There are a lot of really great basketball players in the 80s, but I’m going to focus on just 37 of the most famous. Each player has either won an NCAA title or Olympic gold medal and has had a successful career after that. Some are currently in the NBA, while others played their last game over 20 years ago.
1. Steve Nash
| Name | Stephen John Nash |
| Date of birth | February 7, 1974 |
| Playing career | 1996–2015 |
| Position | Point guard |
| Number | 13, 10 |
| Coaching career | 2020–present |
Stephen John Nash OC OBC was born in 1974 in South Africa. His height is 1.91 m, and his weight is178 lb (81 kg). Steve Nash is a Canadian professional basketball coach and former player who now serves as the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets (NBA) head coach. He was an eight-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection during his 18-year NBA career. While playing for the Phoenix Suns, Nash was named NBA’s Most Valuable Player twice.
2. Bill Laimbeer
| Bill Laimbeer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Laimbeer |
| Birthdate | May 19, 1957 (age 66) |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Known For | Physical style of play, key player in the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era |
| College | Notre Dame (1975–1979) |
| NBA Championships | 2 (1989, 1990) |
| NBA All-Star Appearances | 4 (1983–1985, 1987) |
| NBA Rebounding Leader | 1986 |
| WNBA Championships | 3 (2003, 2006, 2008) |
| WNBA Coach of the Year | 2 (2003, 2015) |
| Career Points | 13,790 |
| Career Rebounds | 10,400 |
| Career Assists | 2,184 |
| Notable Skills | Outside shooting, rebounding, physical play |
| Retirement and Legacy | Pistons’ all-time leader in career rebounds |
| Other Ventures | Co-founder of Laimbeer Packaging Corp. |
William J. Laimbeer Jr. was born in 1957 in Boston, Massachusetts. Bill Laimbeer is an American professional basketball coach and former player, is the head coach of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Las Vegas Aces (WNBA). His height is 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), and his weight is 244 lb (111 kg). Laimbeer won back-to-back NBA Championships with the Pistons in 1989 and 1990 and was chosen an NBA All-Star four times.
3. Dominique Wilkins
| Dominique Wilkins | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dominique Wilkins |
| Birthdate | January 12, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Paris, France |
| Nationality | American |
| Nickname | The Human Highlight Film |
| NBA Teams | Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, Panathinaikos Athens, Fortitudo Bologna, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic |
| NBA Career | 1982–1999 |
| Position | Small forward |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 9 |
| All-NBA Team Selections | 7 |
| NBA Scoring Title | 1985–1986 |
| NBA Slam Dunk Contest Wins | 2 |
| NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Inducted in 2021 |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2006 |
| College Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2016 |
| Medals | Gold at the 1994 FIBA World Championship |
| High School | Washington High School, Washington, North Carolina |
| College | University of Georgia |
| Notable Skills | Acrobatic scorer, exceptional dunker |
| NBA Career Statistics | 26,668 points, 7,169 rebounds, 2,677 assists |
| Jersey Retirement | No. 21 retired by Atlanta Hawks |
Jacques Dominique Wilkins was born in 1960 in Paris, France. He is a retired professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association who notably played for the Atlanta Hawks (NBA). His height is 2.03m, and his weight is 215 lb (98 kg). Wilkins was a nine-time NBA All-Star and is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most acrobatic slam dunkers, garnering the moniker “the Human Highlight Film.”
4. Michael Jordan, G, Chicago Bulls
| Michael Jeffrey Jordan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Jeffrey Jordan |
| Nickname | MJ |
| Birthdate | February 17, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 216 lb (98 kg) |
| Position | Shooting guard / Small forward |
| Team | Chicago Bulls |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| NBA Championships | 6 (1991–1993, 1996–1998) |
| NBA MVP Awards | 5 |
| NBA Finals MVPs | 6 |
| NBA All-Star Games | 14 |
| NBA Scoring Titles | 10 |
| NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 1 |
| Olympic Medals | 2 gold medals (1984, 1992) |
| Business Ventures | Principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets |
| Cultural Impact | Popularized the sport of basketball and the NBA worldwide |
| Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2009, 2010) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $2 billion (as of 2023) |
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in 1963 in New York. His height is 1.98 m, and his weight is 216 lb (98 kg). Michael Jordan, G, Chicago Bulls was a professional basketball player in the United States in the past. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was instrumental in popularizing the NBA around the world, and as a result, he became a global cultural figure. Jordan was a 15-year NBA veteran who won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
| Hakeem Olajuwon | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon |
| Nickname | “The Dream” |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Born | January 21, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Weight | 255 lb (116 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| NBA Teams | Houston Rockets (1984–2001), Toronto Raptors (2001–2002) |
| NBA Championships | 2 (1994, 1995) |
| NBA Finals MVPs | 2 (1994, 1995) |
| NBA Most Valuable Player | 1 (1994) |
| NBA All-Star | 12 times (1985–1990, 1992–1997) |
| All-NBA First Team | 6 times (1987–1989, 1993, 1994, 1997) |
| All-NBA Second Team | 3 times (1986, 1990, 1996) |
| All-NBA Third Team | 3 times (1991, 1995, 1999) |
| NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 2 times (1993, 1994) |
| All-Defensive First Team | 5 times (1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994) |
| All-Defensive Second Team | 4 times (1985, 1991, 1996, 1997) |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1985 |
| Rebounding Leader | 2 times (1989, 1990) |
| Blocks Leader | 3 times (1990, 1991, 1993) |
| College | University of Houston (1981–1984) |
| NCAA Achievements | NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1983) |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2008) |
| Other Achievements | Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021) |
| Career NBA Statistics | Points: 26,946 (21.8 ppg) |
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon was born in Nigeria in the year 1963. His height is 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m), and his weight is 255 lb (116 kg). He is a former Nigerian-American professional basketball player known as “the Dream.” He is widely regarded as the best center of all time and one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Houston Rockets and then the Toronto Raptors from 1984 to 2002. In 1994 and 1995, he led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA titles.
