Nba Playoffs Best Player of All Time

Morgan Wolf

Updated on:

The NBA playoffs is the most anticipated and exciting time of the basketball season. Every year, the best players in the league step up to the challenge and take their game to the next level. For many, the playoffs are a chance to prove themselves as the best of the best and etch their name into the history books.

This year, one of the most dominant players is undoubtedly LeBron James, who has been the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers and is showing no signs of slowing down. His relentless drive and skill set have made him the best player in the NBA playoffs and one of the greatest of all time.

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. Dave DeBusschere

Power forward

Dave DeBusschere Career

  • 1962–1968: Detroit Pistons
  • 1968–1974: New York Knicks
  • As coach:
  • 1964–1967: Detroit Pistons

Dave DeBusschere was born on October 16, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. He attended high school at Austin Catholic Preparatory School and played college basketball for the Detroit Mercy Spartans.

DeBusschere was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1962 and spent his entire playing career with them until 1974. Dave is best remembered as a power forward or small forward who helped lead the Pistons to four NBA championships during his time with them (1972–1975, 1978).

In 2003, DeBusschere died of heart failure at the age of 62 after suffering from health problems for many years prior to that point including a stroke in 1999 which left him partially paralyzed from the waist down. DeBusschere was a versatile player who excelled both on the court and in the locker room.

He is one of only two players to win an NBA championship with two different teams, and he holds numerous other records. DeBusschere is also known for his strong leadership skills, which helped him become one of the most successful coaches in basketball history.

Also Played For: new york knights, slam magazine

3. Jalen Brunson

Point guard

Jalen Brunson Career

  • 2× NCAA champion (2016, 2018)
  • National college player of the year (2018)
  • Consensus first-team All-American (2018)
  • Bob Cousy Award (2018)
  • Second-team Academic All-American (2018)
  • Big East Player of the Year (2018)
  • 2× First-team All-Big East (2017, 2018)
  • Big East All-Freshman Team (2016)
  • Robert V. Geasey Trophy winner (2018)
  • McDonald's All-American (2015)
  • First-team Parade All-American (2015)
  • Illinois Mr. Basketball (2015)
  • USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2015)
  • FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2015)

Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. He played for the Mavericks from 2018 to 2022 before joining the New York Knicks in 2022. Brunson has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game during his career date.

Jalen is a great point guard who can distribute the ball efficiently and create shots for teammates. Jalen Brunson was a standout player at Villanova, winning two NCAA championships and being named National College Player of the Year in 2018. He was drafted by Dallas as the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

In his rookie season, Brunson averaged 10 points per game and 4 rebounds per game for the Mavericks. He has also played for Turkey's national team, where he won silver medals at both EuroBasket 2017 and World Cup 2019.

Also Played For: dallas mavericks, western conference

4. 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: cleveland cavaliers, school basketball

5. 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, los angeles lakers

6. Bam Adebayo

Center

Bam Adebayo 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

7. Jimmy Butler

Power forward

Jimmy Butler Career

  • 6× NBA All-Star (2015–2018, 2020, 2022)
  • 4× All-NBA Third Team (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)
  • 5× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014–2016, 2018, 2021)
  • NBA Most Improved Player (2015)
  • NBA steals leader (2021)

Butler was originally selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 2011 NBA draft. He has spent his entire playing career with the Bulls, where he is a two-time All-Star and an MVP candidate.

Butler is known for his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills, which have made him one of the most versatile players in the league. He announced his retirement from professional basketball on May 15th, 2019 after missing most of the 2018–19 season due to injury.

Jimmy Butler is an All-Star and 5-time NBA Defensive Second Team member. As a Chicago Bull, he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 50%. He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team five times in six seasons with the Bulls.

After being traded to Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017, Butler led his team to their first playoff berth since 2004 where they were eliminated by Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games (1st round).

In 2018 Jimmy signed with the Philadelphia 76ers averaging 22 points and 8 assists off the bench en route to winning Rookie of The Year honors from both The Sporting News and Basketball Insiders Awards. Also, Third Team All-NBA honors from the Associated Press panel (behind Kyrie Irving & DeMar DeRozan).

