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15 NBA Role Players from the 80s Who’d Be Stars in Today’s Game

Back in the 80s, the NBA was a totally different beast—slower pace, less spacing, and way more physicality. And because of that, a lot of super-skilled guys were stuck in the “role player” box when they could’ve been putting up big numbers today.

Fast forward to now, and the modern game is tailor-made for shooters, versatile defenders, and guys who can thrive in open space. These 15 role players from the 80s wouldn’t just survive today—they’d absolutely shine.

15. Byron Scott

Byron Scott
Openverse

He had the athleticism and the jumper, but played third fiddle on a loaded Lakers team. In today’s league, he’d be a 20-point-per-game two-way stud.

14. Dale Ellis

Dale Ellis
Youtube | Veoshock

The man was a walking bucket with range before the three-pointer was even cool. If he played now, teams would be begging him to let it fly 10 times a night.

13. Otis Thorpe

Otis Thorpe
Youtube | CrunchyManSopa

Underrated strength, solid footwork, and reliable midrange? He’d be a perfect modern-day power forward who could slide into small-ball lineups with ease.

12. Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper
Youtube | Basketball Jones

He was a lockdown defender who could also knock down the three when needed. Today’s NBA would treat him like the ultimate 3-and-D glue guy—with a bigger spotlight.

11. Fat Lever

Fat Lever
Portland Trail Blazers/Wikipedia

With his size, speed, and ability to stuff the stat sheet, Lever would be a walking triple-double today. He played like a modern combo guard before that was a thing.

10. Sleepy Floyd

sleepy floyd
Youtube | Golden State Warriors

He had quickness, handles, and could get scorching hot in a hurry. He’d be a microwave scorer and starting-caliber point guard in today’s wide-open offenses.

9. Cedric Maxwell

Cedric Maxwell
The Sports Page/ebay

Maxwell was crafty, efficient, and a big-game performer who didn’t get enough credit. In today’s game, he’d be a high-IQ stretch four with sneaky star value.

8. Ricky Pierce

Ricky Pierce
Openverse

Pierce could score in his sleep but was mostly used as a bench weapon. Now? He’d be running second units or starting outright as a legit offensive option.

7. Kevin Willis

Kevin Willis
Wikipedia

He had a long career thanks to his work ethic and size, but in today’s game, his athleticism and frame would be even more valuable. Give him pick-and-roll freedom and he’s thriving.

6. Terry Porter

Terry Porter
Openverse

A steady hand at point guard with a smooth jumper, Porter was the kind of floor general every team wants. In the modern NBA, he’s running offenses and knocking down threes all day.

5. A.C. Green

A.C. Green
Wikipedia

He was the ultimate ironman and did all the little things right. Now he’d be a versatile, switchable defender with a nice payday coming his way.

4. Detlef Schrempf

Detlef Schrempf
lam_chihang/Wikipedia

Schrempf was ahead of his time with his skill set and shooting touch. In today’s NBA, he’d be an All-Star stretch four who could space the floor and facilitate.

3. Hersey Hawkins

Hersey Hawkins
J Ross Collectibles/ebay

He had a smooth stroke and solid defense, but got overshadowed by bigger names. Today’s game would treat him like a premium two-guard with star-level upside.

Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Fearless NBA Players In History

2. Dennis Johnson

Dennis Johnson
Steve Lipofsky/Wikipedia

DJ was a defensive beast who could also run the show when needed. Today’s NBA would embrace his two-way skills and turn him into a household name.

Read More: 15 NBA Stars From the ’70s Who Would Dominate Today

1. Jack Sikma

Jack Sikma
Wikipedia

A center with range, smarts, and passing ability? Sikma was basically a prototype for the modern big man—drop him into today’s game and he’s getting All-Star votes.

Read More: 15 NBA Stars From the ’80s Who Would Dominate Today

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