Every NBA team has that one player who walks into the locker room like they own the joint. They talk like the face of the franchise, act like the future of the league, and expect the red carpet treatment, whether or not they’ve earned it.
But sometimes, that confidence doesn’t exactly match the production on the court. These are the guys who believed they were the guy, only to find out the franchise had other plans—or better options.
20. Monta Ellis
Monta played like a star and talked like a leader, but the Warriors had different ideas. Once Steph Curry arrived, it became pretty clear who the real future was.
19. D’Angelo Russell
He tried to make Brooklyn and later Minnesota his kingdom, but the results never backed up the hype. He’s had flashes, sure, but he’s never been the guy to build around.
18. Michael Beasley
The talent was never the issue—Beasley had all the tools. But his inconsistent play and off-court vibe never screamed “franchise cornerstone.”
17. Dion Waiters
Waiters carried himself like he was one of the league’s top dogs. But he never quite had the game or the discipline to justify that swagger.
16. Jordan Clarkson
Clarkson had moments where he looked ready to take over a team. Then he realized he’s way better as a sixth man than a franchise player.
15. Emmanuel Mudiay
Mudiay came into the league with big expectations and a lead guard mentality. Unfortunately, his play never matched the vision he had for himself.
14. Eric Bledsoe
He once called himself “Mini-LeBron” and seemed convinced he was Phoenix’s savior. Spoiler: he wasn’t.
13. Lance Stephenson
Lance brought the drama, the energy, and the memes. But when it came to being the face of a franchise, he was better as a side character.
12. Jalen Green
He plays with the confidence of a seasoned All-Star, but the Rockets still look like they’re searching for their true leader. He’s got time—but so far, he’s not the guy.
11. Brandon Jennings
Remember when Jennings dropped 55 as a rookie and declared himself a star? The league figured him out pretty quickly after that.
10. Nick Young
Swaggy P absolutely believed the spotlight belonged to him. Unfortunately, his game never lived up to the celebrity persona.
9. Kevin Porter Jr.
There were stretches when he looked like a breakout star, and he definitely acted like the centerpiece. But off-court issues and inconsistency derailed the idea of him leading any franchise.
8. Josh Smith
Smith had All-Star talent and wanted All-Star respect. But between shot selection and team impact, he never quite earned franchise player status.
7. Dennis Schröder
He saw himself as a franchise-caliber point guard. Most teams saw him as a solid backup or temporary starter.
6. Rudy Gay
For years, Rudy Gay played like he was supposed to be the number one option. He was good, just not good enough to build around.
5. Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins came in with No. 1 pick expectations and a calm confidence. He eventually found his role—but not as the guy Minnesota once believed in.
4. Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside put up big stats and talked like a centerpiece. But his defense-first skill set and low basketball IQ made him expendable.
3. JaVale McGee
McGee had moments of brilliance and buckets of confidence. Still, every team saw him as a role player, not a pillar of the franchise.
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2. Isaiah Thomas
IT believed he was Boston’s future after his electric run. But injuries and the cold business of basketball had other plans.
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1. DeMarcus Cousins
Boogie played like a franchise player and definitely acted like one. But the Kings never truly built around him, and eventually, neither did anyone else.
