Nba Defensive Best Players of All Time

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is renowned for its high-flying offensive displays, but the game of basketball is also heavily reliant on defense. The ability to effectively defend an opponent is a key factor in the success of any team, and over the years the NBA has seen some incredible defensive players.

From Hall of Fame legends like Bill Russell and Hakeem Olajuwon to modern stars like Kawhi Leonard and Rudy Gobert, the NBA has a long and storied history of defensive excellence. We’ll take a look at some of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, and how their contributions have helped shape the game as we know it today.

1. LeBron James

Power forward

Career

• 2003–2010: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2010–2014: Miami Heat
• 2014–2018: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2018–present: Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James is a two-time NBA champion and three-time MVP. He has led the Cavaliers to back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, he joined the Lakers for an unprecedented move westward in the NBA's history.

His jersey number (6) was retired by both Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat organizations after his third consecutive MVP award in the 2014–2015 season. 

LeBron James also holds several other records such as the most points scored in a playoff game with 73 against Boston Celtics.

Also, the highest scoring average ever with 38 points per game over his whole career, youngest player to score 30 000 points or more and fastest player to reach 20 000 assists milestone among others LeBron James is a four-time NBA Champion, three-time MVP, and eighteen-time All-Star.

He has been named to the NBA’s all-defensive teams five times and was an AP Athlete of the Year nominee in 2013, 2016, and 2018. 

LeBron also won gold medals with Team USA at the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2012 Olympics, and 2016 Rio Olympics respectively. 

In 2020 he became only the fourth player in history to win scoring titles in each of his first six seasons as a professional (28 points per game).

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, school basketball

2. Alonzo Mourning

Center

Career

• NBA champion (2006)
• 7× NBA All-Star (1994–1997, 2000–2002)
• All-NBA First Team (1999)
• All-NBA Second Team (2000)
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999, 2000)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999, 2000)
• 2× NBA blocks leader (1999, 2000)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993)
• J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2002)
• No. 33 retired by Miami Heat
• Consensus first-team All-American (1992)
• Consensus second-team All-American (1990)
• Third-team All-American – NABC (1991)
• Big East Player of the Year (1992)
• 2× First-team All-Big East (1990, 1992)
• 3× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1989, 1990, 1992)
• 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1990, 2000)
• NCAA blocks leader (1989)
• National high school player of the year (1988)
• McDonald's All-American Game MVP (1988)
• 2× First-team Parade All-American (1987, 1988)
• Second-team Parade All-American (1986)
• Virginia Mr. Basketball (1988)

Alonzo Mourning is a five-time NBA Champion and two-time Finals MVP. He was drafted second overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and played for them until 2001.

He then joined the Miami Heat, where he won his first title in 2006 and his second in 2007. In 2008, Mourning retired from professional basketball after playing with the Heat for 13 seasons.

Alonzo currently holds several positions within the Miami Heat organization including Vice President of Player Programs and Development Alonzo Mourning was a dominant player in the NBA for over a decade, winning championships with Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets.

He was an All-NBA selection six times and led the league in blocks twice. After retiring from the game, he founded Alonzo Mourning Foundation to help disadvantaged children in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Also Played For: georgetown hoyas, 2001–02 nba season

3. Shaquille O'Neal

Center

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, center basketball

4. Bam Adebayo

Center

Career

• NBA All-Star (2020)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020–2022)
• Second-team All-SEC (2017)
• SEC All-Freshman team (2017)
• McDonald's All-American (2016)
• North Carolina Mr. Basketball (2016)

Bam Adebayo is a 25-year-old center/power forward who was drafted 14th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Bam Adebayo played two seasons at Kentucky before being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2017.

Bam Adebayo has averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game over his career, making him an important part of both the Heat's frontcourt rotation as well as their postseason run in 2018. 

Bam Adebayo will be entering his fourth season with the Miami Heat next year and will look to build on his successes from last year Bam Adebayo is a center for the Miami Heat who has quickly become one of the league's top players.

Bam was drafted by the Heat with the seventh overall pick in 2016 and he has since developed into one of their most important players. He led all rookies in scoring last season, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. 

His play on both ends of the court has made him a key part of Miami's success over the past two seasons. Bam is a versatile player who can score inside or outside, making him difficult to defend no matter where he is on the court.

He will be an important part of Miami's future as they look to challenge for championships again in 2020 and 2021.

Also Played For: fantasy basketball, kentucky basketball

5. Gary Payton

Point guard

Career

• NBA champion (2006)
• 9× NBA All-Star (1994–1998, 2000–2003)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000)
• 5× All-NBA Second Team (1995–1997, 1999, 2002)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1994, 2001)
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1996)
• 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1994–2002)
• NBA steals leader (1996)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1991)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• Consensus first-team All-American (1990)
• Pac-10 Player of the Year (1990)
• 3× All-Pac-10 (1988–1990)
• No. 20 retired by Oregon State Beavers
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1999)

Gary Payton was one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. He played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers during his career.

He won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2003. Gary is also known for his defensive play and ability to score points efficiently from anywhere on the court.

He retired from professional basketball following the 2007 season at age 40 due to knee injuries sustained while playing overseas Payton was a versatile player who excelled at both offense and defense.

He is one of only four players in NBA history to score 30,000 points and grab 10,000 rebounds. Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Also Played For: seattle supersonics, oklahoma city thunder

6. Metta Sandiford-Artest

Small forward

Career

• High school: La Salle Academy, (Manhattan, New York)
• College: St. John's (1997–1999)
• NBA draft 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 1999–2017
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 15, 23, 91, 93, 96, 37, 51
• Coaching career: 2017–2018
• NBA champion (2010), NBA All-Star (2004), All-NBA Third Team (2004), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2004), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2004, 2006), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2003, 2009), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2000), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (1999), Haggerty Award (1999), First-team All-Big East (1999), Second-team Parade All-American (1997), McDonald's All-American (1997)
• Points: 13,058 (13.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,448 (4.5 rpg)
• Assists: 2,631 (2.7 apg)

Metta Sandiford-Artest is a retired professional basketball player who spent his entire playing career with the Chicago Bulls. Sandiford-Artest was born in Queens, New York and attended La Salle Academy before going on to play college ball for St.

John's. After being selected by the Bulls with 16th overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft, he went on to spend 11 seasons with them before retiring in 2017. 

In his final season, Sandiford-Artest served as assistant coach of the Lakers but was fired after just one month into the 2018 campaign.

Currently, he works as an ambassador for UNICEF USA and previously held roles within Nike Basketball and Vitaminwater brands Metta Sandiford-Artest is a former professional basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets. 