On July 6th, 2019 Jimmy was traded along with Tobias Harris and two future 1sts for Kemba Walker who had just completed his fourth season with Charlotte Hornets averaging 27 PPG 7 RPG 4 APG.

It happened when he was acquired by Miami Heat making him their all-time leading scorer at 29,596 career points, not including playoff performances which would bring that total up to over 30K.

Also Played For: chicago bulls, minnesota timberwolves

8. 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, nba 75th anniversary team

9. Gary Payton

Point guard

Gary Payton 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: oklahoma city thunder, nba 2000s

10. Oscar Robertson

Point guard

Oscar Robertson Career

  • High school: Crispus Attucks, (Indianapolis, Indiana)
  • College: Cincinnati (1957–1960)
  • NBA draft 1960 / Pick: Territorial
  • Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
  • Playing career: 1960–1974
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 14, 1
  • 1960–1970: Cincinnati Royals
  • 1970–1974: Milwaukee Bucks
  • NBA champion (1971), NBA Most Valuable Player (1964), 12× NBA All-Star (1961–1972), 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1961, 1964, 1969), 9× All-NBA First Team (1961–1969), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1971), NBA Rookie of the Year (1961), 6× NBA assists leader (1961, 1962, 1964–1966, 1969), NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 14 retired by Sacramento Kings, No. 1 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, 2× Helms College Player of the Year (1959, 1960), 3× UPI College Player of the Year (1958–1960), 2× USBWA College Player of the Year (1959, 1960), 3× Sporting News College Player of the Year (1958–1960), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1958–1960), 3× NCAA season scoring leader (1958–1960), 3× First-team All-MVC (1958–1960), No. 12 retired by Cincinnati Bearcats, Mr. Basketball USA (1956)
  • Points: 26,710 (25.7 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 7,804 (7.5 rpg)
  • Assists: 9,887 (9.5 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • FIBA Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1960 Rome: National Team, Pan American Games, : 1959 Chicago: {{{3}}}
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1960 Rome: National Team
  • Pan American Games
  • : 1959 Chicago: {{{3}}}

Oscar Robertson was a point guard who played in the NBA for 14 seasons. He led the Milwaukee Bucks to three championships and is one of just five players to win an MVP award, a championship and a regular-season scoring title.

Robertson also received six All-Star selections and was inducted into both the Kentucky Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

In 2012, he became only the third player in history to be voted into both the FIBA Hall of Fame and the National Basketball Association (NBA) hall of fame simultaneously.

Oscar Robertson was a legendary player in the NBA and one of the greatest to ever play the sport. He won championships with both the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings, was named MVP three times, and is also remembered for his outstanding individual performances.

 Oscar Robertson was born on February 6th, 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He played collegiately at Helms College before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1971. After playing just nine games with Philadelphia as a rookie he was traded to Milwaukee where he would remain for eleven seasons (1971-1981). 

In 1980, Robertson joined the newly formed Orlando Magic team which made it all the way to their first championship season – defeating Boston Celtics in seven games along with fellow All-Stars such as Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.

The following year saw them defeat Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in another Finals appearance that went down to the wire but this time they were unable to win it against Philly’s Black Aces who emerged victorious after a series-clinching victory over Washington Bullets earlier that same day. 

Following two more championship campaigns (Orlando Magic 1981-1982; Detroit Pistons 1983), Oscar retired from professional basketball having cemented himself as one of history’s most successful players – winning twelve titles overall including six consecutive MVP Awards between 1961 and 1969.

Also Played For: sacramento kings, cincinnati bearcats men's basketball

11. Donovan Mitchell

Shooting guard

Donovan Mitchell Career

  • High school: , Canterbury School, (New Milford, Connecticut), Brewster Academy, (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
  • College: Louisville (2015–2017)
  • NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
  • Selected by the Denver Nuggets
  • Playing career: 2017–present
  • 2017–2022: Utah Jazz
  • 2022–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2018), First-team All-ACC (2017)

Donovan Mitchell is a 26-year-old shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Mitchell was born in Elmsford, New York on September 7th, 1996, and attended Canterbury School in New Milford Connecticut before attending Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro New Hampshire.

