The NBA is widely regarded as the premier basketball league worldwide, making it the ultimate objective for many basketball players. Some players work hard to realize their NBA dreams, while others are actively sought after by NBA teams.

However, only a select few possess the exceptional abilities required to compete in the NBA. Unfortunately, some of these talented individuals have made choices that have resulted in their inability to play in the league.

Numerous factors contributed to their decision not to join the Association, such as drug-related concerns, tragic deaths, monetary limitations, flawed evaluations by NBA talent scouts, and additional influences.

Our discussion will focus on the seven most prominent basketball players who never competed in the NBA.

Good Basketball Players Who Never Made It to the NBA

1.Dejan “White Magic” Bodiroga

While Dejan Bodiroga may not be a household name in America, he is a widely recognized figure in the basketball world. Standing at an impressive 6’9″, he exhibited his talents in several countries, including Yugoslavia, Italy, Spain, and Greece, consistently outperforming his opponents. Bodiroga earned numerous MVP awards, including two EuroLeague MVPs and a FIBA World Cup MVP in 2002.

Bodiroga was a consistent scorer, often achieving 20 points and 5 rebounds per game. Despite being selected by Sacramento in the second round of the 1995 draft, he declined to play in the NBA and instead became a dominant force in European basketball.

At the 1996 Olympics, Bodiroga led the Yugoslav national team to a second-place finish, narrowly losing to a star-studded U.S. team featuring Reggie Miller and David Robinson. Bodiroga retired from basketball in 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players

2. Sergio Llull

Although the NBA has expressed interest in Sergio Llull, he has opted to remain satisfied with his accomplishments at Real Madrid. Llull, who excels as a versatile guard, possesses remarkable speed and exceptional long-range shooting abilities. 

During the 2016-17 season, Llull was honored with the EuroLeague MVP award and has since become a prominent member of the Spanish national basketball team, which has also seen the emergence of NBA talents such as Ricky Rubio and Jose Calderon. Llull’s impressive achievements include winning two Olympic medals representing Spain – a silver in 2012 and a bronze in 2016.

Although he was selected as the 34th pick by the Nuggets in the 2009 Draft, the Rockets purchased his draft rights for a significant amount of $2.25 million, which was considered substantial at the time. Nevertheless, Llull has chosen to remain loyal to Real Madrid for the entirety of his career.

3. Skip Wise

Skip Wise was a standout player at a Baltimore high school in the 1970s, leading his team from Dunbar to victory against the dominant DeMatha squad, which included future Basketball Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley. 

Standing at 6’2″, Wise was a robust guard who excelled at Clemson. He made history as the inaugural freshman to earn first-team All-ACC, with an impressive average of 18 PPG. Despite his talent, he left college after only a year to join the American Basketball Association. 

Unfortunately, his career was derailed by drug use, as was the case with several others on this list. He was caught using heroin while playing for the Warriors and was promptly released. Wise later joined the Spurs, but his stint with the team was short-lived as he was released after just two games. He was later incarcerated for drug trafficking. After his career ended, Wise returned to Baltimore and began working at a community center.

4. Dimitris Diamantidis

Dimitris Diamantidis enjoyed a prosperous basketball profession in Europe, but unfortunately, he was not chosen in the 2002 NBA Draft. 

Even though NBA teams tried to recruit him later on, Diamantidis decided to stay in Europe, as confirmed by his former coach Kostas Pilafidis. 

Diamantidis’ unselfish and adaptable playing approach has earned him a multitude of awards in European basketball, such as three Euroleague titles, an MVP recognition, six Best Defender honors, nine Greek League championships, and numerous others.

5. Lenny Cooke

Although LeBron James was considered a rising star after finishing high school, he wasn’t always the top prospect in his class. Surprisingly, Lenny Cooke was ranked higher than both James and Carmelo Anthony.

However, Cooke’s luck took a turn for the worse when he entered the NBA Draft a year earlier than planned. Despite receiving assurances from agents and NBA teams that he would be selected, Cooke was ultimately left undrafted in the 2002 NBA Draft.

Despite his potential, he had to settle for playing in minor basketball leagues. Although the Boston Celtics invited him to play in the NBA Summer League, he never received an NBA contract. As a result, he decided to showcase his skills overseas, playing in China and the Philippines.

6. Earl Manigault

With a remarkable height of 6’1, Earl Manigault exhibited extraordinary athleticism that was unmatched in his time. 