6. Mark Aguirre
| Mark Aguirre | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Anthony Aguirre |
| Birthdate | December 10, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 232 lb (105 kg) |
| College | DePaul University |
| NBA Teams | Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers |
| Position | Small forward |
| NBA Championships | 2 |
| NBA All-Star | 3 times |
| College Awards | Naismith College Player of the Year (1980) |
| Notable Records | First Mexican-American player to win an NBA title |
| NBA Career Stats | Points: 18,458 (20.0 ppg) |
| Coaching Career | 2002–present |
Mark Anthony Aguirre was born in 1959 in Chicago, Illinois. He was a professional basketball player in the United States (NBA). He stands 6 ft 6 in tall (1.98 m), and his weight is 232 lb (105 kg). After three years at DePaul University, Aguirre was selected first overall in the 1981 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. After being traded to Detroit from Dallas in exchange for Adrian Dantley, Aguirre played in the NBA from 1981 to 1994, winning two championships with the Detroit Pistons. Dallas Aguirre was a three-time All-Star.
One of the best small forwards in the 80s, Mark Aguirre, had a dominant collegiate career before playing in the NBA. He had a knack for scoring and played an important role in the Pistons’ back-to-back titles in the late 80s. To know more about other NBA players with bizarre looks, check out the 34 NBA’s Unattractive Players In 2022: Funny & Weird article.
7. Karl Malone
| Karl Malone | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karl Anthony Malone |
| Nickname | The Mailman |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1963 |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Power forward |
| Teams Played For | Utah Jazz (1985–2003), Los Angeles Lakers (2003–2004) |
| College | Louisiana Tech University |
| NBA Draft | 1985: 1st round, 13th overall pick |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 259 lb (117 kg) |
| NBA MVP Awards | 2 |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 14 |
| All-NBA First Team | 11 times |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2 times |
| All-NBA Third Team | 1 time |
| NBA All-Defensive First Team | 3 times |
Karl Anthony Malone was born in 1963 in Louisiana. His height is 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), and his weight is 259 lb (117 kg). Karl Malone was a professional basketball player in the United States before retiring. He was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, a 14-time NBA All-Star, and an 11-time All-NBA first-team selection. His 36,928 career points are second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in NBA history.
Karl Malone was one of the best power forwards in NBA history. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him one of the most dominant players of his time. If you want to learn more about other NBA greats like Malone, check out this list of top 50 greatest NBA players of all time.
8. Marques Johnson
| Marques Johnson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marques Kevin Johnson |
| Birthdate | February 8, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Natchitoches, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Profession | Former professional basketball player and basketball analyst for the Milwaukee Bucks on Bally Sports Wisconsin |
| Position | Small Forward |
| NBA Career | 1977-1989 |
| College | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| College Achievements | National Championship winner in 1975 |
| NBA Draft | Selected 3rd overall in the 1977 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks |
| Bucks Career | Played the majority of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks |
| NBA All-Star | Five-time NBA All-Star |
| All-NBA Selections | All-NBA First Team, two-time All-NBA Second Team |
| NBA Comeback Player | NBA Comeback Player of the Year |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | NBA All-Rookie First Team |
| College Jersey | UCLA Bruins retired his No. 54 jersey |
| Personal Life | Raised in South Los Angeles, California |
| High School | Crenshaw High School, Los Angeles |
| Entertainment Career | Acted in films, including White Men Can’t Jump, Love and Action in Chicago, Blue Chips, and Forget Paris |
Marques Kevin Johnson was born in 1956 in Louisiana, U.S. His height is 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m), and his weight is 218 lb (99 kg). He is a basketball pundit for Fox Sports Net’s Milwaukee Bucks and a former professional basketball player in the United States. He was a five-time All-Star in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1977 to 1989 as a small forward. The Bucks were his team for most of his career.
9. Isiah Thomas
| Isiah Thomas | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Isiah Lord Thomas III |
| Nickname | Zeke |
| Birthdate | April 30, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| College | Indiana University |
| NBA Team | Detroit Pistons |
| NBA Championships | 2 (1989, 1990) |
| NBA Finals MVP | 1990 |
| NBA All-Star | 12 times |
| All-NBA First Team | 3 times |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2 times |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | 1982 |
| NBA Assists Leader | 1985 |
| J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award | 1987 |
| NBA Anniversary Team | 50th, 75th |
| Jersey Number | 11 |
| Retired Number | Detroit Pistons |
| NCAA Championship | 1981 |
| NCAA Final Four MOP | 1981 |
| Consensus All-American | 198 |
Isiah Lord Thomas III was born in1961 in Chicago, Illinois. He stands at 185 cm tall and weighs 82 kg. He is an NBA TV analyst and former professional basketball player, coach, and executive. The 12-time NBA All-Star was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fameand designated one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He spent his professional basketball career with the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
10. James Worthy
| James Worthy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Ager Worthy |
| Nickname | Big Game James |
| Birthdate | February 27, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Profession | Sports commentator, television host, analyst |
| NBA Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Position | Small forward |
| NBA Championships | 3 |
| NBA Finals MVP | 1988 |
| NBA All-Star | 7 times |
| All-NBA Team | 2 times (Third Team) |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | 1983 |
| College Team | North Carolina Tar Heels |
| NCAA Championship | 1982 |
| NCAA Final Four MOP | 1982 |
| Consensus All-American | 1982 |
| ACC Tournament MVP | 1982 |
| McDonald’s All-American | 1979 |
| NBA Statistics | Points: 16,320 (17.6 ppg) |
| Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame (as player) |
James Ager Worthy, an American sports pundit, television broadcaster, analyst, and former professional basketball player, was born in 1961 in North Carolina. His height is 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), and his weight is 225 lb (102 kg). He was a seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA champion, and the 1988 NBA Finals MVP with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association. In addition, he was named to both the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and the 75 Greatest Players in NBA History (NBA).