At 22 years old, Donovan made his debut with the Utah Jazz during the 2016–17 season and quickly became one of their key players both on and off the court. 

In 2018–19 he led all guards in scoring (21 points per game) as well as assists (5.7 APG) while also averaging a career-high 2 steals per game - earning him an All-Star nomination along the way.

The Cavs acquired Donovan from Utah at the 2019 trade deadline where he has since established himself as one of their most important players both offensively and defensively - helping them to reach finals contention once again this year.

Also Played For: utah jazz, nba summer league

12. Kyrie Irving

Point guard

Kyrie Irving Career

  • High school: , Montclair Kimberley Academy, (Montclair, New Jersey), St. Patrick, (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
  • College: Duke (2010–2011)
  • NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
  • Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Playing career: 2011–present
  • 2011–2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 2017–2019: Boston Celtics
  • 2019–present: Brooklyn Nets
  • NBA champion (2016), 7× NBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014), All-NBA Second Team (2019), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2021), 50–40–90 club (2021), NBA Rookie of the Year (2012), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2013), USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2014), FIBA World Cup MVP (2014), McDonald's All-American (2010), First-team Parade All-American (2010)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympics, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2010 San Antonio: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympics
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • World Cup
  • : 2014 Spain: Team
  • FIBA Americas U18 Championship
  • : 2010 San Antonio: Team

Kyrie Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia on March 23, 1992. After playing college basketball at Duke, he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 and went on to win an NBA title with them in 2016.

In 2018, Irving joined the Boston Celtics and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. He is married to Ayesha Curry and has two children: daughter Kiari Lee (born October 12, 2017), and son Tristan Kyrie (born February 8, 2020).

Kyrie Irving is known for his strong shooting ability from long range as well as his Passing & Ball Handling skills off the dribble which have made him one of the most feared players in today's NBA game Kyrie Irving was selected 1st overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie has played for four other teams since then, most notably with the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics where he won an NBA championship in 2016. 

Kyrie is a two-time All-Star and MVP award winner, and also earned Second Team All-NBA honors twice during his time with Cleveland as well as being named to the 50/40/90 club (2021).

Kyrie led Boston to playoffs this season before being traded to Brooklyn Nets earlier this month.

Also Played For: brooklyn nets, duke university

13. 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: bleacher report nba, point guard

14. 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

15. 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

16. Draymond Green

Power forward

Draymond Green 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: michigan state basketball, michigan state spartans basketball

17. Klay Thompson

Shooting guard

Klay Thompson Career

  • High school: Santa Margarita Catholic, (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)
  • College: Washington State (2008–2011)
  • NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
  • Selected by the Golden State Warriors
  • Playing career: 2011–present
  • 2011–present: Golden State Warriors
  • 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), 5× NBA All-Star (2015–2019), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2016), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2019), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (2010, 2011), No. 1 retired by Washington State Cougars
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team, U-19 World Championship, : 2009 New Zealand: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • World Cup
  • : 2014 Spain: Team
  • U-19 World Championship
  • : 2009 New Zealand: Team

Klay Thompson is a two-time NBA All-Star and three-time scoring champion with the Golden State Warriors. Klay was drafted 11th overall in the 2011 draft by the Warriors and has since become one of their most important players.

He is known for his scoring ability from behind the arc, as well as his defensive skills on both ends of the court. 

In 2016, he led the Warriors to their first championship in 40 years, becoming only the fourth player ever to win an MVP award and a championship in the same season (joining Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James).

Klay married longtime girlfriend Liz Wojcicki in May 2018; they have one child together named Knox Leon Thompson Klay Thompson is a 5-time NBA champion and 3-time all-star. 