He was named an All-Star in 2004 and 2006, won two Defensive Player of the Year Awards (2004, 2006) and was also runner-up twice (2003, 2009). After retiring from playing he became head coach of the South Bay Lakers development team.

Also Played For: sacramento kings, chicago bulls

7. Brook Lopez

Center

Career

• High school: San Joaquin Memorial, (Fresno, California)
• College: Stanford (2006–2008)
• NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 2008–present
• 2008–2017: New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
• 2017–2018: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2018–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), NBA All-Star (2013), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2008), First-team All-Pac-10 (2008), Third-team Parade All-American (2006), McDonald's All-American (2006)

Lopez was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 and has been with them ever since. Lopez is a versatile center who can score inside or outside, averaging over 20 points per game for his career.

Lopez has won three championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and is an all-star player every season he plays. With age coming on strong for many NBA players, Lopez remains one of the best centers in the league, if not THE best.

Lopez was a three-time All-Pac-10 selection and first-team Parade All-American. Lopez had an impressive rookie campaign with the Nets, averaging 14.8 points and 7 rebounds per game before being traded to the Lakers in 2017. 

Lopez has continued his strong play with Los Angeles, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds per game this season on 49% shooting from the field – both career highs.

With another title likely coming his way in 2021, Lopez is one of the most decorated players in NBA history bar none.

Also Played For: brooklyn nets, 2009–10 nba season

8. Ben Simmons

Point guard

Career

• 2016–2022: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2022–present: Brooklyn Nets

Ben Simmons was born on July 20th, 1996 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 

He attended high school at Box Hill Senior Secondary College in Melbourne and then played college basketball for LSU before being drafted 1st overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA draft.

Ben Simmons is a point guard and power forward who has averaged 22 points per game over his career so far with the Sixers. He is also known for his explosive dunks and outstanding court vision. 

Ben Simmons is currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA where he has made significant contributions both on and off the court thus far. 

Ben Simmons was selected with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Ben Simmons has had a successful career.

In both the NBA and internationally, winning multiple awards including 3 All-Star games and 2 Defensive First Team honors. 

Ben Simmons is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets, where he continues to be one of their most valuable players on both sides of the ball.

Also Played For: point guard, nba 2k19

9. Jarrett Allen

Center

Career

• High school: , Round Rock (Round Rock, Texas), St. Stephen's Episcopal School, (Austin, Texas)
• College: Texas (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22nd overall
• Selected by the Brooklyn Nets
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• NBA All-Star (2022), Third-team All-Big 12 (2017), McDonald's All-American (2016)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2016 Chile: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2016 Chile: National team

Jarrett Allen is a 24-year-old center from San Diego, California. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2017 and has since played for them, Toronto Raptors and now Cleveland Cavaliers.

JarrettAllen is known for his high energy play on the court and strong defense. In 2018–19 he averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block per game while playing 39 minutes per contest. Allen will be participating in this year's NBA All Star Game in Cleveland as part of the Eastern Conference team.

Jarrett Allen is a two-time McDonald’s All American and was a third team selection to the 2017 NBA All Star game. Jarrett started his collegiate career at Texas before transferring to Iowa State for his sophomore season where he averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and 1 block per game. 

He was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets with the 7th overall pick in the 2017 draft and has since played for Cleveland Cavaliers.

Allen is known for his athleticism, strength, rebounding skills and shotblocking ability on both sides of the ball which will be important as he progresses in his young career.

Also Played For: bleacher report nba, texas longhorns men's basketball

10. Dwight Howard

Power forward

Career

• High school: Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, (Atlanta, Georgia)
• NBA draft 2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Orlando Magic
• Playing career: 2004–present
• 2004–2012: Orlando Magic
• 2012–2013: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2013–2016: Houston Rockets
• 2016–2017: Atlanta Hawks
• 2017–2018: Charlotte Hornets
• 2018–2019: Washington Wizards
• 2019–2020: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2020–2021: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2021–2022: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2022–present: Taoyuan Leopards
• NBA champion (2020), 8× NBA All-Star (2007–2014), 5× All-NBA First Team (2008–2012), All-NBA Second Team (2014), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2013), 3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2009–2011), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2012), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2008), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2005), 5× NBA rebounding leader (2008–2010, 2012, 2013), 2× NBA blocks leader (2009, 2010), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2008), Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2004), McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (2004), First-team Parade All-American (2004), Mr. Georgia Basketball (2004)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team competition, FIBA World Championship, : 2006 Japan: Team competition, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2007 Las Vegas: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2008 Beijing: Team competition
• FIBA World Championship
• : 2006 Japan: Team competition
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2007 Las Vegas: Team competition

Dwight Howard is a professional basketball player who has played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks. He was drafted first overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic and spent seven seasons with them before moving to Los Angeles in 2012.

In 2013, he joined the then-Atlanta Hawks and remains with them as of 2019. Dwight Howard's height (6 ft 10 inches) and weight (265 pounds) make him one of the most physically imposing players in basketball history. 

His skills on the court have earned him numerous awards, including five All-Star appearances, two MVP Awards, and three scoring titles over his career Dwight Howard was a dominant center in the NBA for many years and is still considered one of the best players in league history.

He led Houston to three consecutive championships from 2013-2015, while also being an All-Star multiple times and winning Defensive Player of the Year honors on two occasions. 

Howard has since left Houston for Atlanta, where he helped lead them to their first-ever title in 2017-2018 before departing for Charlotte later that year.

In 2018, Dwight signed with Washington Wizards but failed to win a championship within his three seasons there before joining Los Angeles Lakers midway through 2020.

Also Played For: orlando magic, los angeles lakers

11. Ben Wallace

Power forward

Career

• High school: Central (Hayneville, Alabama)
• College: , Cuyahoga CC (1992–1994), Virginia Union (1994–1996)
• NBA draft: 1996 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1996–2012
• Position: Center / Power forward
• Number: 30, 4, 3, 6
• 1996: Viola Reggio Calabria
• 1996–1999: Washington Bullets / Wizards
• 1999–2000: Orlando Magic
• 2000–2006: Detroit Pistons
• 2006–2008: Chicago Bulls
• 2008–2009: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2009–2012: Detroit Pistons
• NBA champion (2004), 4× NBA All-Star (2003–2006), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2003, 2004, 2006), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2005), 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006), 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2002–2006), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2007), 2× NBA rebounding leader (2002, 2003), NBA blocks leader (2002), No. 3 retired by Detroit Pistons, First-team Division II All-American – NABC (1996)
• Points: 6,254 (5.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 10,482 (9.6 rpg)
• Blocks: 2,137 (2.0 bpg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player

Ben Wallace was a dominant center and power forward in the NBA for 12 seasons. He led the league in Defensive Rating six times and was an All-Star seven times.