11. Magic Johnson
| Magic Johnson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. |
| Nickname | Magic |
| Birthdate | August 14, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| College | Michigan State University |
| NBA Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| NBA Championships | 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) |
| NBA MVP Awards | 3 (1987, 1989, 1990) |
| NBA Finals MVP | 3 (1980, 1982, 1987) |
| NBA All-Star | 12 |
| All-NBA First Team | 9 (1983-1991) |
| Career Points | 17,707 (19.5 ppg) |
| Career Rebounds | 6,559 (7.2 rpg) |
| Career Assists | 10,141 (11.2 apg) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 1 (1992 Barcelona) |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2002 (Individual Career), 2010 (“Dream Team”) |
| HIV/AIDS Advocate | Yes |
| Entrepreneur | Yes |
| Philanthropist | Yes |
| Broadcaster | Yes |
| Motivational Speaker | Yes |
| Sports Ownership | Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, LAFC |
| Number Retired | No. 32 (Los Angeles Lakers), No. 33 (Michigan State Spartans) |
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. was born in 1959 in Michigan. His height is 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), and his weight is 220 lb (100 kg). He is an American former professional basketball player and former head of basketball operations for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers (NBA). Often recognized as the greatest point guard of all time. In his inaugural season, he won a championship and the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award, and he went on to win four more titles with the Lakers in the 1980s.
12. Dennis Johnson
| Dennis Johnson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dennis Wayne Johnson |
| Nickname | DJ |
| Birthdate | September 18, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Compton, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| High School | Dominguez High School |
| College | Los Angeles Harbor College, Pepperdine University |
| NBA Teams | Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics |
| Playing Position | Point guard / Shooting guard |
| Career Highlights | 3× NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 5× NBA All-Star |
| Notable Achievements | Led Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA championship |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Additional Information | Considered one of the most underrated players of all time |
Dennis Wayne Johnson was born in 1954 and died in 2007. He is better known by his moniker “D.J.,” an NBA basketball player with the Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and a coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. His height is 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), and his weight is185 lb (84 kg). In 1979, he won the Finals MVP Award after leading the Sonics to their only NBA victory. Johnson was also recognized as a clutch player who produced multiple game-changing plays in NBA playoff history.
13. Walter Davis
| Walter Davis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Walter Pearl Davis |
| Birthdate | September 9, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Pineville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Position | Forward/Guard |
| NBA Career | 1977–1992 |
| NBA Teams | Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers |
| NBA Achievements | 6× NBA All-Star |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| College Achievements | Gold medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics |
| High School | South Mecklenburg High School (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| Nickname | “Sweet D” |
| NBA Scoring Record | Set an NBA record for scoring first 34 points without a miss |
| NBA Career Stats | Points: 19,521 (18.9 ppg) |
| Suns Franchise | All-time leading scorer with 15,666 points |
| Later Years | Battled recurring back problems and drug addiction |
| Broadcasting | Worked as a broadcaster for the Denver Nuggets |
| Relationship | Reconciled with the Phoenix Suns |
| Family Connection | Uncle of UNC men’s head coach Hubert Davis |
Walter Pearl Davis was born in North Carolina in 1954. He is a former professional basketball player in the United States. His height is 1.98 m, and his weight is 193 lb (88 kg). He was a forward/guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 15 years, the majority of which he spent with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns retired his No. 6 jersey after a six-time NBA All-Star.
14. Charles Barkley
| Charles Barkley | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Wade Barkley |
| Birthdate | February 20, 1963 |
| Nickname | “Sir Charles,” “Chuck,” “the Round Mound of Rebound” |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former professional basketball player, TV analyst |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 252 lb (114 kg) |
| Position | Power forward / small forward |
| Teams Played For | Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets |
| NBA Draft | 1984: 1st round, 5th overall pick |
| College | Auburn University |
| College Achievements | SEC Player of the Year (1984), All-SEC selection, Second Team All-American |
| NBA Achievements | 11-time NBA All-Star, NBA Most Valuable Player (1993), All-NBA First Team, NBA rebounding leader (1988), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1991), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985) |
| Olympic Games | 1992 Barcelona (Gold Medal), 1996 Atlanta (Gold Medal) |
| Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame as player (2006), College Basketball Hall of Fame (2006) |
| Retired Jersey Numbers | No. 34 (Philadelphia 76ers, Auburn Tigers) |
| TV Career | NBA analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” |
| Controversies | Involved in on- and off-court incidents, controversial statements |
| Community Engagement | Interest in politics, active in philanthropy |
Charles Wade Barkley is an NBA analyst for Inside the NBA and a former professional basketball player in the United States. He was born in 1963 in Leeds, Alabama. His height is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), and his weight is 252 lb (114 kg). Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). In addition, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History during the league’s 50th anniversary. For the NBA’s 75th anniversary, he was again named to the list of the 75 Greatest Players in NBA History.
15. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
| Kareem Abdul Jabbar | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Birthdate | April 16, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Harlem, New York, U.S. |
| Height | 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| High School | Power Memorial (New York City, New York) |
| College | UCLA (1966–1969) |
| NBA Teams | Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers |
| Coaching Career | 1998–2011 |
| Position | Center |
| Career Highlights | 6× NBA champion 2× NBA Finals MVP 6× NBA Most Valuable Player 19× NBA All-Star 10× All-NBA First Team 5× All-NBA Second Team 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team 6× NBA All-Defensive Second Team NBA Rookie of the Year NBA scoring champion NBA rebounding leader NBA blocks leader NBA anniversary teams No. 33 retired by Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers 3× NCAA champion 3× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player 3× National college player of the year 3× Consensus first-team All-American No. 33 retired by UCLA Bruins 2× Mr. Basketball USA 3× First-team Parade All-American Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| NBA Career Statistics | Points: 38,387 Rebounds: 17,440 Assists: 5,660 |
| Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame as player College Basketball Hall of Fame (inducted in 2006) |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born in 1947 in New York. His height is 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m), and his weight is 225 lb (102 kg). He is a former professional basketball player who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Abdul-Jabbar was a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a record 19-time NBA All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA selection, and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team member career as a center. In 1996, He was named the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players.
When talking about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, it is impossible not to mention his incredible height. Standing at 7’2″, he is one of the tallest players in NBA history. To learn more about other tall basketball players, check out this article on Top 20 Tallest Basketball Players in NBA History.