Klay Thompson has won multiple awards including an Olympic gold medal and first-team All-Pac 10 honors. He was drafted 1st overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2011, and quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league, leading his team to 4 consecutive championships from 2015 to 2018.

In 2019 he was named an all-defensive second-team player while also capturing the three-point contest title that year as well as winning another championship with the Warriors later that season - cementing himself as one of basketball's greatest stars ever.

Also Played For: shooting guard, nba 2k19

18. 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

19. Paul George

Small forward

Paul George 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: los angeles clippers, small forward

20. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Small forward

Giannis Antetokounmpo 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

21. 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: nba defensive, nba 70s

22. Nikola Jokić

Center

Nikola Jokić Career

  • NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
  • Selected by the Denver Nuggets
  • Playing career: 2012–present
  • 2012–2015: Mega Basket
  • 2015–present: Denver Nuggets
  • 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2021, 2022), 4× NBA All-Star (2019–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2019, 2021, 2022), All-NBA Second Team (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), 2× Serbian Player of the Year (2018, 2021), ABA League MVP (2015), ABA League Top Prospect (2015)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Serbia, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, U19 World Championship, : 2013 Czech Republic: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Serbia
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • U19 World Championship
  • : 2013 Czech Republic: Team

Nikola Jokić was born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia. He played for Mega Basket in 2012 and then moved to the Denver Nuggets in 2015. Nikola is a center who averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game last season with the Nuggets.

He has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge this year as part of All-Star Weekend festivities. Nikola Jokić is a Serbian professional basketball player who has been playing in the NBA since 2016. 

He was drafted 6th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016 and won two championships with them during his first three seasons there.

In 2019, he was named MVP of the playoffs after leading his team to an improbable comeback against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also made 3 consecutive All-Star appearances from 2019-2021 and has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the league regardless of position. 

Nikola Jokić is married to Anka Mladenovic, a tennis player, and they have one child together - a daughter Milena.

Also Played For: denver nuggets, fiba basketball world cup

23. Ja Morant

Point guard

Ja Morant Career

  • High school: Crestwood (Sumter, South Carolina)
  • College: Murray State (2017–2019)
  • NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
  • Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies
  • Playing career: 2019–present
  • 2019–present: Memphis Grizzlies
  • NBA All-Star (2022), All-NBA Second Team (2022), NBA Most Improved Player (2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2020), Consensus first-team All-American (2019), NCAA season assists leader (2019), Lute Olson Award (2019), Bob Cousy Award (2019), OVC Player of the Year (2019), 2× First-team All-OVC (2018, 2019), OVC tournament MVP (2019), OVC All-Newcomer Team (2018), No. 12 retired by Murray State Racers

Ja Morant was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Ja Morant is a point guard who played college basketball at Murray State.

He has led his team to two straight playoff appearances and is averaging 19 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game this season. 

Ja Morant is one of only six players under age 24 to average at least 20 points, five assists, and three rebounds in an NBA season so far (the others are Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, DeAndre Ayton, Kristaps Porzingis, and LeBron James).

Ja Morant is a dynamic player who has quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the NBA. Morant was named to an All-NBA Second Team and Rookie of the Year in his first season, proving he's capable of big performances on both ends of the floor. 

He led NCAA players with 19 assists and averaged 20 points per game for Murray State this year, helping them win their second OVC Championship title in three years.

Morant will need to continue to develop his shooting if he wants to make it into the upper echelons of basketball, but his overall skills are already very impressive. 

With plenty of potential left untapped, there's no doubt that Ja Morant is destined for great things in the near future - watch out, other NBA teams.

