The 2009–10 NBA season was an exciting one, with a number of teams vying for the championship. It featured some major shakeups in team rosters and management as well as new rules that were implemented to make the game more competitive and entertaining.
The regular season began on October 27th, 2009 and concluded with the Los Angeles Lakers clinching their 16th title after defeating Boston Celtics 4-3 in the finals series. This historic win saw Kobe Bryant become only player to be named Finals MVP four times throughout his career.
Other highlights from this thrilling campaign included: LeBron James’ first year with Miami Heat; Kevin Durant’s scoring streak during March/April 2010; Blake Griffin being selected first overall draft pick by LA Clippers; Deron Williams becoming All Star starter for Western Conference Team etcetera
1. Derrick Rose
Point guard
Career
- NBA Most Valuable Player (2011)
- 3× NBA All-Star (2010–2012)
- All-NBA First Team (2011)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2009)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009)
- Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2008)
- First-team Parade All-American (2007)
- Third-team Parade All-American (2005)
- Fourth-team Parade All-American (2006)
- McDonald's All-American (2007)
- Illinois Mr. Basketball (2007)
Derrick Rose was a standout player at Simeon Career Academy and helped lead the school to its first state championship in 2006. After one season at Memphis, he was drafted 1st overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2008.
Derrick Rose has been with the Bulls ever since and is considered one of the greatest point guards of all time. Injuries have plagued his career, but when he's on form Derrick Rose is unguardable.
He announced his retirement from basketball in March 2019 after 16 seasons in the NBA Derrick Rose was one of the most highly touted high school players in history when he entered Illinois.
He broke numerous records while at Illinois, including leading the Fighting Illini to a National Championship in 2008.
After being drafted by the Chicago Bulls with number 1 overall pick in 2009, Derrick Rose had an up-and-down career that included two MVP awards and five All-Star appearances before leaving for New York City this past offseason.
Also Played For: chicago bulls, new york knicks
2. Carmelo Anthony
Power forward
Career
- 10× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008, 2010–2017)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (2010, 2013)
- 4× All-NBA Third Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
- NBA scoring champion (2013)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- NBA Social Justice Champion Award (2021)
- NCAA champion (2003)
- NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2003)
- Consensus second-team All-American (2003)
- USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2003)
- No. 15 retired by Syracuse Orange
- 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2006, 2016)
- First-team Parade All-American (2002)
- McDonald's All-American (2002)
Carmelo Anthony is a two-time NBA MVP and six-time all-star. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2003, and has played for them, the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors.
In 2017 he joined the Houston Rockets as a free agent. Anthony is married to LaLa Vasquez and they have one daughter together named Kiara.
Carmelo's hometown is Baltimore Maryland where he attended Towson Catholic High School before going on to play college basketball at Syracuse University from 2002 until 2003.
Winning an NCAA Championship in 2004 alongside fellow Syracuse alum Dwayne Wade Carmelo Anthony is an American professional basketball player who has played his entire career with the New York Knicks.
He was drafted by Denver Nuggets in 2003 and spent six seasons there before being traded to the Knicks in 2011. In 2017, he signed with Oklahoma City Thunder where he won a championship that year.
Anthony then moved on to Houston Rockets for two seasons before returning to Oklahoma City for another title run in 2018-19 season. Melo is considered one of the best players in league history and will likely retire as a Hall of Famer when his playing days are over.
Also Played For: nba 75th anniversary team, syracuse orange men's basketball
3. Amar'e Stoudemire
Power forward
Career
- 6× NBA All-Star (2005, 2007–2011)
- All-NBA First Team (2007)
- 4× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2003)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003)
- 2× Israeli Basketball Premier League champion (2017, 2020)
- Israeli Basketball Premier League Finals MVP (2020)
- Israeli Cup winner (2019)
- 2× Israeli Basketball Premier League All-Star (2017, 2019)
- All-EuroCup Second Team (2017)
- Israeli League Cup winner (2016)
- First-team Parade All-American (2002)
- McDonald's All-American (2002)
- Florida Mr. Basketball (2002)
Stoudemire was born on November 16, 1982 in Lake Wales, Florida. He attended high school at Lake Wales Christian Academy and then Mount Zion Christian Academy before playing college basketball with Cypress Creek.
Stoudemire entered the NBA draft in 2002 and was selected by the Phoenix Suns 9th overall. In his first season with Phoenix he averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds per game while helping to lead the Suns to their only appearance in the playoffs that year (they lost to eventual champions Los Angeles Lakers).
After a couple of seasons where injuries disrupted his progress, Stoudemire signed with New York Knicks in 2009 as part of a blockbuster trade which also involved Steve Nash and Antoine Walker being sent from Phoenix to NYK.
The move paid off for Stoudemire who went on to win two consecutive MVP Awards (2010-11) becoming just the second player ever (after Michael Jordan) to achieve this feat whilst playing for two different teams over an extended period of time - joining.
Wilt Chamberlain who achieved this during three separate spells with Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls & San Francisco Warriors respectively.
Injuries have continued to dog him however and he announced his retirement from professional basketball following a disappointing performance at 2017's Olympic Games - having previously stated that he would like one more shot at winning an NBA title.
Amar'e Stoudemire is a power forward and center who has played in the NBA since 2002. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2002, and spent five seasons with them before signing with the New York Knicks in 2010.
In 2015, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks, where he remained for two seasons before moving to Miami Heat in 2016. He then joined Hapoel Jerusalem for one season before joining Fujian Sturgeons of China for 2020 season.
Also Played For: phoenix suns, nba 2000s
4. David Lee
Career
- 2005–2010: New York Knicks
- 2010–2015: Golden State Warriors
- 2015–2016: Boston Celtics
- 2016: Dallas Mavericks
- 2016–2017: San Antonio Spurs
David Lee was a dominant player in the NBA for several years, and is still considered one of the best power forwards in history. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2005, but soon moved on to be a key player with the Golden State Warriors.
Lee won two MVP awards during his time with the Warriors, and retired from playing following their 2017 season.
David Lee is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion. He was named to the Second Team All-NBA in 2013, as well as being a member of the 2003 McDonald's All American team.
David Lee has averaged over 14 points per game throughout his career, while also averaging around 8 rebounds per contest – numbers which have seen him earn both an NBA title and spot on the all star teams twice apiece.
Also Played For: new york knights
5. Marcus Camby
Power forward
Career
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2007, 2008)
- 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006)
- 4× NBA blocks leader (1998, 2006–2008)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
- National college player of the year (1996)
- Consensus first-team All-American (1996)
- Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (1996)
- No. 21 retired by UMass Minutemen
- Fourth-team Parade All-American (1993)
Marcus Camby is a 48-year-old American center who spent 19 seasons in the NBA. He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the second overall pick in 1996 and played for them until 2013.
Marcus is best known for his defensive abilities, as he was named to six All-Star teams and won three Defensive Player of The Year Awards during his career.
In 2013, he retired from professional basketball after playing for Houston Rockets that season but has since returned to play amateur basketball in Europe Camby was a dominant player in the NBA for many years, and he is still considered one of the best center defenders ever.
Camby was selected to several All-Star teams and won multiple awards during his career. He played with some of the biggest names in basketball, including Michael Jordan, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Camby will be remembered most fondly by Knicks fans for his time spent with them between 2008 and 2010.
Also Played For: toronto raptors, 2006–07 nba season
6. Dwyane Wade
Shooting guard
Career
- 3× NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013)
- NBA Finals MVP (2006)
- 13× NBA All-Star (2005–2016, 2019)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (2010)
- 2× All-NBA First Team (2009, 2010)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2006, 2011)
- 3× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2012, 2013)
- 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2009, 2010)
- NBA scoring champion (2009)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- No. 3 retired by Miami Heat
- Consensus first-team All-American (2003)
- Third-team All-American – SN (2002)
- Conference USA Player of the Year (2003)
- 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2002, 2003)
- No. 3 retired by Marquette Golden Eagles
Dwyane Wade was born on January 17, 1982 in Chicago, Illinois. He played college basketball at Marquette and was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2003. Wade has been a shooting guard for most of his career and is currently playing for the Utah Jazz.
He has won three NBA championships with the Miami Heat (2006, 2013, 2016). In 2019 he announced that he would be retiring from professional basketball after 19 seasons.
Dwyane Wade is a 3-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star. He was the 2010 MVP of the NBA Finals and also won an Olympic gold medal in 2008.
Wade has been named to six All-NBA teams and two All-Defensive teams, as well as being a scoring champion and rookie of the year recipient.
Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, shooting guard
7. LeBron James
Power forward
Career
- 2003–2010: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2010–2014: Miami Heat
- 2014–2018: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2018–present: Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James is a two-time NBA champion and three-time MVP. He has led the Cavaliers to back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, he joined the Lakers for an unprecedented move westward in the NBA's history.
His jersey number (6) was retired by both Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat organizations after his third consecutive MVP award in the 2014–2015 season.
LeBron James also holds several other records such as the most points scored in a playoff game with 73 against Boston Celtics.
Also, the highest scoring average ever with 38 points per game over his whole career, youngest player to score 30 000 points or more and fastest player to reach 20 000 assists milestone among others LeBron James is a four-time NBA Champion, three-time MVP, and eighteen-time All-Star.
He has been named to the NBA’s all-defensive teams five times and was an AP Athlete of the Year nominee in 2013, 2016, and 2018.
LeBron also won gold medals with Team USA at the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2012 Olympics, and 2016 Rio Olympics respectively.
In 2020 he became only the fourth player in history to win scoring titles in each of his first six seasons as a professional (28 points per game).
Also Played For: school basketball, fantasy basketball
8. Chris Bosh
Power forward
Career
- 2003–2010: Toronto Raptors
- 2010–2017: Miami Heat
Bosh was born in Dallas, Texas, and played high school basketball at Lincoln. Bosh attended Georgia Tech where he started his career as a power forward before being moved to center later on in his college career.
Bosh was drafted fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2003 and spent several years with them before moving to the Miami Heat in 2010.
Bosh is one of the most successful players in NBA history, winning two championships with the Miami Heat (2012, 2013).
He also won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA during the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2017, Bosh announced that he would be retiring from professional basketball due to persistent injuries sustained over the course of his playing career. Bosh was a two-time NBA champion and 11-time All-Star.
He was also an All-NBA Second Team selection and helped Miami to win their first championship in 2012. Bosh retired as the No. 1 player in Heat history, after leading them to back-to-back championships in 2013 and 2014.
Outside of basketball, Bosh is known for his philanthropy work with children's charities around the world - he has even launched his own charity called "Bosh Kids."
In December 2016, it was announced that Bosh had been diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung; although he required surgery to remove the clot, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Also Played For: miami heat
9. Ray Allen
Shooting guard
Career
- 1996–2003: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2003–2007: Seattle SuperSonics
- 2007–2012: Boston Celtics
- 2012–2014: Miami Heat
Ray Allen is a former shooting guard who played in the NBA for 17 seasons. He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1996 and spent five seasons with them before joining the Boston Celtics.
Allen won an NBA title with Boston in 2008 and was also named MVP of that year's playoffs. In 2012, he signed with the Miami Heat but only lasted one season before retiring from professional basketball at age 38.
Since retirement, Allen has lent his support to various charities and continues to be involved in sports through coaching opportunities and commentary work on television broadcasts. Ray Allen is a two-time NBA champion and 10-time All-Star.
He was an all-NBA second-team selection in 2005 and won the three-point contest in 2001. Allen played college ball at UConn before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1996, where he spent most of his career.
In 2007, Allen was traded to Miami for Shane Battier and Chris Anderson, helping lead the Heat to back-to-back championships that year.
After spending several years with the Boston Celtics, Allen signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent during the 2017–2018 season but left after just one game due to an injury.
Also Played For: boston celtics, seattle supersonics
10. Rudy Gay
Small forward
Career
- 2006–2013: Memphis Grizzlies
- 2013: Toronto Raptors
- 2013–2017: Sacramento Kings
- 2017–2021: San Antonio Spurs
- 2021–present: Utah Jazz
Rudy Gay was born in New York City and attended Eastern Technical High School before playing college basketball at UConn. After being drafted by the Houston Rockets, Gay played for them from 2006 to 2014.
In January 2015, he signed with the Sacramento Kings and has since been their starting small forward. Rudy Gay has averaged 18 points per game over his career and is a three-time All-Star (2010, 2012, 2013).
Rudy Gay is a veteran player in the NBA who has played for Memphis, Toronto, and Sacramento. He's known for his scoring ability and was an All-Rookie First-Team selection in 2007. In 2017, he joined San Antonio and has since been playing well for them - averaging 19 points per game this season.
Gay is married with three children and lives in Utah where he works as a radio personality with KSL Radio 97 FM.
Also Played For: sacramento kings, fiba basketball world cup
11. Tyreke Evans
Small forward
Career
- High school: American Christian Academy, (Aston, Pennsylvania)
- College: Memphis (2008–2009)
- NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
- Selected by the Sacramento Kings
- Playing career: 2009–2019; 2022–present
- 2009–2013: Sacramento Kings
- 2013–2017: New Orleans Pelicans
- 2017: Sacramento Kings
- 2017–2018: Memphis Grizzlies
- 2018–2019: Indiana Pacers
- 2022: Wisconsin Herd
- 2022–present: Indios de Mayagüez
- NBA Rookie of the Year (2010), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010), First-team All-Conference USA (2009), Conference USA Freshman of the Year (2009), Conference USA tournament MVP (2009), McDonald's All-American MVP (2008), First-team Parade All-American (2008), Fourth-team Parade All-American (2007)
Tyreke Evans was a four-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion in the NBA. He helped lead the Sacramento Kings to an appearance in the 2013 NBA Finals, where they were defeated by LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
After leaving Sacramento, Evans signed with New Orleans Pelicans, but he was traded to Memphis Grizzlies just before the start of the 2019–20 season. Evans is a prolific scorer who can shoot from anywhere on the court and has excellent ball-handling skills for a point guard or shooting guard.
Although his playing career may be coming to an end, Tyreke Evans remains one of the most decorated players in basketball history with numerous accolades including five MVP awards and three championship rings as part of a successful career that also saw him win Rookie of The Year honors in 2009.
Also Played For: new orleans pelicans, memphis tigers men's basketball
12. Deron Williams
Point guard
Career
- High school: The Colony (The Colony, Texas)
- College: Illinois (2002–2005)
- NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the Utah Jazz
- Playing career: 2005–2017
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 8, 31
- 2005–2011: Utah Jazz
- 2011–2015: New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
- 2011: Beşiktaş
- 2015–2017: Dallas Mavericks
- 2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 3× NBA All-Star (2010–2012), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2008, 2010), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2006), No. 8 retired by Beşiktaş, No. 5 jersey honored by Illinois, Consensus second-team All-American (2005), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Media (2004, 2005), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2004, 2005)
- Points: 13,804 (16.3 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,619 (3.1 rpg)
- Assists: 6,819 (8.1 apg)
- Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing the United States, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2007 Las Vegas: , FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2002 Isla Margarita: Team
- Men's Basketball
- Representing the United States
- Olympic Games
- : 2008 Beijing: Team
- : 2012 London: Team
- FIBA Americas Championship
- : 2007 Las Vegas:
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship
- : 2002 Isla Margarita: Team
Deron Williams is a retired point guard who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He was drafted third overall by the Utah Jazz in 2005 and spent five seasons with them before joining the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets franchise in 2011.
Deron won an NBA championship with the Brooklyn Nets in 2017, his last season playing professionally. Deron Williams is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team selection. In 2005, he was the consensus second-team All-American.
He played for the Dallas Mavericks from 2007 to 2015 before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Also Played For: utah jazz, illinois fighting illini men's basketball
13. Carlos Boozer
Career
- High school: Juneau-Douglas (Juneau, Alaska)
- College: Duke (1999–2002)
- NBA draft 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
- Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Playing career: 2002–2017
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 1, 5
- 2002–2004: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2004–2010: Utah Jazz
- 2010–2014: Chicago Bulls
- 2014–2015: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2016–2017: Guangdong Southern Tigers
- 2× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008), All-NBA Third Team (2008), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2003), NCAA champion (2001), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2002), First-team All-ACC (2002), ACC tournament MVP (2002), First-team Parade All-American (1999), Third-team Parade All-American (1998), McDonald's All-American (1999)
- Points: 13,976 (16.2 ppg)
- Rebounds: 8,192 (9.5 rpg)
- Assists: 1,928 (2.2 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, Summer Olympics, : 2008 Beijing: Team competition, : 2004 Athens: Team competition, FIBA U21 World Championship, : 2001 Saitama: Team competition
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- Summer Olympics
- : 2008 Beijing: Team competition
- : 2004 Athens: Team competition
- FIBA U21 World Championship
- : 2001 Saitama: Team competition
Carlos Boozer played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2002 to 2004. He then played for the Utah Jazz from 2004 to 2010. Carlos Boozer was a power forward and is considered one of the best players in Cav's history.
He is now retired but has worked as an analyst on ESPN since 2017 Carlos Boozer is a former NBA player who played for the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Guangdong Southern Tigers. He has appeared in two All-Star games and was an all-NBA third-team selection in 2008.
Carlos Boozer was born on December 12th, 1980 in Newark, New Jersey. At Michigan State, he led the Spartans to their first NCAA championship since 1984 and won.
First-team All-ACC honors as a junior after averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game en route to being named Third Team All-American by both the Associated Press (AP) and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
After being drafted with the No 17 overall pick by Chicago, Boozer helped lead them to 3 consecutive conference finals appearances before joining forces with Kobe Bryant at LA.
Where they won 2 championships together during his 4 seasons there before retiring at the end of the 2016/17 season playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of China's CBA league.
Also Played For: duke university, 2003–04 nba season
14. Al Jefferson
Power forward
Career
- High school: Prentiss (Prentiss, Mississippi)
- NBA draft 2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
- Selected by the Boston Celtics
- Playing career: 2004–2018
- Position: Center / Power forward
- Number: 8, 7, 25
- 2004–2007: Boston Celtics
- 2007–2010: Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2010–2013: Utah Jazz
- 2013–2016: Charlotte Bobcats / Hornets
- 2016–2018: Indiana Pacers
- 2018: Xinjiang Flying Tigers
- All-NBA Third Team (2014), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2005), McDonald's All-American (2004), First-team Parade All-American (2004), Mississippi Mr. Basketball (2004)
- Points: 14,343 (15.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 7,690 (8.4 rpg)
- Blocks: 1,093 (1.2 bpg)
Al Jefferson is a former NBA center and power forward. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2004 and played for them from 2004-2018. Jefferson had an impressive career with Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Hornets in 2018.
His 8 seasons with Boston are some of his most successful, as he averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds per game during that time period.
Jefferson's best season came in 2011-12 when he averaged 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists per game on 53% shooting from the field (all stats via Basketball-Reference).
After spending one year with Charlotte, Al will now move on to his next chapter - retirement after 20 years of playing professional basketball.
Al Jefferson was drafted 9th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. Al Jefferson had an impressive college career at Kentucky, where he won two NCAA Championships and was a Second-team All-American.
In his rookie season with Utah, Jefferson averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game. He helped lead the Jazz to their first playoff appearance in over 8 years that year.
Jefferson continued to be one of the most consistent players for Utah during his time there, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game from 2007-2010 before being traded to Charlotte in 2013.
With Charlotte, Al led them to a Hornets/Bobcats franchise record of 42 wins in 2014 but was later traded again, this time to Indiana midway through the 2016-17 season where he has since played out his final seasons as a Pacer (2018).
In total, Al has appeared in 1128 games (including playoffs) scoring 24 thousand points and grabbing 16 thousand rebounds along the way - making him one of only 5 players ever with 15000+ points & 7000+ rebound averages.
At 36 years old Al is still playing at a high level; currently averaging 17ppg / 11rpg for Xinjiang Flying Tigers of China's CBA league.
Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves, western conference
15. Brook Lopez
Center
Career
- High school: San Joaquin Memorial, (Fresno, California)
- College: Stanford (2006–2008)
- NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
- Selected by the New Jersey Nets
- Playing career: 2008–present
- 2008–2017: New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
- 2017–2018: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2018–present: Milwaukee Bucks
- NBA champion (2021), NBA All-Star (2013), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2008), First-team All-Pac-10 (2008), Third-team Parade All-American (2006), McDonald's All-American (2006)
Lopez was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 and has been with them ever since. Lopez is a versatile center who can score inside or outside, averaging over 20 points per game for his career.
Lopez has won three championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and is an all-star player every season he plays. With age coming on strong for many NBA players, Lopez remains one of the best centers in the league, if not THE best.
Lopez was a three-time All-Pac-10 selection and first-team Parade All-American. Lopez had an impressive rookie campaign with the Nets, averaging 14.8 points and 7 rebounds per game before being traded to the Lakers in 2017.
Lopez has continued his strong play with Los Angeles, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds per game this season on 49% shooting from the field – both career highs.
With another title likely coming his way in 2021, Lopez is one of the most decorated players in NBA history bar none.
Also Played For: brooklyn nets, center basketball
16. Joe Johnson
Small forward
Career
- High school: Little Rock Central, (Little Rock, Arkansas)
- College: Arkansas (1999–2001)
- NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
- Selected by the Boston Celtics
- Playing career: 2001–2018, 2021–2022
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Number: 31, 2, 7, 6, 55
- 2001–2002: Boston Celtics
- 2002–2005: Phoenix Suns
- 2005–2012: Atlanta Hawks
- 2012–2016: Brooklyn Nets
- 2016: Miami Heat
- 2016–2018: Utah Jazz
- 2018: Houston Rockets
- 2021–2022: Boston Celtics
- 7× NBA All-Star (2007–2012, 2014), All-NBA Third Team (2010), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2002), Second-team All-SEC (2001), SEC Rookie of the Year (2000), SEC All-Freshman Team (2000), Arkansas Mr. Basketball (1999)
- Points: 20,405 (16.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 5,059 (4.0 rpg)
- Assists: 5,001 (3.9 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, World Championships, : 2006 Japan: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- World Championships
- : 2006 Japan: National team
Joe Johnson was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2001 and played there for six seasons. In 2008, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks and spent nine seasons with them before moving to the Brooklyn Nets in 2017.
Johnson is a three-time All-Star (2008, 2010, 2012) and has won two championships (2009, 2018). He was named MVP of the 2009 NBA Finals after leading his team to victory over the Orlando Magic. In 2018, he announced his retirement from professional basketball at age 38 after 14 seasons in the league overall.
Joe Johnson was a 7x NBA All-Star and 2x All-NBA Third Team player. Joe Johnson led the Suns to their first-ever Finals appearance in 2009, but they were ultimately swept by the Lakers. After playing for six different teams over eight seasons, Joe Johnson signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2016.
In 2017, he helped lead the Nets to an Atlantic Division title before being eliminated in the playoffs by LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Johnson has averaged 16 points per game throughout his career and is considered one of the best shooting guards of all time (he currently has more 3-pointers made than any other player).
Johnson will be 39 years old when 2021 begins and is likely nearing retirement; however, he may play one final season with Houston Rockets as a way of saying goodbye to fans around the league.
17. Dwight Howard
Power forward
Career
- High school: Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, (Atlanta, Georgia)
- NBA draft 2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
- Selected by the Orlando Magic
- Playing career: 2004–present
- 2004–2012: Orlando Magic
- 2012–2013: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2013–2016: Houston Rockets
- 2016–2017: Atlanta Hawks
- 2017–2018: Charlotte Hornets
- 2018–2019: Washington Wizards
- 2019–2020: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2020–2021: Philadelphia 76ers
- 2021–2022: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2022–present: Taoyuan Leopards
- NBA champion (2020), 8× NBA All-Star (2007–2014), 5× All-NBA First Team (2008–2012), All-NBA Second Team (2014), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2013), 3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2009–2011), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2012), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2008), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2005), 5× NBA rebounding leader (2008–2010, 2012, 2013), 2× NBA blocks leader (2009, 2010), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2008), Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2004), McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (2004), First-team Parade All-American (2004), Mr. Georgia Basketball (2004)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team competition, FIBA World Championship, : 2006 Japan: Team competition, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2007 Las Vegas: Team competition
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- Olympic Games
- : 2008 Beijing: Team competition
- FIBA World Championship
- : 2006 Japan: Team competition
- FIBA Americas Championship
- : 2007 Las Vegas: Team competition
Dwight Howard is a professional basketball player who has played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks. He was drafted first overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic and spent seven seasons with them before moving to Los Angeles in 2012.
In 2013, he joined the then-Atlanta Hawks and remains with them as of 2019. Dwight Howard's height (6 ft 10 inches) and weight (265 pounds) make him one of the most physically imposing players in basketball history.
His skills on the court have earned him numerous awards, including five All-Star appearances, two MVP Awards, and three scoring titles over his career Dwight Howard was a dominant center in the NBA for many years and is still considered one of the best players in league history.
He led Houston to three consecutive championships from 2013-2015, while also being an All-Star multiple times and winning Defensive Player of the Year honors on two occasions.
Howard has since left Houston for Atlanta, where he helped lead them to their first-ever title in 2017-2018 before departing for Charlotte later that year.
In 2018, Dwight signed with Washington Wizards but failed to win a championship within his three seasons there before joining Los Angeles Lakers midway through 2020.
Also Played For: orlando magic, los angeles lakers
18. Stephen Curry
Point guard
Career
- High school: Charlotte Christian, (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- College: Davidson (2006–2009)
- NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
- Selected by the Golden State Warriors
- Playing career: 2009–present
- 2009–present: Golden State Warriors
- 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), NBA Finals MVP (2022), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2015, 2016), 8× NBA All-Star (2014–2019, 2021, 2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2022), 4× All-NBA First Team (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2014, 2017, 2022), All-NBA Third Team (2018), NBA Western Conference Finals MVP (2022), 2× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2015, 2021), 2× NBA scoring champion (2016, 2021), NBA steals leader (2016), 50–40–90 club (2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2009), Consensus second-team All-American (2008), NCAA season scoring leader (2009), 2× SoCon Player of the Year (2008, 2009), 3× First-team All-SoCon (2007–2009), No. 30 retired by Davidson Wildcats
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, FIBA World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: National team, : 2014 Spain: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- FIBA World Cup
- : 2010 Turkey: National team
- : 2014 Spain: National team
Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player who plays for the Golden State Warriors. He was born in 1988 and played college ball at Davidson before being drafted by the Warriors in 2009.
Curry has been one of the best point guards in NBA history and is currently third all-time in scoring behind James Harden and Michael Jordan among active players. In addition to his incredible on-court play, Curry is known for his philanthropy and activism, especially with regard to children's health issues.
Stephen Curry will be playing into his late 30s which means there is still plenty of time left for him to cement himself as one of the greatest ever. Stephen Curry is a two-time NBA MVP and four-time champion.
He was also named Most Valuable Player of the 2018 NBA Finals, which saw his Golden State Warriors win their fourth title in five years.
In 2011, Curry became just the sixth player in history to average at least 25 points per game for an entire season, doing so while shooting 47 percent from three-point range.
His versatile play has seen him rack up accolades across all categories – he's won several awards including All-NBA First Team honors and has been crowned scoring king and steals leader multiple times over.
Also Played For: golden state warriors, davidson college
19. Andre Iguodala
Small forward
Career
- High school: Lanphier (Springfield, Illinois)
- College: Arizona (2002–2004)
- NBA draft 2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
- Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
- Playing career: 2004–present
- 2004–2012: Philadelphia 76ers
- 2012–2013: Denver Nuggets
- 2013–2019: Golden State Warriors
- 2020–2021: Miami Heat
- 2021–present: Golden State Warriors
- 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), NBA Finals MVP (2015), NBA All-Star (2012), NBA All-Defensive First Team (2014), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2011), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2005), First-team All-Pac-10 (2004), Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (2003), Second-team Parade All-American (2002)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team, FIBA World Championship, : 2010 Turkey: Team
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- Olympic Games
- : 2012 London: Team
- FIBA World Championship
- : 2010 Turkey: Team
Andre Iguodala was born on January 28, 1984 in Springfield, Illinois. He attended Lanphier High School and played for the basketball team there before going to Arizona University.
After two years at Arizona, Iguodala was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the ninth overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. Over his 17-year professional career, Andre has spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers (2004–2012), Denver Nuggets (2012–2013) and Golden State Warriors (2013–present).
In 2016 he won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA during their victory over Spain in Rio de Janeiro. Andre is married to Evelyn Medina and they have three children together.
Kiari Kendrell, Akilah Sarah and Aiden Jeremiah Jr. Andre Iguodala is a 6-foot-7, 215-pound shooting guard who has been a key player on the Golden State Warriors for over nine seasons.
Andre Iguodala was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 17th overall pick in 2005 and played his first season with them before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2007.
Andre Iguodala signed with Golden State as a free agent in 2013 and has since helped lead them to 4 championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) while also earning NBA Finals MVP honors in 2015.
Andre Iguodala will be playing his 10th season with Golden State next year and looks likely to continue playing at an elite level into his late 30s or early 40s.
Also Played For: small forward
20. Baron Davis
Point guard
Career
- High school: Crossroads School, (Santa Monica, California)
- College: UCLA (1997–1999)
- NBA draft 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
- Playing career: 1999–2016
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 1, 5, 85, 24
- 1999–2002: Charlotte Hornets
- 2002–2005: New Orleans Hornets
- 2005–2008: Golden State Warriors
- 2008–2011: Los Angeles Clippers
- 2011: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2011–2012: New York Knicks
- 2016: Delaware 87ers
- 2× NBA All-Star (2002, 2004), All-NBA Third Team (2004), 2× NBA steals leader (2004, 2007), Third-team All-American – AP (1999), First-team All-Pac-10 (1999), Pac-10 Freshman of the Year (1998), Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (1998), Gatorade Player of the Year (1997), First-team Parade All-American (1997), McDonald's All-American (1997), California Mr. Basketball (1997)
- Points: 13,447 (16.1 ppg)
- Assists: 6,025 (7.2 apg)
- Steals: 1,530 (1.8 spg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, Goodwill Games, : 2001 Brisbane: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- Goodwill Games
- : 2001 Brisbane: National team
Baron Davis was born on April 13th, 1979 in Los Angeles, California. He attended Crossroads School where he starred as a point guard for the Lakers' youth teams before going to UCLA.
Baron was drafted 3rd overall by the Charlotte Hornets and spent six seasons with them before moving on to New Orleans Pelicans. In 2009, he signed with the Golden State Warriors and played two seasons there before retiring at age 34 in 2014 due to injury.
Baron has since become an NBA TV analyst and is currently working for TNT as well as his own clothing line called "Baron Davis Clothing". Baron Davis was a highly decorated college basketball player, earning First-team Parade All-American and California Mr.
Basketball honors in 1997 before being drafted with the 7th pick by the Golden State Warriors. Baron played for five different NBA teams over his nine seasons, amassing averages of 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game while shooting 43% from three-point range.
Baron retired from professional basketball in 2016 after playing for the Delaware 87ers of the G League where he averaged 21 points and 6 assists per game this season.
Also Played For: los angeles clippers
21. Monta Ellis
Shooting guard
Career
- High school: Lanier (Jackson, Mississippi)
- NBA draft 2005 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
- Selected by the Golden State Warriors
- Playing career: 2005–2017
- Position: Shooting guard
- 2005–2012: Golden State Warriors
- 2012–2013: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2013–2015: Dallas Mavericks
- 2015–2017: Indiana Pacers
- NBA Most Improved Player (2007), Mr. Basketball USA (2005), McDonald's All-American (2005), First-team Parade All-American (2005), Third-team Parade All-American (2004), Mississippi Mr. Basketball (2005), No. 11 retired by Lanier Bulldogs
- Points: 14,858 (17.8 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,874 (3.5 rpg)
- Assists: 3,856 (4.6 apg)
Ellis spent eight seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he was an important part of two NBA championships. Ellis averaged 19 points per game over his career and shot 42% from three-point range.
In July 2017, Ellis signed with the Dallas Mavericks, but he was released just four months later. Ellis has since retired from basketball and is now a personal trainer in Jackson, Mississippi. Monta Ellis is a talented scorer and rebounder for both the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers.
He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on December 12th, 1981. Ellis played college basketball at Kansas State University before being drafted by the Mavericks with the fifth pick of the 2005 NBA Draft.
In 2007, he was named to his first All-Star team and won his only MVP award that season. Ellis has led both teams he's played for to playoff appearances.
Dallas reached the Finals in 2011 but lost to Miami while Indiana made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017 before losing to Toronto Raptors in six games.
22. Jason Richardson
Shooting guard
Career
- 2001–2007: Golden State Warriors
- 2007–2008: Charlotte Bobcats
- 2008–2010: Phoenix Suns
- 2010–2012: Orlando Magic
- 2012–2015: Philadelphia 76ers
Richardson was drafted fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2001. He played with the Warriors for six seasons before joining the Charlotte Bobcats in 2007.
Richardson has averaged 14.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game throughout his career.
In June 2015, Richardson announced his retirement from professional basketball after 16 seasons in the NBA Richardson was one of the most versatile players in the NBA for many years, able to contribute offensively from all over the court.
He won two slam dunk contests and was a consensus Second-Team All-American in 2001. Richardson also excelled at shooting threes, making more than half of his three-point attempts during his career (596).
After playing for six different teams across four seasons, Richardson retired after the 2015–16 season with 14,644 points and 4,245 rebounds accumulated in 703 games played.
Also Played For: michigan state basketball, 2001–02 nba season
23. Andrew Bogut
Center
Career
- High school: , St John's Regional College, (Melbourne, Victoria), Lake Ginninderra, (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)
- College: Utah (2003–2005)
- NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
- Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
- Playing career: 2005–2020
- Position: Center
- Number: 6, 12, 66
- 2005–2012: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2012–2016: Golden State Warriors
- 2016–2017: Dallas Mavericks
- 2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2017–2018: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2018–2020: Sydney Kings
- 2019: Golden State Warriors
- NBA champion (2015), All-NBA Third Team (2010), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2015), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2006), NBA blocks leader (2011), NBL Most Valuable Player (2019), All-NBL First Team (2019), All-NBL Second Team (2020), NBL Best Defensive Player (2019), Gaze Medal winner (2016), National college player of the year (2005), AP Player of the Year (2005), Consensus first-team All-American (2005), Pete Newell Big Man Award (2005), MWC Player of the Year (2005), MWC Freshman of the Year (2004), No. 4 retired by Utah Utes, FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2003)
- Points: 6,808 (9.6 ppg)
- Rebounds: 6,112 (8.7 rpg)
- Blocks: 1,091 (1.5 bpg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing Australia, FIBA Oceania Championship, : 2015 Australia/New Zealand: , FIBA U19 World Cup, : 2003 Greece: Team
- Men's basketball
- Representing Australia
- FIBA Oceania Championship
- : 2015 Australia/New Zealand:
- FIBA U19 World Cup
- : 2003 Greece: Team
Bogut was born in Melbourne, Victoria on 28 November 1984. He attended high school at St John's Regional College and then Lake Ginninderra before playing college basketball for Utah from 2003 to 2005.
Bogut was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the first overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and played there until he was traded to Golden State Warriors in 2019.
Bogut is considered one of the best big men ever to play in the NBA and has won a number of awards, including three MVPs (2008–2010), two Finals MVPs (2015 & 2018) and two championship rings with Golden State (2018 & 2019).
In 2020, Bogut announced his retirement from professional basketball after 16 seasons in which he averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game throughout his career Andrew Bogut is a center who has played in the NBA for 10 seasons.
He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005 and spent four years with them before joining the Golden State Warriors in 2012. Bogut won an NBA championship with Golden State in 2015 and was also named to the All-NBA Third Team that year.
Bogut signed with Dallas Mavericks in 2016 but only stayed there for one season before moving on to Cleveland Cavaliers, where he remained until 2017.
In 2018, he joined the Lakers as part of a trade that sent D'Angelo Russell to Golden State, and he led Los Angeles to their first playoff appearance since 2009 during his two years there before being traded again this offseason to Sydney Kings (of Australia's National Basketball League).
Bogut is known for his defensive abilities, averaging 2 blocks per game throughout his career which makes him one of only six players ever to achieve such a feat (the others are Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Dwight Howard and Kawhi Leonard).
24. Stephen Jackson
Small forward
Career
- High school: , Abraham Lincoln, (Port Arthur, Texas), Oak Hill Academy, (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)
- NBA draft 1997 / Round: 2 / Pick: 42nd overall
- Selected by the Phoenix Suns
- Playing career: 1997–2014
- Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
- Number: 24, 3, 1, 5
- 1997–1998: La Crosse Bobcats
- 1998: Sydney Kings
- 1999, 2000: Marinos de Oriente
- 1999, 2000: San Carlos
- 1999: Fort Wayne Fury
- 2000: Pueblo Nuevo
- 2000–2001: New Jersey Nets
- 2001–2003: San Antonio Spurs
- 2003–2004: Atlanta Hawks
- 2004–2007: Indiana Pacers
- 2007–2009: Golden State Warriors
- 2009–2011: Charlotte Bobcats
- 2011–2012: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2012–2013: San Antonio Spurs
- 2013–2014: Los Angeles Clippers
- NBA champion (2003), Second-team Parade All-American (1996), McDonald's All-American (1996)
- Points: 12,976 (15.1 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,328 (3.9 rpg)
- Assists: 2,634 (3.1 apg)
Stephen Jackson was born on April 5, 1978, in Houston, Texas. He played college basketball at Abraham Lincoln High School and then went on to play professional basketball for the Phoenix Suns from 1997-2014.
Stephen Jackson is a 6'8" forward and shooting guard who is known for his athleticism and scoring ability. In 2004, he led the Suns to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance where they eventually lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
After leaving Phoenix, Jackson spent time with several other teams before signing with the Golden State Warriors in 2015 where he has had success once again as one of their top players. Stephen Jackson is a 2001-2003 NBA All-Star, and 3x champion (2003) with the San Antonio Spurs.
He was once fined $50,000 for directing an obscenity at then-Indiana Pacers teammate Jermaine O'Neal. In March 2013, Stephen Jackson was arrested on suspicion of DUI after crashing his car in Charlotte, NC; he later pleaded guilty and received 18 months probation and community service.
Also Played For: san antonio spurs
25. Brandon Jennings
Point guard
Career
- 2008–2009: Lottomatica Roma
- 2009–2013: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2013–2016: Detroit Pistons
- 2015: Grand Rapids Drive
- 2016: Orlando Magic
- 2016–2017: New York Knicks
- 2017: Washington Wizards
- 2017: Shanxi Brave Dragons
- 2018: Wisconsin Herd
- 2018: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2018: Zenit Saint Petersburg
Jennings was one of the best point guards in the NBA for several years and helped teams make playoff appearances. He signed with the Wizards this offseason but has had a slow start to his career.
Jennings is 33 years old and may have played his last season in the NBA. Brandon Jennings was one of the most promising young players in the NBA when he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2009.
He quickly established himself as a scoring threat, averaging over 20 points per game during his rookie season. In 2013, Brandon signed with Detroit Pistons and helped them reach the playoffs that year.
However, due to injuries he wasn't able to play much during the following two seasons and eventually lost his spot on their roster. In 2015, Brandon joined Grand Rapids Drive of the D-League and had an excellent campaign - leading them to win their division title.
After impressing management with his performances there, Brandon made a return to Europe signing for Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2017 where he has continued playing at a high level ever since - helping them win several titles including Euroleague MVP award this past season.
Also Played For: milwaukee bucks
26. O. J. Mayo
Shooting guard
Career
- High school: , Rose Hill Christian, (Ashland, Kentucky), North College Hill, (North College Hill, Ohio), Huntington, (Huntington, West Virginia)
- College: USC (2007–2008)
- NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Playing career: 2008–present
- 2008–2012: Memphis Grizzlies
- 2012–2013: Dallas Mavericks
- 2013–2016: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2018: Atléticos de San Germán
- 2018–2019: Dacin Tigers
- 2019: Hunan Jinjian Miye
- 2019–2020: Taipei Fubon Braves
- 2020–2021: Liaoning Flying Leopards
- 2021–2022: UNICS
- 2022–present: Zamalek
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009), SBL All-Star (2019), SBL Three Point Contest champion (2019), First-team All-Pac-10 (2008), Pac-10 All-Freshman team (2008), Mr. Basketball USA (2007), 2× First-team Parade All-American (2006, 2007), Second-team Parade All-American (2005), McDonald's All-American (2007), Bill Evans Award (2007), 2× Ohio Mr. Basketball (2005, 2006)
O. J. Mayo was born on November 5, 1987, in Huntington, West Virginia to parents who both played college basketball. O. J. Mayo attended Rose Hill Christian Academy and then North College Hill before transferring to Huntington for his final two years of the high school play.
After three seasons at the University of Kentucky, where he averaged 18 points per game as a junior and 21 points per game as a senior, OJ signed with the Mavericks in 2013 after being drafted sixth overall by Dallas that year.
OJ has since alternated between starting and coming off the bench for Dallas while also appearing in 50 games or more each season from 2014-2018; averaging 17 minutes per game over that span despite his inconsistent shooting percentages (40% FGs career).
On July 6th, 2018 it was announced that OJ would be retiring from professional basketball following the conclusion of the 2018-19 season due to recurring knee injuries sustained during his time with Dallas.
Making him one of only four players ever to finish their NBA careers having never won an individual title (the others are Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal & Allen Iverson).
Also Played For: university of southern california basketball
27. Chauncey Billups
Point guard
Career
- High school: George Washington, (Denver, Colorado)
- College: Colorado (1995–1997)
- NBA draft 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the Boston Celtics
- Playing career: 1997–2014
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 4, 3, 1, 7
- Coaching career: 2020–present
- NBA champion (2004), NBA Finals MVP (2004), 5× NBA All-Star (2006–2010), All-NBA Second Team (2006), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2009), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2006), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2009), NBA Teammate of the Year (2013), No. 1 retired by Detroit Pistons, Consensus second-team All-American (1997), First-team All-Big 12 (1997), No. 4 retired by Colorado Buffaloes, McDonald's All-American (1995), Second-team Parade All-American (1995), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1994), 3× Mr. Colorado Basketball (1993–1995)
- Points: 15,802 (15.2 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,992 (2.9 rpg)
- Assists: 5,636 (5.4 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2007 Las Vegas: Team Competition, FIBA World Championship, : 2010 Turkey: Team competition
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- FIBA Americas Championship
- : 2007 Las Vegas: Team Competition
- FIBA World Championship
- : 2010 Turkey: Team competition
Chauncey Billups was a three-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion point guard who played for the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers over 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
In his first season with the Denver Nuggets in 1997–98, he helped lead them to their only playoff appearance that season. He then joined the Boston Celtics in 2000 where he won his first championship ring as part of the team's 'Big Three' alongside Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
After leaving Boston in 2004, Billups signed with Detroit where he spent six years before joining LA Clippers on a free-agent deal at the end of the 2011–12 campaign. He retired from playing following the 2014 season with Portland Trail Blazers.
As head coach of Portland Trail Blazers from 2019 until 2021, Billups led them to playoff berth each year but they were unsuccessful in winning any games during this period including being eliminated by eventual champions.
Golden State Warriors 4–1 in the 2020 Playoffs Semifinals Series which ended his coaching career prematurely.
Also Played For: denver nuggets, point guard
28. Andre Miller
Point guard
Career
- High school: Verbum Dei, (Los Angeles, California)
- College: Utah (1995–1999)
- NBA draft 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
- Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Playing career: 1999–2016
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 24, 7, 22
- Coaching career: 2022–present
- 1999–2002: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2002–2003: Los Angeles Clippers
- 2003–2006: Denver Nuggets
- 2006–2009: Philadelphia 76ers
- 2009–2011: Portland Trail Blazers
- 2011–2014: Denver Nuggets
- 2014–2015: Washington Wizards
- 2015: Sacramento Kings
- 2015–2016: Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2016: San Antonio Spurs
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000), NBA assists leader (2002), Consensus first-team All-American (1999), Third-team All-American – USBWA (1998), WAC Player of the Year (1999), 2× First-team All-WAC (1998, 1999), No. 24 retired by Utah Utes
- Points: 16,278 (12.5 ppg)
- Rebounds: 4,795 (3.7 rpg)
- Assists: 8,524 (6.5 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing United States, Goodwill Games, : 1998 New York: Team competition, : 2001 Brisbane: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing United States
- Goodwill Games
- : 1998 New York: Team competition
- : 2001 Brisbane: National team
Andre Miller was a point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1999 to 2016. He led the Cavs in assists three times and was named an All-Star twice. In 2012, he signed with the Washington Wizards and helped them reach the playoffs that year.
Miller retired at the end of the 2016 season after playing for two teams in his final NBA season. Andre Miller is a veteran point guard who has played in the NBA for over 20 years.
He started his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers before playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards.
Andre Miller was one of only two players ever to be named an All-Rookie First Team selection as well as being voted into the Consensus first team All-American list by various organizations (alongside Yao Ming).
Andre Miller also won WAC Player of the Year honors twice and was selected to both All-NBA Third Teams once during his career. At 38 years old, he retired from professional basketball in 2016 after spending time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.
29. Pau Gasol
Power forward
Career
- NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
- Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
- Playing career: 1998–2021
- Position: Power forward / Center
- Number: 16, 17
- 1998–2001: FC Barcelona
- 2001–2008: Memphis Grizzlies
- 2008–2014: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2014–2016: Chicago Bulls
- 2016–2019: San Antonio Spurs
- 2019: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2021: FC Barcelona
- 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010), 6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009–2011, 2015, 2016), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2011, 2015), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2009, 2010), NBA Rookie of the Year (2002), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), All-EuroLeague Second Team (2001), 3× Liga ACB champion (1999, 2001, 2021), Spanish King's Cup winner (2001), Spanish King's Cup MVP (2001), ACB Finals MVP (2001), 2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2008, 2009), 2× Mister Europa Player of the Year (2004, 2009), 4× Euroscar Player of the Year (2008–2010, 2015), FIBA World Cup MVP (2006), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (2014), 2× FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2009, 2015), 3× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2003, 2009, 2015)
- Points: 20,894 (17.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 11,305 (9.2 rpg)
- Assists: 3,925 (3.2 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing Spain, Summer Olympics, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2006 Japan: Team, EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: Team, : 2011 Lithuania: Team, : 2015 France: Team, : 2003 Sweden: Team, : 2007 Spain: Team, : 2001 Turkey: Team, : 2017 Turkey: Team
- Men's basketball
- Representing Spain
- Summer Olympics
- : 2008 Beijing: Team
- : 2012 London: Team
- : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
- World Cup
- : 2006 Japan: Team
- EuroBasket
- : 2009 Poland: Team
- : 2011 Lithuania: Team
- : 2015 France: Team
- : 2003 Sweden: Team
- : 2007 Spain: Team
- : 2001 Turkey: Team
- : 2017 Turkey: Team
Pau Gasol is a retired professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for 16 seasons. He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2001 and spent his entire career with them.
Pau Gasol is a two-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008 and 2009 before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014. He also won a championship with the Chicago Bulls in 2016.
In 2020, Pau Gasol will join FC Barcelona as their new center fielder and leader on both sides of the ball.
Given his experience playing at such a high level, he will be an important part of Barça's bid to win La Liga and Europe's top club competition, the UEFA Champions League.
Pau Gasol is a Spanish basketball player who has played for the Milwaukee Bucks and FC Barcelona. He is a two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star.
Pau Gasol was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002, but he only spent one season with them before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he won his first championship in 2006.
In 2008, Pau Gasol signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and helped them win three championships between 2010 and 2013, including their most recent title in 2016.
Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball after playing for Spain at the World Cup this year, winning MVP honors as a result.
Also Played For: memphis grizzlies, eurobasket
30. Josh Smith
Power forward
Career
- 2004–2013: Atlanta Hawks
- 2013–2014: Detroit Pistons
- 2014–2015: Houston Rockets
- 2015–2016: Los Angeles Clippers
- 2016: Houston Rockets
- 2016–2017: Sichuan Blue Whales
- 2017: New Orleans Pelicans
Josh Smith was a highly talented power forward and small forward in the NBA for over 10 years.
Josh Smith had some memorable moments with Atlanta, including winning an MVP award and leading the Hawks to two straight conference championships in 2007 and 2008.
However, after signing with Detroit in 2017, it appeared that his time as a top-flight player was coming to an end due to injuries and poor play. In 2018, however, he has started playing better again and is looking like he may have one final chance at glory with the Pistons before retirement comes calling.