16. George Gervin
| George Gervin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Gervin |
| Nickname | The Iceman |
| Birthdate | April 27, 1952 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Shooting guard / small forward |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| High School | Martin Luther King, Jr. High School |
| College | Eastern Michigan University |
| Playing Career | 1972–1990 |
| NBA Teams | San Antonio Spurs (1974–1985), Chicago Bulls (1985–1986) |
| NBA Draft | 1974: 3rd round, 40th overall pick (Phoenix Suns) |
| Coaching Career | 1992–1994 (San Antonio Spurs, assistant coach) |
| Career Highlights | 9× NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 5× All-NBA First Team, 2× All-NBA Second Team, 4× NBA Scoring Champion |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Jersey Retired | No. 44 by San Antonio Spurs |
| College Honors | No. 24 retired by Eastern Michigan Eagles |
| Scoring Titles | Three consecutive NBA scoring titles (1978–1980) |
| Trademark Move | Finger roll |
| Legacy and Influence | Nicknamed “The Iceman” for his cool demeanor and scoring abilities, ranked 42nd on The Athletic’s list of the top 75 players in NBA history (2021), inspiring other athletes |
George Gervin was born in 1952 in Michigan. His height is 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m), and his weight is180 lb (82 kg). He is an American retired professional basketball player who played with the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). Gervin was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996 and one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history in 2021.
17. Sydney Moncrief
| Sydney Moncrief | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sydney Moncrief |
| Nickname | Sid the Squid, Sir Sid, El Sid |
| Birthdate | September 21, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| College | University of Arkansas Razorbacks |
| NCAA Accomplishments | Led Arkansas Razorbacks to the 1978 Final Four |
| Professional Career | 11 seasons in the NBA |
| NBA Accomplishments | 5-time NBA All-Star |
| Records and Honors | No. 4 retired by the Milwaukee Bucks |
| Leadership | Resurrected the University of Arkansas basketball program in the 1970s |
| NBA Statistics | Points: 11,931 (15.6 ppg) |
| Notable Games | Career-high 42 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds against the Houston Rockets |
| Player Testimonials | Michael Jordan: “When you play against Moncrief, you’re in for a night of all-around basketball” |
| Legacy and Impact | Leader of the successful Milwaukee Bucks team in the 1980s |
Sidney Alvin Moncrief was born in 1957 in Arkansas. Sidney Alvin Moncrief is a retired professional basketball player from the United States. His height is 6 feet 4 in (1.93 m), and his weight is 190 pounds (86 kg). Moncrief played NCAA college basketball for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks from 1975 to 1979, leading them to 1978. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and the first two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards he received in 1983 and 1984.
18. Bill Walton
| Bill Walton | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Walton |
| Birthdate | November 5, 1952 |
| Birthplace | La Mesa, California, U.S. |
| College | UCLA (1971–1974) |
| NBA Teams | Portland Trail Blazers (1974–1979) San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers (1979–1985) Boston Celtics (1985–1988) |
| Position | Center |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| NBA Championships | 2 |
| NBA Finals MVP | 1977 |
| NBA Most Valuable Player | 1978 |
| NBA All-Star | 2 times |
| NBA All-NBA Teams | 1st Team (1978) 2nd Team (1977) |
| NBA All-Defensive Teams | 1st Team (1977, 1978) |
| NBA Sixth Man of the Year | 1986 |
| NBA Rebounding Leader | 1977 |
| NBA Blocks Leader | 1977 |
| College Achievements | 2× NCAA champion (1972, 1973) 2× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973) |
| College All-American | 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1972–1974) |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1993 |
| NBA 50th Anniversary Team | Included |
| NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Included |
| Career NBA Statistics | Points: 6,215 (13.3 ppg) Rebounds: 4,923 (10.5 rpg) Assists: 1,590 (3.4 apg) |
| Broadcasting Career | Emmy Award winner (1991) Studio analyst and color commentator |
| Personal Life | Overcame stuttering Passionate Grateful Dead fan Hosted music-themed podcasts and radio programs |
William Theodore Walton III was born in 1952 in California. His height is 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), and his weight is 210 lb (95 kg). He is an American television sportscaster and former basketball player. He won three straight national collegiate players of the year awards (1972–1974) while leading UCLA to NCAA titles in 1972 and 1973 and an 88-game winning run for coach John Wooden and the UCLA Bruins. Walton led the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA title in 1977 after being taken first overall in the 1974 NBA draft. That season, he won the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. In 1986, he won another NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.
19. Alex English
| Alex English | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alex English |
| Birthdate | January 5, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Small forward |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| College | University of South Carolina |
| NBA Draft | Selected by Milwaukee Bucks in the 1976 NBA draft (2nd round, 23rd overall pick) |
| NBA Teams | Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Basket Napoli |
| NBA Career | Played 15 seasons (1976–1992) |
| NBA All-Star | Selected 8 times (1982–1989) |
| All-NBA Second Team | Named 3 times (1982, 1983, 1986) |
| NBA Scoring Champion | Achieved in the 1982–1983 season |
| NBA Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1997 |
| Denver Nuggets Records | Holds records for most career points, assists, games played, and minutes played with the Denver Nuggets |
| College Accomplishments | All-American selection (1975, 1976) |
| Graduation | Obtained a bachelor’s degree in English |
| Coaching Career | Held coaching positions with Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings |
| Business Ventures | Worked for the NBA and owned Wendy’s franchises |
| Philanthropy | Engaged in basketball clinics and events to reach underserved youth, participated in Sports Diplomacy programs |
| NBA Ambassador | Served as an ambassador and instructor at NBA academies |
| Board of Trustees | Sits on the board of trustees at the University of South Carolina |
Alex ander English was born in 1954 in South Carolina. He is a former professional basketball player, coach, and entrepreneur from the United States. His height is 2.03m, and his weight is190 lb (86 kg). In 1976, he was selected in the second round of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) draft. English was a small forward with the Denver Nuggets in the 1980s and was a standout player. The Nuggets made the NBA playoffs nine times in a row from 1979 through 1989, winning two Midwest Division crowns and reaching the Western Conference Finals in 1985. . During the 1980s, English scored more points than any other NBA player.
If you’re a fan of Alex English and his iconic basketball playing style, check out our list of 30 natural blonde male celebrities. From Chris Hemsworth to Brad Pitt, these stars prove that blonde men can be just as talented and attractive as their dark-haired counterparts.