Wallace played his entire career with the Pistons, where he won two championships (2004, 2008). After retiring from playing basketball, Wallace became team engagement advisor for the Detroit Pistons.

He is responsible for helping to develop new strategies and techniques for the organization. Ben Wallace is a two-time NBA champion, five-time All-Star, and four-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1996 and played for them until 1999 before joining Orlando Magic.

Wallace then spent three seasons with Detroit Pistons before moving to Chicago Bulls where he won another title in 2008. Wallace retired from basketball in 2012 after playing nine seasons with Cleveland Cavaliers.

Also Played For: 2003–04 nba season, nba 2000s

12. Draymond Green

Power forward

Career

• High school: Saginaw (Saginaw, Michigan)
• College: Michigan State (2008–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–present: Golden State Warriors
• 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), 4× NBA All-Star (2016–2018, 2022), All-NBA Second Team (2016), All-NBA Third Team (2017), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2017), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017, 2021), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2019, 2022), NBA steals leader (2017), NABC National Player of the Year (2012), Consensus first-team All-American (2012), Big Ten Player of the Year (2012), First-team All-Big Ten (2012), 2× Third-team All-Big Ten (2010, 2011), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2012), Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year (2010), Big Ten tournament MVP (2012), No. 23 retired by Michigan State Spartans, Fourth-team Parade All-American (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Draymond Green was born on March 4, 1990, in Saginaw, Michigan. He played college basketball at Michigan State and became a two-time All-American. Green was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2012 and has since played for them throughout his career.

His standout moments during his playing career include winning an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2018 and being named Defensive Player of the Year in the 2017/2018 season. Draymond is married to Channing Tatum and they have one child together - a son name Zaire Jackson Tatum Jr.

Green is a four-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star. He was named the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming just the second player in league history to win both awards in the same season (the other being Kawhi Leonard). 

Green also ranks first all-time in steals at Michigan State with 353 career thefts. In 2018, he became just the third player ever to achieve both an MVP and Finals MVP award in their respective careers (joining Michael Jordan and LeBron James). 

On October 14, 2018, Green was suspended for three games after throwing a punch at Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert during Game 4 of their playoff series; this led to him being ejected from that game as well.

Born on May 28th, 1988 in Saginaw, Michigan, Draymond has played his entire eight-year professional career with the Golden State Warriors where he currently holds averages of 23 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and two assists per game over 538 regular season minutes.

Also Played For: golden state warriors, michigan state basketball

13. Wilt Chamberlain

Center

Career

• High school: Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• College: Kansas (1956–1958)
• NBA draft 1959 / Pick: Territorial
• Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors
• Playing career: 1958–1973
• Position: Center
• Number: 13
• Coaching career: 1973–1974
• 2× NBA champion (1967, 1972), NBA Finals MVP (1972), 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966–1968), 13× NBA All-Star (1960–1969, 1971–1973), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1960), 7× All-NBA First Team (1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1963, 1965, 1972), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972, 1973), NBA Rookie of the Year (1960), 7× NBA scoring champion (1960–1966), 11× NBA rebounding champion (1960–1963, 1966–1969, 1971–1973), NBA assist leader (1968), Most Points in One Game (100), Most Rebounds in One Game (55), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 13 retired by Harlem Globetrotters, No. 13 retired by Golden State Warriors, No. 13 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, No. 13 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1957), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1957, 1958), First-team All-Big 7 (1957), No. 13 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks, Mr. Basketball USA (1955)
• Points: 31,419 (30.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 23,924 (22.9 rpg)
• Assists: 4,643 (4.4 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in history, and he is also known for his dominant play in the center position.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959 and went on to become one of their all-time greats, winning multiple MVP awards and scoring more than 30,000 points during his career.

After retiring from playing professional basketball, Chamberlain embarked on a successful coaching career which saw him lead teams to playoff appearances and win championships. Wilt Chamberlain died at the age of 63 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won multiple championships and MVP awards during his career, and was also an all-star for 13 consecutive seasons. 

Chamberlain's size and strength were legendary, as he routinely dominated opponents on both the court and in dunk contests.

Chamberlain's impact on the basketball cannot be overstated - he helped pave the way for future stars such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Also Played For: nba 70s

14. Paul George

Small forward

Career

• High school: Knight (Palmdale, California)
• College: Fresno State (2008–2010)
• NBA draft 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2017: Indiana Pacers
• 2017–2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2019–present: Los Angeles Clippers
• 7× NBA All-Star (2013, 2014, 2016–2019, 2021), All-NBA First Team (2019), 5× All-NBA Third Team (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2014, 2019), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2013, 2016), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2011), NBA Most Improved Player (2013), NBA steals leader (2019), Second-team All-WAC (2010), No. 24 retired by Fresno State Bulldogs
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team

Paul George was born on May 2, 1990 in Palmdale, California. He attended Knight High School and played college basketball for Fresno State before being drafted 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA draft.

In his five seasons with the Pacers he has averaged 20 points per game, 4 rebounds per game and 3 assists per game while playing all 82 games each season. 

On July 12th of this year Paul George signed a three-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder worth $137 million dollars including an annual salary of $27 million over that period of time.

Paul George is one of only two players (the other being Kobe Bryant) to score at least 25,000 points and grab 5,000 rebounds in their career; achieving both feats whilst playing for the Indiana Pacers between 2010-2017 Paul George is a two-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA Third Team player. 

He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2011, and went on to become one of the best players in the league over time.

In 2019, he became just the fourth player in history with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 assists and 40 steals in a season - joining Oscar Robertson (1960–1961), LeBron James (2004–2007) and Kevin Durant (2012–2015). 

George has retired from Fresno State as their second all-time leading scorer with 2,336 points. With his new team - Los Angeles Clippers - he looks to take his game even further next season.

Also Played For: indiana pacers, los angeles clippers

15. Myles Turner

Power forward

Career

• High school: Trinity (Euless, Texas)
• College: Texas (2014–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–present: Indiana Pacers
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2016), 2× NBA blocks leader (2019, 2021), Third-team All-Big 12 (2015), Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2015), McDonald's All-American (2014), First-team Parade All-American (2014)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2014 Colorado Springs: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2014 Colorado Springs: National team

Turner was drafted 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2015 NBA draft. Turner has spent his entire career with the Pacers, playing over 200 games and averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game.

He is a two-time All-Star and was named to the 2017 Eastern Conference All-Defensive Second Team. Turner announced his retirement from professional basketball on May 25, 2018 after 18 seasons in the NBA Turner is a 6'8" forward who was the No.

1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers. Turner led his team to their first-ever playoff appearance in 2018, where they lost to the Toronto Raptors 4 games to 2. 