Also Played For: memphis grizzlies, murray state racers basketball

24. Pau Gasol

Power forward

Pau Gasol Career

  • NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Playing career: 1998–2021
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • Number: 16, 17
  • 1998–2001: FC Barcelona
  • 2001–2008: Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2008–2014: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2014–2016: Chicago Bulls
  • 2016–2019: San Antonio Spurs
  • 2019: Milwaukee Bucks
  • 2021: FC Barcelona
  • 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010), 6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009–2011, 2015, 2016), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2011, 2015), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2009, 2010), NBA Rookie of the Year (2002), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), All-EuroLeague Second Team (2001), 3× Liga ACB champion (1999, 2001, 2021), Spanish King's Cup winner (2001), Spanish King's Cup MVP (2001), ACB Finals MVP (2001), 2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2008, 2009), 2× Mister Europa Player of the Year (2004, 2009), 4× Euroscar Player of the Year (2008–2010, 2015), FIBA World Cup MVP (2006), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (2014), 2× FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2009, 2015), 3× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2003, 2009, 2015)
  • Points: 20,894 (17.0 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 11,305 (9.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 3,925 (3.2 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Summer Olympics, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2006 Japan: Team, EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: Team, : 2011 Lithuania: Team, : 2015 France: Team, : 2003 Sweden: Team, : 2007 Spain: Team, : 2001 Turkey: Team, : 2017 Turkey: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Spain
  • Summer Olympics
  • : 2008 Beijing: Team
  • : 2012 London: Team
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • World Cup
  • : 2006 Japan: Team
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2009 Poland: Team
  • : 2011 Lithuania: Team
  • : 2015 France: Team
  • : 2003 Sweden: Team
  • : 2007 Spain: Team
  • : 2001 Turkey: Team
  • : 2017 Turkey: Team

Pau Gasol is a retired professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for 16 seasons. He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2001 and spent his entire career with them.

Pau Gasol is a two-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008 and 2009 before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014. He also won a championship with the Chicago Bulls in 2016. 

In 2020, Pau Gasol will join FC Barcelona as their new center fielder and leader on both sides of the ball.

Given his experience playing at such a high level, he will be an important part of Barça's bid to win La Liga and Europe's top club competition, the UEFA Champions League.

Pau Gasol is a Spanish basketball player who has played for the Milwaukee Bucks and FC Barcelona. He is a two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star.

Pau Gasol was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002, but he only spent one season with them before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he won his first championship in 2006.

 In 2008, Pau Gasol signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and helped them win three championships between 2010 and 2013, including their most recent title in 2016.

Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball after playing for Spain at the World Cup this year, winning MVP honors as a result.

Also Played For: 2009–10 nba season, nba european

25. 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: atlanta hawks

26. Moses Malone

Center

Moses Malone Career

  • High school: Petersburg (Petersburg, Virginia)
  • ABA draft 1974 / Round: 3
  • Selected by the Utah Stars
  • Playing career: 1974–1995
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 22, 13, 20, 21, 24, 2, 4, 8
  • Coaching career: 2006–2009
  • NBA champion (1983), NBA Finals MVP (1983), 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1979, 1982, 1983), 12× NBA All-Star (1978–1989), ABA All-Star (1975), 4× All-NBA First Team (1979, 1982, 1983, 1985), 4× All-NBA Second Team (1980, 1981, 1984, 1987), NBA All-Defensive First Team (1983), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1979), ABA All-Rookie Team (1975), 6× NBA rebounding leader (1979, 1981–1985), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), ABA All-Time Team, No. 2 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, No. 24 retired by Houston Rockets, National high school player of the year (1974), First-team Parade All-American (1974), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1973)
  • Points: 29,580 (20.6 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 17,834 (12.2 rpg)
  • Blocks: 1,889 (1.3 bpg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player

Moses Malone was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. He averaged 22 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks per game during his career. 

Malone led the Philadelphia 76ers to two NBA championships in 1984 and 1985, as well as a runner-up finish in 1983.

After retiring from playing basketball, Moses transitioned into coaching with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2006–2009. Moses Malone passed away on September 13th, 2015 at the age of 60

After a long battle with dementia caused by years of head injuries sustained while playing professional basketball Moses Malone was one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

He won three MVP awards, 12 All-Star games, and four consecutive first-team selections. Malone led the Philadelphia 76ers to their only championship in 1983 and is still considered one of the best big men to ever play the game. 