20. Stephon Marbury
| Stephon Marbury | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephon Xavier Marbury |
| Birthdate | February 20, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Nickname | Starbury |
| High School | Abraham Lincoln High School |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| NBA Draft | 1996: 1st round, 4th overall pick |
| NBA Career | 1996–2009 |
| CBA Career | 2010–2018 |
| Position | Point Guard |
| All-Star Appearances | 2 |
| All-NBA Team | 2-time All-NBA Third Team |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | 1997 |
| College Achievements | Third Team All-American, ACC Rookie of the Year, First Team All-ACC |
| CBA Achievements | 3-time CBA champion, CBA Finals MVP, CBA International MVP |
| NBA Statistics | Points: 16,297, Assists: 6,471, Steals: 1,022 |
| Medals | Olympic Games (2004 Athens) – Bronze Medal |
Stephon Xavier Marbury is an American basketball coach and former player who currently serves as the Chinese Basketball Association’s Beijing Royal Fighters (CBA) head coach. He was born in 1977 in New York. His height is 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), and his weight is205 lb (93 kg). He was an NBA All-Star Nets in 2001 and the Suns in 2003; He was named the All-NBA Third Team in 2000 and 2003.
Stephon Marbury had an impressive career in the NBA. If you want to learn more about other hilarious personalities in the league, check out this article on the funniest NBA players of all time. You’ll find entertaining stories and moments from some of the most memorable players in the game.
21. Bernard King
| Bernard King | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bernard King |
| Birthdate | December 4, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| College | University of Tennessee |
| NBA Teams Played For | New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, |
| NBA Positions | Small Forward |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| NBA Draft | 1977: 1st round, 7th overall pick |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 4 |
| All-NBA Selections | 2× All-NBA First Team, 1× All-NBA Second Team, |
| NBA Scoring Champion | 1984–85 season (32.9 points per game) |
| NBA Comeback Player of the Year | 1980–1981 |
| College Accomplishments | Consensus first-team All-American, |
| Naismith Memorial Basketball | Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball |
| Hall of Fame | Hall of Fame |
| NBA Career Statistics | Points: 19,655 (22.5 ppg), Rebounds: 5,060 (5.8 rpg), |
| Jersey Retired | No. 53 retired by Tennessee Volunteers |
| Broadcasting Career | Works as a part-time broadcaster for NBA TV and MSG Network |
| Movies and TV Shows | Appeared in Miami Vice and the movie Fast Break |
| Legal Issues | Previously arrested for cocaine possession and suspended |
Bernard King was born in 1956 in New York. His height is 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m), and his weight is 205 lb (93 kg). He is a retired professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association who played small forward (NBA). He played for the New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Washington Bullets throughout 14 seasons. In 2013, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
22. Moses Malone
| Moses Malone | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Moses Eugene Malone Sr. |
| Birthdate | March 23, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Petersburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Death | September 13, 2015 (aged 60) Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Professional Career | 1974–1995 |
| Position | Center |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 260 lb (118 kg) |
| Teams | Utah Stars, Spirits of St. Louis, Buffalo Braves, |
Moses Eugene Malone was born in 1955 and died in 2015. His height is 2.08 m, and his weight is 260 lb (118 kg). He was a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a 12-time NBA All-Star, and an eight-time All-NBA Team selection as a center. In 1983, Malone led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA title, capturing the league and Finals MVP awards.
23. Jack Sikma
| Jack Sikma | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack Wayne Sikma |
| Birthdate | November 14, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Kankakee, Illinois, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| NBA Teams | Seattle SuperSonics (1977-1986), Milwaukee Bucks (1986-1991) |
| NBA Championships | 1 (1979) |
| NBA All-Star | 7 times (1979-1985) |
| NBA All-Defensive | Second Team (1982) |
| NBA All-Rookie | First Team (1978) |
| College | Illinois Wesleyan University (1973-1977) |
| Trademark Move | Sikma move (reverse pivot and step back behind-the-head jumper) |
| Career Points | 17,287 |
| Career Rebounds | 10,816 |
| Career Assists | 3,488 |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 2019 (Player category) |
| Coaching Career | Seattle SuperSonics (2003-2007), Houston Rockets (2007-2011), Minnesota Timberwolves (2011-2014) |
| Coaching Consultant | Toronto Raptors (2017 onwards) |
Jack Wayne Sikma was born in 1955 in Kankakee, Illinois. His height is 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), and his weight is 230 lb (104 kg). He is a former professional basketball center in the United States. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star with the Seattle SuperSonics, who selected him eighth overall in the 1977 NBA Draft in the first round. With the Seattle SuperSonics, he won an NBA title in 1979. Sikma finished his NBA career with 17,287 points.
Jack Sikma was one of the greatest white basketball players throughout history and his skills on the court earned him a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame. To learn more about other top players, check out this list of the 50 greatest white basketball players throughout history. With their impressive talents, these players proved that race doesn’t determine one’s abilities on the court.
24. Michael Ray Richardson
| Michael Ray Richardson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Ray Richardson |
| Nickname | “Sugar” Ray |
| Birthdate | April 11, 1955 |
| Birthplace | Lubbock, Texas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| College | University of Montana |
| NBA Teams | New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, New Jersey Nets |
| NBA Career | 1978–1986 |
| Position | Point guard / Shooting guard |
| NBA All-Star Appearances | 4 |
| NBA All-Defensive First Team | 2 |
| NBA Comeback Player of the Year | 1985 |
| NBA Steals Leader | 3 times |
| NBA Assists Leader | 1980 |
| European Career | Virtus Bologna, KK Split, Baker Livorno, Olympique Antibes |
| European Championships | FIBA Cup Winners’ Cup champion (1990) |
| Coaching Career | CBA, NBL Canada |
| Coaching Achievements | 2× CBA champion, 2× NBL Canada champion |
| Career NBA Points | 8,253 (14.8 ppg) |
| Career NBA Rebounds | 3,056 (5.5 rpg) |
| Career NBA Assists | 3,899 (7.0 apg) |
Micheal “Sugar” Ray Richardson was born in 1955 in Texas. HIn the United States, he was a professional basketball player and head coach, and head coach in United States. His height is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), and his weight is 189 lb (86 kg). Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft, spent eight years in the league, playing for the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets. Richardson was a four-time All-Star in the NBA.