He gained recognition in high school by achieving a New York record of 57 points, which drew the interest of numerous people. 

Even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the top scorer in NBA history, admitted that Manigault was his toughest adversary.

7. Ramunas Siskauskas

Ramunas Siskauskas could arguably be considered the most exceptional basketball player to never play in the NBA. DraftExpress deemed him the most versatile player outside of the NBA.

Although he didn’t showcase his versatility in the NBA, Siskauskas dominated in Europe, securing two Euroleague championships, five Russian League titles, and the Euroleague MVP award.

During the 2010 Preseason Games, Siskauskas came closest to playing in the NBA, leading CSKA Moscow to a 90-87 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 22-point performance.

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The fast-paced game of basketball requires players to exert themselves both on offense and defense, despite the smaller court size when compared to baseball and football fields. LaMelo Ball has been noted by NBA’s Advanced Stats as covering the most distance among all players, averaging 2.77 miles per game, with Fred VanVleet coming in a close second at 2.76 miles.

To play substantial minutes in basketball, players must uphold their physical fitness. However, the extended regular season often leads to injuries. If a player fails to stay in good shape, they may face decreased playing time or an abrupt end to their career. Although players may wish to postpone the inevitable, ultimately, Father Time triumphs.

Despite their lengthy NBA careers, these players are no longer performing at their peak level and are expected to retire after the 2022-23 season due to their limited court time and decreased contributions. However, their younger teammates can benefit from their extensive experience and knowledge.

NBA Players Who May Be Retiring After the 2023 Season

1) JaVale McGee

In the 2019-20 season, the center from the University of Nevada had an average of 12 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, three years later, he is now playing for the Dallas Mavericks and only gets limited playing time, averaging 4.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. The Mavericks already have Christian Wood and Dwight Powell in the position, making them well-equipped

If JaVale McGee decides to retire from the NBA, it would be a noteworthy conclusion to the career of one of the league’s most renowned players in a supporting role. It’s easy to forget that he has contributed to three NBA championship victories by executing his duties on those teams.

2) Thaddeus Young

In the 2020-21 season, Thaddeus Young received the NBA Hustle Award for his remarkable hustle statistics, including his proficiency in setting screens and diving for loose balls. While this recognition is commendable, it is noteworthy that Young nearly accomplished a double-double (15.1 points, nine rebounds) during the 2015-16 season with the Brooklyn Nets.

Although initially recognized as a skilled player on both offense and defense, the seasoned athlete’s abilities have significantly deteriorated during his sophomore year with the Toronto Raptors. As of March 11, his average performance has dwindled to only 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Despite being officially included in the team’s roster, he has yet to participate in any games due to the exceptional performances of Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl, Chris Boucher, and Precious Achiuwa.

3) George Hill

One NBA player who may want to think about retiring is George Hill. The 36-year-old point guard has had a long career, playing for eight different teams, including two separate stints with the Pacers. He was with the franchise from 2011 to 2016 and played in 55 playoff games during that time. Although Hill hasn’t been a significant contributor in recent years, his veteran leadership is still valuable to a young Pacers team. His experience could help guide the team’s up-and-coming players. If Hill chooses to retire, he will do so in his hometown of Indianapolis.

As per recent reports, Hill has conveyed his wish to keep playing basketball and has no intentions of retiring anytime soon. Nevertheless, in the event of his deciding to call it quits, he has explicitly stated his desire to conclude his career as a Pacers player. Hill has been an outstanding basketball ambassador in Indianapolis for more than a decade and has become a revered personality in the city. His contributions to the sport and the community will be etched in memory forever.

4) LeBron James

LeBron James, a 38-year-old basketball player with 20 seasons of experience under his belt and currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, should contemplate retirement, in my opinion. While I understand that this viewpoint may not be well-received by his ardent supporters, I believe the King must step down soon.

Do not misunderstand me, I have great admiration for LeBron James and regard him as one of the NBA’s finest players of all time. Nonetheless, I think that retiring in 2023 is the best decision for him. His legacy is already established, and he has accomplished unparalleled success in his career, including becoming the all-time leading scorer. He has nothing left to demonstrate on the court, and it is time for him to concentrate on his personal life and other pursuits.

His impressive durability can be attributed to his meticulous self-care and strict fitness regimen, enabling him to remain a valuable player despite minor injuries. However, there are signs of his decline, and it’s unlikely that the Lakers will be contenders for a championship. If he were to retire now, he could avoid the unfortunate fate of being overshadowed by younger players and relegated to a role player.