He has won multiple awards and accolades during his career including being named an All-Rookie Second Team member in 2016 and a blocks leader for both 2019 and 2021 seasons.

Also Played For: university of texas best basketball players, nba 2k18

16. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Small forward

Career

• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2013: Filathlitikos
• 2013–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020), 6× NBA All-Star (2017–2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021), 4× All-NBA First Team (2019–2022), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2022), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017), NBA Most Improved Player (2017), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2022), Euroscar Player of the Year (2018)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dominant player in the NBA. He was drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 and has since become one of their key players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994 in Athens, Greece. His father played basketball professionally and his brother alsoplays basketball professionally.

Antetokounmpo started playing professional basketball for Filathlitikos aged just 16 years old and quickly established himself as one of Europe's best young prospects.

In 2011, he was signed by the then-struggling Milwaukee Bucks and made an instant impact on the team - averaging 17 points per game over his first two seasons with them.

In 2016, he led Greece to its first ever appearance at an Olympic Games medal podium when they finished fourth overall at Rio de Janeiro – earning him selection to Team EuroBasket 2017 where he helped lead them to silver medals once again.

With averages of 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists per game across all competitions this season (2018/19), Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably one of the most consistent players in both European AND North American leagues – making him an extremely difficult opponent for any opposing player.

Also Played For: milwaukee bucks, eurobasket

17. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Center

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: nba 75th anniversary team, nba playoffs best player

18. Sidney Moncrief

Point guard

Career

• High school: Hall (Little Rock, Arkansas)
• College: Arkansas (1975–1979)
• NBA draft 1979 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1979–1991
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 4, 15
• Coaching career: 1999–2013
• 5× NBA All-Star (1982–1986), All-NBA First Team (1983), 4× All-NBA Second Team (1982, 1984–1986), 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1983, 1984), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1983–1986), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982), No. 4 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, No. 32 retired by Arkansas Razorbacks, Consensus first-team All-American (1979), Second-team All-American – UPI (1978), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (1978), SWC Player of the Year (1979)
• Points: 11,931 (15.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,575 (4.7 rpg)
• Assists: 2,793 (3.6 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2018

Sidney Moncrief was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for 15 seasons. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1979 and spent his entire career with them.

Moncrief is best known for his years with the Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA championship in 1984. After retiring from playing, Moncrief became a successful coach, leading both the Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers to playoff appearances during his tenure.

Sidney Moncrief helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Championship in 1985. After playing collegiately at Arkansas, Moncrief began his coaching career with the Razorbacks before spending two years as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. 

In 2011, he was hired as an assistant coach by then-Milwaukee head coach Scott Skiles and remained on staff through 2013 when he retired from coaching after a 52-win season with the Bucks.

He is also a two-time All-Star and three-time member of the All-NBA Second Team who won both Defensive Player of The Year awards in 1983 and 1984 while still playing for Atlanta Hawks

19. Jrue Holiday

Point guard

Career

• High school: Campbell Hall (Los Angeles, California)
• College: UCLA (2008–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2009–present
• Number: 21, 11
• 2009–2013: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2013–2020: New Orleans Pelicans
• 2020–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), NBA All-Star (2013), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2018, 2021), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2019, 2022), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2021), 2× NBA Teammate of the Year (2020, 2022), Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (2009), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2008), First-team Parade All-American (2008), Third-team Parade All-American (2007), McDonald's All-American (2008), California Mr. Basketball (2008)
• 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

Jrue Holiday is a point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009 and has since played for them, as well as the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz.

Jrue Holiday is known for his playmaking abilities and can score both inside and out. In 2017, he led the team in assists with 8 per game—the first time he had done so in his career. 

Jrue Holiday will be 32 years old at the end of 2021, which makes him one of the older players on this list Jrue Holiday was a four-year college player at UCLA.

After graduating from UCLA, Jrue signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013 and started playing for them right away. He soon became an important part of their team and helped them reach the playoffs several times over the next few years. 

In 2018, he won his first NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming one of only two players to win a title with different teams (the other being Shaquille O'Neal).

Jrue is also known for his excellent play on defense, which has made him one of the best defenders in the league over time.

Also Played For: new orleans pelicans, nba 2k22 defensive

20. Dikembe Mutombo

Center

Career

• High school: Institute Boboto (Kinshasa, DR Congo)
• College: Georgetown (1988–1991)
• NBA draft 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 1991–2009
• Position: Center
• Number: 55
• 1991–1996: Denver Nuggets
• 1996–2001: Atlanta Hawks
• 2001–2002: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2002–2003: New Jersey Nets
• 2003–2004: New York Knicks
• 2004–2009: Houston Rockets
• 8× NBA All-Star (1992, 1995–1998, 2000–2002), All-NBA Second Team (2001), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1998, 2002), 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001), 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1997, 1998, 2001), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1995, 1999, 2002), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1992), 2× NBA rebounding leader (2000, 2001), 3× NBA blocks leader (1994–1996), IBM Award (1999), No. 55 retired by Atlanta Hawks, No. 55 retired by Denver Nuggets, Third-team All-American – AP, UPI (1991), First-team All-Big East (1991), Second-team All-Big East (1990), 2× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1991)
• Points: 11,729 (9.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 12,359 (10.3 rpg)
• Blocks: 3,289 (2.8 bpg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player

Dikembe Mutombo is a 7 foot 2 inch and 260-pound center who was drafted 4th overall in the 1991 NBA draft. He played his entire career with the Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks, retiring after nine seasons in 2009.

Mutombo is widely considered one of the greatest centers to ever play the game, winning five MVP Awards and two Finals MVPs during his time in the NBA. 

In 2006, he was named an honorary citizen of Kinshasa, DR Congo - a city that he helped build from scratch as a player for both Denver Nuggets (1991-1996) and Atlanta Hawks (1996-2001).

After retirement, Mutombo has devoted himself to humanitarian work with numerous charities around the world including Operation Smile which helps children with cleft lip or palates receive surgery abroad free of charge. 

Mutombo was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. He played on six different teams and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Dikembe Mutombo is also a humanitarian, working with several charities throughout Africa. In 1999, he was awarded the IBM Award for his contributions to technology and business.

