NBA Stars Under 40 We Wish Still Played
Last year the NBA lost one of the greatest of all times as Kobe Bryant decided to call it quits. Bryant's achievements include being an eighteen time All Star, a five time league champion, being named to fifteen All NBA teams and twelve All-Defensive teams, one MVP, and two finals MVPs. Clearly Kobe did it all, However, this list consists of those who did not. All of these former players are under 40 and did not accomplish all they potentially could, mostly because of injuries.
Brandon Roy- 32
Roy was drafted in 2006 by the Portland Trail Blazers and immediately became one of the best young players in the NBA. Roy won Rookie of the Year in 2007, getting all but one vote (127 out of 128). Roy’s accomplishments also included being named to the All-Star star game and the All-NBA team three times and the NBA All Rookie Team in 2007. Sadly, a degenerative knee condition quickly sidelined Roy and subsequently ended his career.
2. Yao Ming- 34
The Number 1 pick in 2002 did not disappoint as he made five All NBA teams and eight All Star games. Yao averaged a double-double twice and averaged over 18 points six times. Although In the league for only nine years, missing one year due to the injured foot that ended his career, did not stop Yao from amassing an impressive resume that got him inducted into the Hall of Fame.
3. Tracy McGrady- 37
Drafted out of high school in 1997 by the Toronto Raptors, McGrady did not take off until he was traded to the Orlando Magic. He averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists at 21 years of age. He continued to dominate by averaging over 20 points per game as well as making the All Star game in seven straight seasons. He was also named to seven All-NBA teams and was named the NBA Most Improved Players in 2000-2001. Continuous back injuries cut his career short.
4. Gilbert Arenas- 33
Agent Zero was the hero we never knew we always needed. Arenas was a second round pick and a prolific sharp shooter. He Shot over 33% in eight of his eleven NBA seasons and scored over 18 points a game seven times. He made three All NBA teams, three All Star games and won Most Improved Player in the 2002-2003 season. Agent Zero’s demise was various injuries and having a gun in the Wizards locker room.
5. Mike Bibby- 37
The Cherry Hill, NJ native was the second overall pick in the 1998 draft. Bibby may have been the best three-point shooting point guard during the 2000s. Bibby shot over 36% in 12 of his 14 seasons and averaged over 15 points a game in six seasons.
6. Peja Stojakovic- 39
The Croatian small forward shot over 40% in eight of his thirteen seasons from behind the arc and never shot under 32% in his career. Stojakovic averaged over 16 point per game in eight seasons and over 20 in four seasons. Stojakovic was named to the All NBA team once and was a three time All Star. He also ended his career as a champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2010-2011.
7. Baron Davis- 37
The Beard averaged over 15 points per game in eight seasons and over 20 points per game three times. He also averaged over 7.3 assists per game in nine seasons. The two time All Star made the All NBA team in the 2003-2004 season. Davis tried to make an NBA comeback and played six games with the Delaware 87ers, the 76ers’ D-League team.
8. Michael Redd- 37
Redd was drafted in the 2nd round in the 2000 NBA Draft and scored over 20 points per game in six straight seasons, 2003-2009. Redd only made it to one All Star game and one All NBA team. However, he still scored a ton in a short span, including 57 in a game, which is the Milwaukee Bucks franchise record.
9. Jermaine O’Neal- 38
The 17th overall pick out in 1996 struggled his first four years in Portland but flourished in Indiana. O’Neal went to six straight All Star games, was named to three All NBA teams and won Most Improved Player in 2002. He also averaged a double-double three straight seasons as well as averaging over 19 points per game in six straight seasons. Injuries eventually cut his seasons, minutes, and career short.
10. Carlos Boozer- 35
Boozer was a second round pick and never really got the respect he deserved. He averaged over 15 points per game in ten of his thirteen seasons while averaging a triple-double in five seasons. Boozer perfected the 15 footer but was only elected one All NBA team and two All Star games. His most infamous moment may be when he dyed his bald Head.
Honorable Mention- Richard Hamilton, SHawn Marion, Amar’e Stoudemire, Jason Richardson, Steve Francis, Wally Szczerbiak, Andrew Bynum, Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby