47 Nba 75th Anniversary Team Best Players of Alltime

Morgan Wolf

Updated on:

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and to commemorate the milestone they have selected an esteemed group of players known as the NBA 75. This team consists of some of the greatest basketball players in history who have made a lasting impact on the game.

The selection panel included reporters, current and former players, coaches, general managers and team personnel to help determine which members would make up this exclusive club.

With such distinguished names like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James among them it’s no wonder why these stars are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to basketball over the past three quarters of a century.

Table of Contents

1. Patrick Ewing

Power forward

Patrick Ewing Career

  • 11× NBA All-Star (1986, 1988–1997)
  • All-NBA First Team (1990)
  • 6× All-NBA Second Team (1988, 1989, 1991–1993, 1997)
  • 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1988, 1989, 1992)
  • NBA Rookie of the Year (1986)
  • NBA All-Rookie Team (1986)
  • NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
  • No. 33 retired by New York Knicks
  • NCAA champion (1984)
  • NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1984)
  • National college player of the year (1985)
  • 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1983–1985)
  • 2× Big East Player of the Year (1984, 1985)
  • 4× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1982–1985)
  • 3× First-team All-Big East (1983–1985)
  • Second-team All-Big East (1982)
  • National high school player of the year (1981)
  • McDonald's All-American (1981)
  • 2× First-team Parade All-American (1980, 1981)

Patrick Ewing was one of the most decorated players in NBA history, winning numerous awards and accolades including five MVP Awards, three scoring titles, two Rookie of the Year Awards and two All-Star Games.

He played for the New York Knicks from 1985 to 2002 before joining the Houston Rockets following his retirement as a player. 

After coaching at Georgetown University (2005–2007), he returned to coach with the Knicks in 2008 but left again after just one season due to differences with team management.

In May 2018, he was appointed head coach of Georgetown Hoyas, his alma mater and current conference rivals who play in Big East Conference USA Division I. 

Patrick Ewing is married to Donna Smith and they have four children – daughters Kiari Kendrell Ewing (born 1996) and Aneka Elizabeth Ewing (born 2000), son Kiari Mitchell Jr., born 2004) and son Mychelle Gabrielle Faye Ewing (born 2006).

Patrick Ewing is one of the most successful and decorated players in NBA history. He was an 11-time All-Star, 6-time All-NBA First Team selection, 3x NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree and Rookie of the Year winner. 

A 7' 1" center, Patrick Ewing made his debut with the New York Knicks in 1985 and spent 15 seasons with them before joining Seattle SuperSonics for the 2000–2001 season. 

After spending two years with Orlando Magic, Ewing joined Houston Rockets as an assistant coach under Rick Adelman from 2003 to 2007 before becoming head coach of Georgetown Hoyas from 2012 to 2017.

In 2017–2018 he led Georgetown to their first ever NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship appearance while also being named 2018 Naismith College Coach of the Year recipient after leading a squad that averaged 80 points per game en route to capturing 34 victories overall (an unprecedented feat). 

Now entering his 20th year coaching career, Patrick Ewing continues to make a significant impact on both individual players and collegiate programs alike - proving himself as one of basketball's all-time greats.

Also Played For: center basketball, new york knicks

2. Carmelo Anthony

Power forward

Carmelo Anthony 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: 2009–10 nba season, syracuse orange men's basketball

3. Bob McAdoo

Center

Bob McAdoo Career

  • 2× NBA champion (1982, 1985)
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (1975)
  • 5× NBA All-Star (1974–1978)
  • All-NBA First Team (1975)
  • All-NBA Second Team (1974)
  • NBA Rookie of the Year (1973)
  • NBA All-Rookie Team (1973)
  • 3× NBA scoring champion (1974–1976)
  • NBA 75th Anniversary Team
  • FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1987)
  • 2× EuroLeague champion (1987, 1988)
  • EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1988)
  • EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1988)
  • 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
  • 2× Italian League champion (1987, 1989)
  • Italian Cup winner (1987)
  • Consensus first-team All-American (1972)
  • First-team All-ACC (1972)
  • National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All American (1971)

Bob McAdoo was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. He averaged 25 points and 15 rebounds per game during his career, winning three consecutive MVP Awards (1982-84).

After playing for the Braves, he went on to play for the Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. He retired after a stellar 16 year career with the Lakers in 1992.

Bob McAdoo is a two time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame (1984, 1990) and has been voted into both the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Hall of Fame (1992) and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame (2018).

In 2002 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease but continues to make public appearances as a spokesperson for Alzheimers research initiatives. From 1975 to 1985, Bob McAdoo was one of the most successful big men in NBA history. He won two championships and was named MVP twice.

After retiring as a player, McAdoo became an assistant coach with the Miami Heat from 1995 to 2014. He is best known for helping his team win back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.

In addition to coaching, McAdoo continues to play in international competitions and is currently playing for Filanto Forlì in Italy’s Serie A league.

Also Played For: los angeles clippers, los angeles lakers

4. Dwyane Wade

Shooting guard

Dwyane Wade 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, chicago bulls

5. LeBron James

Power forward

LeBron James 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

6. Shaquille O'Neal

Center

Shaquille O Career

  • 4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006)
  • 3× NBA Finals MVP (2000–2002)
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
  • 15× NBA All-Star (1993–1998, 2000–2007, 2009)
  • 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000, 2004, 2009)
  • 8× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000–2006)
  • 2× All-NBA Second Team (1995, 1999)
  • 4× All-NBA Third Team (1994, 1996, 1997, 2009)
  • 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2001, 2003)
  • NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993)
  • 2× NBA scoring champion (1995, 2000)
  • 2× IBM Award (2000, 2001)
  • NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
  • No. 34 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
  • No. 32 retired by Miami Heat
  • Associated Press Player of the Year (1991)
  • UPI Player of the Year (1991)
  • Adolph Rupp Trophy (1991)
  • 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1991, 1992)
  • 2× SEC Player of the Year (1991, 1992)
  • NCAA blocks leader (1992)
  • NCAA rebounding leader (1991)
  • No. 33 retired by LSU Tigers
  • FIBA World Championship MVP (1994)
  • USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1994)
  • McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (1989)
  • First-team Parade All-American (1989)
  • Texas Mr. Basketball (1989)

O'Neal was a dominant center in the NBA for many years. He is one of only three players to score more than 30,000 points and grab more than 1,500 rebounds in their career.

O'Neal has been involved in several controversies over the course of his playing career, including a nightclub brawl and an incident where he threw a basketball at then-teammate Kobe Bryant's head.

O'Neal retired from professional basketball in 2011 after injuries had begun to limit his playtime on the court. Since retiring from playing professionally, O'Neal has focused on becoming a television personality and entrepreneur, most notably owning two restaurants with former Magic teammate Dwight Howard.

In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Shaquille O'Neal is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was a four-time champion and three-time MVP.

He is also one of only five players to win both awards in the same season. O'Neal's career was cut short by injuries, but he still holds many records, including the most rebounds (22,387) and blocks (11,924).

After retirement from playing basketball, Shaq became a commentator for ESPN. In 2018 he served as an ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which honored him with its Ambassador of Peace award that year.

Also Played For: boston celtics, phoenix suns

7. Ray Allen

Shooting guard

Ray Allen 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: seattle supersonics, oklahoma city thunder

8. Pete Maravich

Shooting guard

Pete Maravich Career

  • High school: , Daniel (Central, South Carolina), Broughton (Raleigh, North Carolina), Edwards Military Institute, (Salemburg, North Carolina)
  • College: LSU (1967–1970)
  • NBA draft 1970 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Playing career: 1970–1980
  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Number: 44, 7
  • 1970–1974: Atlanta Hawks
  • 1974–1980: New Orleans / Utah Jazz
  • 1980: Boston Celtics
  • 5× NBA All-Star (1973, 1974, 1977–1979), 2× All-NBA First Team (1976, 1977), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1973, 1978), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1971), NBA scoring champion (1977), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 44 retired by Atlanta Hawks, No. 7 retired by Utah Jazz, No. 7 retired by New Orleans Pelicans, 2× National college player of the year (1969, 1970), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1968–1970), 3× SEC Player of the Year (1968–1970), 3× NCAA season scoring leader (1968–1970), NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader, No. 23 retired by LSU Tigers, First-team Parade All-American (1965)
  • Points: 15,948 (24.2 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 2,747 (4.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 3,563 (5.4 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Pete Maravich was one of the greatest players in NBA history and is widely regarded as one of the best ever. He was known for his incredible shooting ability, which made him a dominant force on the court.

Maravich spent most of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, where he helped lead them to several championships. He also played for the New Orleans Jazz and Orlando Magic before retiring in 1988. Pete Maravich died from injuries sustained in a car accident just two years after retiring from professional basketball.

His death has left an indelible mark on both sports and popular culture alike. Pete Maravich was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for nearly 20 seasons. 

He is best known for his scoring ability, which earned him five All-Star appearances and two Second-Team All-NBA honors. Maravich led Georgia to consecutive National Championships as a junior and senior before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1970.

In his first season with the team, he won rookie of the year honors and helped lead them to their only championship win in franchise history that same year. 

After spending four seasons with Atlanta, Maravich was traded to the Utah Jazz where he became an integral part of one of the most successful franchises in league history. 

The Jazz made three straight Finals appearances during his time there, winning championships in 1978 and 1979; both times he averaged over 20 points per game on route to earning MVP awards both years respectively.

Following another brief stint with New Orleans (where he teamed up again with Karl Malone), Pete retired from professional basketball after playing for Boston during 1980–81 season. 

Overall, Maravich finished his career ranked sixth all-time in scoring average at 28 points per game while holding records for Most Points Scored In A Season (1977) and Most Assists Per Game (7).

Also Played For: utah jazz, shooting guard

9. James Harden

Shooting guard

James Harden Career

  • 2009–2012: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 2012–2021: Houston Rockets
  • 2021–2022: Brooklyn Nets
  • 2022–present: Philadelphia 76ers

James Harden is a 3-time NBA All Star and was the 2017–2018 MVP. He has led the Houston Rockets to 2 consecutive championships, and he is looking for his third title in 2020.

Harden played college basketball at Arizona State before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009. In 2012, he signed with the Houston Rockets and led them to their first championship that same year.

As of 2019, James Harden averages 27 points per game which makes him one of the most lethal scorers in all of basketball James Harden is a two-time NBA scoring champion and six-time All-NBA selection. 

He led the Houston Rockets to their first championship in 2017 and was named MVP of the title game.

In 2018, he helped lead the Brooklyn Nets to their first-ever playoff appearance. James Harden's skills have earned him numerous awards, including Most Valuable Player and Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Also Played For: brooklyn nets, bleacher report nba

10. Rick Barry

Rick Barry Career

  • High school: Roselle Park, (Roselle Park, New Jersey)
  • College: Miami (Florida) (1962–1965)
  • NBA draft 1965 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
  • Selected by the San Francisco Warriors
  • Playing career: 1965–1980
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 24, 2, 4
  • 1965–1967: San Francisco Warriors
  • 1968–1970: Oakland Oaks / Washington Caps
  • 1970–1972: New York Nets
  • 1972–1978: Golden State Warriors
  • 1978–1980: Houston Rockets
  • NBA champion (1975), NBA Finals MVP (1975), ABA champion (1969), 8× NBA All-Star (1966, 1967, 1973–1978), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1967), 5x All-NBA First Team (1966, 1967, 1974–1976), All-NBA Second Team (1973), 4× ABA All-Star (1969–1972), 4× All-ABA First Team (1969–1972), NBA Rookie of the Year (1966), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1966), NBA scoring champion (1967), NBA steals leader (1975), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 24 retired by Golden State Warriors, Consensus first-team All-American (1965), NCAA season scoring leader (1965), No. 24 retired by Miami Hurricanes
  • Points: 25,279 (24.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 6,863 (6.7 rpg)
  • Assists: 4,952 (4.9 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Barry was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, averaging over 20 points per game throughout his career. Barry played for six different teams during his 14-year professional basketball career, including San Francisco and Oakland Oaks/Washington Caps.

Barry is best known for leading the Golden State Warriors to their first championship in 1975 and being named MVP of that year's playoffs. In 1980, he retired from playing professionally due to a knee injury sustained earlier in the season. 

After retiring from playing basketball, Barry worked as a color commentator on various broadcasts across networks throughout America before becoming a television analyst in 1999 and then working as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat beginning in 2006 until his retirement in 2016.

Also Played For: big 3, miami hurricanes basketball

11. Dwight Howard

Power forward

Dwight Howard 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, western conference

12. Stephen Curry

Point guard

Stephen Curry 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

13. Paul Arizin

Small forward

Paul Arizin Career

  • High school: La Salle (Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania)
  • College: Villanova (1947–1950)
  • NBA draft 1950 / Pick: Territorial
  • Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors
  • Playing career: 1950–1965
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 11
  • 1950–1952,, 1954–1962: Philadelphia Warriors
  • 1962–1965: Camden Bullets
  • NBA champion (1956), 10× NBA All-Star (1951, 1952, 1955–1962), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1952), 3× All-NBA First Team (1952, 1956, 1957), All-NBA Second Team (1959), 2× NBA scoring champion (1952, 1957), NBA anniversary team (25th, 50th, 75th), EBA Most Valuable Player (1963), EBA champion (1964), Helms Foundation Player of the Year (1950), Sporting News Player of the Year (1950), Consensus first-team All-American (1950), NCAA season scoring leader (1950), No. 11 retired by Villanova Wildcats
  • Points: 16,266 (22.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 6,129 (8.6 rpg)
  • Assists: 1,665 (2.3 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Arizin was a highly successful small forward in the NBA for many years. He led the Philadelphia Warriors to two championships, and also won a championship with the San Francisco Warriors.

Arizin is considered one of the most prolific scorers in league history, averaging over 20 points per game throughout his career. After retiring from playing basketball, Arizin became a television commentator and analyst for games involving his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers.

Arizin was one of the most successful shooting guards in NBA history. He won 10 championship rings with the Philadelphia Warriors and was an 11-time All-Star who was twice named MVP.

 Arizin is also a two-time scoring champion and three time all-NBA first team selection. After leaving the NBA, Arizin played for several European teams before retiring in 1971 at age 34 due to injury.

Also Played For: small forward

14. Reggie Miller

Shooting guard

Reggie Miller Career

  • High school: Riverside Polytechnic, (Riverside, California)
  • College: UCLA (1983–1987)
  • NBA draft 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
  • Selected by the Indiana Pacers
  • Playing career: 1987–2005
  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Number: 31
  • 1987–2005: Indiana Pacers
  • 5× NBA All-Star (1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000), 3× All-NBA Third Team (1995, 1996, 1998), 50–40–90 club (1994), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 31 retired by Indiana Pacers, Third-team All-American – UPI (1986), 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (1986, 1987), NIT MVP (1985), No. 31 retired by UCLA Bruins, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2002)
  • Points: 25,279 (18.2 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,182 (3.0 rpg)
  • Assists: 4,141 (3.0 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1996 Atlanta: Men's basketball, FIBA World Championship, : 1994 Canada: Men's basketball
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1996 Atlanta: Men's basketball
  • FIBA World Championship
  • : 1994 Canada: Men's basketball

Reggie Miller is a professional basketball player who played for the Indiana Pacers from 1987 to 2005. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and also received five NBA All-Star Game selections (1990, 1992–1994, 1996, 1997, 2000).

Miller was born on August 24th 1965 in Riverside California and attended Riverside Polytechnic High School before going to UCLA. 

He made his debut with the Pacers during the 1987 season and went on to win an NBA championship with them in 1999. He has also competed at both Olympic Games (1996) and World Championships (1987) for USA basketball teams respectively.

In 2010 he published a book entitled 'Reggie The Rebound King'. Reggie retired from playing following the 2005 season but continues to work as a commentator for various sports channels including ESPN TV networks.

Also Played For: indiana pacers, 2003–04 nba season

15. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Center

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Career

  • High school: Power Memorial, (New York City, New York)
  • College: UCLA (1966–1969)
  • NBA draft 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
  • Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
  • Playing career: 1969–1989
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 33
  • Coaching career: 1998–2011
  • 6× NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), 2× NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985), 6× NBA Most Valuable Player (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980), 19× NBA All-Star (1970–1977, 1979–1989), 10× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986), 5× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1985), 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1974, 1975, 1979–1981), 6× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1970, 1971, 1976–1978, 1984), NBA Rookie of the Year (1970), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1970), 2× NBA scoring champion (1971, 1972), NBA rebounding champion (1976), 4× NBA blocks leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980), NBA anniversary teams (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 33 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, No. 33 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, 3× NCAA champion (1967–1969), 3× NCAA final Four Most Outstanding Player (1967–1969), 3× National college player of the year (1967–1969), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1967–1969), No. 33 retired by UCLA Bruins, 2× Mr. Basketball USA (1964, 1965), 3× First-team Parade All-American (1963–1965), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016), , As head coach:, , USBL champion (2002), , As assistant coach:, , 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)
  • Points: 38,387 (24.6 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 17,440 (11.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 5,660 (3.6 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant center in the NBA for more than two decades and is considered one of the greatest players in league history. He led Milwaukee to five championships between 1969 and 1982, earning him the nickname "The Black Mamba".

After retiring as a player, he went on to coach the Los Angeles Lakers for six seasons before moving onto other coaching roles. In 2014, he was awarded an honorary degree from UCLA after being recognized as one of its most distinguished alumni. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was one of the most dominant players in NBA history, winning six championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and two more with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He was an All-Star for 19 consecutive seasons, and won five MVP Awards. Kareem is also a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and twice led the league in scoring average. 

In 2002, he became head coach of the Oklahoma Storm, but resigned after just one season due to health concerns related to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis.

Also Played For: milwaukee bucks, nba playoffs best player

16. Allen Iverson

Point guard

Allen Iverson Career

  • High school: Bethel (Hampton, Virginia)
  • College: Georgetown (1994–1996)
  • NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
  • Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
  • Playing career: 1996–2011
  • Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
  • Number: 3, 1
  • 1996–2006: Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2006–2008: Denver Nuggets
  • 2008–2009: Detroit Pistons
  • 2009: Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2009–2010: Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2010–2011: Beşiktaş J.K.
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (2001), 11× NBA All-Star (2000–2010), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005), 3× All-NBA First Team (1999, 2001, 2005), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2002, 2003), All-NBA Third Team (2006), NBA Rookie of the Year (1997), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997), 4× NBA scoring champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005), 3× NBA steals leader (2001–2003), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 3 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, Consensus first-team All-American (1996), First-team All-Big East (1996), Second-team All-Big East (1995), 2× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1996), Big East Rookie of the Year (1995), First-team Parade All-American (1993)
  • Points: 24,368 (26.7 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 3,394 (3.7 rpg)
  • Assists: 5,624 (6.2 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2004 Athens: United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan: United States, Summer Universiade, : 1995 Fukuoka: United States
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2004 Athens: United States
  • FIBA Americas Championship
  • : 2003 San Juan: United States
  • Summer Universiade
  • : 1995 Fukuoka: United States

Allen Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia on June 7, 1975. He attended high school at Bethel (Hampton, Virginia) and played for the school's basketball team before heading to Georgetown.

Allen Iverson was drafted with the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996 and spent his entire career there until 2011 when he retired from playing professional basketball. 

Allen Iverson is best known for his time with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons where he won three straight MVP Awards between 2008-2009 respectively.

Injuries have been cited as a factor in Allen Iverson's retirement but he remains one of the most iconic players in NBA history Allen Iverson is a retired professional basketball player who was most well-known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Throughout his career, AI was nominated for numerous awards and accolades, including NBA Most Valuable Player (2001), 11 All-Star appearances, 2 MVPs, 3 All-NBA First Team nods, and 1 Third Team selection.

In 2007, he became one of only six players in NBA history to record over 30,000 points, 10,000 assists, and 50000 rebounds in their career - an accomplishment he achieved during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Also Played For: denver nuggets, georgetown hoyas

17. Dominique Wilkins

Small forward

Dominique Wilkins Career

  • High school: Washington (Washington, North Carolina)
  • College: Georgia (1979–1982)
  • NBA draft 1982 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Utah Jazz
  • Playing career: 1982–1999
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 21, 12
  • 1982–1994: Atlanta Hawks
  • 1994: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 1994–1995: Boston Celtics
  • 1995–1996: Panathinaikos
  • 1996–1997: San Antonio Spurs
  • 1997–1998: Fortitudo Bologna
  • 1999: Orlando Magic
  • 9× NBA All Star (1986–1994), All-NBA First Team (1986), 4× All-NBA Second Team (1987, 1988, 1991, 1993), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1989, 1994), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1983), NBA scoring champion (1986), 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1985, 1990), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 21 retired by Atlanta Hawks, EuroLeague champion (1996), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1996), Greek All-Star Game MVP (1996), Greek Cup winner (1996), Greek Cup Finals Top Scorer (1996), Greek Cup Finals MVP (1996), Italian Cup winner (1998), Italian All-Star Game (1997), Second-team All-American – NABC, UPI (1982), Third-team All-American – AP (1982), SEC Player of the Year (1981), SEC tournament MVP (1981), McDonald's All-American (1979), First-team Parade All-American (1979)
  • Points: 26,668 (24.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 7,167 (6.7 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,677 (2.5 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006 & 2016
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA World Cup, : 1994 Toronto: National team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 1994 Toronto: National team

Dominique Wilkins was one of the best small forwards in NBA history and is considered one of the greatest players to ever play in the league. He started his professional career with the Utah Jazz, where he became a three-time All-Star and led them to two playoff appearances.

He then switched teams and played for the Atlanta Hawks, who made it to the playoffs six times during his tenure there. 

In 1999, Dominique retired from playing basketball after being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers midway through that season. After retiring from basketball, Dominique went on to have a successful career as a vice president of basketball operations for the Atlanta Hawks.

Dominique Wilkins was a dominant player during his time in the NBA. He won multiple scoring titles and All-Star appearances, while also being an all-around force on both sides of the ball.

 Dominique Wilkins is perhaps best known for his dunks and alley-oops, which made him one of the most exciting players to watch during his era. Dominique Wilkins had a long career that spanned over 20 years, making him one of the older players in the league at the end of it all.

After playing sparingly with Orlando Magic from 1999 to 2002, Dominique Wilkins retired from basketball altogether.

Also Played For: atlanta hawks, san antonio spurs

18. Bob Pettit

Bob Pettit Career

  • High school: Baton Rouge, (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
  • College: LSU (1951–1954)
  • NBA draft 1954 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
  • Selected by the Milwaukee Hawks
  • Playing career: 1954–1965
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • Number: 9
  • 1954–1965: Milwaukee / St. Louis Hawks
  • NBA champion (1958), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (1956, 1959), 11× NBA All-Star (1955–1965), 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1956, 1958, 1959, 1962), 10× All-NBA First Team (1955–1964), All-NBA Second Team (1965), NBA Rookie of the Year (1955), 2× NBA scoring champion (1956, 1959), NBA rebounding leader (1956), NBA anniversary team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th), No. 9 retired by Atlanta Hawks, Consensus first-team All-American (1954), Consensus second-team All-American (1953), No. 50 retired by LSU Tigers
  • Points[1]: 20,880 (26.4 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 12,849 (16.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,369 (3.0 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Pettit was a two-time NBA champion with the Milwaukee Hawks in 1954 and 1955. He also won an NCAA championship with LSU in 1951–1954. Pettit played for the St.

Louis Hawks from 1954 to 1965, winning another title in 1957. In his ten-year career, he averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. 

After retiring as a player, Pettit became head coach of the Atlanta Hawks between 1971 and 1975 before serving again as team president from 1984 until his retirement in 1996 at the age of 70 years old Pettit was an All-Star and scoring champion in the NBA.

He also had 12,849 rebounds in his career and 16.2 points per game. Pettit played for the Atlanta Hawks and LSU Tigers before retiring from basketball at the age of 38 in 1967.

Also Played For: nba 70s

19. Lenny Wilkens

Point guard

Lenny Wilkens Career

  • 1960–1968: St. Louis Hawks
  • 1968–1972: Seattle SuperSonics
  • 1972–1974: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 1974–1975: Portland Trail Blazers
  • As coach:
  • 1969–1972: Seattle SuperSonics
  • 1974–1976: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 1977–1985: Seattle SuperSonics
  • 1986–1993: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 1993–2000: Atlanta Hawks
  • 2000–2003: Toronto Raptors
  • 2004–2005: New York Knicks

Lenny Wilkens was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 28, 1937. He played high school basketball at Boys High School in Brooklyn before going to Providence College where he starred for the Friars.

Lenny Wilkens was drafted by the St Louis Hawks in 1960 and spent his entire playing career with them except for two seasons (1970-1971) when he joined the Seattle SuperSonics. 

After retiring as a player, Lenny Wilkens served as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers from 1969 to 2005 but is most famous for leading Atlanta to its only NBA championship in 1996.

In 2006, Lenny Wilkens was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Julius Erving and Larry Bird Lenny Wilkens was an all-star player in the NBA for many years and is most notably known for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics. 

He also had a lengthy coaching career, including two stints as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and one as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. Outside of basketball, he's been involved in business ventures, serving on boards for several companies and organizations over the years.

Also Played For: providence friars men's basketball

20. Charles Barkley

Power forward

Charles Barkley Career

  • High school: Leeds (Leeds, Alabama)
  • College: Auburn (1981–1984)
  • NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
  • Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
  • Playing career: 1984–2000
  • Position: Power forward / Small forward
  • Number: 34, 32, 4, 14
  • 1984–1992: Philadelphia 76ers
  • 1992–1996: Phoenix Suns
  • 1996–2000: Houston Rockets
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (1993), 11× NBA All-Star (1987–1997), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1991), 5× All-NBA First Team (1988–1991, 1993), 5× All-NBA Second Team (1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995), All-NBA Third Team (1996), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985), NBA rebounding leader (1988), 3× IBM Award (1986–1988), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 34 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor, Third-team All-American – NABC (1984), SEC Player of the Year (1984), First-team All-SEC (1984), 2× Second-team All-SEC (1982, 1983), SEC tournament MVP (1984), No. 34 retired by Auburn Tigers
  • Points: 23,757 (22.1 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 12,546 (11.7 rpg)
  • Assists: 4,215 (3.9 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Representing the  United States, Men's national basketball team, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Men's basketball, : 1996 Atlanta: Men's basketball, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Men's national basketball team
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1992 Barcelona: Men's basketball
  • : 1996 Atlanta: Men's basketball
  • FIBA Americas Championship
  • : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball

Barkley was a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time slam dunk champion. He is one of the most quotable players in NBA history, with more than 2,000 spoken words documented on ESPN's "30 for 30" documentary series.

After retiring from playing basketball in 2000, Barkley became an analyst for TNT and Turner Broadcasting System (TBS). In 2017, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Barack Obama. Charles Barkley is a three-time NBA MVP and 11x All-Star.

He was the SEC Player of the Year in 1984 and led Auburn to an NCAA Championship that year. Charles Barkley is one of only two players in history to be named Second Team All-SEC twice and First Team All-SEC twice, as he was also awarded this accolade by the SEC in 1982 and 1983.

He played for Philadelphia from 1985–1996 before joining Phoenix on a four-year contract worth $52 million in 1997 (the most ever paid for an athlete at that time). 

In his 18 seasons with the 76ers, Rockets, Suns, Cavaliers, and Bucks he averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting 54% from the field overall – all career highs.

Also Played For: philadelphia 76ers

21. Dolph Schayes

Dolph Schayes Career

  • High school: DeWitt Clinton, (The Bronx, New York)
  • College: NYU (1944–1948)
  • BAA draft 1948 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
  • Selected by the New York Knicks
  • Playing career: 1948–1964
  • Position: Power forward
  • Number: 55, 4
  • Coaching career: 1963–1972
  • As player:, NBA champion (1955), 12× NBA All-Star (1951–1962), 6× All-NBA First Team (1952–1955, 1957, 1958), 6× All-NBA Second Team (1950, 1951, 1956, 1959–1961), NBA rebounding leader (1951), NBA anniversary team (25th, 50th, 75th), NBL Rookie of the Year (1949), No. 4 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, Haggerty Award (1948), , As coach:, , NBA Coach of the Year (1966)
  • Points: 19,249 (18.2 ppg) (NBL/BAA/NBA), 18,438 (18.5 ppg) (BAA/NBA)
  • Rebounds: 11,256 (12.1 rpg)
  • Assists: 3,072 (3.1 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Dolph Schayes was an American power forward who played for the Knicks from 1948 to 1964. He was one of the most dominant players in NBA history, and is considered one of the best forwards ever to play the game.

He was a four-time All-Star and five time selection for the All-NBA First Team, winning three times consecutively (1954–56). In 1962 he became only the second player in NBA history to score over 2,000 points in a season.

 (joining Wilt Chamberlain), as well as becoming just the fourth player in league history to average at least 25 points per game over an entire career.

Schayes' impressive statistics earned him induction into both the Basketball Hall of Fame and College Basketball Hall of Fame, among others. Dolph Schayes was an NBA champion and 12-time All-Star who is best known for his defensive prowess. 

He coached the Philadelphia 76ers to two playoff appearances in 1970 and 1972, but retired after the Braves franchise moved to Atlanta.

22. Elvin Hayes

Center

Elvin Hayes Career

  • High school: Eula D. Britton (Rayville, Louisiana)
  • College: Houston (1964–1968)
  • NBA draft 1968 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
  • Selected by the San Diego Rockets
  • Playing career: 1968–1984
  • Position: Power forward / center
  • Number: 11, 44
  • 1968–1972: San Diego / Houston Rockets
  • 1972–1981: Baltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets
  • 1981–1984: Houston Rockets
  • NBA champion (1978), 12× NBA All-Star (1969–1980), 3× All-NBA First Team (1975, 1977, 1979), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1973, 1974, 1976), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1974, 1975), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1969), NBA scoring champion (1969), 2× NBA rebounding leader (1970, 1974), No. 11 retired by Washington Wizards, No. 44 retired by Houston Rockets, NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), Associated Press Player of the Year (1968), UPI Player of the Year (1968), Sporting News Player of the Year (1968), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1967, 1968), No. 44 retired by Houston Cougars
  • Points: 27,313 (21.0 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 16,279 (12.5 rpg)
  • Blocks: 1,171 (2.0 bpg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Elvin Hayes was a dominant player in the NBA for many years and is considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time. He was drafted first overall by the San Diego Rockets in 1968, and went on to play with them until 1984.

His most famous moments came during his tenure with the Houston Rockets, where he won three championships (1975, 1980, 1982). Hayes retired from professional basketball after winning another title with the Utah Jazz in 1997. 

Elvin Hayes has since gone on to have a successful career as an executive in sports management; he currently serves as president of Basketball Operations for the Atlanta Hawks franchise.

Hayes was a dominant player in the NBA for many years, winning championships with both the Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets. 

Hayes was also a unanimous All-American twice and won several other awards throughout his career. He is now retired from professional basketball but continues to be recognized as one of the all-time greats.

Also Played For: houston rockets, houston cougars basketball

23. Clyde Drexler

Small forward

Clyde Drexler Career

  • High school: Sterling (Houston, Texas)
  • College: Houston (1980–1983)
  • NBA draft 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
  • Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
  • Playing career: 1983–1998
  • Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
  • Number: 22
  • Coaching career: 1998–2002
  • NBA champion (1995), 10× NBA All-Star (1986, 1988–1994, 1996, 1997), All-NBA First Team (1992), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1988, 1991), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1995), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 22 retired by Portland Trail Blazers, No. 22 retired by Houston Rockets, Consensus second-team All-American (1983), SWC co-Player of the Year (1983), No. 22 retired by Houston Cougars, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Houston Sports Hall of Fame
  • Points: 22,195 (20.4 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 6,677 (6.1 rpg)
  • Assists: 6,125 (5.6 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Team competition, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1992 Portland[1]: Men's basketball
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1992 Barcelona: Team competition
  • FIBA Americas Championship
  • : 1992 Portland[1]: Men's basketball

Clyde Drexler was a shooting guard and small forward who played in the NBA for 13 seasons. He helped lead the Portland Trail Blazers to two championships in his career, as well as other accolades.

After retiring from playing, he became a successful coach and led the Houston Rockets to several playoff appearances. Clyde Drexler was a 7-foot forward who played for the Houston Rockets from 1995 to 1998.

He won an NBA championship with the Rockets in 1995 and was named MVP of that title game. Drexler also appeared in 10 All-Star games, all as a starter, and was twice selected to the All-NBA First Team. 

He finished his career with 2× Second Team selections and 2× Third Team nods, along with 16 regular season awards including Rookie of the Year honors in 1986.

Clyde Drexler is one of only five players ever to be honored as both consensus first team All American and Player of The Year (1983). 

After retiring from playing basketball he served two terms as head coach of Division I at Texas Tech before being appointed general manager/president of Basketball Operations for Portland Trail Blazers in 2002.