Josh Smith was a highly-touted high school player who emerged as one of the NBA's top power forwards. Despite his talent, injuries hampered Smith's early career and he never reached his full potential.
In 2013, Smith joined the Detroit Pistons and quickly became an important part of their lineup. However, after two seasons with the Pistons, he was traded to Houston in 2015 where he continued to be a key contributor for the Rockets until 2016 when he was traded again this time to the Clippers.
After spending one season with Los Angeles, Josh Smith signed with New Orleans in 2017 where he has since been inconsistent and relegated to backup minutes behind Anthony Davis.
Also Played For: atlanta hawks
31. Luis Scola
Power forward
Career
- NBA draft 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56th overall
- Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
- Playing career: 1995–2021
- Position: Power forward
- 1995–1998: Ferro Carril Oeste
- 1998–2007: Tau Ceramica
- 1998–2000: →Gijón
- 2007–2012: Houston Rockets
- 2012–2013: Phoenix Suns
- 2013–2015: Indiana Pacers
- 2015–2016: Toronto Raptors
- 2016–2017: Brooklyn Nets
- 2017–2018: Shanxi Brave Dragons
- 2018–2019: Shanghai Sharks
- 2019–2020: Olimpia Milano
- 2020–2021: Varese
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008), 2× All-EuroLeague First Team (2006, 2007), All-EuroLeague Second Team (2005), Spanish League champion (2002), 3× Spanish Cup winner (2002, 2004, 2006), 3× Spanish Supercup winner (2005–2007), 2× Spanish League MVP (2005, 2007), Spanish League Rookie of the Year (2000), 4× All-Spanish League Team (2004–2007), Spanish Supercup MVP (2005), 4× FIBA AmeriCup MVP (2007, 2009, 2011, 2015), FIBA World Championship Top Scorer (2010), FIBA Americas Under-20 Championship MVP (2000)
- Points: 8,882 (12.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 4,941 (6.7 rpg)
- Assists: 1,194 (1.6 apg)
- Medals, , , Event: 1st: 2nd: 3rd, Olympic Games: 1: 0: 1, FIBA World Cup: 0: 2: 0, FIBA Diamond Ball: 1: 0: 1, FIBA AmeriCup: 2: 4: 3, Pan American Games: 1: 0: 0, Total: 5: 6: 5, , Men's basketball, Representing Argentina, Olympic Games, : 2004 Athens: , : 2008 Beijing: , World Cup, : 2002 Indianapolis: , : 2019 China: , FIBA Diamond Ball, : 2004 Belgrade: , : 2008 Nanjing: , FIBA AmeriCup, : 2001 Neuquén: , : 2011 Mar del Plata: , : 2003 San Juan: , : 2007 Las Vegas: , : 2015 Mexico City: , : 2017 Argentina: , : 1999 San Juan: , : 2009 San Juan: , : 2013 Caracas: , Pan American Games, : 2019 Lima:
- Event: 1st: 2nd: 3rd, Olympic Games: 1: 0: 1, FIBA World Cup: 0: 2: 0, FIBA Diamond Ball: 1: 0: 1, FIBA AmeriCup: 2: 4: 3, Pan American Games: 1: 0: 0, Total: 5: 6: 5
- Event: 1st: 2nd: 3rd
- Olympic Games: 1: 0: 1
- FIBA World Cup: 0: 2: 0
- FIBA Diamond Ball: 1: 0: 1
- FIBA AmeriCup: 2: 4: 3
- Pan American Games: 1: 0: 0
- Total: 5: 6: 5
- Men's basketball
- Representing Argentina
- Olympic Games
- : 2004 Athens:
- : 2008 Beijing:
- World Cup
- : 2002 Indianapolis:
- : 2019 China:
- FIBA Diamond Ball
- : 2004 Belgrade:
- : 2008 Nanjing:
- FIBA AmeriCup
- : 2001 Neuquén:
- : 2011 Mar del Plata:
- : 2003 San Juan:
- : 2007 Las Vegas:
- : 2015 Mexico City:
- : 2017 Argentina:
- : 1999 San Juan:
- : 2009 San Juan:
- : 2013 Caracas:
- Pan American Games
- : 2019 Lima:
Luis Scola is a power forward who has played in the NBA for 13 seasons. He was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2002 and spent 7 years with them before signing with the Phoenix Suns in 2009.
In 2013, he joined Barcelona BC as their new head coach but left after one season to return to the NBA with Indiana Pacers. He retired at the end of the 2018-19 season having played for Varese, Pallacanestro Cantù, Olimpia Milano and Indiana Pacers over his career.
Currently, Luis Scola is CEO of Pallacanestro Varese where he has led them to two Serie A titles and one EuroLeague title since taking charge in 2019 Luis Scola is a versatile player who has played in both the NBA and EuroLeague. He was named an All-Star for two seasons and won a Spanish title with Valencia in 2002.
After spending several years in Indiana, he signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2013 and helped them reach the playoffs each of his four seasons there.
In 2018, he moved to China to play for the Shanghai Sharks; however, after just one season he returned to Europe signing with Olimpia Milano.
Luis Scola is known as one of the most skilled big men in European basketball history and will be looking to add another championship trophy when he returns to Italy next year.
Also Played For: houston rockets
32. Aaron Brooks
Point guard
Career
- High school: Franklin (Seattle, Washington)
- College: Oregon (2003–2007)
- NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26th overall
- Selected by the Houston Rockets
- Playing career: 2007–2019
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 0, 3, 00, 30
- Coaching career: 2020–present
- NBA Most Improved Player (2010), CBA All-Star (2012), Second-team All-American – SN (2007), Third-team All-American – AP (2007), First-team All-Pac-10 (2007), McDonald's All-American (2003), Third-team Parade All-American (2003), Washington Mr. Basketball (2003)
- Points: 6,259 (9.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 1,079 (1.7 rpg)
- Assists: 1,925 (3.0 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2002 Isla Margarita: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship
- : 2002 Isla Margarita: National team
Brooks has played in the NBA for 13 seasons, most notably with the Houston Rockets. Brooks is a two-way liaison on the Knicks' coaching staff and works extensively with point guards Brandon Jennings and Frank Ntilikina.
Brooks was drafted 26th overall by the Rockets in 2007 and has gone on to play for numerous other teams including Atlanta, Milwaukee, Sacramento and New York during his career. Aaron Brooks was a standout player at Arizona State and led the Sun Devils to an NCAA Championship in 2008.
He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2007 and spent four seasons with them before joining the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League for one season in 2011-12. In 2013, he moved to Sacramento where he played three more seasons before joining Chicago Bulls as a free agent in 2014.
After two years with Indiana Pacers, Brooks signed with Minnesota Timberwolves this summer and has started all 33 games so far this season averaging 16 points per game while also providing 5 assists per contest.
Also Played For: nba 2k18
33. Gerald Wallace
Power forward
Career
- High school: Childersburg, (Childersburg, Alabama)
- College: Alabama (2000–2001)
- NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
- Selected by the Sacramento Kings
- Playing career: 2001–2015
- Position: Small forward
- Number: 45, 3
- 2001–2004: Sacramento Kings
- 2004–2011: Charlotte Bobcats
- 2011–2012: Portland Trail Blazers
- 2012–2013: New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
- 2013–2015: Boston Celtics
- NBA All-Star (2010), NBA All-Defensive First Team (2010), NBA steals leader (2006), Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2000), First-team Parade All-American (2000), Alabama Mr. Basketball (2000), McDonald's All-American (2000)
- Points: 9,933 (11.9 ppg)
- Rebounds: 4,838 (5.8 rpg)
- Assists: 1,725 (2.1 apg)
Gerald Wallace was drafted 25th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2001. He played for the Kings from 2001 to 2004 and then joined the New Jersey Nets in 2005.
Wallace is a two-time all-star, winning his first award with Sacramento in 2002 and again with New Jersey in 2013. Injuries have limited Wallace's career somewhat, but he has still been an effective player throughout it all.
Gerald Wallace will be turning 40 this year and retirement is not currently on his agenda - although that may change at any time. Gerald Wallace was drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004. He played for the team until 2011, when he was traded to Portland.
In 2012, he signed with the New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets and helped them reach the playoffs that year. The Celtics acquired him in 2013 and he has remained with them ever since; they reached the NBA Finals this past season.
Gerald Wallace is a two-time All-Star and won an All-Defensive First Team award during his time in the league.
Also Played For: charlotte hornets
34. Brandon Roy
Shooting guard
Career
- High school: Garfield (Seattle, Washington)
- College: Washington (2002–2006)
- NBA draft 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
- Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Playing career: 2006–2011, 2012–2013
- Position: Shooting guard
- Number: 7, 3
- Coaching career: 2016–2018, 2019–present
- As player:, 3× NBA All-Star (2008–2010), All-NBA Second Team (2009), All-NBA Third Team (2010), NBA Rookie of the Year (2007), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2007), Consensus first-team All-American (2006), Pac-10 Player of the Year (2006), First-team All-Pac-10 (2006), No. 3 retired by Washington Huskies, , As coach:, , Naismith National HS Coach of the Year (2017)
- Points: 6,136 (18.8 ppg)
- Rebounds: 1,388 (4.3 rpg)
- Assists: 1,517 (4.7 apg)
Brandon Roy was originally drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2006, but he never played for them. He then signed with the Portland Trail Blazers and spent six seasons with them before retiring in 2013.
In 2016, Roy became an assistant coach for his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers. He remained on this position until 2018 when he left to become head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics, a team that had just been created as part of NBA expansion into Las Vegas.
As head coach of Seattle, Roy has led them to two straight playoff appearances and a first-round victory over Golden State Warriors in 2019 playoffs thus far.
Brandon Roy is currently one win away from becoming only second player ever (after Michael Jordan) to lead their respective teams all the way to a championship final game.