Despite this, his competitive drive and desire to play alongside his eldest son, who will be eligible for the NBA in 2024, may motivate him to continue playing until then. He is currently under contract with the Lakers until that year and is one of the highest-paid players in the league. Nevertheless, retiring would be a wiser decision for his legacy.

5) Goran Dragic

Since joining the league in 2008, Goran Dragic has been in pursuit of an NBA championship. His quest may finally be fulfilled in 2023 if he signs with the Milwaukee Bucks following his release from the Chicago Bulls. Nonetheless, he may encounter difficulty in earning playing time as a point guard due to the presence of Jrue Holiday and Jevon Carter.

Considering that Dragic’s basketball prime is now in the past, it may be time for him to contemplate retirement. During the 2022-23 season, his performance was underwhelming, with just 6.2 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, which falls short of his career highs. Despite not securing a championship, he has had a successful career, including winning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2014, being selected for the All-NBA Third Team, and being named the Most Valuable Player in the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket. He was also a one-time NBA All-Star.

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Expressing his desire for another opportunity to compete against Djokovic, Alcaraz stated that it would add more significance to winning a Wimbledon Championship. As fate would have it, Alcaraz got his wish and faced Djokovic, ultimately defeating him.

Despite a weak start, Alcaraz rallied in the final stretch and defeated Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in a thrilling and competitive match on Sunday, ending Djokovic’s 34-match winning streak at the All England Club. This victory earned Alcaraz his first Wimbledon Championship and second Grand Slam trophy. 

Alcaraz Beats Djokovic in Five Sets

Alcaraz, who was ranked No. 1, stopped Djokovic from achieving his eighth title, which would have equaled a record, and his fifth consecutive win at the grass-court competition. Additionally, Djokovic was unable to secure his 24th career major. The 20-year-old from Spain made history at Wimbledon in the Open era by becoming the third-youngest male champion, while Djokovic, a 36-year-old from Serbia, missed out on the opportunity to become the oldest. The age difference between the two players was the largest in any men’s Slam final since 1974.

Alcaraz had the advantage of youth on his side during their previous encounter at the French Open last month, which turned out to be an exceptional match for the first two sets before Alcaraz experienced cramping and lost his momentum. However, this time around, Alcaraz possessed both the endurance and the skills necessary to defeat Djokovic. Although Alcaraz is faster and capable of generating more power, including serves exceeding 130 mph and forehands surpassing 100 mph, Djokovic’s extensive range of abilities and muscle memory give him an edge. Djokovic has already accomplished feats that Alcaraz can only aspire to at this time.

If Alcaraz’s triumph on a blustery and overcast day at Centre Court, where Djokovic’s last defeat occurred in the 2013 finals, is any indication, he is well on his way to accomplishing significant feats.

Despite Djokovic’s record 35th Grand Slam final, this experience is still relatively new to him, as Alcaraz had only reached his second. However, it was Alcaraz who emerged victorious in a 32-point match, and he expressed his desire for another opportunity to face Djokovic, believing it would make a Wimbledon championship win even more special. Alcaraz’s wish came true as he faced Djokovic and ultimately defeated him. Also Despite a slow start, Alcaraz rallied and ended Djokovic’s 34-match winning streak at the All England Club, winning the final 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in a thrilling back-and-forth match. This victory marked Alcaraz’s first Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam win overall.

Alcaraz expressed his excitement about playing against a tennis legend and congratulated him, saying, “It’s incredible to play a final against a legend of our sport.” Alcaraz further added that Djokovic inspired him a lot, and he started playing tennis by watching him. Alcaraz also joked that Djokovic was already winning tournaments when he was born. The statement is somewhat inaccurate. In contrast to Djokovic, a 36-year-old Serbian, who could have become the oldest male champion at Wimbledon in the Open era, Alcaraz, a 20-year-old Spaniard, became the third-youngest instead. The age difference between the two was the most significant in any men’s Slam final since 1974.

Alcaraz had youth on his side, which was also the case when they faced off at the French Open last month. The previous match was remarkable for two sets before Alcaraz suffered from cramps and lost momentum. This time, he had both the endurance and the skills to defeat Djokovic. Novak expressed his disappointment at losing the match but acknowledged his past successes at Wimbledon. “Although it’s tough to accept a defeat like this, I still feel grateful for the many close matches I’ve won here before,” he said. 

