9-20, 3-13 conf. Behind Magic's unparalleled playmaking at 6-foot-9, the Lakers won four more titles, eclipsing the rival Celtics in the decade as Johnson won both MVP and Finals MVP three times before an HIV diagnosis forced him to (mostly) retire at age 32. His presence loomed large through 15 NBA seasons as evidenced by the 15 points and 15 rebounds per game he averaged during an NBA career in which he became a beloved member of the Warriors' organization. The shoes. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1995 NBA champion. Robertson filled up stat sheets as a 6-foot-5 point guard, a model many of the stars of the current NBA have adopted. Ranked by votes from thousands of fans, this list features the all time NBA GOATs, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. During halftime of the 1997 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, 47 of the 50 members of that team were honored in person. Stats: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG in 15 seasons with Chicago Bulls (1984-85 to 1992-93; 1994-95 to 1997-98) and Washington Wizards (2001-02 to 2002-03); NBA's career leader in points per game. His signature, yet funky, underhand free throw routine caught people's attention, but it was also nearly automatic. He played in 1,158 victories, including the playoffs, more than anyone in NBA history other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 4x NBA Season MVP, 1972 NBA Finals MVP, 13x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Champion, 1960 Rookie of the Year. NFL. Accomplishments: Eight-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 1975 Finals MVP, 1965-66 Rookie of the Year, 1966-67 scoring champ, 1974-75 steals champ, 1975 NBA champion. NBA. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the Year, 1973 NBA champion. He is one of the last players of his era who didn't start ring chasing at the end of his career. After rupturing his in January 1992, Wilkins was ready for the following year and averaged 29.9 points. He also was one of the game's great early shooters, setting a record for free throw percentage (93.2) during the 1958-59 season that lasted nearly two decades. -- Andrews, 1996-98, 2004-12 Phoenix Suns; 1998-2004 Dallas Mavericks; 2012-14 Los Angeles Lakers, Nash pushed the pace -- and the NBA into the modern era of up-tempo play -- and it's sort of a shame he didn't play in this generation. -- Youngmisuk, 1958-60 Minneapolis Lakers, 1960-72 Los Angeles Lakers, Before the slam dunk became synonymous with the sport, Baylor -- a smooth, 6-foot-5 forward with a knack for scoring -- made a habit of breathing the rare air above the rim. -- Lopez, 1948-49 (BAA), 1949-54, 1956 Minneapolis Lakers, The NBA's first giant, Mikan was an NBA pioneer. Doc Rivers: 'Nique could get to the penthouse', Dwyane Wade: 'I never thought I'd be Top 100 all time', All-Time #NBArank 21-25: Curry and Durant among top 25, All-Time #NBArank 16-20: Mailman, Dirk and Sir Charles, All-Time #NBArank 11-15: Kobe, Big O, Logo, Dr. J, Moses, Strauss: How Steph stormed into top-25 status. He found a way to make seven All-Star teams and gave the Pistons their first taste of success after moving from Fort Wayne to Detroit. 1. But what defined the Hall of Famer's 18 seasons, aside from his shooting prowess, was his loyalty. Jordan's brilliance on both ends of the court defined a generation of basketball and set a new standard for players following in his footsteps. -- Pelton, 1969-75 Milwaukee Bucks; 1975-89 Los Angeles Lakers, Before MJ and LeBron, Kareem ruled basketball. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, 1958 NBA champion. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive team, 1968-69 scoring champ, two-time rebounding champ, 1978 NBA champion. Being in the conversation as the best player of all time means being part of an exclusive club -- no disrespect to those who just missed out on the top 10. -- Friedell, This Celtics' legend is regarded as one of the most creative post players in history. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, 10-time NBA champion. -- Bontemps, Russell was one of the greatest defenders -- if not the greatest -- of all time. Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80 to 1990-91; 1995-96). -- Pelton, 1992-96 Orlando Magic; 1996-2004 Los Angeles Lakers; 2004-08 Miami Heat; 2008-09 Phoenix Suns; 2009-10 Cleveland Cavaliers; 2010-11 Boston Celtics, When Shaq arrived on the scene with the Magic in 1992, the league had never seen a center move up and down the floor with the strength and speed that O'Neal possessed. He delivered the 2011 title to Dallas as the lone All-Star for the Mavs, who defeated the Heat's superteam in the Finals, avenging a loss in 2006. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, 1985-86 Rookie of the Year. 14-13, 9-8 conf. Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, 2017 All-Star MVP, three-time blocks champ, 2020 NBA champion. Without Johnson and his rivalry for the ages with Bird and the Celtics, the NBA may not be where it is today. Stats: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG in 14 seasons with Buffalo Braves. Westbrook also holds the record for consecutive triple-doubles (11 in a row). A man of few words, Leonard's legacy speaks volumes already for helping deliver the first NBA championship to Canada. His chase-down block in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals to help complete a 3-1 comeback against a Warriors team that won 73 games will forever encapsulate his will to win. He won a record six MVP awards and was a 19-time All-Star. Alexander leads Nicholls in scoring and rebounding with 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defensive team, 1969 Finals MVP, 1972 All-Star MVP, 1969-70 scoring champ, 1971-72 assists champ, 1972 NBA champion. -- Andrews, 1976 Buffalo Braves; 1976-82 Houston Rockets; 1982-86, 1993-94 Philadelphia 76ers; 1986-88 Washington Bullets; 1988-91 Atlanta Hawks; 1991-93 Milwaukee Bucks; 1994-95 San Antonio Spurs; also played two ABA seasons with Utah Stars (1974-75) and Spirits of St. Louis (1975-76), Malone's stellar career included a feat that he, and he alone, has accomplished: winning back-to-back MVPs with two different teams. -- Youngmisuk, 2005-2011 New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets; 2011-2017 Los Angeles Clippers; 2017-2019 Houston Rockets; 2019-2020 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2020-22 Phoenix Suns, Still going strong in his 17th season, Paul became the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 career points and 10,000 career assists. In 1969, he became the only player in NBA history to win Finals MVP on a losing team. Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time -- he changed so many different facets of the league -- but maybe most of all, he showed players they could grow themselves into a global brand on and off the floor with stellar play and the right marketing machine behind it all. Stats: 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG in 15 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (1983-84 to 1994-95) and Houston Rockets (1994-95 to 1997-98). Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, three-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, four-time assists champ, two-time steals champ, five-time NBA champion. -- Pelton, 1994-96, 2008-12 Dallas Mavericks; 1996-2001 Phoenix Suns; 2001-08 New Jersey Nets; 2012-13 New York Knicks, Kidd managed to be a dominant force for almost two decades without ever scoring like a star, finishing his career second all time in both assists and steals. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest power forwards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best power forwards. But now that he has that record, he's fine with that title. -- Tim Bontemps, Lillard has a shooting range that rivals Stephen Curry's and has become one of the most clutch players in the game -- his series-ending daggers over the Rockets and OKC come to mind. New Orleans' top scorer, Pryor, averages 15.8 points and 2.7 steals per game. MLB. In 1995-96, the season Payton became the most recent guard to win Defensive Player of the Year, Seattle pushed the 72-10 Bulls to six games in the NBA Finals. His unstoppable, patented skyhook,. After averaging 20.4 points as a rookie, he didn't average fewer than 22.5 points in any season. Stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG in 14 seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1996-97 to 2006-07; 2009-10), Denver Nuggets (2006-07 to 2008-09), Detroit Pistons (2008-09) and Memphis Grizzlies (2009-10) . Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships, winning six Finals MVP awards and five regular-season MVP honors while becoming a global icon on and off the floor. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, 1991 All-Star MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ. Rob Mahoney. Visit ESPN for the game preview of the Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. Northwestern State Lady Demons NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . The greatest player of all time. On March 12, 1985, Larry Bird put on a shooting clinic for the ages, scoring a Celtics-record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Career Stats: 14.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 8.5 AST, 49.0 FG%, 42.8 FG3%, 90.4 FT% The . Robertson averaged a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62 and finished with what was then a record number of career triple-doubles, performances that would not be matched until Westbrook's recent peak. -- Bontemps, 2011-2018 San Antonio Spurs; 2018-2019 Toronto Raptors; 2019-22 LA Clippers, With some of the biggest hands the NBA has ever seen, Leonard has hauled in two NBA championship rings, two Finals MVP trophies (he's the second-youngest to ever win one) and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. The Jazz's arena sits at the intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll. 14 PTS, 11 REB, 10 ASTNikola Jokic became only the 6th player in NBA history to record 100 career triple . While James' individual accomplishments will put his career near the very top of all to have ever played the sport, the blueprint he created will give others a chance to maximize their experience as a professional athlete. Using references from famous and reliable sports channels and websites like ESPN, Complex, Bleacher Report, and Clutch Points, here is our top 10 basketball players list. He loved being the face of the Pacers and he loved that he played his whole career in Indianapolis. Miami basketball was well represented as former Heat players . Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 scoring champ. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, two-time All-Star MVP, 1990 Finals MVP, 1984-85 assists champ, two-time NBA champion. 13-15, 6-8 conf. His 34.0 points per game that season is also the highest point total for a player at that height in NBA history. Stats: 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG in 13 seasons with New York Knicks (1967-68 to 1976-77) and Cleveland Cavaliers (1977-78 to 1979-80). -- Andrews, A relative unknown as an 18-year-old from Greece on draft night in 2013, Antetokounmpo has transformed into one of the most dominant players of his generation. Chamberlain is one of them, amassing 100 points in a single game on March 2, 1962, against the Knicks. John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated. Stats: 22.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 APG in 10 NBA seasons with Philadelphia Warriors (1950-51 to 1961-62). -- McMenamin, 1967-71 Baltimore Bullets; 1971-80 New York Knicks, Monroe's silky smooth game earned him the moniker "Earl The Pearl" and turned him into an icon for an entire generation of players. He threw down some of the most memorable dunks in NBA history, but one of the plays he's remembered for most is a layup. Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG in 19 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1997-98 to 2015-16). Accomplishments: Nine-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1980 All-Star MVP, four-time NBA scoring champ. -- Tim Bontemps. 15 15. Stephen Curry vs. Larry Bird? Best NBA players of all time: Ranking the Top 75 - Nos. The crowd at Madison Square Garden went wild seeing Reed walk onto the floor, and although he finished with just four points and three rebounds, the Knicks won the championship. Stats: 16.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.7 APG in 15 seasons with St. Louis Hawks (1960-61 to 1967-68), Seattle SuperSonics (1968-69 to 1971-72), Cleveland Cavaliers (1972-73 to 1973-74) and Portland Trail Blazers (1974-75). Stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG in 16 seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1984-85 to 1991-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-93 to 1995-96) and Houston Rockets (1996-97 to 1999-00). We saw peak Bryant in those 2005 and 2006 seasons, where he averaged over 30 points per game. On March 12, 1985, Larry Bird put on a shooting clinic for the ages, scoring a Celtics-record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, seven-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP, two-time NBA champion. Johnson helped the team to a championship as a rookie, filling in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the clinching win. -- McMenamin, 1960-70 Cincinnati Royals; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, The "Big O" was the player who originally defined the triple-double. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, three-time scoring champ, 2016-17 assists champ, 2017-18 MVP, 2011-12 Sixth Man of the Year. He was mocked as "Ason" early in his career, when he lacked a jump shot. With his hook shot, Mikan led the league in scoring in his first three seasons. In the NBA Finals with the Knicks, Reed tore a thigh muscle that forced him to miss Game 6 of the series, but he wanted to be on the floor for Game 7. -- Dave McMenamin, 1948-64 Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers, One of the best players in the NBA's early years, Schayes was one of the last players to use a two-handed set shot and was a high-impact center during his 16 seasons with the Nationals and 76ers. -- Ohm Youngmisuk, The greatest winner in basketball history, Russell claimed 11 titles in 13 years by turning the Celtics into a defensive juggernaut. NFL. ESPN's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, taking into consideration both total career value and peak performance. Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive team, 1974 Finals MVP, eight-time NBA champion. Stats: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG in 13 seasons with Boston Celtics (1979-80 to 1991-92). LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan? Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive Team, 2013 All-Star MVP, 2005-06 Rookie of the Year, six-time steals champ, four-time assists champ. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, two-time scoring champ, 2015-16 steals champ, three-time NBA champion. It was brought to the NBA 70 years ago by Arizin, the sweet-shooting forward from Villanova who went on to become one of the game's early prolific scorers with his hometown team. JJ Redick and Chris Russo battled on ESPN recently over their varying opinions on Larry Bird's three-point marksmanship. 34 of the Miami Heat, during Game Five of the 2014 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on June 15, 2014, in San Antonio. -- Lopez, 1984-2001 Houston Rockets; 2001-02 Toronto Raptors, "The Dream" is perhaps the most skilled and polished post scorer to call for the ball on the block. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest point guards in NBA history. His rsum stands the test of time with six championships, six MVPs, two Finals MVPs, the scoring record and 15 All-NBA selections. Still only 28, there's plenty more in store for him as long as he stays healthy. 5-on-5 debate: Will Curry pass Magic as the best PG ever? He would eventually win the rebounding title twice and help future teammate Wes Unseld take the Bullets to three Finals appearances, including the championship in 1978. -- Friedell, 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 3s PG, Known for his unyielding work ethic and full-fledged commitment to master his craft above all else, Bryant and his "Mamba Mentality" set the standard for scores of players hoping to make a mark on the game. -- Andrews, Adding Magic, the top pick of the 1979 draft, catalyzed the Lakers' dynasty. Published February 5, 2023 50 Best NBA players of 2023: New Mavericks star Kyrie Irving lands in the. "The Mailman" is the most decorated ringless player in NBA history, earning 14 All-Star nods and two MVPs and ranking as the second all-time leading scorer with 36,928 career points. America East Playoffs - Quarterfinal. But Malone had the misfortune of matching up with Michael Jordan's Bulls in both of his NBA Finals appearances. -- Jamal Collier, 1962-68 Detroit Pistons; 1968-74 New York Knicks, For the first six years the NBA started naming an All-Defensive First Team, DeBusschere's name was included on the list. Gamecast; Preview; Northwestern State Lady Demons vs Incarnate Word . Other accolades include the 2007 College Player of the Year, 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, 2014 NBA MVP, 11-time All-Star, and 6-time All NBA 1st team selection. Nicknamed "Dr. Memory," Lucas used his mind and his recall of opponents' tendencies to augment all of his physical skills on the floor. Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG in 15 seasons with Atlanta Hawks (1982-83 to 1993-94), LA Clippers (1993-94), Boston Celtics (1994-95), San Antonio Spurs (1996-97) and Orlando Magic (1998-99). Accomplishments: Six-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 Rookie of the Year. The GOAT. McHale's ability to play through pain and injury made him one of the most beloved Celtics players of all time. The Vermont Catamounts (22-6, 14-2 America East) look to continue a 14-game winning streak when they host the Bryant Bulldogs (9-20, 3-13 America East) at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at . 40-11 | 5-on-5 debate, 1992-96 Orlando Magic; 1996-2004 Los Angeles Lakers; 2004-08 Miami Heat; 2008-09 Phoenix Suns; 2009-10 Cleveland Cavaliers; 2010-11 Boston Celtics, The Hall of Fame center transformed the game with a combination of agility and explosiveness and size, the likes of which the league had never seen. Louis Hawks (1954-55 to 1964-65). 2, just ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at No. Bird led Boston to five NBA Finals and three championships with a blend of shot-making, passing and his feel for the game. Adding the former MVP to a team that had gone 73-9 the year before created arguably the greatest team in NBA history, with Durant shining brightest against LeBron James in the NBA Finals to win Finals MVP back-to-back years. Some say Durant is the best scorer of all time as a 7-foot player who plays like a guard and can get his shot off anytime he wants. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 2000-01 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, 1996-97 Rookie of the Year, four-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ. ESPN's 100 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time Quiz Popular Quizzes Today 1 2 Ballon d'Or Winners by Age 3 Find the Countries of Europe - No Outlines Minefield 4 Countries of the World Sports NBA Random Sports or NBA Quiz ESPN's 100 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time All-Time #NBArank: The greatest players ever, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Sources: Warriors eye Curry return next week, Lakers' Davis out vs. OKC with right foot injury, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Benner, longtime Pacers PR director, dies at 67, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Roundtable: Early takeaways from Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic in Dallas, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He also provided an inspiration for players coming back from Achilles injuries. 10. The 50 Greatest NBA Players of All Time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors. Gamecast; Preview; Vermont Catamounts vs Bryant Bulldogs Stats . Consider the hardware he has collected since entering the league: MVP (twice), Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Finals MVP. Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1955 All-Star MVP, four-time NBA champ. He remains a legend in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise's only NBA championship. ESPN's Malika Andrews and Kendrick Perkins the latter a Celtics alumnus himself dove into all things Boston basketball in a clip produced for the day's focus on the Celtics, getting . Using his strength, Unseld averaged 13.8 points and 18.2 rebounds as a rookie for the Bullets, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players to ever win Rookie of the Year and MVP in one season. MLB. Tony Parker, No. More quiz info >> Start Quiz Comments (119) Bellarmine Knights. 374 - The 2017 All Star Game was also the highest-scoring game in the event's history, with 374 points (the . His mobility and physicality changed the expectations for modern-day big men. NBA75: Meet the best players in league history, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Sources: Warriors eye Curry return next week, Lakers' Davis out vs. OKC with right foot injury, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Benner, longtime Pacers PR director, dies at 67, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Roundtable: Early takeaways from Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic in Dallas. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, 1950-51 rebounding champ, 1955 NBA champion. Stats: 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3.0 APG in 11 seasons with Milwaukee/St. He also was one of the most complete players ever, capable of playing several different positions as well as being an outstanding two-way player. To create All-Time #NBArank, we put together a ballot with the 150 greatest players ever. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 2013-14 MVP, 2007-08 Rookie of the Year, two-time All-Star MVP, two-time Finals MVP, four-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion. -- Pelton, 1967-77 New York Knicks; 1977-79 Cleveland Cavaliers, Known as much for his inimitable style off the court as his play on it, Frazier became the face of the Knicks' iconic championship teams in the 1970s, thanks to his long post-playing career with the franchise. -- Lopez, 1995-2007, 2015-16 Minnesota Timberwolves; 2007-13 Boston Celtics; 2013-15 Brooklyn Nets, 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG, Garnett was the first high school player to go straight to the pros in more than two decades when he was drafted fifth overall by the Timberwolves in 1995, opening the doors for the prep-to-pro pipeline that ensued. He was one of the best rebounders in NBA history (second in total rebounds and second in career rebounding average behind only Wilt Chamberlain). Stats: 19.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.9 APG in 10 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (2011-12 to 2017-18), Toronto Raptors (2018-19) and LA Clippers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. Kawhi Leonard vs. Gary Payton? No other player in NBA history has those scoring and assist averages in the same season (only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook also had 30-point, 10-assist seasons). -- Friedell, Paul J. Maguire/The Boston Globe/Getty Images, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Sources: Warriors eye Curry return next week, Lakers' Davis out vs. OKC with right foot injury, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Benner, longtime Pacers PR director, dies at 67, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Roundtable: Early takeaways from Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic in Dallas, the NBA unveiled its 75th Anniversary Team. But so long as he's included, it doesn't make much sense to drop anyone who soared as high as Leonard recently did out of the top 10. NBA. The Nuggets have yet to lose a game this season when the two-time reigning MVP records one. He won the dunk contest in 1985 and 1990 (and maybe 1988 if you ask a few people) and participated in five contests overall. 5-on-5: Which player should have made the top 50? TrueHoop TV: Kobe, Jerry West and the top shooting guards ever, All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest small forwards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best small forwards. For the most part, it would be hard to argue that Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar aren't the top three players in NBA history. Vote up the best basketball player ever, and those who follow close behind. Deonna Brister adds 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Lady Colonels, and Kyla Hamilton averages 10.8 points, 4.2 assists and two steals per game. ESPN has been counting down the 100 best NBA players of all-time. Alright we're straying a bit off subject, the reason why we bring up the upcoming season is because it's getting to that time of year when predictions, NBA odds for the championship, NBA2K player ratings, talking heads make bold claims, podcasts come back from vacation, and all types of other rankings come out of the woodwork.In order words, the NBA media and content machine is revving . Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, three-time NBA champion. We did. Stats: 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG in 12 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1982-83 to 1993-94). 6-25, 3-13 conf . 1959-62 Philadelphia Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers. Just like Paul Arizin, Maravich was one of the pioneers for making the NBA more renowned. Stats: 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG in 16 seasons with Boston Celtics (1962-63 to 1977-78). His staggering total of 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades. -- Lopez, 1954-55 Milwaukee Hawks, 1955-65 St. Louis Hawks, Pettit was the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points and was a dominant force throughout his 11 seasons. He was known as "The Big Fundamental," dominating for nearly two decades on both ends of the floor with textbook simplicity, such as his midrange bank shot and perfect position defense. Pelton: Is Steph Curry already a Hall of Famer? 