Also Played For: denver nuggets, rockets lakers basketball

21. Bobby Jones

Power forward

Career

• High school: South Mecklenburg, (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• College: North Carolina (1971–1974)
• NBA draft 1974 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 1974–1986
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 24
• 1974–1978: Denver Nuggets
• 1978–1986: Philadelphia 76ers
• NBA champion (1983), 4× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978, 1981, 1982), 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1977–1984), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1985), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1983), ABA All-Star (1976), All-ABA Second Team (1976), 2× ABA All-Defensive First Team (1975, 1976), ABA All-Rookie First Team (1975), No. 24 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, Consensus second-team All-American (1974), First-team All-ACC (1974), Second-team All-ACC (1973), Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award (2005)
• Points: 11,391 (12.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,739 (6.1 rpg)
• Assists: 2,522 (2.7 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1972 Munich: Team competition
• Men's Basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1972 Munich: Team competition

Bobby Jones was a highly decorated power forward in the NBA for over two decades. He won 5 championships with three different teams, and is considered one of the greatest players in league history.

Jones was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and attended South Mecklenburg High School where he starred on the basketball team. After graduating from high school, Jones went to play college ball at North Carolina but failed to make an impact as a player there, instead focusing on his professional career.

The Houston Rockets drafted Jones fifth overall in 1974 and he played for them until 1986 when he retired due to injuries sustained during the playoffs that year against Boston Celtics (his former teammate Larry Bird also retired after this playoff series). 

In 1978, Jones joined the Philadelphia 76ers who later traded him to Atlanta Hawks before finally retiring after playing his final game with Milwaukee Bucks in 1986 aged 36 years old.

Also Played For: unc basketball, north carolina basketball

22. John Konchar

Shooting guard

Career

• High school: West Chicago, (West Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Purdue Fort Wayne (2015–2019)
• NBA draft: 2019 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–present: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2019–2020: →Memphis Hustle
• 4× First-team All-Summit League (2016–2019), Summit League All-Newcomer Team (2016)

John Konchar was born on March 22nd, 1996 in West Chicago, Illinois. He is a shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA and averaged 6 points per game last season.

John has had a successful career playing college basketball at Purdue Fort Wayne where he won two conference championships and led his team to an NCAA Tournament appearance in his senior year.

Outside of basketball, John enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as doing some fishing when he can get away from work. Konchar is a 6'9" forward who played collegiately at Purdue Fort Wayne.

He was undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft but signed with the Memphis Grizzlies as an unrestricted free agent. Konchar has appeared in 53 games for Memphis over two seasons and averages 2 points, 1 rebound, and 0 assists per game.

Konchar will continue his career with the Memphis Hustle of the G-League this season.

Also Played For: memphis grizzlies

23. Joel Embiid

Center

Career

• High school: , Montverde Academy, (Montverde, Florida), The Rock School, (Gainesville, Florida)
• College: Kansas (2013–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–present: Philadelphia 76ers
• 5× NBA All-Star (2018–2022), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021), NBA scoring champion (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2017), Second-team All-Big 12 (2014), Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2014), Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2014), Big 12 All-Newcomer Team (2014)

Joel Embiid is a big man, standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 280 pounds. He played college basketball for Kansas, where he was one of the best scoring players in the NCAA.

After playing two seasons of college basketball, Joel Embiid declared himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft. Many teams were interested in him but Philadelphia chose to take a chance on him with their first round pick (No.

In his rookie season with Philadelphia, Joel Embiid led all rookies in points scored (24.1 per game) and rebounds (10.0 per game). He also won Rookie of the Year honours while helping Philadelphia make it to the Eastern Conference Finals – their first appearance in that stage since 1983.

The following year saw even more impressive performances from Joel Embiid as he averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game en route to being named an All-Star for the second time.

In his career and becoming only the third player ever to win Defensive Player of Year honours whilst averaging over 20 points/10 boards/2 blocks per game or higher (joining Shaquille O’Neal & Hakeem Olajuwon).

Unfortunately, injuries have been plaguing Joel Embiid throughout his career; most notably during his sophomore season when he suffered a broken orbital bone which caused him to miss significant time action. 

However, despite these niggles he has still managed to be one of the top centres in both Europe and America - never losing sight of what makes him successful: simple hard work coupled with a natural skill set.

Despite rumours linking other superstars such as LeBron James & Kevin Durant with moves away from Philly this summer [9], it seems like Joel will continue leading ‘The Process’ until retirement – proving once again just how much talent this guy possesses.

Also Played For: philadelphia 76ers, nba isolation

24. Matisse Thybulle

Small forward

Career

• High school: , Skyline (Sammamish, Washington), Eastside Catholic, (Sammamish, Washington)
• College: Washington (2015–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–present: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2021, 2022), Naismith Defensive Player of the Year (2019), Lefty Driesell Award (2019), NCAA season steals leader (2019), First-team All-Pac-12 (2019), 2× Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2019), 2× Pac-12 All-Defensive Team (2018, 2019)
• Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing  Australia, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men’s basketball
• Representing  Australia
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Thybulle was born in 1997 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Thybulle played college basketball at Washington and was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 20th overall pick in 2019. Thybulle is a shooting guard and small forward who is known for his athleticism and shot-making ability. 

Thybulle's career highlights include making the playoffs for the first time as a rookie with Washington in 2018–19, averaging 16 points per game over 38 appearances that season, and being named to the All-Rookie Second Team after helping lead Philadelphia to their first playoff appearance since 2001–02.

Matisse Thybulle is a promising young player for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has already proven himself as an All-Defensive Second Team selection and was also named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. 

Thybulle played college ball at Washington, where he led the nation in steals during his junior year. He then transferred to Arizona, where he continued to be one of the best defenders in that conference and NCAA Division I overall.

Thybulle was drafted by Boston with the 57th pick in this year's draft and should have an opportunity to contribute right away on a team that is looking to contend for championships soon.

25. Hakeem Olajuwon

Center

Career

• High school: Muslim Teachers College, (Lagos, Nigeria)
• College: Houston (1981–1984)
• NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 1984–2002
• Position: Center
• Number: 34
• 1984–2001: Houston Rockets
• 2001–2002: Toronto Raptors
• 2× NBA champion (1994, 1995), 2× NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995), NBA Most Valuable Player (1994), 12× NBA All-Star (1985–1990, 1992–1997), 6× All-NBA First Team (1987–1989, 1993, 1994, 1997), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1986, 1990, 1996), 3× All-NBA Third Team (1991, 1995, 1999), 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994), 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994), 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1985, 1991, 1996, 1997), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985), IBM Award (1993), 2× NBA rebounding leader (1989, 1990), 3× NBA blocks leader (1990, 1991, 1993), No. 34 retired by Houston Rockets, NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), Consensus first-team All-American (1984), NCAA rebounding leader (1984), SWC Player of the Year (1984), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1983), No. 34 retired by Houston Cougars, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Houston Sports Hall of Fame
• Points: 26,946 (21.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 13,747 (11.1 rpg)
• Blocks: 3,830 (3.1 bpg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1996 Atlanta: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1996 Atlanta: Team competition

Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the greatest centers in NBA history. He won five championships with the Houston Rockets and is still considered one of the best players to ever play the game.