His opponent, Alcaraz, was impressed with his speed and power. However, Djokovic’s experience and natural abilities allowed him to compete at a higher level than Alcaraz, who still has much to learn. Despite his emotions, Djokovic graciously congratulated Alcaraz on his victory. Despite this, Alcaraz is relatively inexperienced, with Djokovic’s record-breaking 35th Grand Slam final being only his second. Nevertheless, it was Alcaraz who triumphed in a 32-point, 25-minute mini-masterpiece of a game, leading him to win the third set. Even when Djokovic pushed for a fifth set, Alcaraz remained unfazed.

Alcaraz took the lead for good in the fifth set by breaking Djokovic with a backhand passing winner to go up 2-1. During the point, Djokovic fell but quickly got back up and responded by slamming his racket into the net post, resulting in a code violation from the chair umpire.  Despite playing for another 24 minutes, Alcaraz never gave up and ultimately won the match, covering his face and rolling in the grass after the final point. Djokovic praised Alcaraz’s quality of play during the post-match ceremony, acknowledging his opponent’s well-deserved victory. 

Alcaraz’s forehand is a powerful weapon that he uses with all his might, evident in the loud smack of his racket and his exhale of exertion that echoed throughout the arena on Sunday. His impressive all-court game extends beyond his powerful forehand, showcasing his versatility and potential for stardom. He executed well-disguised drop shots that proved effective in the second and third sets. 

Meanwhile, Djokovic has already achieved greatness with his record-breaking accomplishments in the tennis world, including his 23 Grand Slam titles and extensive time spent as world No. 1. However, during the Wimbledon final, Djokovic’s physical condition began to falter after slipping on a worn patch on the court. Despite his dominance in tiebreakers leading up to the final, Djokovic lost the second set tiebreaker to Alcaraz, who earned a set point and ultimately won the set with a backhand passing winner. The crowd erupted in cheers for the young Spaniard, who basked in the moment of his triumph.

After two hours, both players had won a set each and the match was officially underway. The fifth game of the third set was particularly noteworthy, with neither player willing to give an inch. Despite being only one game, it felt like a pivotal moment in the match.  Djokovic’s mistake in hitting a forehand into the net gave Alcaraz a break, putting him ahead 4-1 in the set, causing the Spaniard to let out a triumphant scream of “Vamos!” Djokovic took a break to regroup, as he often does, before pushing the match to a fifth set. His impressive record in five-set matches at Wimbledon and other major tournaments gave him a clear advantage. However, those matches are now in the past. Alcaraz represents the future.

Alcaraz expressed his pride, stating, “I’ve learned really, really fast,” and received a congratulatory hug from Spain’s King Felipe VI. Despite playing for another 24 minutes, the match lasted over 4 1/2 hours, but Alcaraz refused to give up. In the end, it was him who won the trophy, not Djokovic.

Main Image: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

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Julius Peppers and Muhsin Muhammad’s Induction Into The Team’s Hall of Honor

Despite their physical absence, Julius Peppers and Muhsin Muhammad remain deeply ingrained in the hearts of Panthers fans in Charlotte.

Returning to where they began, they completed their remarkable careers with fitting conclusions. And now, they have come back home to stay forever.

There was a lot of conjecture when the Carolina Panthers announced that they would be adding two more names to their Hall of Honor. Some believed that Luke Kuechly would finally receive the honor, while others speculated that it could go to Thomas Davis Sr. Additionally, many people strongly associated former tight end Greg Olsen with this prestigious recognition.

Although none of the previously mentioned names were picked, the two chosen individuals are truly deserving. Both hold a significant position in Panthers’ history and are still adored by the fan base, even years after retiring.

Julius Peppers and Muhsin Muhammad Are About To Be Immortalized By The Carolina Panthers.

On October 29, at Bank of America Stadium, the team declared that Julius Peppers and Muhsin Muhammad would be inducted into the Hall of Honor. Coincidentally, this day also marks Carolina’s home game against the Houston Texans, featuring an exciting showdown between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud – the two leading quarterbacks from the 2023 NFL Draft.

It would be an understatement to state that the news about Peppers and Muhammad was received well. These two players are integral to the Carolina football team, having achieved the highest level of success in their respective positions. The defensive end’s impressive statistics make them deserving of a first-ballot entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In regards to the decision, owner David Tepper expressed through the team’s website that it signifies a lasting return for both Peppers and Muhammad. Their names will be immortalized for their exceptional on-field performance and commendable contributions to the community beyond the football field.

