ESPN graphic: "The Could Have Beens"

Yes. Absolutely.

 

Vince Carter

 

Kerry Wood
Mark Prior

 

He's 24th on the NBA all-time scoring list.

 

If Sabonis had been allowed to come to the NBA 10 years earlier, he could've avoided a lot of his injury problems. It boggles the mind that he had 15 years of pro mileage before even suiting up for Portland.

Yao Ming had similar potential before he broke down.

 

Part of the problem is how people define potential. As you suggest, they do it based on physical skills, but factors such as intelligence, confidence and desire are also a part of an athlete's potential.

 

Still don't think that he lived up to his potential. Perhaps it's part that he was unfairly claimed
the next MJ. I would also put Carmelo Anthony in same category.

Another guy who really faded from the scene fast was Ralph Sampson

 

Marinovich.

 

If he was unfairly claimed the next MJ, then that was never his potential.

I don't mind scolding an athlete who throws away whatever potential he MIGHT have had (see Manziel, Johnny). But I won't scold them because "Hey, you're not as good as we said you'd be!"

 

Tony Van Zant, amirite Mizzou fans?

 

Anthony has lived up to his potential as a player. He scores a lot and has done so consistently. He's also consistently proven to be selfish player who can't work well with others. He's in that category with McGrady and Carter. You don't have to win a championship, Malone and Stockton are not in the same category as Anthony, Carter and McGrady, even though their careers are similar in terms of post season success

 

Injuries derailed Hill's career. Not saying he would have been the next Jordan, but he probably would have been in the discussion for the best 50 players of whatever arbitrary era you want to define. Dude was smooth.