25. Ralph Sampson
| Ralph Sampson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ralph Lee Sampson Jr. |
| Birthdate | July 7, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Harrisonburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Height | 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) |
| College | University of Virginia |
| NBA Draft | 1983: 1st overall pick by the Houston Rockets |
| Position | Center / Power Forward |
| NBA Career | 1983–1995 |
| NBA All-Star | 4× NBA All-Star (1984–1987) |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 1984 |
| College Achievements | 3× Naismith Award winner, 2× Wooden Award winner |
| Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (inducted) |
| High School | Harrisonburg High School |
| Notable High School Achievements | Led team to state AA basketball championships in 1978 and 1979 |
| Career NBA Statistics | Points: 7,039 (15.4 ppg), Rebounds: 4,011 (8.8 rpg), Blocks: 752 (1.6 bpg) |
Ralph Lee Sampson Jr. was born in 1960 in Virginia, U.S. He is a retired basketball player from the United States. His height is 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m), and his weight is 228 lb (103 kg). He is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Sampson, a 7-foot-4 wonder, three-time College Player of the Year, and a first-round pick in the 1983 NBA draft, arrived in league with high expectations (NBA).
At 7’4″, Ralph Sampson is one of the tallest NBA players of all time. As a high school player, he was already 6’7″, and he played at the University of Virginia where he stood out with his dominance on both ends of the court. Learn more about other tall basketball players in the NBA by checking out our article on the top 20 tallest NBA players of all time.
26. Adrian Dantley
| Adrian Dantley | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adrian Delano Dantley |
| Birthdate | February 28, 1955 |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Small forward |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 208 lb (94 kg) |
| College | Notre Dame |
| NBA Teams | Buffalo Braves, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks |
| NBA Career | 15 seasons |
| Career Highlights | 6× NBA All-Star |
| Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2008) |
| College Achievements | Consensus first-team All-American |
| Olympic Gold Medalist | Represented the United States and won a gold medal in team competition at the 1976 Montreal Olympics |
| Scoring Ability | Ranked among the top scorers in NBA history |
| Free Throw Shooting | Exceptional free throw shooter, holds NBA records for free throws made in a game and ranks high in all-time free throws made |
| Coaching Career | Assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets and briefly served as head coach |
| Off-Court Activities | Coaches aspiring players, works as a referee, son played collegiate football |
Adrian Delano Dantley was born in 1955 in Washington, D.C. His height is 1.96 m, and his weight is 208 lb (94 kg). He was a professional basketball player in the past coach in the United States. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Dantley was ranked ninth all-time in NBA scoring at his retirement and was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
If you’re a fan of Adrian Dantley, you might be interested in knowing that he was one of the shortest players in NBA history. With an average height of NBA players steadily increasing over the decades, Dantley’s playing height of 6’5″ would be considered short by today’s standards. Learn more about the average height of NBA players from 1951-2023 here.
27. Kevin McHale
| Kevin McHale | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Edward McHale |
| Birthdate | December 19, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Hibbing, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Team | Boston Celtics |
| College | University of Minnesota |
| NBA Draft | 1980: 1st round, 3rd overall pick |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Playing Career | 1980–1993 |
| Championships | 3× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986) |
| All-Star Selections | 7× NBA All-Star (1984, 1986–1991) |
| All-NBA First Team | 1987 |
| All-Defensive Teams | 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1986–1988) 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1983, 1989, 1990) |
| Sixth Man of the Year | 2× NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1984, 1985) |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | NBA All-Rookie First Team (1981) |
| Retired Jersey Numbers | No. 32 (Boston Celtics) No. 44 (Minnesota Golden Gophers) |
| College Accolades | First-team All-Big Ten (1980) |
| Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame (Inducted in 1999) |
| Coaching Career | 2005–2015 Minnesota Timberwolves (2005, 2008–2009) Houston Rockets (2011–2015) |
| Current Occupation | NBA TV Analyst, NBA on TNT Studio Show |
Kevin Edward McHale was born in 1957 in Minnesota. His height is 2.08 m, and his weight is 210 lb (95 kg). He is a former professional basketball player, coach, and analyst from the United States. He spent his entire professional career with the Boston Celtics. He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and is widely recognized as one of the all-time great power forwards. In addition, he was chosen to the NBA’s All-Time 50th Anniversary Team. As an on-air analyst, During his tenure, there presently works for NBA TV and Turner Sports’ popular NBA on a TNT studio show.
28. Julius Erving
| Julius Erving | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julius Winfield Erving II |
| Nickname | Dr. J |
| Birthdate | February 22, 1950 |
| Birthplace | East Meadow, Long Island, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Small Forward |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| College | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
| Professional Career | 1971-1987 |
| Teams Played For | Virginia Squires (ABA), New York Nets (ABA/NBA), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) |
| Championships | 3 (ABA: 1974, 1976; NBA: 1983) |
| MVP Awards | 4 (ABA: 1974-1976; NBA: 1981) |
| Scoring Titles | 3 (ABA: 1973, 1974, 1976) |
| All-Star Appearances | 16 (11 NBA All-Star, 5 ABA All-Star) |
| Slam Dunk Contest Win | 1976 |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Basketball Hall of Fame (1993) |
| College Degree | Bachelor’s in Creative Leadership and Administration |
| Honorary Doctorate | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
| NBA Anniversary Teams | Named to NBA 50th & 75th Anniversary Teams |
| ABA All-Time Team | Included in the lineup |
| Career Points | 30,026 points (24.2 ppg) |
| Career Rebounds | 10,525 rebounds (8.5 rpg) |
| Career Assists | 5,176 assists (4.2 apg) |
Julius Winfield Erving II was born in 1950 in New York. His height is 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m), and his weight is 210 lb (95 kg). He is one of the most important basketball players of all time. Erving was the most well-known player in the American Basketball Association (ABA) when it joined with the National Basketball Association (NBA) after the 1975–76 season. With 30,026 points (NBA and ABA combined), he is the eighth-highest scorer in ABA/NBA history, and he is the only player to be named Most Valuable Player in both the ABA and the NBA.