24. Russell Westbrook

Point guard

Russell Westbrook Career

  • High school: Leuzinger (Lawndale, California)
  • College: UCLA (2006–2008)
  • NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
  • Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
  • Playing career: 2008–present
  • 2008–2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 2019–2020: Houston Rockets
  • 2020–2021: Washington Wizards
  • 2021–present: Los Angeles Lakers
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (2017), 9× NBA All-Star (2011–2013, 2015–2020), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016), 2× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017), 5× All-NBA Second Team (2011–2013, 2015, 2018), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009), 2× NBA scoring champion (2015, 2017), 3× NBA assists leader (2018, 2019, 2021), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Third-team All-Pac-10 (2008), Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2008), Pac-10 All-Defensive Team (2008)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team competition, World Championship/World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: Team competition
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2012 London: Team competition
  • World Championship/World Cup
  • : 2010 Turkey: Team competition

Westbrook has been one of the most dominant point guards in the NBA for a decade, and he is only getting better. He was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 and played with them until 2019.

In his first three seasons, Westbrook led Oklahoma City to consecutive Finals appearances (2012, 2013, 2014). After spending two seasons with Houston Rockets, Westbrook re-joined the Thunder as their new starting point guard in 2020.

His exceptional play has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career including five MVP Awards (2013–2018), four straight All-Star Game selections (2017–2020), and two Olympic Gold Medals (2008, 2012). Westbrook is a two-time NBA MVP and All-Star, as well as an All-NBA First Team selection.

Westbrook was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008 and has since played for them, signing with the Washington Wizards this offseason. 

Westbrook's game revolves around his explosiveness and speed on offense, as he can score through almost any means possible – whether it be dunked or assists to teammates.

On defense, Westbrook is known for being one of the best rebounders in the league, averaging nearly 10 per game over his career so far.

Also Played For: point guard, nba isolation

25. Wes Unseld

Center

Wes Unseld Career

  • High school: Seneca (Louisville, Kentucky)
  • College: Louisville (1965–1968)
  • NBA draft 1968 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
  • Selected by the Baltimore Bullets
  • Playing career: 1968–1981
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 41
  • Coaching career: 1987–1994
  • NBA champion (1978), NBA Finals MVP (1978), NBA Most Valuable Player (1969), 5× NBA All-Star (1969, 1971–1973, 1975), All-NBA First Team (1969), NBA Rookie of the Year (1969), NBA rebounding leader (1975), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 41 retired by Washington Wizards, 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1967, 1968), 3× First-team All-MVC (1966–1968), No. 31 retired by Louisville Cardinals, First-team Parade All-American (1964)
  • Points: 10,624 (10.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 13,769 (14.0 rpg)
  • Assists: 3,822 (3.9 apg)
  • NBA: 202–345 (.369)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Representing United States, Pan American Games, : 1967 Winnipeg: Team Competition, Universiade, : 1967 Tokyo: Team Competition
  • Representing United States
  • Pan American Games
  • : 1967 Winnipeg: Team Competition
  • Universiade
  • : 1967 Tokyo: Team Competition

Wes Unseld was an NBA center who played for the Baltimore Bullets and Washington Bullets during his career. Wes Unseld is most famous for being a part of the "Bad Boys" era of the Washington Bullets, where he helped lead them to their only championship in 1978.

After retiring from playing basketball, Wes Unseld began a successful coaching career with the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics, leading both teams to playoff appearances before eventually winning titles with the Celtics in 2008 and 2014. 

Wes Unseld died at 74 years old after battling cancer for several years; he will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history and one of its most respected coaches.

Wes Unseld was a two-time NBA champion, five-time all-star, and first team all-NBA player. Wes Unseld is most notable for being the first player to ever record a triple double (30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists). 

He retired from playing in 1994 after 19 seasons with Washington Bullets. Wes Unselid currently coaches at Georgetown University where he has led the Hoyas to back to back NCAA championships in 2015 and 2016.

Also Played For: louisville basketball

26. Damian Lillard

Point guard

Damian Lillard Career

  • High school: , Arroyo, (San Lorenzo, California), St. Joseph Notre Dame, (Alameda, California), Oakland, (Oakland, California)
  • College: Weber State (2008–2012)
  • NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
  • Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
  • Playing career: 2012–present
  • 2012–present: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 6× NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018–2021), All-NBA First Team (2018), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2019–2021), All-NBA Third Team (2014), NBA Rookie of the Year (2013), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), NBA Teammate of the Year (2021), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2012), 2× Big Sky Player of the Year (2010, 2012), Big Sky Freshman of the Year (2009), 3× First-team All-Big Sky (2009, 2010, 2012), No. 1 retired by Weber State Wildcats
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Damian Lillard is a Point Guard for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. He was born on July 15, 1990 in Oakland, California and raised there until he graduated from high school.

After graduating from high school, Lillard attended St Joseph Notre Dame but decided to leave after one year to play professionally with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL before joining the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent in 2012.

Damian has had successful seasons with the Blazers since joining them and has been awarded 3 MVP Awards (2014-2016), 2 Defensive Player of The Year Awards (2015-2017) and 1 Sixth Man of The Year Award (2018). 

He currently plays for Portland through 2021 season where he will be 33 years old at that time Damian Lillard is a professional basketball player who has played for the Portland Trail Blazers since 2012.

He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft and has since become one of their most consistent players, winning four All-NBA Second Team awards and two All-Star games. 

Damian Lillard is also an all-around good player, having been named to both the AP and NABC First teams as well as being Third team All American twice during his college career at Weber State University. 

In 2018 he became just the fifth player in history to average over 25 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds per game in a season and was rewarded with his first ever All-NBA First Team nomination.

Ahead of his fourth year in the league (2020), many believe that Damian Lillard could potentially be considered one of the best players ever to play.

Also Played For: portland trail blazers, nba 2k19

27. Bill Walton

Center

Bill Walton Career

  • High school: Helix (La Mesa, California)
  • College: UCLA (1971–1974)
  • NBA draft 1974 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
  • Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
  • Playing career: 1974–1988
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 32, 5
  • 1974–1979: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 1979–1985: San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers
  • 1985–1988: Boston Celtics
  • 2× NBA champion (1977, 1986), NBA Finals MVP (1977), NBA Most Valuable Player (1978), 2× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978), All-NBA First Team (1978), All-NBA Second Team (1977), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1977, 1978), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986), NBA rebounding leader (1977), NBA blocks leader (1977), No. 32 retired by Portland Trail Blazers, NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), 2× NCAA champion (1972, 1973), 2× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973), 3× National college player of the year (1972–1974), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1972–1974), No. 32 retired by UCLA Bruins
  • Points: 6,215 (13.3 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,923 (10.5 rpg)
  • Assists: 1,590 (3.4 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Walton was a dominant center in the NBA for over 20 years. He won three MVP Awards and two championships with the Boston Celtics. Walton is also known for his philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to charity throughout his career.

In 2015, he announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia and would retire from professional basketball at the end of that season. Despite retiring from basketball, Walton remains an influential figure in American sports and continues to give back to charities through his work as a ambassador.

At 70 years old, Bill Walton remains one of the oldest players ever to compete in an NBA game and has set many records along the way including most rebounds (22,924) and assists (13,360).

q Bill Walton is a two-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star who was also an NCAA champion and three-time National college player of the year.

He ranks among the all-time greats in terms of scoring, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. Walton's legacy will be remembered most for his philanthropy work with various charities throughout his career.

28. Scottie Pippen

Small forward

Scottie Pippen Career

  • High school: Hamburg (Hamburg, Arkansas)
  • College: Central Arkansas (1983–1987)
  • NBA draft 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
  • Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
  • Playing career: 1987–2004, 2008
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 33
  • 1987–1998: Chicago Bulls
  • 1999: Houston Rockets
  • 1999–2003: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 2003–2004: Chicago Bulls
  • 2008: Torpan Pojat
  • 2008: Sundsvall Dragons
  • 6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998), 7× NBA All-Star (1990, 1992–1997), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1994), 3× All-NBA First Team (1994–1996), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1992, 1997), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1993, 1998), 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1992–1999), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991, 2000), NBA steals leader (1995), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 33 retired by Chicago Bulls, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1996), 2× Consensus NAIA All-American (1986, 1987), No. 33 retired by Central Arkansas Bears
  • Points: 18,940 (16.1 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 7,494 (6.4 rpg)
  • Assists: 6,135 (5.2 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Team competition, : 1996 Atlanta: Team competition, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1992 Portland[2]: Men's basketball
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1992 Barcelona: Team competition
  • : 1996 Atlanta: Team competition
  • FIBA Americas Championship
  • : 1992 Portland[2]: Men's basketball

Scottie Pippen was an All-Star basketball player for 17 seasons and is considered one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history. He played for the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers before retiring in 2004.

Scottie Pippen has been a vocal advocate for diversity and social justice since his retirement from professional basketball. In 2018, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame alongside former teammate Michael Jordan. 

