Best NBA Player From Each Team: Forgotten Stars
When we think about the greatest players in NBA history, our minds naturally drift to consensus icons like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Steph Curry. Even when looking at individual franchises, legends like Dirk Nowitzki for the Mavericks or Dwyane Wade for the Heat immediately steal the spotlight. However, professional basketball history is littered with underrated contributors, brilliant peak-year performers, and statistical anomalies whose legacies have faded behind more recent championship runs.
Whether you are a die-hard hoops historian or looking for trivia to stump your friends, uncovering the best NBA player from each team: players you totally forgot about! offers a fascinating look at the players who carried their franchises when no one was watching.
Eastern Conference Forgotten Franchise Greats
The Eastern Conference has housed some of the most historic organizations in the NBA, many of which experienced forgotten eras of dominance or competitive grit powered by under-the-radar stars.
Atlanta Hawks: Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Before Trae Young and Dominique Wilkins commanded the headlines in Atlanta, Shareef Abdur-Rahim was a lone bright spot for the Hawks during the early 2000s. Acquired via trade, Abdur-Rahim quietly put up an incredible 21.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during the 2001-02 season, earning an All-Star nod. Playing on struggling teams meant his stellar offensive repertoire was largely overlooked nationally.
Boston Celtics: Antoine Walker
While Paul Pierce became the undisputed face of the Celtics in the 2000s, it was Antoine Walker who originally energized the TD Garden faithful. With his signature shimmy and penchant for shooting three-pointers ("because there are no fours"), Walker averaged over 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game multiple times in green, earning three All-Star appearances alongside Pierce.
Brooklyn Nets / New Jersey Nets: Kerry Kittles
During the Jason Kidd-led era that took the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, Kerry Kittles was the crucial third wheel. A lethal perimeter shooter and tenacious defender, Kittles averaged double-digits consistently and provided vital floor spacing that allowed Kidd and Kenyon Martin to dominate the paint.
Charlotte Hornets: Jamal Mashburn
Long before LaMelo Ball arrived, Jamal "Monster Mash" Mashburn carried the newly re-established Charlotte Hornets franchise. During the 2002-03 season, Mashburn earned his first and only All-Star selection by averaging an impressive 21.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, proving to be a mismatch nightmare at the forward position.
Chicago Bulls: Ben Gordon
Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose dominate Chicago lore, but Ben Gordon carved out a legendary niche for himself in the mid-2000s. As a rookie, Gordon became the first (and still only) player to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. He later torched the defending champion Boston Celtics in a 2009 playoff series, averaging 24.3 points per game.
Cleveland Mavericks & Cavaliers: Terrell Brandon
Before LeBron James put Cleveland on the global map, point guard Terrell Brandon quietly ran the Cavaliers offense with surgical precision. A two-time All-Star in 1996 and 1997, Brandon was praised by coaches for his high basketball IQ, clutch shooting, and elite defensive instincts at the point guard spot.
Detroit Pistons: Jerry Stackhouse
Before the "Going to Work" Pistons won the 2004 championship with a balanced, defensive-first approach, Jerry Stackhouse was a pure offensive machine in Motown. During the 2000-01 season, Stackhouse put up a staggering 29.8 points per game, one of the highest single-season scoring averages in franchise history.
Indiana Pacers: Jermaine O'Neal
While Reggie Miller is the undisputed king of Indiana basketball, Jermaine O'Neal was a legitimate MVP candidate during the peak of the mid-2000s Pacers. A multi-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, O'Neal averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds for four consecutive seasons, anchoring the franchise before the infamous Malice at the Palace reshaped the roster.
Miami Heat: Rony Seikaly
Long before Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler brought championships to South Beach, center Rony Seikaly was the foundational star of the expansion Miami Heat franchise. Seikaly averaged a double-double for multiple seasons and won the NBA Most Improved Player award in 1990.
Milwaukee Bucks: Terry Cummings
Sandwiched between the eras of Sidney Moncrief and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Terry Cummings was a phenomenal power forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. A back-to-back All-Star in the mid-1980s, Cummings consistently averaged over 20 points and 8 rebounds, leading the Bucks deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs.
New York Knicks: Allan Houston
While Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony get the heavy praise in Manhattan, Allan Houston was the silky-smooth shooting guard who hit some of the biggest shots in Knicks history—including his iconic series-winning floater against the Miami Heat in 1999. Houston was a two-time All-Star and a premier marksman of his era.
Orlando Magic: Nick Anderson
Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway formed a legendary duo in Orlando, but Nick Anderson was the team’s original draft pick and first true star. A versatile guard-forward, Anderson averaged nearly 20 points per game during the Magic's run to the 1995 NBA Finals, though his career unfortunately became unfairly overshadowed by late-game free-throw struggles in Game 1.
Philadelphia 76ers: Doug Collins
Before Allen Iverson captivated the city of Philadelphia, Doug Collins was a four-time All-Star for the 76ers in the late 1970s. A high-flying scorer and elite playmaker, Collins helped guide Philly to the 1977 NBA Finals before injuries tragically derailed his playing career.
Toronto Raptors: Damon Stoudamire
As the very first draft pick in Toronto Raptors franchise history, "Mighty Mouse" Damon Stoudamire immediately set the tone for the expansion team. Winning the 1996 Rookie of the Year award, Stoudamire averaged nearly 19 points and 9 assists per game, electrifying the SkyDome before eventually being traded.