29. Larry Bird, SF, Boston Celtics
| Larry Joe Bird SF Boston Celtics | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Larry Joe Bird, SF, Boston Celtics |
| Nickname | “the Hick from French Lick,” “Larry Legend” |
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | West Baden Springs, Indiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Small forward / power forward |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| College | Indiana State University |
| NBA Teams | Boston Celtics |
| NBA Playing Career | 1979–1992 |
| NBA Coaching Career | 1997–2000 |
| NBA Executive Career | 2003–2012, 2013–2017 |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted as player in 1998 and as a member of the “Dream Team” in 2010 |
| Achievements | 3× NBA champion |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as player in 1998 |
| College Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2010 |
Larry Joe Bird was born in 1956 in Indiana. Larry Bird, SF, Boston Celtics is a former NBA basketball player, coach, and executive in the United States (NBA). His height is 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), and his weight is 220 lb (100 kg). Bird immediately impacted the NBA during the 1979–1980 season, starting at power forward and helping the Celtics to a 32-win increase over the previous season before being defeated in the Conference Finals. He spent his entire professional career (13 seasons) with the Celtics, leading them to five NBA finals trips and three NBA championships.
30. Darryl Dawkins
| Darryl Dawkins | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darryl Dawkins |
| Nickname | “Chocolate Thunder” |
| Birthdate | January 11, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Center |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 251 lb (114 kg) |
| High School | Maynard Evans High School (Orlando, Florida) |
| NBA Draft | Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1st round, 5th overall pick in 1975 |
| NBA Teams | Philadelphia 76ers (1975–1982), New Jersey Nets (1982–1987), Utah Jazz (1987), Detroit Pistons (1987–1989) |
| Career Highlights | NBA Champion in 1989 |
| NBA Statistics | Points: 8,733 (12.0 ppg) |
| Post-NBA Career | Played for Auxilium Torino, Olimpia Milano, and Telemarket Forli in Italy |
| Personal Life | Overcame adversity and poverty, entered NBA directly out of high school to support his family |
Darryl R. Dawkins was born in 1957 and died in 2015. His height is 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), and his weight is 251 lb (114 kg). Darryl Dawkins, PF, Philadelphia 76ers was an NBA basketball player in the United States. He was known for his thunderous dunks, which led to the NBA implementing breakaway rims after he shattered two backboards in 1979. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and he competed in three NBA Finals.
31. John Stockton
| John Stockton | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Houston Stockton |
| Birthdate | March 26, 1962 |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Point Guard |
| NBA Team | Utah Jazz |
| NBA Career | 1984–2003 |
| College | Gonzaga University (1980–1984) |
| NBA Draft | 1984: 1st round, 16th overall pick |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 10 times |
| NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1993 |
| NBA Championships | Reached NBA Finals twice with Utah Jazz |
| NBA Records | Most career assists and steals |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2009) |
| Olympic Medals | 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta |
| Additional Honors | Named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history |
| College Achievements | WCAC Player of the Year |
| Notable Records | NBA career assists leader |
| Miscellaneous | Known for physical play and “short shorts” style |
John Houston Stockton was born in 1962 in Washington. His height is 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), and his weight is 170 lb (77 kg). He spent his entire NBA career (1984–2003) as a point guard for the Utah Jazz, and the team made the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons. Stockton and longtime teammate Karl Malone led the Jazz to their only two NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998, lost to the Chicago Bulls.
32. Mark Price
| Mark Price | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Mark Price |
| Birthdate | February 15, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Bartlesville, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Basketball Player and Coach |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| College Achievements | Two-time All American, Four-time All ACC Basketball Player, ACC Championship Winner |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| NBA Career | Played for 12 seasons |
| NBA Teams | Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic |
| Career Highlights | Four-time NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, Two-time NBA Three-Point Contest Champion |
| Shooting Prowess | 90.4% career free throw shooting percentage, 40% career three-point field goal shooting percentage |
| Pioneering Splitting | Revolutionary in splitting double teams, transformed the pick and roll game |
| Career Assists | Ranked among assist leaders, Cleveland Cavaliers’ all-time second in steals |
| National Team | Represented the United States in the Pan American Games and FIBA World Championship, winning gold medals |
| Coaching Career | Served as a coach at various levels, including college and NBA |
| Coaching Achievements | Inaugural head coach of the Australian NBL’s South Dragons, NBA shooting consultant |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Ohio Sports Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame |
| Arena Tribute | Enid, Oklahoma, renamed the basketball arena as Mark Price Arena |
| Family Background | Father Denny Price, former player and coach, Brother Brent Price, NBA player |
William Mark Price was born in 1964 in Oklahoma. He is a former basketball player and coach from the United States. His height is 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), and his weight is 170 lb (77 kg). He was the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers most recently. He was a member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons, from 1986 to 1998.
33. Scottie Pippen
| Scottie Pippen | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Scottie Pippen |
| Birthdate | September 25, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Hamburg, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 228 lb (103 kg) |
| College | University of Central Arkansas |
| NBA Draft | 1987: 1st round, 5th overall pick |
| Team History | Chicago Bulls (1987–1998, 2003–2004) Houston Rockets (1999) Portland Trail Blazers (1999–2003) |
| Position | Small forward |
| Career Highlights | 6× NBA champion 7× NBA All-Star NBA All-Star Game MVP (1994) 3× All-NBA First Team 2× All-NBA Second Team 2× All-NBA Third Team 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team NBA steals leader (1995) NBA anniversary team No. 33 retired by Chicago Bulls USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1996) 2× Consensus NAIA All-American |
| Career NBA Statistics | Points: 18,940 (16.1 ppg) Rebounds: 7,494 (6.4 rpg) Assists: 6,135 (5.2 apg) |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as a player |
| Olympic Medals | 1992 Barcelona – Team competition 1996 Atlanta – Team competition |
| Personal Life | Formerly married to Larsa Pippen Father of Scotty Pippen Jr. |
| Notable Achievements | Helped transform the Chicago Bulls into a championship team Named one of the greatest small forwards of all time Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Additional Facts | Only NBA player to win an NBA title and Olympic gold medal in the same year twice Played a significant role in the “Dream Team” during the 1992 Olympics Jersey number 33 retired by the Chicago Bulls and University of Central Arkansas Honored on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team as one of the league’s greatest players of all time |
Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr was born in 1965 in Arkansas. He is a retired American professional basketball player. His height is 2.03 m, and his weight is 228 lb (103 kg). He was a 17-year veteran of the National Basketball Association (NBA), earning six titles with the Chicago Bulls. During the 1990s, Pippen and Michael Jordan were instrumental in developing the Bulls into a championship team and popularizing the NBA worldwide.
