Will These 10 Active NBA Players Make the HOF?

A lot of current NBA players have had great careers, but are not guaranteed Hall of Famers. None of these guys will be first ballot, but here are 10 active players whose hall of fame case can be argued, but have earned consideration.

Derrick Rose, PG, Career Accolades: 2011 MVP, 3 time All-Star, 2 time First team All-NBA, best season stats: 25 ppg, 7.7 apg, 4 rpg.

At 22 years old, Derrick Rose surpassed Wes Unseld as the youngest player ever to win the NBA MVP award last year. — Ezra Shaw – Getty Images

Rose in his best years on the Bulls was unstoppable, one of the league’s premier guards and scorers. Still, the league’s youngest ever MVP, Rose’s career was decimated by injuries. However, in recent years, he has comeback and shown flashes of his former self in New York, Detroit and Minnesota. In his prime, Rose seemed on pace for an incredible career, multiple rings, and first ballot hall of fame.

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Marc Gasol, C, Career Accolades: 2019 NBA Champion, 2012-13 Defensive Player of the Year, 3 time All-Star, 1 First team All-NBA, 1 Second team All-NBA, best season stats: 17.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg.

Marc Gasol with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. — Ezra Shaw – Getty Images

One of the most underrated players of the past decade, Gasol was consistently one of the best big men in the NBA while with the Grizzlies. He took them to the playoffs almost every year and was part of many playoff upsets during the Grit and Grind era. Most recently, he helped the Toronto Raptors win their first NBA championship, showing his value as a stretch big and a phenomenal defender.

Pau Gasol, PF/C, Career Accolades: 2009, 2010 NBA Champion, 2001-02 Rookie of the Year, 6 time All-Star, 2 time Second team All-NBA, 2 time Third team All-NBA, best season stats: 18.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 4.1 apg.

Pau Gasol - NBA Finals Game 1: Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers — Ronald Martinez – Getty Images

Pau’s career was incredibly consistent, dominating for the Grizzlies, Lakers and Bulls. Kobe’s sidekick for two championships, Gasol proved his value in the playoffs numerous times. His career is extremely underrated, with his two rings, and 4 All-NBA selections sticking out. He was also able to produce for a very long time, with his most impressive statistical season coming in his 14th in the league.

Dwight Howard, C, Career Accolades: 1 Finals appearance, 3 time Defensive Player of the Year, 8 time All-Star, 5 time First team All-NBA, 4 time First team All-Defensive, best season stats: 22,9 ppg, 14.1 rpg, 2.4 bpg

Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard - NBA Finals Game 4: Los Angeles Lakers v Orlando Magic — Ronald Martinez – Getty Images

Dwight’s prime with the Magic was so dominant, that the All-NBA center spot was essentially reserved for him. He was the NBA’s premier shot blocker for a long time and was an automatic 20 and at least 12 players for his entire career there. It is easy to forget due to his recent years, but he was still averaging a double-double until last season. His best career accomplishment has to be taking the Orlando Magic to the finals in 2009.

Tyson Chandler, C, Career Accolades: 2011 NBA Champion, 2011-12 Defensive Player of the Year, 1 time All-Star, 1 time Third team All-NBA, 1 time First Team All-Defensive, best seasons stats: 10.4 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg.

Tyson Chandler, Chris Bosh - Miami Heat v Dallas Mavericks - NBA Finals Game Five — Tom Pennington – Getty Images

Tyson Chandler’s career does not seem to compare to the others at first glance, but he may have a better hall of fame case than it seems. He was always a premier defender and was able to average close to a double-double for most of his career. Always a gifted shot blocker, every team Chandler was on was elite defensively. He was also a huge part of the Mavericks championship team in 2011.

Rajon Rondo, PG, Career Accolades: 2008 NBA Champion, 4 time All-Star, 1 time Third team All-NBA, 2 time First team All-Defensive, 2 time Second team All-Defensive, best season stats: 13.7 ppg, 11.1 apg, 1.8 spg

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 14: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics throws the in bound pass against the Charlotte Bobcats during the game on January 14, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) — Jarred Wickerham – Getty Images

Rondo was always a crafty point guard and a huge part of the Celtics 2008 NBA Championship. He is one of the premier defenders at the position in the last decade and was always among the league leaders in both steals and assists. Rondo has had a few bad stops along the way later in his career but did show his immense value in flashes with the Kings, Bulls, and Pelicans. His Celtics career however, can not be disregarded, as Rondo was one of the best pure point guards in the league.

Kevin Love, PF, Career Accolades: 2016 NBA Champion, 2010-11 Most Improved Player, 5 time All-Star, 2 time Second team All-NBA. best season stats: 26.1 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 4.4 apg

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 19: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait after winning the NBA Championship against the Golden State Warriors during the 2016 NBA Finals Game Seven on June 19, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) — Jesse D. Garrabrant – Getty Images

Love’s career is quite interesting, as he was a dominant force with Minnesota, and then a third star in Cleveland where he conflicted fan opinion. However, while with the Timberwolves, Love was remarkable, a 20 and 10 machine who averaged as many as 26 ppg and 15 rpg in separate seasons during his tenure. When he was traded, he went from an inside force to a spot-up shooter. His career did dip at that point, but he was still very productive in helping Cleveland to that elusive ring in 2016.

Kyle Lowry, PG, Career Accolades: 2019 NBA Champion, 6 time All-Star, 1 Third team All-NBA, best season stats: 22.4 ppg, 7 apg, 4.8 rpg

Eastern Conference Finals – Milwaukee Bucks v Toronto Raptors – Game Six — Ron Turenne – Getty Images

Lowry was always a player who was criticized for playoff performance until the Raptors captured their first NBA title in 2019. Despite these criticisms, Lowry has still been mainly responsible for the best stretch of Raptors basketball, making the playoffs the past 6 seasons. Lowry is not flashy but has always been a solid shooter and facilitator for the Raptors. He is a very underrated defender, with an incredible knack for taking charges. Lowry will always have critics and doubters, but will always be a fan favorite in Toronto, as potentially their greatest ever player, all things considered.

Lamarcus Aldridge, PF/C, Career Accolades: 7 time All-Star, 2 time Second team All-NBA, 3 time Thirds team All-NBA, best season stats: 23.2 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.0 bpg

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 17: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the preseason game against the Houston Rockets on October 13, 2017 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) — Jesse D. Garrabrant – Getty Images

Aldridge has been a consistent stud for both the Trail Blazers and Spurs throughout his career. He does not have the team success, only making the conference finals once, with San Antonio. However, he was the franchise cornerstone for Portland for years, and has still contributed into his 30s. Lamarcus was a killer in the low post, one of the best rebounders in the league, and tremendously improved his shooting later in his career.

Lou Williams, PG/SG, Career Accolades: 3 time Sixth Man of the Year, best season stats: 22.6 ppg, 5.3 apg, 1.1 spg

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers reacts to a Clipper foul in the first half against the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. — Harry How – Getty Images

It seems unlikely from this resume that Lou Williams has as good a chance as any other players mentioned. However, he deserves the recognition and consideration. Lou is arguably, along with Manu Ginobili, the best 6th man of all time. He has only started 30+ games twice in his career. However, in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, and Los Angeles, Williams has proved himself as one of the elite bucket getters of the bench. Still producing at a high level at the age of 33, Lou has a better chance of making the hall than most people think.