Top Ten NBA Players Currently in the League Who Have Never Made The Playoffs
By Ronny Carlton
There are three Sacramento Kings on the list, and two Timberwolves. Not coincidentally, those two teams have the longest active playoff droughts. It’s been eight years since the Timberwolves have made the playoffs and six since the Kings have.
After averaging 20 ppg during his rookie season, Evans’ star has gradually declined. The best record the Kings could muster during his time in Sacramento is a putrid 25-57. Evans is frequently the subject of trade rumors. Hopefully the rumors are true and this talented player is traded to a contender so that his skills can be fully appreciated.
9. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Career: 10.6 ppg 8.2 apg
The 22-year-old took the league by storm last year until he was sidelined with a torn ACL. The future of the franchise looks promising with Rubio and Kevin Love as foundational pieces.
8. David Lee, Golden State Warriors
Career: 14.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg
A 6-year $80 million contract is good work if you can get it. All for a player who’s never played in a playoff game. Lee is a weak number two or a strong three on a playoff-caliber team.
We’re still waiting John Wall to break out and become the NBA’s next great point guard. He plays for a franchise that has made the playoffs 10 times in the last 25 years. Combine that with Wall’s aversion to coaching and it will be a while before we see Mr. Wall in the playoffs.
6. Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets
Career: 17. 4 ppg, 7.5 rpg
There’s hope for the talented Stanford big man. After playing for the horrible New Jersey Nets for years, he’s now a member of the Brooklyn Nets.
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Career: 17.5 ppg, 5.8 apg
Despite playing for the hapless Warriors, Curry has shined. He’s a natural scorer with a shooting touch that rivals his father. Like most on this list, he may need a trade if he ever hopes to see the playoffs.
4. Eric Gordon, New Orleans Hornets
Career: 18.2 ppg, 3.3 apg.
I’m not sure if you’re noticing a trend or not but most of the guys on this list are good-to-great scorers. Very few distribute the ball well (or want to). Gordon is a terrific scorer.
The heir to King James forgotten kingdom is everything we thought John Wall would be.
2. Demarcus Cousins Sacramento Kings
Career 15.9 ppg,9.7 rpg
Cousins is the most talented player on this list, and reminds me of a young Rasheed Wallace. Like Sheed, Cousins is mercurial and misunderstood.
1. Kevin Love Minnesota Timberwolves
Career: 17.3ppg, 12.0 rpg
Had to be this guy. Many questioned if Love’s beneath-the-rim game would translate in the land of the flying giants. Not only has it translated but Love has dominated the boards, becoming one of the league’s best rebounders and most versatile big men.