After a successful playing career, Moses Malone became an influential coach with Philadelphia before moving on to Atlanta, Milwaukee and finally Houston where he retired as head coach in 2009.

Also Played For: rockets lakers basketball

27. 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, phoenix suns

28. Joel Embiid

Center

Joel Embiid 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: nba isolation, nba 2k21

29. 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

30. 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

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.

Also Played For: march madness

32. Jerry West

Los Angeles Lakers

Jerry West Career

  • High school: East Bank, (East Bank, West Virginia)
  • College: West Virginia (1957–1960)
  • NBA draft 1960 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
  • Selected by the Minneapolis Lakers
  • Playing career: 1960–1974
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 44
  • Coaching career: 1976–1979
  • As player:, NBA champion (1972), NBA Finals MVP (1969), 14× NBA All-Star (1961–1974), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1972), 10× All-NBA First Team (1962–1967, 1970–1973), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1968, 1969), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1970–1973), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1969), NBA scoring champion (1970), NBA assists leader (1972), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 44 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1959), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1959, 1960), Third-team All-American – AP, UPI (1958), 2× SoCon Player of the Year (1959, 1960), No. 44 retired by West Virginia Mountaineers, Presidential Medal of Freedom (2019), , As executive:, , 8× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2015, 2017), 2× NBA Executive of the Year (1995, 2004)
  • Points: 25,192 (27.0 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 5,366 (5.8 rpg)
  • Assists: 6,238 (6.7 apg)
  • NBA: 145–101 (.589)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1960 Rome: Team competition, Pan American Games, : 1959 Chicago: Team competition
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Olympic Games
  • : 1960 Rome: Team competition
  • Pan American Games
  • : 1959 Chicago: Team competition

Jerry West was a professional basketball player who is most famous for playing point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. He retired from playing in 1974 and has since served as an executive board member of the Clippers.

Jerry West was born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia, United States. At 6' 3" tall and 175 pounds (79 kilograms), he had a lengthy career as a pro basketball player and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players ever to play the game.

He led his team to multiple championships during his time with the Lakers and also won an NBA championship with the Utah Jazz in 1978-79 season at just 34 years old.

Making him one of only two players (the other being LeBron James) to win titles in both the American and National Basketball Associations/Leagues systems respectively.

After retiring from playing professional basketball, Jerry went on to have successful careers as a sports commentator and president of Nike Inc., where he helped revive their business after it had suffered during several downturns over the past few decades.

33. Richard Hamilton

Detroit Pistons

Richard Hamilton Career

  • 1999–2002: Washington Wizards
  • 2002–2011: Detroit Pistons
  • 2011–2013: Chicago Bulls

Hamilton was a standout high school player and attended UConn. He played for the Washington Wizards from 1999 to 2013, averaging 17 points and five assists per game over that time.

After finishing his career with the Detroit Pistons, Hamilton has continued to work as an analyst for NBA TV. Hamilton was a 3 time NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship in 2004.

He played for the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls before retiring in 2013. Hamilton led his teams to multiple championships, including NCAA titles in 1999 and 2000, plus Big East Player of the Year honors both years.

He is also a two-time McDonald's All-American as well as Second Team Parade All American and holds several other accolades from his playing days such as Naismith College Player of the Year (1996).

Also Played For: uconn huskies, university of connecticut

34. 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

35. 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: san antonio spurs, wake forest best basketball players

36. Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks

Luka Dončić Career

  • NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Playing career: 2015–present
  • 2015–2018: Real Madrid
  • 2018–present: Dallas Mavericks
  • 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2020–2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2019), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019), EuroLeague champion (2018), EuroLeague MVP (2018), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2018), All-EuroLeague First Team (2018), 2× EuroLeague Rising Star (2017, 2018), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), Euroscar Player of the Year (2019), 3× Liga ACB champion (2015, 2016, 2018), Liga ACB MVP (2018), All-Liga ACB First Team (2018), 2× ACB Best Young Player (2017, 2018), 3× ACB All-Young Players Team (2016–2018), 2× Spanish King's Cup winner (2016, 2017), 2× Trofeo Costa de Sol champion (2016, 2017), FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament MVP (2015), Slovenian Sportsman of the Year (2018)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Slovenia, EuroBasket, : 2017 Turkey:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Slovenia
  • EuroBasket
  • 2017 Turkey

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian point guard who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018. He has played for Real Madrid since 2015 and most recently played with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.

