Many basketball fans know names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. But there are players who were super good, sometimes as good as those stars, who don’t get talked about as often.
This article shines a light on a few of those legends. They worked hard, made big plays, and changed the game, but history underplays them.
The Case for Alex English
Alex English was a forward who played mostly for the Denver Nuggets in the 1980s. He was quiet in personality, but very loud in performance.
- He scored more than 25,000 points in his career (25,613).
- He was the NBA’s leading scorer during the 1980s.
- He was an 8-time All-Star and made the All-NBA Second Team three times.
- One amazing streak: he was the first NBA player ever to score 2,000+ points in eight straight seasons.
Why Doesn’t He Get More Credit?
- Playing in Denver, which was (and sometimes is) not one of the biggest media markets.
- His style: smooth scorer, not flashy dunks or massive highlight reels.
- He didn’t win an NBA Finals or MVP award. Those awards often shape how people remember players.
Even without those titles, his consistency and scoring ability make him one of the most underrated legends.
Bob Dandridge: Clutch Forward Who Delivered
Bob (“Bobby”) Dandridge was one of the best small forwards in the 1970s. He played big roles on championship teams, made huge shots, and often showed up when it mattered.
Important facts:
- He won two NBA championships: with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971 and the Washington Bullets in 1978.
- He was a 4-time NBA All-Star.
- He averaged 18.5 points per game over his regular-season career.
- In Finals during the 1970s, he scored more total points than any other player in that decade (450 in 23 Finals games).
Why Forgotten?
- He played in an era with a lot of big names (e.g., Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Elvin Hayes). Those names grabbed media attention.
- He didn’t put up insane scoring averages like some stars, but he was consistent and clutch.
- His prime doesn’t always show up in highlight reels or discussions, especially today.
Still, anyone who scores more than everyone else in Finals over an entire decade deserves respect.
Adrian Dantley: Scoring Machine with Quiet Legacy
Adrian Dantley is another player who many basketball fans don’t talk about enough. But his stats and achievements are super strong.
Key Highlights:
- He averaged 24.3 points per game career-wise.
- He won two scoring titles (he was the best scorer in the league for two seasons).
- He was known especially for drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line — a lot of his points came from free throws.
- He played for several teams, including the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and others.
Why Did People Forget Him?
- He didn’t win many championships. Voters and fans often remember winners more.
- He had a style that was efficient but not always flashy.
- He moved teams several times, so he never had one “defining” team that people always associate with him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes someone “forgotten” or “underrated” in NBA history?
A: There are several factors. Some players don’t get big media coverage because they play in smaller markets. Others don’t win big awards (MVP, Finals MVP) or championships. Sometimes style matters: flashy plays stick in people’s minds more than steady, reliable production. Also, players from earlier eras may be less remembered because fewer video highlights exist.
Q2: Did any of these players make the Hall of Fame?
- Alex English is in the Hall of Fame.
- Bob Dandridge was inducted in 2021.
- Adrian Dantley is also in the Hall of Fame (2008).
Even though they are in, many fans still don’t talk about them as much. Being in the Hall of Fame helps, but public memory is another thing.
Q3: How do their stats compare to more famous stars?
They often stack up pretty well in scoring, consistency, and in some cases, playoffs. For example, Alex English had a long stretch where he scored 2,000+ points per season many times, something only a few stars do. Dantley was super efficient and often led in free-throw points. Dandridge made big plays in the Finals, even if his averaged scoring numbers weren’t all-time top, he contributed in big moments.
Q4: Why do championships matter so much for legacy?
Championships are one of the clearest achievements in team sports. They’re visible, trackable, and people love winners. A player might score a lot and be great individually, but if his team doesn’t win or go deep in the playoffs, casual fans might underrate him. Media and history often focus on champions.
Q5: Are there modern players who are underappreciated like these legends?
Yes. Many modern players do great things, but because of big stars overshadowing them, or because stats have advanced (so there is more competition), some still don’t get enough recognition. But over time, people often rediscover or re-evaluate greatness.
Conclusion
- Alex English, Bob Dandridge, and Adrian Dantley are NBA legends who achieved a lot but don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
- They had impressive stats, memorable moments, durability, and consistency throughout their careers.
- They were strong team players and clutch performers who delivered when it mattered most.
- In some ways, they were pioneers of style, efficiency, and strategic play.
- Remembering players isn’t just about flashy dunks or championship rings; it’s about consistent performance and impact on their teams.
- Legends like English, Dandridge, and Dantley deserve more than footnotes—they deserve honor, respect, and their stories told more widely.
Read More
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
