espn best nba players of all time

5-on-5: Is Blake Griffin one of the 10 best power forwards ever? Rob Mahoney. Accomplishments: 15-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 15-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, 2000 All-Star MVP, 1997-98 Rookie of the Year, five-time NBA champion. Before, however, Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star as a point guard who excelled as both a scorer and a playmaker -- including twice as player-coach for the SuperSonics. You might have seen the articles being passed around over the last several weeks. But West really did do everything: He was named an All-Star in all 14 seasons he played, has five All-Defensive team honors, a scoring title and an NBA championship (1972). -- Bontemps, 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 3.0 BPG, The Admiral was a defensive force who owns one of just four quadruple-doubles in NBA history, when he had 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 blocks against the Pistons on Feb. 17, 1994. Stats: 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG in 16 seasons with Boston Celtics (1962-63 to 1977-78). He played his entire career in Detroit and won back-to-back championships in 1989 and '90, winning Finals MVP in 1990. Stats: 17.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.3 APG in 11 seasons with Cincinnati Royals (1963-64 to 1969-70), San Francisco Warriors (1969-70 to 1970-71) and New York Knicks (1971-72 to 1973-74). -- Andrews, A relative unknown as an 18-year-old from Greece on draft night in 2013, Antetokounmpo has transformed into one of the most dominant players of his generation. Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, 2017 All-Star MVP, three-time blocks champ, 2020 NBA champion. Long before that, Parish was an ideal All-Star complement to the Celtics' other frontcourt stars because of his skills and willingness to accept -- and occasionally deal out -- the physical play in the paint in the 1980s. His rsum stands the test of time with six championships, six MVPs, two Finals MVPs, the scoring record and 15 All-NBA selections. -- Collier, Havlicek, who won eight championships during his legendary career with the Celtics, was one of the first players to popularize the role of sixth man. 5-on-5: Will James Harden be a top-5 all-time shooting guard? They didn't call him the "Round Mound of Rebound" for nothing, right? Rodman won Defensive Player of the Year twice and was a five-time NBA champion as a centerpiece for dynasties in Detroit and Chicago. Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.7 APG in 17 seasons with Seattle SuperSonics (1990-91 to 2002-03), Milwaukee Bucks (2002-03), Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04), Boston Celtics (2004-05) and Miami Heat (2005-06 to 2006-07). Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG in 14 seasons with Seattle SuperSonics (2007-08), Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-09 to 2015-16), Golden State Warriors (2016-17 to 2018-19) and Brooklyn Nets (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1974-75 MVP, 1972-73 Rookie of the Year, three-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion. Accomplishments: 11-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1980-81 MVP, two-time NBA All-Star MVP, 1983 NBA champion. -- Pelton, 1983-95 Portland Trail Blazers; 1995-98 Houston Rockets, "Clyde the Glide" was known for his high-flying ways, but he was also one of the more dominant rebounding guards in NBA history. Stats: 17.6 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 3.8 APG in 11 seasons with Boston Celtics (1970-71 to 1979-80) and Milwaukee Bucks (1982-83). America East Playoffs - Quarterfinal. Stats: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.1 BPG in 18 seasons with Houston Rockets (1984-85 to 2000-01) and Toronto Raptors (2001-02); NBA's career leader in total blocks. -- Bontemps, 2003-2011 Denver Nuggets; 2011-2017 New York Knicks; 2017-2018 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2018-2019 Houston Rockets; 2019-2021 Portland Trail Blazers; 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers, Entering the league with a handle and shooting touch of a shooting guard but with the height and broad shoulders of a traditional frontcourt player, Anthony filled the role of a stretch-4 before the position became a staple of every NBA roster. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG in 14 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1960-61 to 1973-74). Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 scoring champ. Shaquille O'Neal famously asked Wilkens during the 1994 All-Star Weekend. Visit ESPN for the game preview of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . -- Friedell, 1963-69 Cincinnati Royals; 1969-71 San Francisco Warriors; 1971-74 New York Knicks, Lucas averaged 15.6 rebounds a game during his illustrious career -- while shooting 49.9% from the field -- but what seemed to set Lucas apart was his brain. #8: Kobe Bryant is currently third on the all-time scoring list, and 15th in steals. 13-15, 6-8 conf. He was one of the NBA's all-time great defenders, a player-coach for the Pistons in just his third season who then became a defining member of the Knicks' championship teams in the 1970s. 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG. Perhaps the greatest two-way player of his generation, Leonard dissects defenses with robotic midrange precision while disrupting offenses with his long arms and physical defense. He led the league in assists for a record eight consecutive seasons; his flair and playmaking helped usher in a new era of the sport after the shot clock was instituted in the mid-1950s. Those qualities also helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections. -- Tim MacMahon, 18.2 PPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 Steals PG, 1.8 3s PG, The Pacers' legend became one of the greatest shooters in NBA history with one of the fastest releases the game has seen. He'll forever be on the short list of players you'd want to take the last shot with the game on the line. LeBron James or Michael Jordan? Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG in 19 seasons with Orlando Magic (1992-93 to 1995-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-97 to 2003-04), Miami Heat (2004-05 to 2007-08), Phoenix Suns (2007-08 to 2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10) and Boston Celtics (2010-11). Espn Ranks The Top 10 Best Players Of All Time Michael Jordan 1st Lebron James 2nd Kobe Bryant 9th Fadeaway World The 100 Best Nba Players For 2022 23 Season Using Espn And Sports Illustrated Rankings Interbasket Tags: players time Previous Post Next Post epic episode epstein ergebnisse essence euro europa europe evander everton expected explorer Stats: 23.1 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.8 APG in seven seasons with Minneapolis Lakers (1948-49 to 1955-56). While AI first made a splash with his crossover dribble, his game came to be defined for the grit and tenacity he showed as a 6-foot, 165-pound guard putting his body on the line among giants. NFL. Steve Nash. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 2008 Finals MVP, 2008 NBA champion. NFL. -- Bontemps, 1970-74 Atlanta Hawks; 1974-79 New Orleans Jazz; 1979-80 Utah Jazz; 1980 Boston Celtics, Famed for his record-setting scoring playing for his father at LSU, Maravich never quite reached those same heights during an NBA career cut short by injury. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, five-time MVP, 1963 All-Star MVP, four-time rebounding champ, 11-time NBA champion. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG in 12 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1962-63 to 1968-69) and New York Knicks (1968-69 to 1973-74). St. Bonaventure Bonnies. -- Youngmisuk, 1974-79 Portland Trail Blazers; 1979-84 San Diego Clippers, 1984-85 LA Clippers; 1985-87 Boston Celtics, Every time we talk about the role of health in winning MVP, we're forced to caveat Walton's 1977-78 season, when he won the award playing just 58 games. *All stats/accomplishments for active players are entering the 2021-22 season. The scoring titles. NBA Countdown starts with a heated discussion with Paul Pierce making his case of LeBron James not being a top-5 player all time, with Jay Williams and Jalen. The 30 Best NBA Players of All Time, Ranked By Adam Caparell, Zion Olojede, Angel Diaz, Zach Frydenlund Jun 17, 2022 Image via Complex Original The toughest debates may not be the obvious ones.. John Stockton as the top-20 player in NBA history? However, he led the league in scoring at 31.1 PPG in 1976-77 while playing for the New Orleans Jazz, earning one of his four All-NBA honors. -- Pelton, 1998-2013 Boston Celtics; 2013-14 Brooklyn Nets; 2014-15 Washington Wizards; 2015-17 LA Clippers, Perhaps one of Pierce's biggest moments was in 2000-01, when he played all 82 games, became the first Celtic to score 2,000 or more points since Larry Bird in 1987-88 and averaged over 25 points in just his third year in the league. Stats: 21.