Washington Wizards / Bullets: Rod Strickland
Long before John Wall and Bradley Beal paced the capital franchise, Rod Strickland was one of the craftiest point guards in the league. During the 1997-98 season with Washington, Strickland led the NBA in assists with 10.5 per game while also averaging 17.8 points, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.
Western Conference Forgotten Franchise Greats
The Western Conference has historically boasted fierce competition, meaning numerous incredible individual peaks were quickly buried beneath the sand of time.
Dallas Mavericks: Mark Aguirre
Before Dirk Nowitzki redefined the Lone Star State, Mark Aguirre was an offensive juggernaut for the Dallas Mavericks in the 1980s. A three-time All-Star, Aguirre averaged over 25 points per game in three separate seasons, anchoring some of the most potent offenses in franchise history.
Denver Nuggets: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Known for his lightning-quick release and deadly accuracy from the free-throw line, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (born Chris Jackson) was a dynamic scorer for the Denver Nuggets in the early 1990s. He famously outdueled Michael Jordan with a 32-point performance to snap Chicago's historic win streak in 1994.
Golden State Warriors: Monta Ellis
Before the Splash Brothers brought multiple championships to the Bay Area, shooting guard Monta Ellis was the absolute darling of Oracle Arena. A hyper-athletic scorer who could get to the rim at will, Ellis averaged 25.5 points per game during the 2009-10 season, becoming a fan-favorite before being traded to clear the runway for Steph Curry.
Houston Rockets: Steve Francis
"Stevie Franchise" revitalized the Houston Rockets at the turn of the century with his jaw-dropping athleticism, crossover dribbles, and aggressive drives to the basket. A three-time All-Star and co-Rookie of the Year in 2000, Francis was the definition of high-flying early-2000s NBA basketball.
LA Clippers: Elton Brand
Before Lob City took over Los Angeles, Elton Brand was a dominant force for the historically star-crossed Clippers. During the 2005-06 season, Brand averaged 24.7 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, carrying the franchise to the Western Conference Semifinals and earning an All-NBA Second Team selection.
Los Angeles Lakers: Michael Cooper
With legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal anchoring the purple and gold, defensive ace Michael Cooper often gets lost in the shuffle. However, Cooper was the ultimate role player, winning the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award and serving as the defensive stopper for five championship teams.
Memphis Grizzlies / Vancouver Grizzlies: Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Before relocating to Memphis, the Vancouver Grizzlies struggled immensely to find their footing. However, Shareef Abdur-Rahim served as the primary bright spot during their inaugural years in Canada, averaging over 20 points per night as the face of an expansion franchise.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Sam Cassell
While Kevin Garnett won MVP for Minnesota in 2004, veteran point guard Sam Cassell was the crucial missing piece that pushed the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. His clutch shooting, leadership, and veteran savvy earned him an All-Star nod in his lone full season as the team's floor general.
New Orleans Pelicans / Hornets: David West
While Chris Paul ran the point during the peak of the New Orleans Hornets era, power forward David West was his ultimate running mate. A tough, mid-range maestro, West earned back-to-back All-Star selections in 2008 and 2009, averaging over 20 points per game consistently.
Oklahoma City Thunder / Seattle SuperSonics: Dale Ellis
Long before Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook dominated Oklahoma City, sharpshooter Dale Ellis was setting records in Seattle. During the 1988-89 season, Ellis averaged 27.5 points per game under coach Bernie Bickerstaff, earning an All-NBA nod and establishing himself as one of the premier outside shooters of his generation.
Phoenix Suns: Walter Davis
Before Steve Nash and Charles Barkley defined Phoenix Suns basketball, "Sweet D" Walter Davis was tearing up the desert in the late 1970s and 1980s. A six-time All-Star, Davis won Rookie of the Year in 1978 and remains one of the most efficient and graceful scorers in franchise history.
Portland Trail Blazers: Geoff Petrie
While Damian Lillard and Clyde Drexler are modern icons in Portland, Geoff Petrie was the franchise’s very first superstar. Co-Rookie of the Year in 1971, Petrie was a smooth shooting guard who made back-to-back All-Star appearances before knee injuries cut his career short.
Sacramento Kings: Mitch Richmond
As part of the legendary "Run TMC" trio in Golden State before landing in Sacramento, Mitch Richmond was one of the most lethal shooting guards of the 1990s. Playing for largely uncompetitive Kings teams, "The Rock" quietly averaged over 22 points per game for seven consecutive seasons, earning six All-Star selections.
San Antonio Spurs: Alvin Robertson
When discussing San Antonio Spurs royalty, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Manu Ginóbili take center stage. Yet, Alvin Robertson was a defensive menace in the 1980s who remains one of the few players in NBA history to record a quadruple-double. He also holds the single-season steals per game record (3.67 in 1985-86).
Utah Hawks & Jazz: Mehmet Okur
While John Stockton and Karl Malone cast a massive shadow over the Utah Jazz, stretch-center Mehmet Okur was a vital piece of the team's success in the late 2000s alongside Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. Okur earned an All-Star appearance in 2007, spacing the floor with his three-point shooting long before the modern pace-and-space era took over the league.
Why Forgotten NBA Stars Matter
History is written by the victors, but the rich tapestry of the NBA is built on the backs of hard-working contributors who kept their respective franchises relevant during lean years. From high-scoring guards to defensive anchors, these forgotten players proved that greatness isn't solely defined by championship rings—sometimes, it’s about the unforgettable peaks that keep fans coming back night after night.