Also Played For: portland trail blazers
35. Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs
Career
- High school: St. Dunstan's Episcopal, (Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands)
- College: Wake Forest (1993–1997)
- NBA draft 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
- Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
- Playing career: 1997–2016
- Position: Power forward / Center
- Number: 21
- Coaching career: 2019–2020
- 5× NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002, 2003), 15× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2011, 2013, 2015), NBA All-Star Game co-MVP (2000), 10× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007, 2013), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008, 2009), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2010, 2015), 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007, 2008), 7× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015), NBA Rookie of the Year (1998), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998), NBA Teammate of the Year (2015), No. 21 retired by San Antonio Spurs, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2003), Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2003), IBM Award (2002), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Consensus national college player of the year (1997), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1996, 1997), Chip Hilton Player of the Year (1997), NCAA rebounding leader (1997), 3× NABC Defensive Player of the Year (1995–1997), 2× ACC Player of the Year (1996, 1997), 3× First-team All-ACC (1995–1997), No. 21 retired by Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Points: 26,496 (19.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 15,091 (10.8 rpg)
- Assists: 4,225 (3.0 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2017
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, Olympic Games, : 2004 Athens: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1999 San Juan: Team, : 2003 San Juan: Team, Goodwill Games, : 1994 St. Petersburg: Team, Summer Universiade, : 1995 Fukuoka: Team
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- Olympic Games
- : 2004 Athens: Team
- FIBA Americas Championship
- : 1999 San Juan: Team
- : 2003 San Juan: Team
- Goodwill Games
- : 1994 St. Petersburg: Team
- Summer Universiade
- : 1995 Fukuoka: Team
Tim Duncan is a two-time NBA champion and 14-time All-Star. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 2000 with the U.S. Men's National Team and a silver medal in 1996 with Spain's national team.
As of 2019, he ranks second all-time in scoring (27,387 points) and blocks (11,643). Duncan has served as head coach for the Spurs' Development League affiliate since the 2018–19 season.
He was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 8th, 2020 after completing his 21st year playing professional basketball Tim Duncan is one of the most decorated players in NBA history and was a five-time champion with San Antonio Spurs.
He won three MVPs, 15 All-Star appearances, 10 All-NBA First Team nods, and eight Defensive Player of the Year awards during his illustrious career. Tim Duncan's impact on the game cannot be overstated, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest big men to play in NBA history.
Also Played For: basketball, bleacher report nba
36. Andrew Bynum
Los Angeles Lakers
Career
- High school: St. Joseph (Metuchen, New Jersey)
- NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
- Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
- Playing career: 2005–2014
- Position: Center
- Number: 17, 21
- 2005–2012: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2013–2014: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2014: Indiana Pacers
- 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010), NBA All-Star (2012), All-NBA Second Team (2012), McDonald's All-American (2005), Third-team Parade All-American (2005)
- Points: 4,822 (11.5 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,221 (7.7 rpg)
- Blocks: 657 (1.6 bpg)
He was born in 1987 and played for the Lakers from 2005-2014. He is a 7 foot 0 inch tall center who averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block per game during his career.
Bynum has had multiple surgeries on his knees which have caused him to miss time throughout his career.
His biggest moment as a Laker came when he led them to the 2013 NBA Finals where they lost to Miami Heat 4-1 despite averaging 22 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks in the playoffs.
After 14 seasons with the Lakers, Bynum signed with Philadelphia 76ers in July 2018 but did not play a single game due to yet another knee surgery Andrew Bynum is a 7-foot tall center who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005.
He played for the Lakers from 2005 to 2012, and then joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013.
In 2014, he signed with the Indiana Pacers, where he has continued to play since then. Andrew Bynum has been named to two NBA All-Star teams and won a championship with LA in 2009 and 2010 before joining Cleveland in 2013.
His career totals include 4,822 points (11.5 ppg), 3,221 rebounds (7.7 rpg) and 657 blocks (1 .6 bpg).
Bynum has had several health issues over his career including a knee injury that required surgery that cost him most of the 2012–2013 season; however, he bounced back strong to help lead Cleveland to their second straight title game appearance earlier this year.
Also Played For: 2005 nba draft
37. Andrea Bargnani
Toronto Raptors
Career
- NBA draft 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
- Selected by the Toronto Raptors
- Playing career: 2002–2017
- Position: Power forward / Center
- 2002–2003: Stella Azzurra Roma
- 2003–2006: Benetton Treviso
- 2006–2013: Toronto Raptors
- 2013–2015: New York Knicks
- 2015–2016: Brooklyn Nets
- 2016–2017: Baskonia
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2007), EuroLeague Rising Star (2006), Italian League champion (2006), 2× Italian Cup winner (2004, 2005), Italian League Best Player Under 22 (2006)
- Points: 7,873 (14.3 ppg)
- Rebounds: 2,541 (4.6 rpg)
- Assists: 653 (1.2 apg)
Andrea Bargnani is a professional basketball player who has played for the Toronto Raptors and Benetton Treviso in his career. Andrea Bargnani was drafted first overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2006, after playing for Stella Azzurra Roma from 2002-2003.
Andrea Bargnani was an All Star selection with the Raptors in 2013 and 2014, before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2015. After two seasons with Brooklyn, Bargnani signed with Italian team Torino where he remains currently playing.
Andrea Bargnani is known for his scoring prowess from inside and out of the paint, as well as his passing abilities on offense which have drawn comparisons to former NBA greats Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant.
In 2017, it was announced that BargnANI had been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left elbow that would end his season prematurely; this came just one year after signing a five-year contract extension worth over $60 million USD with Torino.
Despite these setbacks, reports state that Andrea BargnANI still intends on returning to play at some point during next season.
Also Played For: 2006 nba draft, nba european
38. Paul Pierce
Small forward
Career
- High school: Inglewood (Inglewood, California)
- College: Kansas (1995–1998)
- NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
- Selected by the Boston Celtics
- Playing career: 1998–2017
- Position: Small forward
- Number: 34
- 1998–2013: Boston Celtics
- 2013–2014: Brooklyn Nets
- 2014–2015: Washington Wizards
- 2015–2017: Los Angeles Clippers
- NBA champion (2008), NBA Finals MVP (2008), 10× NBA All-Star (2002–2006, 2008–2012), All-NBA Second Team (2009), 3× All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2003, 2008), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2010), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 34 retired by Boston Celtics, Consensus first-team All-American (1998), First-team All-Big 12 (1998), Third-team All-Big 12 (1997), 2× Big 12 tournament MVP (1997, 1998), No. 34 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks, McDonald's All-American (1995), Second-team Parade All-American (1995), California Mr. Basketball (1995)
- Points: 26,397 (19.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 7,527 (5.6 rpg)
- Assists: 4,708 (3.5 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2021
Paul Pierce is a retired American professional basketball player. He played for the Boston Celtics from 1998 to 2017 and was a six-time All-Star. Pierce was born in Oakland, California on October 13th, 1977.
After graduating from high school in Inglewood, CA he attended Kansas University where he won two NCAA championships with the Jayhawks before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1998.
In his 17 seasons with the Celtics, Pierce averaged 22 points per game and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the field overall and 36% from three point range.
On July 9th, 2013 Paul Pierce announced his retirement after playing 20 seasons in the NBA (including playoffs). Since retiring as a player; Paul has started coaching at Baltimore’s famed.
House of Hoops including working alongside current Celtic Kyrie Irving during his rookie season of 2016/17 Pierce married R&B singer Aaliyah back in 2001 but they divorced four years later.
in 2005 after having one child together – son Kiari Dunbar-Pierce who also became an accomplished basketball player himself following father’s footsteps.
In early 2018 it was reported that Paul had been romantically linked to TV personality LaLa Anthony however these reports have since been denied by both parties.
Also Played For: nba playoffs best player
39. Kevin Garnett
Power forward
Career
- High school: , Mauldin (Mauldin, South Carolina), Farragut Academy (Chicago, Illinois)
- NBA draft 1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
- Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Playing career: 1995–2016
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 21, 5, 2
- 1995–2007: Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2007–2013: Boston Celtics
- 2013–2015: Brooklyn Nets
- 2015–2016: Minnesota Timberwolves
- NBA champion (2008), NBA Most Valuable Player (2004), 15× NBA All-Star (1997, 1998, 2000–2011, 2013), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2003), 4× All-NBA First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2008), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2001, 2002, 2005), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2007), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008), 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000–2005, 2008, 2009, 2011), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2006, 2007, 2012), 4× NBA rebounding champion (2004–2007), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1996), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 5 retired by Boston Celtics, Mr. Basketball USA (1995), 2× First-team Parade All-American (1994, 1995), McDonald's All-American Game MVP (1995), Illinois Mr. Basketball (1995), South Carolina Mr. Basketball (1994)
- Points: 26,071 (17.8 ppg)
- Rebounds: 14,662 (10.0 rpg)
- Assists: 5,445 (3.7 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, Olympic Games, : 2000 Sydney: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1999 San Juan: Team
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- Olympic Games
- : 2000 Sydney: Team
- FIBA Americas Championship
- : 1999 San Juan: Team
Kevin Garnett is a well-known NBA player and was one of the best power forwards in the league for many years. He started his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, before moving to Boston Celtics where he became an all-star player.
In 2016, he announced his retirement from professional basketball after 17 seasons in the league. Kevin Garnett has won several awards throughout his playing career, including three MVP Awards and six championship rings with two different teams.
He is also considered one of the greatest players in Celtics history and will be remembered as one of their most successful players ever. Kevin Garnett is a 10-time All-Star, 3-time MVP, and 2-time Defensive Player of the Year. He ranks ninth all-time in rebounds with 13,521.
KG was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995 and spent his entire career there (1995–2007). In 2007, he was traded to Boston Celtics where he won more titles: 2008 NBA Champion and 2013 NBA Finals MVP.
After 7 years with Brooklyn Nets (2015–2016), KG retired from professional basketball at the age of 38 due to injuries sustained during playoffs against Cleveland Cavaliers which sidelined him for six months.