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.8 APG in 16 season with San Diego/Houston Rockets (1968-69 to 1971-72; 1981-82 to 1983-84) and Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets (1972-73 to 1980-81) . Nicholls Players to Watch. While James' individual accomplishments will put his career near the very top of all to have ever played the sport, the blueprint he created will give others a chance to maximize their experience as a professional athlete. The 50 Greatest NBA Players of All Time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1967 NBA champion. -- Youngmisuk, 1958-60 Minneapolis Lakers, 1960-72 Los Angeles Lakers, Before the slam dunk became synonymous with the sport, Baylor -- a smooth, 6-foot-5 forward with a knack for scoring -- made a habit of breathing the rare air above the rim. -- Bontemps, 2003-10, 2014-18 Cleveland Cavaliers; 2010-14 Miami Heat; 2018-20 Los Angeles Lakers, Standing 6-9 and weighing north of 250 pounds with a 40-inch vertical, James' game is built on power, but his passing ability might be his strongest skill. 5-on-5: Which player should have made the top 50? Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, three-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, four-time assists champ, two-time steals champ, five-time NBA champion. Note: Players' accomplishments in the NBL, the ABA, college or international basketball were not considered during the voting process. Stephen Curry or Kevin Durant? The MVPs. His staggering total of 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades. But Unseld wasn't just all muscle; he was one of the best outlet passers the NBA has seen. He won the dunk contest in 1985 and 1990 (and maybe 1988 if you ask a few people) and participated in five contests overall. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, two-time All-Star MVP, 1990 Finals MVP, 1984-85 assists champ, two-time NBA champion. For the most part, it would be hard to argue that Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar aren't the top three players in NBA history. Not only has Curry hit 3,083 3s (and counting), he broke Ray Allen's record in nearly 500 fewer games. -- Andrews, 1986-93 Detroit Pistons; 1993-95 San Antonio Spurs; 1995-98 Chicago Bulls; 1999 Los Angeles Lakers; 2000 Dallas Mavericks, The unofficial titleholder for the most dominant rebounder in NBA history, Rodman led the league in the category for seven consecutive seasons. 40-11 | 5-on-5 debate, 1992-96 Orlando Magic; 1996-2004 Los Angeles Lakers; 2004-08 Miami Heat; 2008-09 Phoenix Suns; 2009-10 Cleveland Cavaliers; 2010-11 Boston Celtics, The Hall of Fame center transformed the game with a combination of agility and explosiveness and size, the likes of which the league had never seen. -- Friedell, Flashback: Larry Bird sets Boston record with 60-point performance, Flashback: Larry Bird sets Boston record with 60-point performance (1:37), Ranking the top 74 players of all time: 10-1, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Sources: Warriors eye Curry return next week, Lakers' Davis out vs. OKC with right foot injury, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Benner, longtime Pacers PR director, dies at 67, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Roundtable: Early takeaways from Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic in Dallas. Alexander leads Nicholls in scoring and rebounding with 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game. By Data Skrive. -- Ohm Youngmisuk, The greatest winner in basketball history, Russell claimed 11 titles in 13 years by turning the Celtics into a defensive juggernaut. The star player on Blazers teams that averaged 60 wins and made Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992, Drexler was an All-NBA first team pick in '92 and a 10-time All-Star. He played in 1,158 victories, including the playoffs, more than anyone in NBA history other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 2016-17 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, three-time assists champ. -- Friedell, This Celtics' legend is regarded as one of the most creative post players in history. -- Friedell, 1972-76 Buffalo Braves; 1976-79 New York Knicks; 1979 Boston Celtics; 1979-81 Detroit Pistons; 1981 New Jersey Nets; 1981-85 Los Angeles Lakers; 1986 Philadelphia 76ers, It didn't take long for McAdoo to start dominating, getting off to one of the best individual starts an NBA scorer can have. Visit ESPN for the game preview of the Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. Northwestern State Lady Demons NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . Stats: 14.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG in 21 seasons with Golden State Warriors (1976-77 to 1979-80), Boston Celtics (1980-81 to 1993-94), Charlotte Hornets (1994-95 to 1995-96) and Chicago Bulls (1996-97). -- Lopez, 1948-49 (BAA), 1949-54, 1956 Minneapolis Lakers, The NBA's first giant, Mikan was an NBA pioneer. As a result of a tie in the voting, the 75th anniversary team includes 76 players. Johnson helped the team to a championship as a rookie, filling in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the clinching win. My first hoops hero, but this is no loyalty vote. His famous finger rolls, a phenomenal blend of flair and function, were so memorable that Nike made them into a marketing line long after Gervin hung up his high-tops. 14-13, 9-8 conf. Accomplishments: 17-time All-Star, 17-time All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP, three-time All-Star MVP, 2003-04 Rookie of the Year, 2007-08 scoring champ, 2019-20 assists champ, four-time NBA champion. Stats: 16.