Hakeem Olajuwon was born on January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria. After high school he attended Muslim Teachers College in Lagos before transferring to Houston where he played college basketball for the Cougars from 1981-1984.

The 1984 draft saw Olajuwon selected first overall by the then-Houston Rockets team; during his 15 seasons playing in Houston, he led them to 5 Championships (1994–95, 1996–97, 1999–2000, 2003–04). In 2002 he retired from professional basketball at age 36 after a long career spanning 15 years and 350 games.

Outside of basketball, Hakeem has been involved in humanitarian work throughout his life – most notably through Operation Smile which helps children suffering from cleft lip and palate surgery around the world receive treatment free of charge. 

Hakeem currently serves as an ambassador for Operation Smile. In 2001 Hakeem married Rebbie Chung and they have two daughters together: Aneka (born 2002) and Zahra (born 2006).

Also Played For: houston rockets, toronto raptors

26. Scottie Pippen

Small forward

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: portland trail blazers, small forward

27. Bill Russell

Boston Celtics

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

28. Michael Jordan

Chicago Bulls

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, shooting guard

29. Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs

Career

• High school: St. Dunstan's Episcopal, (Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands)
• College: Wake Forest (1993–1997)
• NBA draft 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 1997–2016
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 21
• Coaching career: 2019–2020
• 5× NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002, 2003), 15× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2011, 2013, 2015), NBA All-Star Game co-MVP (2000), 10× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007, 2013), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008, 2009), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2010, 2015), 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007, 2008), 7× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015), NBA Rookie of the Year (1998), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998), NBA Teammate of the Year (2015), No. 21 retired by San Antonio Spurs, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2003), Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2003), IBM Award (2002), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Consensus national college player of the year (1997), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1996, 1997), Chip Hilton Player of the Year (1997), NCAA rebounding leader (1997), 3× NABC Defensive Player of the Year (1995–1997), 2× ACC Player of the Year (1996, 1997), 3× First-team All-ACC (1995–1997), No. 21 retired by Wake Forest Demon Deacons
• Points: 26,496 (19.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 15,091 (10.8 rpg)
• Assists: 4,225 (3.0 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2017
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2004 Athens: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1999 San Juan: Team, : 2003 San Juan: Team, Goodwill Games, : 1994 St. Petersburg: Team, Summer Universiade, : 1995 Fukuoka: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2004 Athens: Team
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 1999 San Juan: Team
• : 2003 San Juan: Team
• Goodwill Games
• : 1994 St. Petersburg: Team
• Summer Universiade
• : 1995 Fukuoka: Team

Tim Duncan is a two-time NBA champion and 14-time All-Star. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 2000 with the U.S. Men's National Team and a silver medal in 1996 with Spain's national team.

As of 2019, he ranks second all-time in scoring (27,387 points) and blocks (11,643). Duncan has served as head coach for the Spurs' Development League affiliate since the 2018–19 season. 

He was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 8th, 2020 after completing his 21st year playing professional basketball Tim Duncan is one of the most decorated players in NBA history and was a five-time champion with San Antonio Spurs.

He won three MVPs, 15 All-Star appearances, 10 All-NBA First Team nods, and eight Defensive Player of the Year awards during his illustrious career. Tim Duncan's impact on the game cannot be overstated, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest big men to play in NBA history.

Also Played For: san antonio spurs, western conference

30. Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers

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: nba 2k21

31. Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Chaminade, (Creve Coeur, Missouri)
• College: Duke (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–present: Boston Celtics
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), All-NBA First Team (2022), All-NBA Third Team (2020), NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), Third-team All-ACC (2017), ACC All-Freshman team (2017), McDonald's All-American (2016), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2016), Mr. Show-Me Basketball (2016)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 2015 Greece: Team, FIBA U17 World Championship, : 2014 Dubai: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 2015 Greece: Team
• FIBA U17 World Championship
• : 2014 Dubai: Team

Jayson Tatum was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA draft. Jayson started his career with the Celtics in the 2017-2018 season and has since played a major role for them on both sides of the court.

Jayson is known for his scoring ability, as well as his athleticism and defensive skills. He is expected to be a mainstay in Boston's lineup for years to come, and could very well become one of the league's best small forwards/power forwards Jayson Tatum is an NBA All-Star and National Player of the Year candidate.

Jayson was a McDonald's All-American, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Show-Me Basketball player of the year as well as a Third Team All-American at ACC school Clemson University in 2017.  

He has also represented USA Men’s Junior National team on multiple occasions and won a gold medal at FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2018.

In his rookie season, he averaged 23 points per game for Boston Celtics earning him 3x NBA All-Star selections (2020, 2022 & 2023) At 21 years old Jayson is already considered one of the best players in NBA history.

Also Played For: duke university, nba best young players

32. David Robinson

San Antonio Spurs

Career

• 1989–2003: San Antonio Spurs

David Robinson was a dominant center in the NBA for many years. He is best known for his time with the San Antonio Spurs, where he won five championships.

Robinson also played for the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors in his career. 

He has been selected to several All-Star teams and has received numerous awards, including three MVPs.

David Robinson retired from playing in 2003 after winning another championship with San Antonio that year David Robinson is a retired American professional basketball player who was one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA.

He won two championships with the San Antonio Spurs and was also named MVP for both seasons. 

David Robinson is widely considered one of the best defensive players in history and led his team to five consecutive all-defensive teams, including 1992 when he was voted into the league's first All-NBA First Team.

David Robinson also enjoyed great success on offense, averaging 22 points per game throughout his career.

Which makes him one of only four players ever to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per season in an NBA career (the other three being Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain). 

On September 25th 2003, David Robinson was honored with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of its inaugural class alongside such luminaries as Julius Erving, George Gervin and James Worthy.

33. Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Wheeler, (Marietta, Georgia)
• College: California (2015–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Boston Celtics
• NBA All-Star (2021), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2017), First-team All-Pac-12 (2016), Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2016), McDonald's All-American (2015), First-team Parade All-American (2015), Mr. Georgia Basketball (2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2014 United States: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2014 United States: National team

Brown was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 24th 1996. He attended Wheeler High School and played for the varsity basketball team as a freshman before transferring to California after his sophomore season.

Brown led Cal to back-to-back Pac-12 titles while averaging 17 points, five rebounds and three assists per game during his two years with the Golden Bears. 

As a junior, he averaged 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists whilst leading Cal to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2004.

Brown was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA draft and made his debut with them later that year against the Philadelphia 76ers - scoring 12 points off the bench in 21 minutes of play. 