If you’re interested in learning about more basketball legends, check out our article on the greatest NBA players of all time, which also includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. You will get to know more about their achievements, career highlights, and their contributions to the league.
34. Patrick Ewing
| Patrick Ewing | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. |
| Birthdate | August 5, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Nationality | Jamaican-American |
| College | Georgetown University |
| NBA Team | New York Knicks |
| Playing Career | 1985–2002 |
| Coaching Career | 2002–present |
| Position | Center |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Weight | 255 lb (116 kg) |
| Dominant Role | One of the greatest centers of all time |
| College Achievements | Led Georgetown to three NCAA Championship Games, 1984 NCAA Champion, Big East Player of the Year, All-American |
| NBA Achievements | 11-time NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year, All-NBA Teams, NBA Finals appearances |
| Olympic Medals | Gold medals in 1984 and 1992 |
| Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame as a player, Two-time inductee |
| Number Retirement | No. 33 retired by the New York Knicks |
Patrick Aloysius Ewing was born in 1962 in the Colony of Jamaica. His height is 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m), and his weight is 240 lb (109 kg). During his tenure, the Knicks reached the NBA Finals twice (1994 and 1999). As a member of the United States men’s Olympic basketball teams in 1984 and 1992, he won gold medals in both games. Ewing was designated one of the 50 Greatest Americans in 1996 Players in NBA History, and in 2021, he was named one of the 75 Greatest Players in NBA History.
35. Willis Reed
| Willis Reed | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Willis Reed Jr. |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Hico, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| NBA Team | New York Knicks |
| Playing Career | 1964–1974 |
| NBA Championships | 2 (1970, 1973) |
| NBA Finals MVP | 2 (1970, 1973) |
| NBA MVP | 1 (1970) |
| All-NBA First Team | 1 (1970) |
| NBA All-Defensive First Team | 1 (1970) |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 1 (1965) |
| College | Grambling State University |
| NBA All-Star | 7 times (1965–1971) |
| NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1 (1970) |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | 1 (1965) |
| NBA Anniversary Teams | 50th, 75th |
| Coaching Career | New York Knicks, Creighton, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, New Jersey Nets |
| General Manager | New Jersey Nets (1989–1996), New Orleans Hornets (2004) |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1982 |
| Other Recognition | Named to NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams |
| Retirement | Retired in 2007 |
| Death | March 21, 2023, in Houston, Texas |
Willis Reed Jr. was born in 1942 in Louisiana. His height is 2.08 m, and his weight is 240 lb (109 kg). He is a former basketball player, coach, and general manager in the United States. He was named as one of the “50 Greatest Players in NBA History” in 1996. Reed used to be vice president of the New Jersey Nets (1989–1996). He led them to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 as senior vice president of basketball operations.
36. Danny Manning
| Danny Manning | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danny Manning |
| Birthdate | May 17, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Position | Power forward |
| College | Kansas (1984-1988) |
| NBA Draft | 1988: 1st round, 1st overall pick |
| Playing career | 1988-2003 |
| High school | Walter Hines Page High School, Lawrence High School |
| Coaching career | 2006-present |
| Career history | Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons |
| Career highlights | NCAA champion (1988), NBA All-Star (1993, 1994), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1998) |
| College records | Kansas Jayhawks’ all-time leading scorer with 2,951 points |
| Coaching achievements | NCAA champion as an assistant coach (2008), Conference USA Coach of the Year (2014) |
| International medals | Bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics (representing the United States) |
| NBA Statistics | Points: 12,367 (14.0 ppg), Rebounds: 4,615 (5.2 rpg), Assists: 2,063 (2.3 apg) |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 |
| Family | Son of NBA player and coach Ed Manning |
Daniel Ricardo Manning was born in 1966 in Mississippi. His height is 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), and his weight is 275 lb (125 kg). He is an interim head coach for the Maryland Terrapins and a former professional basketball player in the United States. He spent 14 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He won the national title with the Jayhawks in 1988 and as an assistant coach in 2008.
For those who grew up in the ’80s, Danny Manning remains one of the most iconic basketball players of all time. With his remarkable skills and unforgettable plays, it’s no wonder he became a household name. If you’re a fan of Manning and his fellow basketball greats, be sure to check out the Top 50 Host and Guest of Saturday Night Live list to see which players have made appearances on this iconic show.
37. David Robinson
| David Robinson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Maurice Robinson |
| Nickname | The Admiral |
| Birthdate | August 6, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Key West, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Center |
| NBA Team | San Antonio Spurs |
| NBA Career | 1989-2003 |
| College | United States Naval Academy |
| Height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| NBA Championships | 2 (1999, 2003) |
| NBA MVP | 1995 |
| NBA All-Star | 10 times (1990-1996, 1998, 2000, 2001) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (1992, 1996) |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 1990 |
| NBA Defensive Player | 1992 |
| Naismith Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2009 for individual career, and 2010 as a member |
| U.S. Olympic Hall of | Inducted in 2008 individually, and 2009 as a member |
| Fame | of the 1992 Olympic team |
| NBA 50th Anniversary | Named to the team |
| NBA 75th Anniversary | Named to the team |
David Maurice Robinson was born in 1965 in Florida. His height is 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), and his weight is 235 lb (107 kg). David Maurice Robinson is a minority owner of the San Antonio Spurs and a former professional basketball player who played for the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1989 to 2003. Robinson was a 10-time NBA All-Star, the 1995 NBA MVP, a two-time NBA champion (1999 and 2003).