be the prototypical power forward in terms of athleticism, Z-Bo has both the will and the range to make himself a nightmare matchup for many of the league's frontcourt players. He has, in particular, found a true home in Memphis playing alongside Marc Gasol, leading the Grizzlies as far as the Western Conference Finals last year.

Despite his tremendous consistency, though, Randolph will likely miss out on the Hall of Fame due to a lack of individual awards.

12. Shawn Marion

Years in NBA: 15
NBA stats: 1094 G, 15.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG
College stats: 29 G, 18.7 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.2 APG
NBA accolades: 1x NBA Champion, 4x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Third Team, 2000 NBA All-Rookie Second Team
College accolades: None
International accolades: 1x Olympic Bronze Medal, 2001 Goodwill Games Gold Medal

Just because he has the world's ugliest shot doesn't mean that Shawn Marion can't still be considered one of the best players of his generation. The versatile forward out of UNLV has been a great shooter throughout his NBA career, with a career average of .485 from the field and never dipping below .440 for a season. He also has been excellent at defending pretty much every position on the floor, highlighted perhaps by his masterful job on LeBron James during the 2011 NBA Finals. He also is one of just five players in league history to log 1,500 steals and 1,000 blocks for his career, joining the Hall of Fame quartet of Hakeem Olajuwon, Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett, and Julius Erving. Will Marion be taking his place alongside his defensive brethren in Springfield?

Given his relatively pedestrian offensive numbers after 2008, he'll need at least one more ring to make his case.

11. Antawn Jamison

Years in NBA: 16
NBA stats: 1083 G, 18.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
College stats: 104 G, 19.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 0.9 APG
NBA accolades: 2x NBA All-Star, 2004 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, 1999 NBA All-Rookie Second Team
College accolades: 1998 Naismith College Player of the Year, 1998 AP National Player of the Year, 1998 Wooden Award, 1998 Oscar Robertson Trophy, 1998 Adolph Rupp Trophy, 1998 ACC Player of the Year, 1998 ACC Tournament MVP, 1x First Team All-America, 1x Second Team All-America
International accolades: 2006 World Championships Bronze Medal

Antawn Jamison has to get credit for his longevity, as he stuck around the league long past his seeming expiration date. He helped get some strong Wizards teams into the playoffs, teaming with Gilbert Arenas to give Washington two 20-plus point scorers and using his 6'8" frame to create matchup problems for opposing swingmen. Playing a part-time role for the Clippers this season, he managed to hit the prestigious 20,000 career point mark before being traded and waived at the deadline.

Of the 39 guys who have over 20,000 points, all eligible players but two (Tom Chambers and Mitch Richmond) are in the Hall of Fame; unfortunately for Jamison, he will likely be joining that lonely list.

10. Amar'e Stoudemire

Years in NBA: 12
NBA stats: 723 G, 20.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 6x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA First Team, 4x All-NBA Second Team, 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year, 2003 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 1x Olympic Bronze Medal, 1x FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal

If Amar'e Stoudemire had even halfway decent knees, this would not even be a discussion. Few players in the league in recent memory have possessed Stoudemire's offensive game, having the athleticism and strength to finish at the rim against the NBA's strongest bigs while also having the range to hit jumpers from 15-plus feet. The Nash-Amar'e pick-and-roll combo in Phoenix was absolutely incredible to watch, a duo reminiscent of Stockton-Malone and if not for some bad breaks should've gone to at least one NBA Finals.

Unfortunately, at age 31 he looks pretty much done as an effective player, and that probably won't be enough to get him to Springfield.

9. Manu Ginobili

Years in NBA: 12
NBA stats: 784 G, 14.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 3x NBA Champion, 2x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Third Team, 1x NBA Sixth Man of the Year, 2003 NBA All-Rookie Second Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 1x Euroleague Champion, 1x Euroleague Finals MVP, 1x All-Euroleague First Team, 1x Italian Cup MVP, 1x FIBA Americas Championship MVP, 2x Italian League MVP, 2x FIBA World Championship All-Tournament Team, 2x Olimpia de Oro, 1x Olympic Gold Medal, 1x Olympic Bronze Medal, 1x FIBA World Cup Silver Medal, 2x FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal, 1x FIBA Americas Championship Silver Medal, 1x South American Championship Silver Medal

Manu Ginobili has played a huge role in the integration of international players into the NBA, paving the way for the dynamic young stars of the Euroleague and beyond to come in and make an immediate impact. After winning consecutive Italian League MVP awards, Ginobili came over to the Spurs and immediately became a key part of their offense, providing a spark off the bench and playing almost 28 minutes per game during the Spurs' 2003 playoff run as a rookie. He's been a key part of their core ever since, and along with Tony Parker and Tim Duncan has formed one of the winningest trios in NBA history in both the regular season and playoffs.