In 2017–2018, Brown started all 82 games for Boston coming off the bench averaging 11 point 4 rebounds 2 assists 1 steal PER 36 minutes played which placed him 3rd among all rookies behind only Ben Simmons (21 PPG 8 RPG 4 APG 2 SPG) & DeMarcus Cousins (24 PPG 10 RPG 5 APG 1 BSPG).

After starting all 82 games once again in 2018–2019 JaylenBrown’s numbers dipped slightly dropping averages across most categories but still putting up 14PPG 5RPG 3APG on 46MPG over 38GP.

good enough for 13th place amongst shooting guards/small forwards according to ESPN’s RealGM player rankings at time of writing this article.

34. Joe Dumars

Point guard

Career

• High school: Natchitoches Central, (Natchitoches, Louisiana)
• College: McNeese State (1981–1985)
• NBA draft 1985 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 1985–1999
• Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
• Number: 4
• 1985–1999: Detroit Pistons
• As player:, 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990), NBA Finals MVP (1989), 6× NBA All-Star (1990–1993, 1995, 1997), All-NBA Second Team (1993), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1991), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1986), J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1994), NBA Sportsmanship Award (1996), No. 4 retired by Detroit Pistons, Southland Player of the Year (1985), 4× First-team All-Southland (1982–1985), No. 4 retired by McNeese State Cowboys, , As executive:, , NBA champion (2004), NBA Executive of the Year (2003)
• Points: 16,401 (16.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,203 (2.2 rpg)
• Assists: 4,612 (4.5 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA World Championship, : 1994 Canada: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA World Championship
• : 1994 Canada: Team competition

Joe Dumars was one of the most successful shooting guards in NBA history. He played for the Detroit Pistons from 1985 to 1999, and led them to two championships (1989 and 1993).

Joe Dumars is also known for his defensive abilities, which he put on display during his time with the Pistons. He averaged nearly 11 points per game over his career, making him a key player on both sides of the ball.

In 1999, Joe Dumars retired from professional basketball after playing just one season with the Miami Heat. After retiring from basketball, he became a coach with the Pistons' development team. 

Joe Dumars was born May 24th 1963 in Shreveport Louisiana USA Joe Dumars is a five-time NBA champion as player and executive with the Detroit Pistons.

In 2004, he led the Pistons to their first title in 23 years. He also served as president of basketball operations for two seasons (2005–2007) before joining the Miami Heat organization as general manager in 2008. 

Dumars has been involved in three other championship teams during his career: The Dallas Mavericks (2011), Boston Celtics (2008) and Los Angeles Lakers (2000).

Also Played For: detroit pistons

35. Dennis Rodman

Power forward

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).

36. Herb Jones

New Orleans Pelicans

Career

• High school: , Sunshine, (Newbern, Alabama), Hale County, (Moundville, Alabama)
• College: Alabama (2017–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
• Selected by the New Orleans Pelicans
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: New Orleans Pelicans
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2022), Third-team All-American – AP, SN (2021), SEC Player of the Year (2021), First-team All-SEC (2021), SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2021), 2× SEC All-Defensive Team (2020, 2021)

Herb Jones is a talented young small forward who was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2018. He has international experience, having played for Team USA at the U18 and U19 level.

Herb started his college career at Alabama before transferring to Sunshine State University (now Florida Gulf Coast). After two years with FGCU, Herb transferred again and joined Auburn for his final season of collegiate basketball.

Herbert Jones is currently playing with the Pelicans’ G-League affiliate team, the Austin Spurs, where he is averaging 14 points per game this season. Herb Jones was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and All-SEC defender for Alabama.

He was selected 35th overall in the 2021 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, and has since started his professional career. Herb Jones is averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game through his first three seasons in the league.

Also Played For: alabama crimson tide men's basketball

37. Evan Mobley

Center

Career

• High school: Rancho Christian School, (Temecula, California)
• College: USC (2020–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2022), Consensus second-team All-American (2021), Pac-12 Player of the Year (2021), First-team All-Pac-12 (2021), Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2021), Pac-12 All-Defensive Team (2021), Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2021), Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2021), Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year (2020), McDonald's All-American (2020)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2019 Greece: Team, FIBA Under-17 World Cup, : 2018 Argentina: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2019 Greece: Team
• FIBA Under-17 World Cup
• : 2018 Argentina: Team

Evan Mobley was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2021 NBA Draft. Evan is a power forward and played college basketball with the USC Trojans. He has appeared in 61 games for the Cavs, starting 22 of them, and averaging 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assists and 1 steal per game.

In 2020–21 he averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks per game while shooting 47% from three-point range for the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate Canton Charge. Mobley was a consensus second-team All-American in 2021 and one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory. 

The 6'10" forward led Oregon to consecutive Pac-12 titles as a sophomore and junior, averaging 22.9 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks per game during that stretch.

He was named first team all conference as a junior before being drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 25th overall pick in the 2020 draft - becoming only the third player ever from Oregon to be taken that high (joining Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum).

Also Played For: university of southern california basketball

38. Kevin Garnett

Power forward

Career

• High school: , Mauldin (Mauldin, South Carolina), Farragut Academy (Chicago, Illinois)
• NBA draft 1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 1995–2016
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 21, 5, 2
• 1995–2007: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2007–2013: Boston Celtics
• 2013–2015: Brooklyn Nets
• 2015–2016: Minnesota Timberwolves
• NBA champion (2008), NBA Most Valuable Player (2004), 15× NBA All-Star (1997, 1998, 2000–2011, 2013), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2003), 4× All-NBA First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2008), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2001, 2002, 2005), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2007), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008), 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000–2005, 2008, 2009, 2011), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2006, 2007, 2012), 4× NBA rebounding champion (2004–2007), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1996), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 5 retired by Boston Celtics, Mr. Basketball USA (1995), 2× First-team Parade All-American (1994, 1995), McDonald's All-American Game MVP (1995), Illinois Mr. Basketball (1995), South Carolina Mr. Basketball (1994)
• Points: 26,071 (17.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 14,662 (10.0 rpg)
• Assists: 5,445 (3.7 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2000 Sydney: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1999 San Juan: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2000 Sydney: Team
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 1999 San Juan: Team

Kevin Garnett is a well-known NBA player and was one of the best power forwards in the league for many years. He started his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, before moving to Boston Celtics where he became an all-star player.

In 2016, he announced his retirement from professional basketball after 17 seasons in the league. Kevin Garnett has won several awards throughout his playing career, including three MVP Awards and six championship rings with two different teams.

He is also considered one of the greatest players in Celtics history and will be remembered as one of their most successful players ever. Kevin Garnett is a 10-time All-Star, 3-time MVP, and 2-time Defensive Player of the Year. He ranks ninth all-time in rebounds with 13,521.