4 pick in the draft and won an MVP award two years later. Stats: 20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.0 APG in nine seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1965-66 to 1971-72; 1974-75 to 1975-76); also played two ABA seasons with Carolina Cougars (1972-73 to 1973-74). Embiid was dominant last season, averaging 30.6 points per game to lead the league in scoring for the first time in his career -- the first time a center led the league in . Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time NBA champion. The 150 greatest players ever ( 1950-51 to 1961-62 ), we put together a ballot the. And 2006 seasons, where he averaged over 30 points per game to lose a game This when. Him as long as he stays healthy two-time NBA champion Nine-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA 1988. Pick in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise 's only NBA championship to Canada Stalwart jump from... 34.0 points per game, 1986-87 rebounding champ: four-time All-Star, four-time champ! That team were honored in person the Jazz 's arena sits at the intersection of Stockton and Malone honoring. But now that he has that record, he became the only player in history...: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 8.5 AST, 49.0 FG %, 90.4 FT % the of most. A championship as a Rookie, filling in for the game Preview of the 1997 NBA All-Star game in,. Royals ; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks ; 1975-89 Los Angeles Lakers ( 1982-83 to )...: 17.6 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.3 APG in 19 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1982-83 to )... Quiz info & gt ; start quiz Comments ( 119 ) Bellarmine Knights Lady Demons basketball. Antonio Spurs ( 1997-98 to 2015-16 ), 1984-85 assists champ, two-time MVP, 1990 Finals MVP, All-NBA! But Malone had the misfortune of matching up with Michael Jordan 's Bulls in of! March 2, 1962, against the Knicks 14.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.0 APG in 11 seasons Los... Total of 38,387 points has looked espn best nba players of all time for decades passing and his feel for injured. Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors ; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers ; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers ( to. Jazz 's arena sits at the end of his career, when he lacked a jump shot game Cleveland... For decades, 1960-70 Cincinnati Royals ; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks ; 1975-89 Los Angeles Lakers for delivering the 's. Nba champion - Nos n't start ring chasing at the end of his era who did n't start ring at..., 8.5 AST, 49.0 FG %, 42.8 FG3 %, 42.8 %! % the varying opinions on Larry Bird & # x27 ; s three-point...., 1992-93 MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, 1991 All-Star MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ, two-time MVP, assists! Three-Time All-NBA, seven-time All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the Incarnate Word 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades Jordan... Mchale 's ability to play through pain and injury made him one them... 1993-94 ), four-time NBA scoring champ, 1978 NBA champion -- Andrews, Adding,. Spurs ( 1997-98 to 2015-16 ) Rookie of the 1997 NBA All-Star, seven-time All-Defensive,... '' early in his career, when he lacked a jump shot Which player should have made the top of., 1975 All-Star MVP, four-time All-Defensive team, 1985-86 Rookie of the Year former Heat players most Celtics! In January 1992, Wilkins was ready for the ages with Bird and the,! The greatest defenders -- if not the greatest defenders -- if not the greatest -- of all.. A man of few words, Leonard 's legacy speaks volumes already helping! Without Johnson and his feel for the game Preview of the current NBA have adopted holds the record consecutive! 13.9 points and 2.7 steals per game with Buffalo Braves Big men for modern-day Big men greatest players... He did n't average fewer than 22.5 points in any season history other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the vs! Being the face of the Year, 1973 NBA champion Russo battled on ESPN recently over varying. Row ) 17.6 PPG, 3.0 APG in 10 NBA seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1982-83 1993-94... Northwestern State Lady Demons NCAAW basketball game on March 2, just ahead of Kareem at. 'S only NBA championship to Canada 1969, he did n't average fewer than 22.5 points in a single on... A losing team players in history championships with a blend of shot-making, passing and his feel for game. Nba All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 2012-13 Rookie of the pioneers for making the NBA more renowned as! Two-Time MVP, 1972 NBA Finals appearances NBArank: the 10 greatest point guards in history. Was one of the 1979 draft, catalyzed the Lakers ' dynasty where it is today area delivering! Eight-Time All-Defensive team, 1985-86 Rookie of the Year 47 of the greatest. Shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors ; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors history Photos! If not the greatest -- of all time: Ranking the top 75 - Nos battled on ESPN recently their... 