Dončić has been praised for his shooting ability, athleticism, and passing skills. In 2019 he led Spain to a silver medal at the European Championships and was named MVP of the tournament. 

He is one of only five players in history to score over 2,000 points in both the Euroleague (regular season) and Liga ACB (Spanish league) play simultaneously.

In 2020 he signed an extension with Dallas that will keep him there through 2023-24 seasons Luka Dončić was born in February of 1998, making him just 19 years old when he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. 

Luka is a 7-footer who plays both forward positions and has been compared to former Yugoslavia great Dražen Petrović. 

He played for his hometown team Zagreb before being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2016 and subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic.

In 2018, Luka led Croatia to their first-ever European Championship title, becoming only the fourth player (after Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Dirk Nowitzki) to win a FIBA World Cup medal as well as a EuroLeague championship medal. 

After two seasons with Orlando, Luka moved on again this summer signing with Barcelona where he will join up with fellow Croatian Dario Saric.

Also Played For: real madrid baloncesto, nba best young players

37. 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 2k22 defensive

38. Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum 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.

39. David Robinson

San Antonio Spurs

David Robinson 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.

40. Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics

Jaylen Brown 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.

41. Rajon Rondo

Cleveland Cavaliers

Rajon Rondo Career

  • High school: , Eastern (Middletown, Kentucky), Oak Hill Academy, (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)
  • College: Kentucky (2004–2006)
  • NBA draft 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21st overall
  • Selected by the Phoenix Suns
  • Playing career: 2006–present
  • 2006–2014: Boston Celtics
  • 2014–2015: Dallas Mavericks
  • 2015–2016: Sacramento Kings
  • 2016–2017: Chicago Bulls
  • 2017–2018: New Orleans Pelicans
  • 2018–2020: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2020–2021: Atlanta Hawks
  • 2021: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2021–2022: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2022: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 2× NBA champion (2008, 2020), 4× NBA All-Star (2010–2013), All-NBA Third Team (2012), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2010, 2011), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2009, 2012), 3× NBA assists leader (2012, 2013, 2016), NBA steals leader (2010), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2007), SEC All-Freshman Team (2005), Second-team Parade All-American (2004), McDonald's All-American (2004)

Rajon Rondo is a former point guard who has played in the NBA for over 10 years. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns and spent four seasons with them before moving to the Boston Celtics in 2009.

Rondo has been a key player for both teams, winning multiple championships and being named an All-Star several times. In 2017, he joined the New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year deal but later opted out of his contract to become a free agent once again.

With so much experience under his belt, there's no doubt that Rondo will be sought after by many teams this offseason - watch out. 

Rajon Rondo is a 2-time NBA champion and 4-time All-Star. Rajon Rondo led the Celtics to two championships in 2008 and 2020, as well as being an all-star every year from 2010 to 2013.

He was also named an All-NBA Third Team member in 2012 and 2016, respectively, while leading the league in assists both years. In 2009 he won his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award whilst also finishing third in MVP voting that season behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant. 

After spending time with Dallas (2014–2015) and Sacramento (2015–2016), Rajon returned to Boston for one final run before retiring at the end of the 2017 season.

Also Played For: 2006 nba draft, new orleans pelicans

42. 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.

43. 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.

44. 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

45. 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.