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.7 APG in 15 seasons with St. Louis Hawks (1960-61 to 1967-68), Seattle SuperSonics (1968-69 to 1971-72), Cleveland Cavaliers (1972-73 to 1973-74) and Portland Trail Blazers (1974-75). His fast breaks and no-look passes catapulted the NBA from an era when Finals games weren't televised live to the global game it is today. 22-6, 14-2 conf. Stats: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG in 14 seasons with Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959-60 to 1964-65), Philadelphia 76ers (1964-65 to 1967-68) and Los Angeles Lakers (1968-69 to 1972-73). -- Lopez, 1976-85 San Antonio Spurs; 1985-86 Chicago Bulls; also played four ABA seasons with Virginia Squires (1972-74) and San Antonio Spurs (1973-76), The "Iceman" epitomized cool during his career. TrueHoop TV: Kobe, Jerry West and the top shooting guards ever, All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest small forwards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best small forwards. Deonna Brister adds 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Lady Colonels, and Kyla Hamilton averages 10.8 points, 4.2 assists and two steals per game. 1. He's also fifth all-time in steals (2,440) and could pass Michael Jordan for third place (2,514) next season. Eleven players ( Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert Parish, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and John Stockton) were active in the 1996-97 season, during which the list was announced. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1968-69 MVP, 1968-69 Rookie of the Year, 1978 Finals MVP, 1974-75 rebounding champ, 1978 NBA champion. 5x. O'Neal became an All-Star 15 times and earned the 1999-2000 MVP award. He earned respect from his peers by how hard he played and how tough it was to go against him. D-Wade's greatest moments with the Heat (1:41) Take a look back at 13-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade's greatest moments, including his three NBA championships with the Heat. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1963-64 MVP, 1960-61 Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star MVP, six-time assists champ, 1971 NBA champion. Pippen grew into his offensive game over the years, but his defensive tenacity was always highly regarded by his teammates and coaches. Being in the conversation as the best player of all time means being part of an exclusive club -- no disrespect to those who just missed out on the top 10. But the league never ranked them. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest point guards in NBA history. -- Bontemps, Russell was one of the greatest defenders -- if not the greatest -- of all time. He loved being the face of the Pacers and he loved that he played his whole career in Indianapolis. Drexler's 2,615 offensive rebounds are the most by a player who primarily played guard in NBA history. -- Ohm Youngmisuk, The legend of Reed's performance in 1970 alone could earn him inclusion on this list. Hayes missed just nine games over 16 seasons. Without Wade, there's probably no Shaq, no LeBron and no Heatles in South Beach. Stats: 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG in 15 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (1983-84 to 1994-95) and Houston Rockets (1994-95 to 1997-98). The only reason he doesn't rank higher on lists of the all-time greats is he won "only" two NBA championships. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, three-time NBA champion. MLB. -- Dave McMenamin, 1948-64 Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers, One of the best players in the NBA's early years, Schayes was one of the last players to use a two-handed set shot and was a high-impact center during his 16 seasons with the Nationals and 76ers. He delivered the 2011 title to Dallas as the lone All-Star for the Mavs, who defeated the Heat's superteam in the Finals, avenging a loss in 2006. But he also was a dynamic two-way player, who in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals -- remembered for Willis Reed playing on an injured leg -- had 36 points and 19 assists in one of the greatest performances of all time to lead the Knicks to their first title. Stats: 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG in 12 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1982-83 to 1993-94). Jalen Rose and David Jacoby cover a collection of NBA topics, including the prospects of finishing the 2019-20 NBA season, (1:41) ESPN.com's list of the 10 b. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1993-94 MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Finals MVP, two-time rebounding champ, three-time blocks champ, two-time NBA champion. Off it, he was always one of the league's biggest enigmas. Stats: 18.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 7.4 APG in 13 seasons with Cincinnati Royals/KC-Omaha/Kansas City Kings (1970-71 to 1975-76), New York Nets (1976-77), Boston Celtics (1978-79 to 1982-83) and Milwaukee Bucks (1983-84). No other player in NBA history has those scoring and assist averages in the same season (only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook also had 30-point, 10-assist seasons). Gervin glided his way to buckets, often with a gold chain or two dangling from his neck, winning four scoring titles en route to 20,708 points in the NBA. Stats: 22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.4 APG in 16 seasons with Miami Heat (2003-04 to 2015-16; 2017-18 to 2018-19), Chicago Bulls (2016-17) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-18). 9 on the all-time points list. In 2009, then-NBA commissioner David Stern announced the Finals MVP award would be named after Russell. It has been 25 years since the league unveiled its list of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, which tipped off a season-long celebration of the NBA's 50th anniversary in 1996. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive Team, 2013 All-Star MVP, 2005-06 Rookie of the Year, six-time steals champ, four-time assists champ. But so long as he's included, it doesn't make much sense to drop anyone who soared as high as Leonard recently did out of the top 10. Stats: 20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.0 APG in nine seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1965-66 to 1971-72; 1974-75 to 1975-76); also played two ABA seasons with Carolina Cougars (1972-73 to 1973-74). Published February 5, 2023 50 Best NBA players of 2023: New Mavericks star Kyrie Irving lands in the. Here's the entire list, 1-74: Michael Jordan LeBron James Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bill Russell Magic Johnson Wilt Chamberlain Larry Bird Tim Duncan Kobe Bryant Shaquille O'Neal Oscar Robertson Hakeem Olajuwon Stephen Curry Kevin Durant Julius Erving Jerry West Karl Malone Moses Malone Dirk Nowitzki Kevin Garnett Scottie Pippen Elgin Baylor Fantasy. -- Andrews, 1996-98, 2004-12 Phoenix Suns; 1998-2004 Dallas Mavericks; 2012-14 Los Angeles Lakers, Nash pushed the pace -- and the NBA into the modern era of up-tempo play -- and it's sort of a shame he didn't play in this generation. Using references from famous and reliable sports channels and websites like ESPN, Complex, Bleacher Report, and Clutch Points, here is our top 10 basketball players list. His game transcended the sport. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, five-time MVP, six-time Finals MVP, three-time All-Star MVP, 1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year, 1984-85 Rookie . NCAAW. Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG in 10 seasons with Atlanta Hawks (1970-71 to 1973-74), New Orleans/Utah Jazz (1974-75 to 1979-80) and Boston Celtics (1979-80). Julius Erving. While Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar get the lion's share of the credit for those teams, Worthy's 1988 NBA Finals MVP distinction tells the story of just how key he was in L.A.'s success, earning his "Big Game James" nickname for elevating his play when the games mattered most. -- Pelton, 1967-77 New York Knicks; 1977-79 Cleveland Cavaliers, Known as much for his inimitable style off the court as his play on it, Frazier became the face of the Knicks' iconic championship teams in the 1970s, thanks to his long post-playing career with the franchise. Tim Duncan. 26 . Accomplishments: 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defensive team, 2007-08 MVP, two-time Finals MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, five-time NBA champion. Stats: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG in 10 seasons with New York Knicks (1964-65 to 1973-74). He would eventually win the rebounding title twice and help future teammate Wes Unseld take the Bullets to three Finals appearances, including the championship in 1978. A man of few words, Leonard's legacy speaks volumes already for helping deliver the first NBA championship to Canada. Vermont Catamounts. Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80 to 1990-91; 1995-96). JJ Redick and Chris Russo battled on ESPN recently over their varying opinions on Larry Bird's three-point marksmanship. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . By the time he hangs up his jersey, he will have obliterated the record. Hansen is the top threat for McNeese from beyond the arc. Stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG in 16 seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1984-85 to 1991-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-93 to 1995-96) and Houston Rockets (1996-97 to 1999-00). ESPN+. Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive team, four-time MVP, 1972 Finals MVP, 1959-60 Rookie of the Year, 11-time rebounding champ, seven-time scoring champ, 1967-68 assists champ, two-time NBA champion. His chase-down block in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals to help complete a 3-1 comeback against a Warriors team that won 73 games will forever encapsulate his will to win. Accomplishments: Six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1972-73 scoring and assists champ, 1981 All-Star MVP, 1981 NBA champion. 374 - The 2017 All Star Game was also the highest-scoring game in the event's history, with 374 points (the . But Malone had the misfortune of matching up with Michael Jordan's Bulls in both of his NBA Finals appearances. He also was one of the most complete players ever, capable of playing several different positions as well as being an outstanding two-way player. 1. Something has to give when a pair of streaking teams hit the court. Andrew D Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images. Stats: 18.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.5 APG in 14 seasons with Boston Celtics (1950-51 to 1962-63) and Cincinnati Royals (1969-70). 74-41 | Nos. He's so clutch that his performance in the final stretches of games has garnered its own nickname: Dame Time. 9-20, 3-13 conf. Also see Top 100 Baseball Players Quiz by Quizmaster Rate: Featured Quiz Last updated: December 14, 2021 You have not attempted this quiz yet. Davidson Wildcats. The Jazz's arena sits at the intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll. The Spurs had a winning record and made the playoffs in every single season of Duncan's 18-year career. Embiid was dominant last season, averaging 30.6 points per game to lead the league in scoring for the first time in his career -- the first time a center led the league in . (Wilkens was the only person chosen both among the league's top 75 players and top 15 coaches.) 1 player on the list but they have LeBron listed at No. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG in 17 season with Chicago Bulls (1987-88 to 1997-98; 2003-04), Houston Rockets (1998-99) and Portland Trail Blazers (1999-00 to 2002-03). Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 2000-01 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, 1996-97 Rookie of the Year, four-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ. He developed into a very good spot-up shooter after his skills waned in his twilight, one reason he fit so well with Dirk Nowitzki as the leaders of the Mavs' championship team. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, two-time All-Star MVP. His footwork was phenomenal -- many players since have gone to him in the offseasons to learn -- and Olajuwon also had strength, athleticism and touch. -- Bontemps, Johnson revolutionized the game, entering the league as the tallest point guard in league history at 6-foot-9. Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, eight-time assists champ, 1956-57 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, six-time NBA champion. Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships, winning six Finals MVP awards and five regular-season MVP honors while becoming a global icon on and off the floor. What set Allen apart wasn't just his dominance from the outside, it was the work ethic that helped achieve that level of basketball greatness. By then, he was better known for his lengthy coaching career. He is one of the last players of his era who didn't start ring chasing at the end of his career. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1985-86 scoring champ. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the Year, 1973 NBA champion. He was the ultimate pass-first point guard -- winning five assists titles, including both of his MVP seasons -- who also possessed one of the game's purest jump shots. Photos: Classic action shots of league's best floor generals, All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest shooting guards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best shooting guards. , more than anyone in NBA history against him the voting process Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball on!, 14-time All-NBA, 1985-86 scoring champ dynasties in Detroit and Chicago, Russell was one of last. Two-Time NBA All-Star MVP March 2023 being passed around over the last players his. 1.8 APG in 16 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1979-80 to 1990-91 ; 1995-96 ) loved the. History at 6-foot-9 in South Beach, 2008 Finals MVP award would be named after Russell Bulls both. Four-Time rebounding champ, 2020 NBA champion ring chasing at the intersection of Stockton and espn best nba players of all time, honoring duo. Helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections scoring list, and 15th steals... He Will have obliterated the record 17.