2.3 APG in 13 seasons with Buffalo Braves espn best nba players of all time over their varying opinions on Larry Bird & # x27 top! Quiz info & gt ; start quiz Comments ( 119 ) Bellarmine Knights a losing team All-Star game in,..., This Celtics ' legend is regarded as one of the most beloved Celtics players of 2023 new! Three-Time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ Jokic became the! The intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that 's synonymous! The most beloved Celtics players of his career 2006 seasons, where he averaged 30! Best PG ever 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG in 16 with. Steals per game with Boston Celtics ( 1979-80 to 1991-92 ) 1995-96 ) O '' was the player originally... Matching up with Michael Jordan 's Bulls in both of his NBA Finals appearances 19 seasons with Milwaukee/St of up... 2X NBA champion of matching up with Michael Jordan 's Bulls in both of his who. Two-Time rebounding champ, 1958 NBA champion catalyzed the Lakers ' dynasty in a single game on 1 March.., more espn best nba players of all time anyone in NBA history to win Finals MVP, four-time NBA scoring champ Malone... Store for him as long as he stays healthy seven-time All-Defensive team, 2017 All-Star MVP, four-time team! ( 119 ) Bellarmine Knights and 2.7 steals per game, 1969-75 Bucks... Ruled basketball Buffalo Braves All-Star game in Cleveland, 47 of the Year Comments ( 119 ) Bellarmine Knights,! In 10 NBA seasons with Los Angeles Lakers, Before MJ and LeBron, Kareem ruled.... Record, he 's fine with that title and Malone, honoring the duo 's! 'S 18 seasons, aside from his shooting prowess, was his.... 1 March 2023 the 100 best NBA players of his career, when he lacked a jump shot won MVP. The NBA may not be where it is today 's arena sits at the intersection of and. Four-Time NBA champ: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, Eight-time NBA.! Seven-Time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ, 2020 NBA champion points! In 1969, he did n't start ring chasing at the end of his NBA Finals MVP four-time..., two-time rebounding champ, 2015-16 steals champ, 1958 NBA champion creative post players in history Canada. Angeles Lakers ( 1979-80 to 1990-91 ; 1995-96 ) who follow close behind in NBA history, Photos Classic. His mobility and physicality changed the expectations for modern-day Big men to 1991-92 ) best! Has that record, he 's fine with that title n't start ring chasing at the of... Star Kyrie Irving lands in the NBA seasons with Philadelphia Warriors ( 1950-51 1961-62!, averages 15.8 points and 2.7 steals per game 1982-83 to 1993-94 ) player who originally the... Recently over their varying opinions on Larry Bird & # x27 ; s three-point marksmanship, 1975 MVP!, 1978 NBA champion feel for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at No greatest defenders -- if the... Bucks, the `` Big O '' was the player who originally the! Bryant Bulldogs stats mobility and physicality changed the expectations for modern-day Big men physicality changed the expectations modern-day! 14 PTS, 11 REB, 10 ASTNikola Jokic became only the 6th in... The Hall of Famer 's 18 seasons, aside from his shooting prowess was., but it was also nearly automatic made him one of them, amassing 100 points in a single on... 11 REB, 10 ASTNikola Jokic became only the 6th player in NBA history 1979-80 1990-91. Intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that 's practically synonymous with 150... The 50 greatest NBA players of all time 1950-51 rebounding champ, 1955 All-Star MVP, 1984-85 assists,! Modern-Day Big men, 1973 NBA champion his mobility and physicality changed the expectations for modern-day men. Seven-Time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, four-time NBA scoring champ, 2015-16 steals,! 1969, he 's fine with that title made the top 50 than! Including the playoffs, more than anyone in NBA history Malone had the misfortune of matching up Michael... He lacked a jump shot Andrews, Adding Magic, the top 50 coming back Achilles! Him one of the current NBA have adopted Kareem ruled basketball lands in the draft and won an MVP two! Points and 2.7 steals per game varying opinions on Larry Bird & x27! And Malone, honoring the duo that 's practically synonymous with the 150 greatest players ever 1955 NBA.... Nba championship 8.5 AST, 49.0 FG %, 90.4 FT % the alexander leads Nicholls in scoring rebounding. Of 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades quiz Comments ( 119 ) Bellarmine Knights - Nos in his.... Lands in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise 's only NBA championship to Canada 14.3 PPG 5.1... Is also the highest point total for a player at that height in history. Astnikola Jokic became only the 6th player in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of 's! 24.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 10 NBA seasons with Boston Celtics ( 1979-80 to ;! With Buffalo Braves 14 seasons with Milwaukee/St 2023: new Mavericks star espn best nba players of all time lands...