Scottie Pippen married actress Sandra Bullock in 2014 and they have two children together Scottie Pippen was one of the most accomplished players in NBA history.

He won six championships with the Chicago Bulls and was an All-Star seven times. Pippen also became known for his defensive prowess, leading the league in steals twice. After retiring from basketball, Pippen went on to have a successful career as a television analyst and entrepreneur.

Also Played For: nba defensive, nba 2k22 defensive

29. Bill Russell

Boston Celtics

Bill Russell Career

  • 1956–1969: Boston Celtics
  • As coach:
  • 1966–1969: Boston Celtics
  • 1973–1977: Seattle SuperSonics
  • 1987–1988: Sacramento Kings

Bill Russell was one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning 12 championships with the Boston Celtics. 

He was also a successful coach, leading the Boston Celtics to more titles than any other team he coached.

In 1966, he became head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and led them to two consecutive Finals appearances before retiring in 1988. Bill Russell has been inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Football League Hall of Fame.

Bill Russell is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time. He won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics and was also a five-time MVP and 12-time All-Star.

Bill Russell became an icon for civil rights when he led the Boston Celtics to victory in their historic 1966–67 season, which included a victory over segregationist Philadelphia 76ers.

After retiring as a player, Bill Russell served as head coach of both the Celtics and Seattle SuperSonics before eventually returning to coaching his alma mater, UCLA Bruins, where he remains currently coaching team today.

Also Played For: march madness

30. Magic Johnson

Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson Career

  • 1979–1991, 1996: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 1999–2000: Magic M7 Borås
  • 2000: Magic Great Danes
  • 1994: Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson was one of the most successful basketball players in history. He was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers and played for them from 1979 to 1991.

Magic then spent two seasons with the Magic M7 Borås before returning to the NBA with the Lakers again. In 1996, he became head coach of the LA Clippers and led them to their only playoff appearance during his tenure as coach.

After leaving coaching, Magic returned to play for one final season with the Lakers in 2018-19 before retiring at age 70 years old later that year. Magic Johnson was an iconic figure in the world of basketball and is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

He won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as three MVP awards and twelve All-Star appearances. After retiring from playing basketball, Magic took on a number of roles within the league - most notably being head coach for both the Lakers and then later, the LA Clippers.

He also served as president of Basketball Operations for both teams. In 2019, Magic was named NBA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and his No 32 jersey was retired by his former team, the LA Lakers.

Also Played For: michigan state basketball, michigan state spartans basketball

31. Larry Bird

Boston Celtics

Larry Bird Career

  • High school: Springs Valley, (French Lick, Indiana)
  • College: Indiana State (1976–1979)
  • NBA draft 1978 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
  • Selected by the Boston Celtics
  • Playing career: 1979–1992
  • Position: Small forward / Power forward
  • Number: 33
  • Coaching career: 1997–2000
  • As player:, 3× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986), 2× NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986), 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1984–1986), 12× NBA All-Star (1980–1988, 1990–1992), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982), 9× All-NBA First Team (1980–1988), All-NBA Second Team (1990), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982–1984), NBA Rookie of the Year (1980), NBA All-Rookie Team (1980), 3× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986–1988), 2× 50–40–90 club (1987, 1988), AP Athlete of the Year (1986), NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 33 retired by Boston Celtics, National college player of the year (1979), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1978, 1979), Third-team All-American – NABC, UPI (1977), 2× MVC Player of the Year (1978, 1979), No. 33 retired by Indiana State Sycamores, No. 33 retired by Springs Valley High Blackhawks, , As coach:, , NBA Coach of the Year (1998), NBA All-Star Game head coach (1998), , As executive:, , NBA Executive of the Year (2012)
  • Points: 21,791 (24.3 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 8,974 (10.0 rpg)
  • Assists: 5,695 (6.3 apg)
  • NBA: 147–67 (.687)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, World University Games, : 1977 Sofia: Men's Basketball, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Men's Basketball
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • World University Games
  • : 1977 Sofia: Men's Basketball
  • FIBA Americas Championship
  • : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1992 Barcelona: Men's Basketball

Larry Bird is one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He was a six-time All Star, three-time MVP, and two-time champion. Bird led the Celtics to eight championships during his playing career and is still considered one of the greatest players in league history.

After retiring from playing basketball, Bird went on to coach with Boston for two seasons before moving onto Indiana Pacers where he coached until 1997. 

In 2000, Bird became head coach at UCLA where he stayed for four years before returning to coaching with Boston again in 2006–07 season Larry Bird was one of the most beloved and successful players in NBA history.

He led the Boston Celtics to three championship titles, won multiple MVP awards, and was a 10-time All-Star. Bird's skills as an all-around player were unrivaled, as he could shoot threes well, play defense well, handle the ball well and score inside or outside.

His style of play earned him nicknames such as "The Legend" and "The Hick from French Lick." After retiring from playing in 1992, Bird served two stints as head coach with Indiana Pacers before being named president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018.

32. Michael Jordan

Chicago Bulls

Michael Jordan Career

  • High school: Emsley A. Laney, (Wilmington, North Carolina)
  • College: North Carolina (1981–1984)
  • NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Chicago Bulls
  • Playing career: 1984–1993, 1995–1998, 2001–2003
  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Number: 23, 12,[b] 45
  • 1984–1993,, 1995–1998: Chicago Bulls
  • 2001–2003: Washington Wizards
  • 6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998), 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998), 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998), 14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003), 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998), 10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998), All-NBA Second Team (1985), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988), 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998), NBA Rookie of the Year (1985), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985), 10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998), 3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993), 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988), No. 23 retired by Chicago Bulls, No. 23 retired by Miami Heat, 3× AP Athlete of the Year (1991–1993), Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (1991), 2× IBM Award (1985, 1989), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), NCAA champion (1982), National college player of the year (1984), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1983, 1984), ACC Player of the Year (1984), 2× First-team All-ACC (1983, 1984), ACC Rookie of the Year (1982), No. 23 retired by North Carolina Tar Heels, 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1983, 1984), McDonald's All-American (1981), First-team Parade All-American (1981), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016)
  • Points: 32,292 (30.1 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 6,672 (6.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 5,633 (5.3 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • FIBA Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Men's basketball, : 1992 Barcelona: Men's basketball, Tournament of the Americas, : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball, Pan American Games, : 1983 Caracas: Men's basketball
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1984 Los Angeles: Men's basketball
  • : 1992 Barcelona: Men's basketball
  • Tournament of the Americas
  • : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball
  • Pan American Games
  • : 1983 Caracas: Men's basketball

Michael Jordan is an American basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls from 1984 to 2003. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA three times and is one of only two players, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to be named MVP consecutively.

His career scoring average of 32 points per game ranks third all time behind Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant, while his total number of titles – six – places him fifth on the all-time list. 

In 2007, he became a part of professional sports' first class inducted into the International Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts alongside such legends as Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird.

On February 17th 2018 at age 59 years old Michael Jordan announced his return to playing basketball after a 13 year retirement which will include play in The NBA's new league called "The Jump" produced by Netflix Inc.

Also Played For: basketball, unc basketball

33. Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan 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: nba 2000s, wake forest best basketball players

34. Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Career

  • High school: , Canyon Springs, (Moreno Valley, California), Martin Luther King, (Riverside, California)
  • College: San Diego State (2009–2011)
  • NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
  • Selected by the Indiana Pacers
  • Playing career: 2011–present
  • 2011–2018: San Antonio Spurs
  • 2018–2019: Toronto Raptors
  • 2019–present: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2× NBA champion (2014, 2019), 2× NBA Finals MVP (2014, 2019), 5× NBA All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019–2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2020), 3× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017, 2021), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2019, 2020), 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016), 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017), 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014, 2019–2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), NBA steals leader (2015), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, AP Athlete of the Year (2019), Consensus second-team All-American (2011), 2× First-team All-MWC (2010, 2011), No. 15 retired by San Diego State Aztecs, California Mr. Basketball (2009)

Kawhi Leonard was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 29th, 1991. He played college basketball at San Diego State and was drafted 1st overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA draft.

Kawhi has been a 2-time All-Star (2013, 2017) and is currently playing for the LA Clippers in the NBA. He is known for his elite shooting ability, which has helped him accumulate over 25000 points in his career thus far.

Kawhi is married to LaLa Vasquez and they have one child together - a daughter named Sienna Rose. Leonard has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA for several years now and is likely to continue his success with the Clippers.