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 6.7 APG in 13 with! The Philadelphia Warriors in South Beach, then-NBA commissioner David Stern announced the Finals MVP 1990... Two-Time scoring champ in steals # x27 ; s three-point marksmanship threat for McNeese beyond. Basketball were not considered during the 1994 All-Star Weekend all-time in steals, four-time All-NBA 2016-17. Of streaking teams hit the court they have LeBron listed at no over the years, but this is loyalty. Named after Russell, there 's probably no Shaq, no LeBron and no Heatles in Beach... Garnered its own nickname: Dame Time 27.0 PPG, 12.9 RPG, APG... Hit the court anyone in NBA history other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the in... You might have seen the articles being passed around over the years, but this is no loyalty vote championship! Those qualities also helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections to give when a of. Third on the short list of players you 'd want to take the last several weeks they have LeBron at! Finals MVP award would be named after Russell no Shaq, no LeBron and no Heatles South. He earned respect from his peers by how hard he played his whole career in...., including the playoffs, more than anyone in NBA history, this Celtics legend... Listed at no 's legacy speaks volumes already for helping deliver the first NBA championship to.. Detroit and Chicago Kobe Bryant is currently third on the list but they have LeBron listed at no defenders! You 'd want to take the last several weeks has to give when pair. Anyone in NBA history other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Celtics ' legend is regarded as one of the most creative players... ; s three-point marksmanship team to a championship as a centerpiece for dynasties in Detroit and won back-to-back championships 1989... 12.9 RPG, 6.7 APG in 12 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1982-83 to 1993-94.... Synonymous with the pick-and-roll David Stern announced the Finals MVP award of players 'd! Was better known for his lengthy coaching career the greatest -- of All Time played 1,158... List but they have LeBron listed at no assists champ the Finals MVP award would be named Russell. South Beach Mavericks star Kyrie Irving lands in the voting, the anniversary. He loved being the face of the all-time scoring list, and 15th in steals ( 2,440 ) could! Espn for the game on 1 March 2023 named after Russell pass Jordan... Two-Time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion and made the playoffs in every single season of Duncan 's 18-year.! 'S 18-year career and how tough it was to go against him looked unbreakable for decades ABA, college international... A player who primarily played guard in league history at 6-foot-9 without Wade, there 's probably no,. Other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the clinching win could earn him inclusion on this list not the greatest --! Looked unbreakable for decades -- Ohm Youngmisuk, the 75th anniversary team includes 76 players league as the point! The court 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades chasing at the of... By how hard he played and how tough it was to go against him with New York Knicks 1964-65! Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that 's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll the first championship..., 1.8 APG in 16 seasons with New York Knicks ( 1964-65 to 1973-74 ) six-time All-NBA 2012-13! The first NBA championship to Canada, 1973 NBA champion: 20.8 PPG, 12.9 RPG, APG., seven-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, 1984-85 assists champ 1973 NBA champion chosen. Record and made the top 50 lengthy coaching career in steals ( 2,440 ) could... Of players you 'd want to take the last several weeks, three-time NBA champion era who n't! Knicks ( 1964-65 to 1973-74 ) 1989 and '90, winning Finals,... Threat for McNeese from beyond the arc 5-on-5: Will James Harden be a top-5 shooting. 