The NBA has evolved into a game of spacing, speed, and versatility—and not every legend from the past would thrive in this modern environment. Some stars who once dominated with post play, iso-heavy sets, or outdated skillsets might find themselves adjusting to a supporting role if they suited up today.
From paint-dwellers to volume shooters, these former greats would be valuable contributors—but probably not franchise guys. Here are 16 former basketball stars who’d be role players in today’s NBA.
16. Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson was a floor general in his day, but he didn’t have the quickness or range you need now. In today’s league, he’d be running second units and setting screens instead of calling his number.
15. Vin Baker
Vin Baker had a smooth touch and size, but his midrange-heavy game would need a major update. He’d likely be a bench big who gives 12 solid minutes and stays out of foul trouble.
14. Kenny Anderson
Quick and flashy, Kenny Anderson was a New York playground legend turned pro. But without a reliable three-ball or elite defense, he’d be coming off the bench today to spark the second unit.
13. Derrick Coleman
Derrick Coleman had all the tools, but rarely put them all together consistently. In today’s league, he’d be a versatile backup four with upside but questions about focus and effort.
12. Tom Chambers
Tom Chambers could jump out of the gym, but his game leaned heavily on athleticism and midrange scoring. Today, he’d be an energy guy off the bench who could throw down a highlight or two.
11. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Abdul-Rauf was ahead of his time as a shooter, but not quite built for the grind of modern defensive schemes. He’d be a dangerous sniper in limited minutes—just not your go-to playmaker.
10. Christian Laettner
Laettner’s college success didn’t fully translate to NBA stardom, and that’d be even tougher today. He’d likely carve out a career as a stretch big off the bench—solid, but not spectacular.
9. Detlef Schrempf
Schrempf could pass, shoot, and rebound, but his lack of speed would catch up to him in today’s pace-and-space game. He’d be a crafty veteran presence off the bench, not the focal point.
8. Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell was clutch and crafty, but a bit undersized for today’s switching defenses. He’d be a valuable backup point guard who could close out games on occasion, but not your top option.
7. Glenn Robinson
Big Dog could score with ease, but his game lacked the playmaking and defensive edge needed now. He’d still get buckets, just more in a sixth man role than as a featured star.
6. Kiki Vandeweghe
Vandeweghe was a smooth scorer but didn’t offer much else on the floor. In today’s NBA, he’d be a specialist who comes in to get hot—not someone you build around.
5. Larry Johnson
Grandmama was a beast early in his career, but his game wasn’t built for long-range bombs or switching on guards. He’d still bring toughness, but likely off the bench in a small-ball role.
4. Steve Francis
Stevie Franchise had bounce for days but never fully adapted to team-first play. He’d be electric in spurts today but would probably need to accept a sixth man gig to really shine.
3. Juwan Howard
Howard was solid and steady, but not explosive or versatile enough for a starting role in today’s league. He’d be a locker room leader who gives you reliable minutes off the bench.
Read more: 15 Former NBA Point Guards Who Could Play in Today’s Game
2. Antoine Walker
Walker never met a shot he didn’t like, but his efficiency and shot selection would drive modern coaches wild. He’d be an unpredictable bench piece—not a trusted starter.
Read more: Ranking the 15 Best Shooters in NBA History (Not Named Steph Curry)
1. Allan Houston
Houston had one of the smoothest jumpers of his era, but his lack of defense and playmaking would hold him back. In today’s NBA, he’d thrive as a spot-up shooter off the bench, not as a max-contract centerpiece.
Read more: 20 NBA Big Men Who Played Like Guards Before It Was Trendy