He was a two-time champion with the Spurs, and he's also won MVP awards in both the Finals and All-Star games. Leonard is known as an incredible defender, posting up opponents or guarding multiple positions on defense. 

His offensive game is equally as impressive, scoring at will from anywhere on the court while creating opportunities for teammates using his passing skillset.

Kawhi Leonard is a true superstar who belongs among basketball's greatest-ever players.

Also Played For: toronto raptors, nba 2k21

35. Dennis Rodman

Power forward

Dennis Rodman Career

  • High school: South Oak Cliff (Dallas, Texas)
  • College: , North Central Texas (1983), Southeastern Oklahoma State (1983–1986)
  • NBA draft 1986 / Round: 2 / Pick: 27th overall
  • Selected by the Detroit Pistons
  • Playing career: 1986–2006
  • Position: Power forward / Small forward
  • Number: 10, 91, 73, 70
  • 1986–1993: Detroit Pistons
  • 1993–1995: San Antonio Spurs
  • 1995–1998: Chicago Bulls
  • 1999: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2000: Dallas Mavericks
  • 2003–2004: Long Beach Jam
  • 2004: Fuerza Regia
  • 2004–2005: Orange County Crush
  • 2005: Torpan Pojat
  • 2005–2006: Tijuana Dragons
  • 2006: Brighton Bears
  • 5× NBA champion (1989, 1990, 1996–1998), 2× NBA All-Star (1990, 1992), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1992, 1995), 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1991), 7× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1989–1993, 1995, 1996), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1994), 7× NBA rebounding champion (1992–1998), IBM Award (1992), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 10 retired by Detroit Pistons, 3× NAIA All-American (1984–1986)
  • Points: 6,683 (7.3 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 11,954 (13.1 rpg)
  • Assists: 1,600 (1.8 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player

Dennis Rodman is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He originally played for the Detroit Pistons, with whom he won two NBA championships.

Rodman then spent time playing for the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring in 2006. In his career, he was known for his unorthodox playstyle, which included rebounding and dunking at high levels.

Rodman has since appeared in several films and television shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and The Amazing Race Asia 2–6 . Dennis Rodman was born on May 13th 1961 in Trenton, New Jersey to Kenneth Randall "Kenny" Rodman Sr., an accountant,and Carolyn Elizabeth ("Betty") Hilliard.

 After graduating from South Oak Cliff High School[1], where he starred alongside future Hall of Famer Earvin Magic Johnson, Rodney attended North Central Texas College but transferred after one year to Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he led their team to two NCAA tournament appearances.

On February 8th 1996 while visiting a friend at the Malibu home of Michael Jackson , both men were arrested after allegedly trying to steal $30 million worth of jewelry from MJ's residence.

While awaiting trial they made national headlines by appearing on CNN's Larry King Live ; during this appearance, it came out that Jackson had given Rodman his jacket which had been autographed by Muhammad Ali. 

The charges against them were eventually dropped when prosecutors could not find enough evidence linking either man directly to the theft incident(although Jackson did plead no contest later that year).

Also Played For: detroit pistons

36. Paul Pierce

Small forward

Paul Pierce 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.

37. Bob Cousy

Point guard

Bob Cousy Career

  • High school: Andrew Jackson, (Queens, New York)
  • College: Holy Cross (1946–1950)
  • NBA draft 1950 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks
  • Playing career: 1950–1963, 1969–1970
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 14, 19
  • Coaching career: 1963–1973
  • 6× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1963), NBA Most Valuable Player (1957), 13× NBA All-Star (1951–1963), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1954, 1957), 10× All-NBA First Team (1952–1961), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1962, 1963), 8× NBA assists leader (1953–1960), NBA anniversary team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th), No. 14 retired by Boston Celtics, NCAA champion (1947), Consensus first-team All-American (1950), Second-team All-American – AP, UPI, Look (1949), Third-team All-American – AP (1948), No. 17 retired by Holy Cross Crusaders, Presidential Medal of Freedom (2019)
  • Points: 16,960 (18.4 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,786 (5.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 6,955 (7.5 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Bob Cousy was a point guard who played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963. He led the Celtics to three NBA Championships and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969.

After retiring as a player, he became head coach of the Boston Bruins in 1973, where he won another championship. Bob Cousy is also known for his commercials which featured him endorsing products such as Pepsi and Chevrolet vehicles.

Cousy was an All-American point guard at Boston College and helped lead the Celtics to 6 NBA championships in nine seasons. Cousy won two MVP awards and was a 10-time All-Star. He also led the Celtics in assists multiple times, and his number 14 retired by the team is still hanging from the rafters of the TD Garden.

After retiring as a player, Cousy went on to coach BC for several years before joining Cincinnati's coaching staff in 1969.

38. Dave Cowens

Center

Dave Cowens Career

  • 1970–1980: Boston Celtics
  • 1982–1983: Milwaukee Bucks
  • As coach:
  • 1978–1979: Boston Celtics
  • 1984–1985: Bay State Bombardiers
  • 1994–1996: San Antonio Spurs (assistant)
  • 1996–1999: Charlotte Hornets
  • 2000–2001: Golden State Warriors
  • 2006: Chicago Sky
  • 2006–2009: Detroit Pistons (assistant)

As a player, Dave Cowens was known for his hustle and play-making ability. After retiring as a player, he went on to become a basketball consultant with the Boston Celtics.

In 2005, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history. Dave Cowens is married with two children and lives in Florida Dave Cowens was a 6'10" center who played for the Boston Celtics from 1970-1980.

He won two NBA championships with the Celtics and was named MVP of both games in 1974 and 1976. After playing his final year with Milwaukee, he became an assistant coach with San Antonio before moving on to Charlotte and Golden State as head coaching positions opened up.

Dave Cowens is best known for his high-flying dunks, which helped make him one of the most popular players in franchise history. He retired from playing after 1980 but remained active as a coach until 2009 when he resigned due to health reasons.

Also Played For: florida state university basketball

39. Kevin Garnett

Power forward

Kevin Garnett 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: minnesota timberwolves

40. Sam Jones

Sam Jones Career

  • High school: Laurinburg Institute, (Laurinburg, North Carolina)
  • College: North Carolina Central (1951–1954, 1956–1957)
  • NBA draft 1957 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
  • Selected by the Boston Celtics
  • Playing career: 1957–1969
  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Number: 24
  • Coaching career: 1974–1975
  • 10× NBA champion (1959–1966, 1968, 1969), 5× NBA All-Star (1962, 1964–1966, 1968), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1965–1967), NBA anniversary team (25th, 50th, 75th), No. 24 retired by Boston Celtics
  • Points: 15,411 (17.7 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,305 (4.9 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,209 (2.5 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Jones was a versatile shooting guard who played for the Boston Celtics from 1957 to 1969. Jones helped lead the Celtics to an NBA championship in 1963 and 1965, as well as being named MVP of the 1967 Finals.

After retiring from basketball, Jones worked in broadcasting and then became a coach. He passed away at age 88 on December 30, 2021. Sam Jones was an accomplished player and coach in the NBA. He won 10 championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, and 5 more as a coach.

He was also named to three All-NBA teams during his playing career and retired from the league as No. 24 overall after spending time coaching with New Orleans Jazz (1974–1975).

41. Bill Sharman

Shooting guard

Bill Sharman Career

  • High school: Porterville (Porterville, California)
  • College: USC (1946–1950)
  • NBA draft 1950 / Round: 2 / Pick: 17th overall
  • Selected by the Washington Capitols
  • Playing career: 1950–1961
  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Number: 10, 21
  • Coaching career: 1961–1976
  • As player:, 4× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1961), 8× NBA All-Star (1953–1960), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1955), 4× All-NBA First Team (1956–1959), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1953, 1955, 1960), NBA anniversary team (25th, 50th, 75th), No. 21 retired by Boston Celtics, Consensus first-team All-America (1950), 2× First-team All-PCC (1949, 1950), No. 11 retired by USC Trojans, , As coach:, , NBA champion (1972), ABA champion (1971), ABL champion (1962), NBA Coach of the Year (1972), ABA Coach of the Year (1970), 3× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1968, 1972, 1973), , As executive:, , 5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
  • Points: 12,665 (17.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 2,779 (3.9 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,101 (3.0 apg)
  • NBA & ABA: 466–353 (.569)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as coach
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Sharman was born in Abilene, Texas, and attended high school at Porterville. He played college basketball for USC from 1946 to 1950 and was drafted by the Washington Capitols in the 1950 NBA draft.