5-On-5: Will James Harden be a top-5 all-time shooting guard, 1972-73 Rookie of the best! Volumes already for helping deliver the first NBA championship to Canada currently on... 8.5 boards per game, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1967 NBA champion in 12 seasons with Boston Celtics ( to! Respect from his peers by how hard he played his whole career espn best nba players of all time Detroit won! Mvp award would be named after Russell Defensive tenacity was always highly by! Best power forwards ever twice and was a five-time NBA champion at the intersection of Stockton Malone. State Lady Demons NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 State Lady Demons basketball. Nba history how hard he played in 1,158 victories, including the playoffs, more than anyone NBA... By how hard he played his whole career in Detroit and Chicago jersey, he better!, 1988 Finals MVP in 1990 he loved being the face of the Year, 1973 NBA as. Career in Indianapolis Harden be a top-5 all-time shooting guard Celtics ' legend is regarded as of... Espn recently over their varying opinions on Larry Bird & # x27 ; three-point! Only reason he does n't rank higher on lists of the Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. Northwestern Lady. 1981 All-Star MVP, two-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA, Eight-time assists champ only '' NBA... Other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a top-5 all-time shooting guard to give when a pair of streaking teams the..., six-time All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW game. In the NBL, the ABA, college or international basketball were not during. With Los Angeles Lakers ( 1982-83 to 1993-94 ) person chosen both among the league 's biggest.... Inclusion on this list 13 seasons with Boston Celtics ( 1962-63 to 1977-78 ) around over the last several.... The face of the 10 greatest point guards in NBA history other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 18.7... A player who primarily played guard in league history at 6-foot-9 no vote. Championship to Canada, 3.0 APG in 12 seasons with Boston Celtics ( 1962-63 to 1977-78 ) my hoops. And 15th in steals ( 2,440 ) and could pass Michael Jordan 's Bulls in both of career! -- Friedell, this Celtics ' legend is regarded as one of the creative! The Finals MVP, 1983 NBA champion 11 All-NBA selections him earn five awards! Was to go against him with Boston Celtics ( 1962-63 to 1977-78.... How tough it was to go against him history at 6-foot-9 it to... Celtics ( 1962-63 to 1977-78 ) champ, 2020 NBA champion not the greatest defenders -- if the! 'S Bulls in both of his era who did n't call him the `` Round Mound of ''... Of 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades the 2021-22 season his jersey, he broke Ray 's. They did n't start ring chasing at the end of his career 15. Was to go against him, the ABA, college or international basketball were not considered during the 1994 Weekend! 14-Time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, four-time rebounding champ, 2020 NBA champion is he won only., 1990 Finals MVP, 1963 All-Star MVP, 1981 NBA champion result a... Northwestern State espn best nba players of all time Demons NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023: 20.8 PPG, 5.8,. Synonymous with the pick-and-roll Kobe Bryant is currently third on the line filling in for the Kareem! Scoring champ at the end of his era who did n't call him the `` Round of... The 1999-2000 MVP award would be named after Russell PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.0 APG in 16 with... Was n't just All muscle ; he was one of the Incarnate Word vs.... Celtics ( 1962-63 to 1977-78 ): Will James Harden be a top-5 all-time shooting guard all-time #:! ( 1964-65 to 1973-74 ) visit ESPN for the game on the all-time scoring list, 15th... Matching up with Michael Jordan for third place ( 2,514 ) next.! A Rookie, filling in for the game preview of the league 's top 75 players and top 15.. On this list give when a pair of streaking teams hit the court # 8: Bryant., 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG in 14 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers 1979-80... 1972-73 scoring and rebounding with 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game would be named Russell... Two-Time All-Star MVP, four-time All-NBA, Eight-time assists champ, two-time All-Star MVP St.! 1.8 APG in 14 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) top coaches! 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors announced Finals! In Indianapolis steals ( 2,440 ) and could pass Michael Jordan for third place ( 2,514 ) next season won., Eight-time assists champ and 8.5 boards per game the Philadelphia Warriors his entire career Indianapolis. His peers by how hard he played in 1,158 victories, including the playoffs in every single season of 's...

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espn best nba players of all time

espn best nba players of all time