Given his strong international resume (he led Argentina to a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics) and his steady play in America, Manu should one day find himself in Springfield.

8. Pau Gasol

Years in NBA: 12
NBA stats: 903 G, 18.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 4x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Second Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team, 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year, 2002 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 2006 FIBA World Cup MVP, 2009 FIBA EuroBasket MVP, 1x Spanish League Champion, 1x Spanish King's Cup MVP, 1x Spanish League Finals MVP, 1x All-Euroleague Second Team, 2x FIBA Europe Player of the Year, 2x Mister Europa Player of the Year, 3x Euroscar Player of the Year, 2x All-Europeans Player of the Year, 2x Olympic Silver Medal, 2006 FIBA World Cup Gold Medal, 1x FIBA EuroBasket Bronze Medal, 2x FIBA EuroBasket Silver Medal, 2x FIBA EuroBasket Gold Medal

This Laker has been an unsung hero throughout his NBA career, and while some may resent his whining on the court there's no questioning few big men in league history have shown the incredible agility and skill possessed by Pau Gasol. His mid-range game has been one of the league's best since he arrived here in 2001-02, and for his career he sports a sterling .515 shooting percentage. He's in a very exclusive club of 14 players who averaged at least 18 points, nine rebounds, and three assists per game through the first 13 years of their careers, and among the Hall of Fame-eligible members of that group just two (Chris Webber and Brad Daugherty) have yet to be enshrined.

Factor in Gasol's international success playing for Spain, and he deserves to be in.

7. Chauncey Billups

Years in NBA: 17
NBA stats: 1043 G, 15.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
College stats: 55 G, 18.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.1 APG
NBA accolades: 1x NBA Champion, 1x NBA Finals MVP, 5x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Second Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team, 2x NBA All-Defensive Second Team
College accolades: 1997 Second Team All-America
International accolades: 2007 FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal, 2010 FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

Chauncey Billups has come a long way since being the guy who was traded just 51 games into his rookie season. After a rather underwhelming first four years in the NBA, Billups finally got a chance during year five and began to show what he could do when he stepped into a starting role for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After signing with Detroit that offseason, his career truly began; over a nine-season stretch from 2002-03 through 2010-11, he averaged 17.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, the only guard to put up those numbers while playing at least 70 games per season.

For his efforts he earned five All-Star selections, an NBA Championship ring and an NBA Finals MVP. That run as the league's steadiest point guard may just be enough to get him into the Hall of Fame.

6. Tony Parker

Years in NBA: 12
NBA stats: 930 G, 17.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 3x NBA Champion, 1x NBA Finals MVP, 6x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team, 1x All-NBA Third Team, 2002 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 2013 FIBA Eurobasket MVP, 2013 FIBA Europe Player of the Year, 2x Euroscar Award, 2013 All-Europeans Player of the Year, 2000 FIBA Europe U-18 Championship MVP, 2013 FIBA Eurobasket Gold Medal, 2011 FIBA Eurobasket Silver Medal, 2005 FIBA Eurobasket Bronze Medal, 2000 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Gold Medal

Tony Parker is one of several international players who have already left a huge mark on the NBA. While he's battled injury problems in recent years, Parker has continued to be productive and has indeed seen his role expand as Tim Duncan has begun to age and coach Gregg Popovich has begun to limit his veteran players' minutes. Clearly, the 31-year-old Frenchman is still going strong; he's been an All-Star each of the last three seasons and has continuously shown an ability to elevate his game in the playoffs, exceeding his career regular season averages in points, rebounds, and steals per game. If he keeps it up, he's in.

5. Dwight Howard

Years in NBA: 10
NBA stats: 763 G, 18.3 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.2 BPG
College stats: N/A
NBA accolades: 8x NBA All-Star, 5x All-NBA First Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team, 3x NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 4x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 1x NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2005 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: N/A
International accolades: 1x Olympic Gold Medal, 2006 FIBA World Championships Bronze Medal, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal

Dwight Howard's offseason waffling may have turned us off from liking him as a human being, but there's no denying that statistically he has had one of the best first 10 years of a career a big man has had in the modern era. Just five guys have averaged 18-plus points, 12-plus rebounds, and two-plus blocks per game over their first two seasons in the NBA since blocks began being counted as a stat in 1973-74: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, and Howard.

he first three are in the Hall of Fame, and in a couple years so will Shaq. We think it's safe to assume Howard will be too.