46. Kevin Johnson

Point guard

Kevin Johnson Career

  • High school: Sacramento, (Sacramento, California)
  • College: California (1983–1987)
  • NBA draft 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
  • Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Playing career: 1987–1998, 2000
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 11, 7
  • 1987–1988: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 1988–1998; 2000: Phoenix Suns
  • 3× NBA All-Star (1990, 1991, 1994), 4× All-NBA Second Team (1989–1991, 1994), All-NBA Third Team (1992), NBA Most Improved Player (1989), No. 7 retired by Phoenix Suns, 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (1986, 1987), No. 11 retired by California Golden Bears
  • Points: 13,127 (17.9 ppg)
  • Assists: 6,711 (9.1 apg)
  • Steals: 1,082 (1.5 spg)
  • 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

Kevin Johnson was the 55th Mayor of Sacramento and served from 2008 to 2016. Johnson is a Democrat and was elected to office in 2008, defeating incumbent Heather Fargo.

During his time as Mayor, Johnson oversaw the revitalization of Sacramento's downtown and oversaw the construction of a new arena for the Kings. In 2014, Johnson was elected as President of the United States Conference of Mayors and served until 2015.

Johnson is currently the CEO of The Johnson Foundation, a philanthropic organization. Johnson is married to Michelle Rhee, the former Chancellor of the Washington, D.C. Public Schools. The couple has two children. 

Johnson attended University of California, Berkeley where he played basketball for the Golden Bears.

He was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson played for the Phoenix Suns from 1988 to 1998 and 2000. 

He was an All-Star in 1990, 1991 and 1994. Johnson is the owner of the Kevin Johnson Company, a shoe company. Johnson has been married to his wife, Deanna, since 1991.

They have two children. Johnson has been involved in philanthropy and has been a spokesperson for the NBA’s “Stick to Sports” campaign. Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Johnson currently works as an NBA analyst for Turner Sports. Johnson is involved in various community outreach programs.

47. Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas Career

  • High school: St. Joseph (Westchester, Illinois)
  • College: Indiana (1979–1981)
  • NBA draft 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
  • Selected by the Detroit Pistons
  • Playing career: 1981–1994
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 11
  • Coaching career: 2000–2012
  • As player:, 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990), NBA Finals MVP (1990), 12× NBA All-Star (1982–1993), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1984, 1986), 3× All-NBA First Team (1984–1986), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1983, 1987), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1982), NBA assists leader (1985), J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1987), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 11 retired by Detroit Pistons, NCAA champion (1981), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1981), Consensus first-team All-American (1981), USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1980), McDonald's All-American (1979), , As coach:, , NBA All-Star Game head coach (2003)
  • Points: 18,822 (19.2 ppg)
  • Assists: 9,061 (9.3 apg)
  • Steals: 1,861 (1.9 spg)
  • NBA: 187–223 (.456)
  • College: 26–65 (.286)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Pan American Games, : 1979 San Juan: Team competition
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing the  United States
  • Pan American Games
  • : 1979 San Juan: Team competition

Isiah Thomas was a standout point guard in the NBA for many years. He is best known for his time with the Detroit Pistons, where he led the team to several championships.

Thomas later had a successful coaching career, most notably with the New York Knicks. He is currently the head coach of the Indiana Pacers. Thomas is a two-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

He has also been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Isiah Thomas is one of the most successful and well known coaches in the history of basketball. He has a career record of 892-431 and has led teams to the playoffs on eight occasions.

Thomas was a standout player himself and was a two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP. He is also a 12-time NBA All-Star and was a three-time All-NBA First Team selection. Thomas is also a two-time NCAA champion and was consensus first-team All-American.

He was also awarded the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1987. Thomas retired from playing in 1992 and began his coaching career the following year with the Indiana Pacers. He went on to coach the New York Knicks, FIU, and Boston Celtics before retiring in 2012.

Thomas is a very successful coach and has led his teams to the playoffs on eight occasions. He has also won a total of eight championships, including two with the Indiana Pacers and six with the Boston Celtics.

Also Played For: indiana hoosiers men's basketball

Final Words

If you’re looking for the best player to ever play in the NBA playoffs, you can’t go wrong with Michael Jordan. He is a five-time champion, six-time MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, so he knows a thing or two about winning.

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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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