Sharman spent five seasons with the Capitols before joining the Boston Celtics in 1955. He later played for Philadelphia, San Francisco, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks before retiring from playing professional basketball in 1961.

Sharman served as a coach with various teams including the Utah Stars (1976–1977), Milwaukee Bucks (1978–1979) and Portland Trail Blazers (1980). After his coaching career ended he continued to work as an adviser for several organizations until his death aged 87 years old in 2013.

Sharman was a player for the Washington Capitols and Boston Celtics, amassing multiple accolades along the way. He is most famous for being an NBA champion with both of his teams - 1957 with the Capitols and 1959-1961 with the Celtics. 

Sharman also won an NBA All-Star Game MVP award in 1955 and was named to three All-NBA First Teams (1956-1959).

Additionally, he was consensus first team all America in 1950. After retiring as a player, Sharman coached two different teams: Cleveland Pipers in 1961-62 and San Francisco Warriors from 1966 to 1968 before returning to coaching Lakers from 1971 until 1976.

where they reached 3 Finals appearances (1971, 1973, 1974) but could not win any title during that span.

Also Played For: university of southern california basketball

42. Willis Reed

New York Knicks

Willis Reed Career

  • 1964–1974: New York Knicks
  • As coach:
  • 1977–1978: New York Knicks
  • 1981–1985: Creighton
  • 1985–1987: Atlanta Hawks (assistant)
  • 1987–1988: Sacramento Kings (assistant)
  • 1988–1989: New Jersey Nets

Willis Reed was a dominant center in the NBA for many years. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1964 and played for them until 1974. Reed is best known for his role in helping lead the New York Knicks to their first championship in 1973.

After playing basketball, Reed began coaching and has been successful with teams both at the college level and professional levels over the last few decades. 

Willis Reed was an All-Star player for the New York Knicks, and he is most famous for his game winning shot in the 1970 NBA Finals.

Willis Reed also won two championships with the Knicks, and he was a key member of both teams. 

After playing eleven seasons in the NBA, Willis Reed retired from professional basketball in 1978. In later life, Willis Reed served as a coach for several different teams before retiring again in 1988.

Today, Willis Reed is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA.

43. George Mikan

Minneapolis Lakers

George Mikan Career

  • High school: Joliet Catholic (Joliet, Illinois)
  • College: DePaul (1942–1946)
  • Playing career: 1946–1954, 1956
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 99
  • Coaching career: 1957–1958
  • 5× BAA/NBA champion (1949, 1950, 1952–1954), 2× NBL champion (1947, 1948), NBL Most Valuable Player (1948), 4× NBA All-Star (1951–1954), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1953), 6× All-BAA/NBA First Team (1949–1954), 2× All-NBL First Team (1947, 1948), NBL scoring champion (1948), 3× NBA scoring champion (1949–1951), NBA rebounding leader (1953), Greatest Player of the First Half-Century (1950), NBA anniversary team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th), No. 99 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, 2× Helms Player of the Year (1944, 1945), Sporting News Player of the Year (1945), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1944–1946), No. 99 retired by DePaul Blue Demons, WPBT champion (1948), 2× WPBT MVP (1946, 1948), 2× All-WPBT First Team (1946, 1948)
  • Points: 11,764 (22.6 ppg) (NBL / BAA / NBA), 10,156 (23.1 ppg) (BAA / NBA)
  • Rebounds: 4,167 (13.4 rpg) (NBA last five seasons)
  • Assists: 1,245 (2.8 apg) (BAA / NBA)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

George Mikan was one of the greatest players in NBA history, and is often considered to be the best center ever. He started his career with the Chicago American Gears before joining the Minneapolis Lakers in 1947.

The Lakers won five championships during Mikan's tenure, including three consecutive titles from 1949 to 1951. After leaving Los Angeles, Mikan played for several other teams before retiring in 1954 at age 33. In 1957 he became head coach of DePaul University and led them to two Final Four appearances (1959 and 1960).

George Mikan died on June 1, 2005 at age 80 after a long illness Mikan was a trailblazer and one of the most influential players in NBA history. 

He helped establish the game as an international phenomenon, won five championships with the Minneapolis Lakers, and was named MVP of both the NBA All-Star Game and the National Basketball League (NBL) Finals.

Mikan's dominance on offense is still unparalleled to this day - he holds records for points scored, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals in league history. 

His influence on basketball culture can also be seen through his numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. George Mikan will always be remembered as one of basketball's greatest legends - thanks for everything.

Also Played For: depaul basketball

44. Jason Kidd

Point guard

Jason Kidd 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.

Also Played For: dallas mavericks

45. Steve Nash

Point guard

Steve Nash 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.

46. James Worthy

Small forward

James Worthy Career

  • High school: Ashbrook (Gastonia, North Carolina)
  • College: North Carolina (1979–1982)
  • NBA draft 1982 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
  • Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Playing career: 1982–1994
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 42
  • 1982–1994: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 3× NBA champion (1985, 1987, 1988), NBA Finals MVP (1988), 7× NBA All-Star (1986–1992), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1991), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1983), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 42 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, NCAA champion (1982), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1982), Consensus first-team All-American (1982), First-team All-ACC (1982), Second-team All-ACC (1981), ACC tournament MVP (1982), No. 52 retired by North Carolina Tar Heels, First-team Parade All-American (1979), Second-team Parade All-American (1978), McDonald's All-American (1979)
  • Points: 16,320 (17.6 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,708 (5.1 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,791 (3.0 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 1979 Salvador: National team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • FIBA U19 World Championship
  • : 1979 Salvador: National team

James Worthy was a two-time NBA MVP and a six-time All-Star. He was drafted first overall in the 1982 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Worthy played for the Lakers for eight seasons, winning three NBA Championships.

He was also named an All-Star for six consecutive seasons. Worthy retired from the NBA in 1994. Since retirement, Worthy has worked as an analyst for NBA TV. He has also written a book about his life and career. James Worthy is currently married and has three children.

James Worthy is an ambassador for the Special Olympics. James Worthy was a three-time NBA champion with the Lakers and was an all-star for seven seasons. He was also an All-NBA Third Team selection and was a two-time All-Rookie First Team selection. 

Worthy was a two-time NCAA champion with the Tar Heels and was also a consensus first-team All-American.

He was also a two-time ACC champion and was the MVP of the ACC Tournament. Worthy was also a Parade All-American and was inducted into the North Carolina Hall of Fame in 2002.

He was retired by the Lakers in 1992 and he currently has a number 42 retired by the Lakers. James Worthy is currently an analyst for the Lakers on their television broadcasts.

Also Played For: north carolina basketball

47. Walt Frazier

Point guard

Walt Frazier Career

  • High school: David T. Howard (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • College: Southern Illinois (1963–1967)
  • NBA draft 1967 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
  • Selected by the New York Knicks
  • Playing career: 1967–1979
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 10, 11
  • 1967–1977: New York Knicks
  • 1977–1979: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 2× NBA champion (1970, 1973), 7× NBA All-Star (1970–1976) ABA-NBA All-Star Game MVP (1st game, there were 2 ABA-NBA All-Star Games played), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1975), 4× All-NBA First Team (1970, 1972, 1974, 1975), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1971, 1973), 7× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969–1975), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1968), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 10 retired by New York Knicks, NIT champion (1967), NIT MVP (1967), No. 52 retired by Southern Illinois Salukis
  • Points: 15,581 (18.9 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,830 (5.9 rpg)
  • Assists: 5,040 (6.1 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Walt Frazier was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 29, 1945. Frazier attended high school at David T. Howard in Atlanta before going on to play college basketball at Southern Illinois.

After playing in the NBA for nine seasons, Frazier was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1967 NBA draft. Frazier spent most of his time with the Knicks, but also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 1977–79 season.

Frazier is best known for his time with the Knicks, where he won three NBA championships (1971, 1973, and 1975). He also earned MVP Awards in 1971 and 1973. Frazier retired from playing in 1979, but later came out of retirement to play in the Continental Basketball Association in 1990.

In 2006, Frazier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Frazier currently lives in Atlanta, where he is a basketball coach at his alma mater, David T.

Final Words

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and to commemorate the occasion, Bleacher Report commissioned a team of experts to select the best players in league history.

The list was compiled using stats from both regular season and postseason play. Here are the top five players on the NBA’s all-time greatest team:

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Morgan Wolf

Journalist with experience covering the intersection of sports with business. Demonstrated expertise in digital, video and social media content covering major sports including soccer, NBA, NFL, MLB, tennis and Olympic sports. But basketball is his passion. Specialties: expert for sports related content management LinkedIn

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