Top 5 biggest active NBA players out of the league right now featuring Carmelo Anthony, Kemba Walker, and more

It's a new era in the NBA. All-Stars of the past are slowly being replaced by a new crop of talent. Players who have contributed a lot to the game are struggling to find work.

Some of the greatest active players are stuck in limbo. They want to play in the NBA. They still feel like they have a lot to offer. However, no team is willing to retain their services.

Here are the five most popular active NBA players who are currently out of the league.

#5 Lou Williams

Lou Williams hasn't received enough recognition for his accomplishments in the NBA. The guard embraced his role as a sixth man and performed it nearly to perfection.

Williams has won three Sixth Man of the Year Awards in 17 seasons. Although he is past his prime, Williams can still be a productive player.

He last played for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2021-22 season. The Hawks finished the season with a 43-39 record and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Williams averaged 6.3 points and 1.9 assists in 56 games.

#4 Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker is one of the NBA's best combo guards. Unfortunately, his struggles defensively have played a role in his demise.

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The veteran started his NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets in 2011. After an eight-year stint with the Hornets, he signed with the Boston Celtics in 2018. Injuries kept him off the floor for long stretches during his two-year run with the Celtics.

He signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the New York Knicks in 2021. Unfortunately, he fell out of favor with coach Tom Thibodeau. He was removed from the lineup halfway through the season and then dealt to the Detroit Pistons over the summer. Walker agreed to a buyout with the Pistons in June. He is yet to sign with a new team.

#3 Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo is currently out of the league after finishing last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He started the season with the Lakers but was dealt to the Cavs in January.

He played a pivotal role in the Lakers' 2020 championship run. The veteran guard has incredible court vision and a high basketball IQ. However, Rondo is not a good shooter or a high level scorer.

Rondo was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend Ashley Bachelor. She told police that Rondo pulled a gun on her and threatened to kill her during an argument earlier this year.

This might be another reason why teams are shying away from him.

#2 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is one of the best offensive players in NBA history. However, he is currently out of the league. He was selected to 10 NBA All-Star games and two All-NBA second teams during a ten-year span from 2007 to 2017. Unfortunately, his production fell off a cliff.

In hopes of capturing his first NBA title, he signed with the Lakers last offseason. He was expected to provide instant offense off the bench for a team with championship aspirations. Unfortunately, the experiment failed as the Lakers failed to qualify for the playoffs.

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The 37-year-old did not sign with a team this offseason. Anthony has no plans to retire and is waiting for the right opportunity.

#1 Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard has played for six teams in seven years. Although he won a championship with the Lakers, he was at his best when he played for the Orlando Magic.

The five-time rebound champion won his only championship during his second stint with the Lakers in 2020. He played with the Philadephia 76ers during the 2020-21 season. He was once again reunited with the Lakers for the 2021-22 season.

Howard's third stint with the Lakers was unsuccessful. They finished the season with a 33-49 record and missed the playoffs. Howard became an unrestricted free agent this offseason.