4. Vince Carter

Years in NBA: 15
NBA stats: 1136 G, 20.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
College stats: 103 G, 12.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.9 APG
NBA accolades: 8x NBA All-Star, 1x All-NBA Second Team, 1x All-NBA Third Team, 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year, 1999 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: 1998 Second Team All-American
International accolades: 1x Olympic Gold Medal, 2003 FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal

Ah, Vince Carter. He gave us possibly the greatest highlight in Olympic history, flashing for the world the kind of potential that had people wondering if he was the next Michael Jordan. Unfortunately, though, Carter has never quite lived up to that early promise. Despite being one the NBA's most popular players for many years, he was never quite able to translate that individual success into playoff wins for his teams; some of that likely has to do with his .411 career field goal percentage in the playoffs. What can't be ignored, though, is his outstanding scoring touch in the regular season.

Carter has scored 23,046 points for his career, 27th-best in NBA history. Of the players above him on that list, every single eligible player is in the Hall of Fame, and it's likely Carter will get there too. And he just might be the greatest dunker to ever live.

3. Carmelo Anthony

Years in NBA: 10
NBA stats: 779 G, 25.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG
College stats: 35 G, 22.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.2 APG
NBA accolades: 7x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team, 4x All-NBA Third Team, 2004 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: 2003 NCAA Champion, 2003 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, 2003 Second Team All-American, 2003 USBWA National Freshman of the Year, 2003 Big East Rookie of the Year
International accolades: 2x Olympic Gold Medal, 1x Olympic Bronze Medal, 2006 FIBA World Championship Bronze Medal, 2007 FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal, 2002 FIBA Americas U18 Championship Bronze Medal

There's no doubt that Carmelo Anthony is a Hall of Fame scorer. Despite being just 29-years-old he has nearly eclipsed the 20,000-point plateau; he currently is 306 points short, meaning he must average 23.6 points per game the rest of the season to get there this year. And for those who criticize Melo for his lack of playoff success, let's not forget that as a college freshman he won a national title while starring at Syracuse. The last step for Anthony in cementing his Hall of Fame legacy is to capture that elusive ring, be that in New York under the watch of Phil Jackson or elsewhere should he decide to leave this summer.

2. Chris Paul

Years in NBA: 9
NBA stats: 606 G, 18.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 9.9 APG, 2.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
College stats: 63 G, 15.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.3 APG
NBA accolades: 7x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA First Team, 1x All-NBA Second Team, 1x All-NBA Third Team, 3x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 2x NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year, 2006 NBA All-Rookie First Team
College accolades: 2005 First Team All-American
International accolades: 2x Olympic Gold Medal, 2006 FIBA World Championship Bronze Medal, 2004 FIBA Americas U20 Championship Gold Medal

In the history of the NBA, only three players have averaged more assists per game over the first nine years of their career than Chris Paul. Those three are some guys you might recognize: John Stockton, Magic Johnson, and Oscar Robertson. Of that group, CP3 is the most accomplished on the defensive end of the floor, often being pressed into duty against the other team's most talented guard. As a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate, the only thing that has prevented Paul from winning even more awards has been his health; to date, he's reached 70 games played in just over half of his NBA seasons.

1. Steve Nash

Years in NBA: 18
NBA stats: 1213 G, 14.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 8.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
College stats: 113 G, 14.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.5 APG
NBA accolades: 2x NBA MVP, 8x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA First Team, 2x All-NBA Second Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team
College accolades: 2x WCC Player of the Year
International accolades: 2004 FIBA Americas Championship MVP

The case for Steve Nash's Hall of Fame candidacy is a pretty simple one: no player who has ever won the NBA MVP award has failed to make it to Springfield. As if the argument needed any further proof, Nash is currently fourth all-time in total assists, trailing only John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Mark Jackson (as of March 23 he trailed Jackson for third place by just 27 total dimes). While it certainly would have been nice if Nash could have gotten a ring as well, his Phoenix teams had the misfortune of running into the Duncan-led Spurs and Dirk-led Mavericks at the height of their powers; it didn't help that their defense was non-existent, either.