Also Played For: nba defensive
40. Corey Maggette
Career
- High school: Fenwick (Oak Park, Illinois)
- College: Duke (1998–1999)
- NBA draft 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
- Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
- Playing career: 1999–2013
- Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
- Number: 5, 50
- 1999–2000: Orlando Magic
- 2000–2008: Los Angeles Clippers
- 2008–2010: Golden State Warriors
- 2010–2011: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2011–2012: Charlotte Bobcats
- 2012–2013: Detroit Pistons
- ACC All-Rookie Team (1999), 2× Second-team Parade All-American (1997, 1998), McDonald's All-American (1998)
- Points: 13,198 (16.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 4,022 (4.9 rpg)
- Assists: 1,696 (2.1 apg)
Corey Maggette was a phenomenally talented small forward and shooting guard in the NBA. He was drafted 13th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1999, and he went on to play for Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers before retiring in 2013.
Corey is one of just two players (the other being Kobe Bryant) to be named an All-Star Games MVP (in 2005), an All-NBA First Team Selection (in 2006), an Olympic gold medalist (in 2004) and a Finals MVP (in 2007).
He has also been voted into 18 consecutive All-Defensive Teams, which is second all time behind only Michael Jordan's 20 consecutive selections. His nickname "The Prince" comes from his father calling him that when he was younger; Maggette later adopted it as his own moniker during his playing career.
In 2009, he became the first player ever to score at least 30 points on 15 different occasions throughout an entire season - something that has since been equaled but never surpassed.
Corey married Artyom Novikovskaya in July 2016; they have one child together whom they welcomed into the world earlier this year.
41. Chris Kaman
Career
- High school: Tri-unity Christian School, (Wyoming, Michigan)
- College: Central Michigan (2000–2003)
- NBA draft 2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
- Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
- Playing career: 2003–2016
- Position: Center
- Number: 35, 9
- 2003–2011: Los Angeles Clippers
- 2011–2012: New Orleans Hornets
- 2012–2013: Dallas Mavericks
- 2013–2014: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2014–2016: Portland Trail Blazers
- NBA All-Star (2010), MAC Player of the Year (2003), First-team All-MAC (2003), MAC tournament MVP (2003)
Chris Kaman was a dominant center in the NBA for many years, playing for the Clippers and other teams. He had some personal issues during his career, but he eventually overcame them.
Chris Kaman is now focusing on his coaching career. Kaman played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2003-2011 before moving on to play for the New Orleans Hornets and Dallas Mavericks.
He was a two-time All-MAC player and an NBA All-Star in 2010. Kaman is now playing for Portland Trail Blazers, where he has averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds per game this season.
Also Played For: central michigan university
42. Dirk Nowitzki
Dallas Mavericks
Career
- NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
- Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
- Playing career: 1994–2019
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 41
- 1994–1998: DJK Würzburg
- 1998–2019: Dallas Mavericks
- NBA champion (2011), NBA Finals MVP (2011), NBA Most Valuable Player (2007), 14× NBA All-Star (2002–2012, 2014, 2015, 2019), 4× All-NBA First Team (2005–2007, 2009), 5× All-NBA Second Team (2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011), 3× All-NBA Third Team (2001, 2004, 2012), 50–40–90 club (2007), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2006), NBA Teammate of the Year (2017), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 41 retired by Dallas Mavericks, Bundesliga Most Valuable Player (1999), Bundesliga Top Scorer (1999), FIBA World Cup MVP (2002), 2× FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (2002, 2006), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2005), 3× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2001, 2005, 2007), 6× Euroscar Player of the Year (2002–2006, 2011), 2× FIBA Europe Men's Player of the Year (2005, 2011), 11× All-Europeans First Team (2003–2011, 2013, 2014), 9× All-Europeans Power Forward of the Year (2005–2011, 2013, 2014), Mister Europa Player of the Year (2005), Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (2011), German Sports Personality of the Year (2011), Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), No. 14 retired by Germany national team
- Points: 31,560 (20.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 11,489 (7.5 rpg)
- Assists: 3,651 (2.4 apg)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing Germany, World Cup, : 2002 Indianapolis: , EuroBasket, : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro:
- Men's basketball
- Representing Germany
- World Cup
- : 2002 Indianapolis:
- EuroBasket
- : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro:
Dirk Nowitzki is a professional basketball player who has spent his entire playing career with the Dallas Mavericks. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and played for them until 2019.
Dirk Nowitzki is best known for his outstanding scoring ability, which has led him to be one of the most successful players in NBA history. In 2011, he won his first championship with Dallas and also became an eight-time All-Star during his time there.
Dirk Nowitzki currently serves as a special advisor to the Mavericks organization and continues to play regular-season games at age 44 years old. Dirk Nowitzki is a 14-time NBA All-Star and was named MVP in 2007.
Dirk also holds numerous other accolades, including 3× First Team All-NBA, 5x Second Team selection, and the 50–40–90 club.
He retired from the Dallas Mavericks as No. 41 in February 2019 after 19 seasons with the team.
Also Played For: dallas mavericks
43. Jason Kidd
Point guard
Career
- High school: St. Joseph Notre Dame, (Alameda, California)
- College: California (1992–1994)
- NBA draft 1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
- Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
- Playing career: 1994–2013
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 5, 32, 2
- Coaching career: 2013–present
- As player:, NBA champion (2011), 10× NBA All-Star (1996, 1998, 2000–2004, 2007, 2008, 2010), 5× All-NBA First Team (1999–2002, 2004), All-NBA Second Team (2003), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999, 2001, 2002, 2006), 5× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2003–2005, 2007), NBA Co-Rookie of the Year (1995), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1995), 5× NBA assists leader (1999–2001, 2003, 2004), 2× NBA Sportsmanship Award (2012, 2013), USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2007), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 5 retired by Brooklyn Nets, Consensus first-team All-American (1994), USBWA National Freshman of the Year (1993), Pac-10 Player of the Year (1994), Pac-10 Freshman of the Year (1993), NCAA season assists leader (1994), NCAA season steals leader (1993), No. 5 retired by California Golden Bears, National high school player of the year (1992), McDonald's All-American (1992), 2× First-team Parade All-American (1991, 1992), 2× California Mr. Basketball (1991, 1992), , As assistant coach:, , NBA champion (2020)
- Points: 17,529 (12.6 ppg)
- Rebounds: 8,725 (6.3 rpg)
- Assists: 12,091 (8.7 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, Olympic Games, : 2000 Sydney: Team, : 2008 Beijing: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1999 San Juan: , : 2003 San Juan: , : 2007 Las Vegas:
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- Olympic Games
- : 2000 Sydney: Team
- : 2008 Beijing: Team
- FIBA Americas Championship
- : 1999 San Juan:
- : 2003 San Juan:
- : 2007 Las Vegas:
Jason Kidd was born on March 23, 1973, in San Francisco, California. Kidd played point guard for the Dallas Mavericks from 1994 to 2013. Kidd was a three-time NBA champion (2000, 2001, 2005) and a two-time MVP (2001, 2005).
Kidd was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Kidd has served as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks since 2014. After a successful playing career with the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, Kidd became a head coach in 2013 with the Brooklyn Nets.
In his two seasons as coach, he led the Nets to the playoffs both years. Kidd was one of the most decorated players in NBA history, winning 5 championships, 10 All-Star games, 5 All-NBA teams, and 4 All-Defensive teams.
As a coach, Kidd has led the Brooklyn Nets to two playoff appearances in his two seasons as head coach.
44. Steve Nash
Point guard
Career
- High school: St. Michaels, (Victoria, British Columbia)
- College: Santa Clara (1992–1996)
- NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
- Selected by the Phoenix Suns
- Playing career: 1996–2015
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 13, 10
- Coaching career: 2020–present
- 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2005, 2006), 8× NBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005–2008, 2010, 2012), 3× All-NBA First Team (2005–2007), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2008, 2010), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2003), 5× NBA assists leader (2005–2007, 2010, 2011), 4× 50–40–90 club (2006, 2008–2010), Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, 2× FIBA AmeriCup MVP (1999, 2003), Lou Marsh Trophy (2005), 3× Lionel Conacher Award (2002, 2005, 2006), 2× WCC Player of the Year (1995, 1996), No. 11 retired by Santa Clara Broncos
- Points: 17,387 (14.3 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,642 (3.0 rpg)
- Assists: 10,335 (8.5 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- FIBA Hall of Fame as player
- Medals, , Representing Canada, FIBA AmeriCup, : 1999 San Juan: National team, : 2001 Neuquén: National team, Universiade, : 1991 Sheffield: National team, : 1993 Buffalo: National team
- Representing Canada
- FIBA AmeriCup
- : 1999 San Juan: National team
- : 2001 Neuquén: National team
- Universiade
- : 1991 Sheffield: National team
- : 1993 Buffalo: National team
Nash is a Canadian point guard who played in the NBA from 1996 to 2015. He was one of the most successful point guards in NBA history, winning an NBA championship with the Phoenix Suns in 2010.
After playing his entire career in the Phoenix Suns organization, Nash retired in 2015. In 2020, Nash began a coaching career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Nash is known for his exceptional passing skills and strong shooting ability.
He is married to Tanya Harding, with whom he has two children. Nash is a popular figure in the basketball community and has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Nash was a two-time NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star, as well as a three-time All-NBA First Team selection.
He was also a five-time NBA assists leader. Nash was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft. He played there for six seasons before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1998. Nash spent the next four seasons with the Mavericks before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2004.
He spent the next 12 seasons with the Suns, winning two more MVP Awards and helping the team reach the NBA Finals twice. Nash announced his retirement from the NBA in 2015, after playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. He now coaches the Brooklyn Nets.
Final Words
2009-10 NBA Season was an exciting one, with a number of teams vying for the championship. Some of the best players in league history were on display this season, and it was hard to choose just five MVP candidates.
However, LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) all made compelling cases for their respective titles.