The Panthers drafted Muhsin Muhammad and Julius Peppers, who both achieved All-Pro status while playing here. They returned to Carolina to retire, making this a permanent homecoming. In addition to setting high standards on the field, they were both recognized as Panthers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year team winners. After getting to know them, I am confident that they belong to the esteemed group of Panthers in the Hall of Honor. – David Tepper, as stated on Panthers.com.

As mentioned earlier, Peppers could be embarking on a remarkable few months. He has been nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame, and naturally, he will be eligible for a spot in Canton in 2024.

Peppers deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for his impressive career. He dominated the NFL for an extended period, and even at the age of 37 during his last season with the Panthers, he managed to record 11 sacks and intimidate offensive tackles across the league. Peppers was a talented two-sport athlete at North Carolina and retired from football one year later in 2018.

Carolina’s rapid rise after its establishment was significantly aided by Muhammad. His remarkable speed, size, and athleticism were complemented by an unwavering determination to triumph, which endeared him to fans instantly. Over 11 years, he earned two Pro Bowl selections and was honored as an All-Pro at the age of 31 in 2004.

The upcoming induction of Muhammad and his son Muhsin Muhammad III into the list of Panthers’ greats is particularly emotional. Steve Smith Sr. attributes much of his early development to Muhammad, making this honor even more meaningful. Assuming Muhsin Muhammad III continues to excel at Texas A&M next season, he is expected to be a top draft pick in 2024. The father-son duo joining the ranks of Panthers legends past and future is sure to bring tears to many eyes.

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Three Thoughts On Wembanyama’s NBA Opener.

On Saturday, the era of Victor Wembanyama commenced as the highly anticipated prospect, who has been compared to LeBron James, made his debut in the summer league. The game was played in front of a packed audience at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

These are three observations regarding Wembanyama’s debut in the NBA.

There was plenty of good

Although Wembanyama struggled with his shooting, scoring only nine points on 2-of-13 attempts, with just one successful three-pointer out of six, there were several instances where he missed opportunities. He failed to make a layup on his first try and missed a mid-range jumper on the next possession. Additionally, he missed a dunk attempt while under pressure. It appeared that Wembanyama was not entirely comfortable with the physicality of the game at times.

Despite the challenges he faced, his talent shone through. He effortlessly made a turnaround shot while being fouled, converting a three-pointer into a four-point play. He displayed his skill with a clever shovel pass to Dominick Barlow and found Charles Bediako with a dribble drive. He was credited with three assists but could have easily had more. He also blocked five shots and used his impressive eight-foot wingspan to alter just as many.

According to Spurs summer league coach Matt Nielsen, “I think he’s truly amazing. Despite facing various obstacles and distractions, he remained focused on playing basketball, which was truly exciting to witness.”

Wembanyama has had a hectic few weeks, traveling from France to New York, then to San Antonio and Las Vegas. Despite playing in the French League Finals in mid-June and getting caught up in an unintentional altercation with Britney Spears, which made headlines on TMZ in early July, the 19-year-old’s remarkable size, skill, and basketball IQ have generated a lot of hype. Although Wembanyama acknowledged that his conditioning was a concern after the game, it’s not surprising given his busy schedule.

There is ample work to be done as well.

There is a lot of room for improvement, especially in Wembanyama’s three-point shooting. Despite being featured in highlight reels knocking down threes, he still has a long way to go before becoming a consistent shooter from beyond the arc. Last season with Metropolitans 92, he only made 27.5% of his threes, and in the summer league opener, his footwork appeared sloppy and his shots seemed forced rather than fluid. Although he is comfortable with dribbling and playing in the high post, Wembanyama must put in the effort to make three-point shooting a reliable aspect of his game.

Wembanyama will possess the defensive skills of a player on an All-Defensive team, quickly.

During Friday’s game, Wembanyama was a force on the defensive end, blocking layups and even a three-pointer. He played for 28 minutes and any player in a Charlotte uniform attempting to score had to be aware of his presence. Although Wembanyama may not be the quickest on his feet, he will adapt to the frequent pick-and-roll situations in the NBA. His size, length, athleticism, and instincts give him the potential to be a defensive powerhouse like Rudy Gobert, or even better.

Main Image: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

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