The Most Boring NBA Players

I get a kick out of how basketball has evolved over the years. You've probably seen old black and white footage from the 50's of tall, slender, and pretty average looking  guys showing off their skills by dribbling with their left hand, doing a bounce pass, or making a bank shot. It didn't take much to entertain back then.

Players like Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan are known for their innovation and ushering in an exciting style of play. Some players are also known for their entertaining off-court personalities like Daryl Dawkins, Dennis Rodman, Ron Artest, and Shaq. Then there are those players who are just kind of boring. If the NBA was Baskin Robbins, then the following players would be plain vanilla flavored.

Warning: I'm not saying these players are not good or talented or effective. They are obviously seasoned professionals, but I just don't like watching them play as much as others since their game can come across as boring.

Tim Duncan- He's one of the greatest player of all time but he usually did it without much pizazz. There is a reason they nicknamed him "The Big Fundamental." and not "The Human Highlight Film."

Robert Parish- Going back a little on this one. "The Chief" was a solid player and had great longevity in the league but his on and off court demeanor was pretty expressionless.

Kevin Love- He has been effective in the past, especially as a Timberwolf with all his double doubles, but you seldom see anything fancy from him.

Andre Miller- He's the #10 on the all time assists leaders, but was so boring to watch.

Al Jefferson- I rooted for Big Al as a Jazz fan but still had to admit it was not very exciting to watch him do his thing.

Zach Randolph- He does not look like he should even be out on the court. I only remember seeing layups and close range shots from him.


Other boring players on my list include Matt Bonner, Mike Dunleavy, Mike Bibby, Jaron Collins, Brian Scalabrine, Anderson Varejao, and Bill Cartwright.

There are even some  guys who have been big stars and have plenty of highlights, but I still consider them to be boring like Carmello Anthony. Then there are amazing players who have a seemingly quiet on court presence, yet they can casually score 30 points a night. Alex English used to be this way.

You probably won't see most of these guys on Sports Center with the top 10 plays unless it is a tip in at the buzzer. I know defense and fundamentals wins championships, but there are times I'd rather watch an exciting team with athletic players who are entertaining.

Side note: I started this post in 2015 and it has been sitting in my draft box for years. One of the players I originally listed as boring was Brook Lopez, but after seeing him light it up from three point range this year I took his name off. Thanks for making things more entertaining and for showing it's never too late to change.