KG was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995 and spent his entire career there (1995–2007). In 2007, he was traded to Boston Celtics where he won more titles: 2008 NBA Champion and 2013 NBA Finals MVP. 

After 7 years with Brooklyn Nets (2015–2016), KG retired from professional basketball at the age of 38 due to injuries sustained during playoffs against Cleveland Cavaliers which sidelined him for six months.

Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves

39. Marcus Smart

Guard

Career

• High school: Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas)
• College: Oklahoma State (2012–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–present: Boston Celtics
• 2014: →Maine Red Claws
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2022), 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019, 2020, 2022), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2015), Consensus second-team All-American (2013), Third-team All-American – NABC (2014), Big 12 Player of the Year (2013), 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2013, 2014), USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2013), Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2013), McDonald's All-American (2012), Texas Mr. Basketball (2012)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA World U19 Championship, : 2013 Czech Republic: National team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2012 Brazil: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA World U19 Championship
• : 2013 Czech Republic: National team
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2012 Brazil: National team

Marcus Smart is a versatile point guard and shooting guard who was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2014. In his rookie season, Marcus Smart averaged 8.8 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds and 1 steal per game while playing for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League.

His breakout year came in 2016–17 when he led all Eastern Conference point guards with 18 triple doubles (tied with Kyrie Irving). He also finished second in MVP voting that season behind Russell Westbrook. 

In 2018–19, Marcus Smart helped lead the Celtics to their first title since 1986 as well as an appearance in the 2019 Finals where they were defeated by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers Smart is a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and an Olympic gold medalist.

Smart has been widely considered one of the best defenders in the league, ranking third in steals per game for his career with 2.1 spg. 

After being drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth pick in 2013, he quickly emerged as one of their top players and led them to a championship in 2018. 

Smart's ability to shut down opposing scorers makes him an essential part of any team's defense, and he will look to continue that success on Thursday night against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Also Played For: oklahoma state university

40. Derrick White

Guard

Career

• High school: Legend (Parker, Colorado)
• College: , UCCS (2012–2015), Colorado (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29th overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2022: San Antonio Spurs
• 2017–2018: →Austin Spurs
• 2022–present: Boston Celtics
• NBA G League champion (2018), First-team All-Pac-12 (2017), 2× NCAA Division II All-American (2014, 2015), 2× First-team All-RMAC (2014, 2015), RMAC Tournament MVP (2015), RMAC Freshman of the Year (2013)

Derrick White was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA draft. Derrick White has played for the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls during his career so far.

Derrick White averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game last season with Chicago Bulls. The 28-year-old shooting guard is expected to have a big year with Boston Celtics this upcoming season.

Derrick White is a 2018 NBA G League Champion and First-Team All-Pac-12 player. Derrick White was born on November 21, 1995 in Sacramento, California. At 6’5″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, Derrick White has the length to guard players one through four and the athleticism to run the floor defense.

In 2017–2018 he played for Austin Spurs of the NBA G League before joining Boston Celtics for their playoff run this year. 

He averaged 18 points per game as part of Boston's first round series win over Milwaukee Bucks and had a double-double (25 points, 10 rebounds) performance in Game 3 of their second round matchup against Philadelphia 76ers; leading all scorers in both games by wide margins .

An excellent shooter from outside (41% from three point range), Derrick White can create his own shot off penetration or catch fire when given an opening in pick & roll action due to his explosiveness driving to the rim or blowing past defenders off screens

41. Michael Cooper

Point guard

Career

• High school: Pasadena (Pasadena, California)
• College: , Pasadena CC (1974–1976), New Mexico (1976–1978)
• NBA draft 1978 / Round: 3 / Pick: 60th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1978–1991
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 21
• Coaching career: 1994–present
• As player:, 5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1987), 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1981, 1983, 1986), Italian All-Star Game MVP (1991), First-team All-American – USBWA (1978), 2× First-team All-WAC (1977, 1978), , As coach:, , 2× WNBA champion (2001, 2002), WNBA Coach of the Year (2000), NBA D–League champion (2006)
• Points: 7,729 (8.9 ppg)
• Assists: 3,666 (4.2 apg)
• Steals: 1,033 (1.2 spg)

In 1978, Cooper was drafted by the Lakers and played for the team for six seasons. He retired from playing in 1991 and began a coaching career with the Lakers.

In 1994, he was hired as the head coach of the USC Trojans. He has led the team to two NCAA championships and has won over 300 games as head coach. Cooper is a highly successful coach and has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Michael Cooper was a talented player in the NBA who won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Cooper was also a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and helped lead the Lakers to their first title in 1980. After retiring as a player, Cooper became an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Sparks.

He then moved on to coach the US national team and led them to a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics. In 2019, Cooper became the head coach of Culver City High School.

Also Played For: big 3, big3

42. Bruce Bowen

Career

• High school: Edison (Fresno, California)
• College: Cal State Fullerton (1989–1993)
• NBA draft: 1993 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1993–2009
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 3, 12
• 1993–1994: Le Havre
• 1994–1995: Évreux
• 1995: Fort Wayne Fury
• 1995–1996: Rockford Lightning
• 1996–1997: Besançon
• 1997: Rockford Lightning
• 1997: Miami Heat
• 1997–1999: Boston Celtics
• 1999–2000: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2000–2001: Miami Heat
• 2001–2009: San Antonio Spurs
• 3× NBA champion (2003, 2005, 2007), 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2004–2008), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001–2003), No. 12 retired by San Antonio Spurs[a], 2× LNB Pro B Best Scorer (1994, 1995), First team All-Big West (1993), Second team All-Big West (1992)
• Points: 5,290 (6.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,428 (2.8 rpg)
• Assists: 1,089 (1.2 apg)

Bowen was a three-time All-Star and two-time champion with the San Antonio Spurs. Bowen was undrafted out of college but was signed by the Spurs. Bowen started his career with the Le Havre team in France before signing with the Fort Wayne Fury in the United States.

Bowen won two championships with the Spurs and was an All-Star in each of his three seasons. Bowen played his last season with the Golden State Warriors before retiring in 2009. Bowen was a three-time champion with the San Antonio Spurs, and he was also an All-Defensive First Team selection.

Bowen was a superb scorer and rebounder, and he is also known for his defensive skills. Bowen was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft. 

Bowen played for the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs before retiring in 2009. Bowen is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Bowen currently coaches the San Antonio Spurs' player development staff.

Also Played For: nba undrafted, undrafted nba

43. Walt Frazier

Point guard

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.

Also Played For: new york knicks

Final Words

The NBA is known for its high-flying offensive displays, but its defensive best players of all time are some of the most feared defenders in the game.

These players are able to shut down opponents on both sides of the court and make them look foolish on offense.