25 Greatest Basketball Players In Commercials 2023

This article discusses how many basketball players appear in commercials. One is when LeBron James makes the letter M with his lips in a McDonald’s commercial, tosses it in the air, and then catches the ball that makes up “M.” This commercial was created to pique people’s interest in basketball. Commercials have featured basketball players such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. Some advertisements include playing or not playing, while others feature their image.

They also manufacture advertisements with actors who aren’t real. Basketball players in adverts attempt to pique interest in the sport. Commercials featuring basketball players try to entice viewers to participate in the sport. The commercials featuring fictional characters aim to increase the number of people who watch real games.

1. LeBron James

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James is a professional basketball player. He’s noted for his scoring abilities and his stature and speed. He also boasts a 42-inch vertical jump and a 37-inch inside vertical leap. His BMI is 31.8, significantly lower than the healthy range of 25 to 30. He was voted the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 2008 after leading his club to a seven-game triumph over the Lakers. He’s been nominated three times for the league’s Most Valuable Player award, winning two of them. LeBron James is also known for his signature smile and hair, which he claims is a Jheri-curl wig.

LeBron James	Information
Full Name	LeBron Raymone James Sr.
Nickname	King James
Date of Birth	December 30, 1984
Birthplace	Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Position	Small forward / power forward
Team	Los Angeles Lakers
League	NBA
All-Time Scoring Leader	NBA history
Career Assists	Fourth in NBA history
NBA Championships	4
NBA MVP Awards	4
NBA Finals MVP Awards	4
Olympic Gold Medals	2
NBA All-Star Selections	19
All-NBA Team Selections	19
All-Defensive Team	6
High School	St. Vincent–St. Mary (Akron, Ohio)
NBA Draft	2003: 1st overall pick, Cleveland Cavaliers
Notable Achievements	Ended Cleveland sports curse in 2016 NBA Finals

Do you know LeBron James’ shoe size? Well, it is also one of the most searched questions on the internet. This section highlights James in many ways. However, if you want to know about his shoe size, you can click on the link and get the answer you’re looking for.

2. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is one of the NBA’s most gifted players today. Between 2009 and 2010, he guided the Lakers to three straight NBA championships. He has four NBA championships to his credit and two NBA Finals MVP trophies. In 2008, he was also named MVP of the regular season. He has set various milestones throughout his career, including becoming the youngest player to reach 1,000 career postseason appearances. Kobe Bryant is recognized for his trademark three-pointers and the nickname “black mamba” he earned after claiming to be faster than a black mamba snake.

Phil Knight was featured in a new Nike commercial in 2011 called “A Legend is Honored. Kobe is back.” In the commercial, Kobe Bryant returns to his hometown of Philadelphia as a basketball player for the 76ers, the team he previously played. He also appears in an ESPN commercial alongside baseball player Bryce Harper.

Kobe Bryant	Information
Full Name	Kobe Bean Bryant
Birthdate	August 23, 1978
Birthplace	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Date of Death	January 26, 2020
Position	Shooting guard
Height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight	212 lb (96 kg)
Team	Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2016)
NBA Championships	5
NBA All-Star Appearances	18
All-NBA Team Selections	15
All-Defensive Team Selections	12
NBA Most Valuable Player	2008
NBA Finals MVP	2
NBA Scoring Titles	2
Career Points	33,643
Career Rebounds	7,047
Career Assists	6,306
Naismith Hall of Fame	Inducted in 2020
NBA 75th Anniversary Team	Inducted in 2021

3. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is one of the best basketball players in the NBA. He’s a seven-time NBA All-Star, the 2006 Rookie of the Year, and the 2014 Most Valuable Player. He was named to his first Olympic team in 2016. He helped start a new dance fad called the “Club Dub” during the pre-game festivities of a February game versus the Cavaliers. In the 1983 film “Footloose,” Kevin Bacon’s character travels to a village where dancing is frowned upon.

Kevin Durant	Information
Full Name	Kevin Wayne Durant
Nickname	KD
Date of Birth	September 29, 1988
Place of Birth	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Nationality	American
Position	Power forward / Small forward
Height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Weight	240 lb (109 kg)
College	University of Texas
NBA Teams	Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder
Achievements	2× NBA champion
Olympic Medals	3 Gold Medals representing the United States
FIBA World Championship	Gold Medal
Off-Court Ventures	Endorsement deals with Foot Locker and Nike
Family	Parents: Wanda (née Durant) and Wayne Pratt
High School	National Christian Academy

Are you wondering how Kevin Durant’s Shoe Size is considered among other NBA players? Check out the enormous shoe sizes of NBA players and find out more about the standard shoe sizes of the athletes.

4. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is the current NBA MVP, the first Davidson player to do so, and the first NBA MVP to win a title with two different clubs in his career (Golden State Warriors in 2016). He was the first player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season in 2012-13. He was also awarded MVP of the All-Star Game in July 2013, after scoring 38 points in a 152-149 triumph over LeBron James’s side. He’s also a part of a second dance craze known as “The Curly Fry.”

Stephen Curry	Information
Full Name	Wardell Stephen Curry II
Nickname	Steph
Date of Birth	March 14, 1988
Age	35
Birthplace	Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Team	Golden State Warriors
Position	Point Guard
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg)
College	Davidson College
NBA Draft	2009: 1st Round, 7th Overall Pick
NBA Debut	October 28, 2009
Nationality	American
Father	Dell Curry (Former NBA player)
Brother	Seth Curry (NBA player)
Shooting Hand	Right
NBA Championships	4
NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP)	2
NBA Finals MVP	1
NBA All-Star Games	9
All-NBA Selections	9
NCAA Three-Point Record	Most three-pointers made in a season
NBA Three-Point Records	Most three-pointers made in a season
Three-Point Contests	2x NBA Three-Point Contest champion
NBA Scoring Titles	2
NBA Steals Leader	1
NBA Sportsmanship Award	1
FIBA World Cup Medals	Team
Social Justice Champion Award	NBA Social Justice Champion
College Career	Davidson Wildcats

5. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is an NBA basketball player from the United States. He is the all-time top scorer in the National Basketball Association and was the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. He’s also the first six-time NBA MVP and the only player to win both an NCAA men’s single-season scoring title and an NCAA men’s championship in the same season. Michael Jordan previously stated that he would be willing to play in the NBA again “For every year I’ve been in basketball, I’ve played one game of poker. To play all of my games, it will take me 12 years.” Before each game, he would also have a cup of coffee and a bottle of aspirin.

Michael Jordan	Information
Full Name	Michael Jeffrey Jordan
Birthdate	February 17, 1963
Nationality	American
Occupation	Former professional basketball player, businessman
Teams	Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets
Championships	6 NBA championships
Position	Shooting guard / small forward
Height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight	216 lb (98 kg)
College	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
College Career	NCAA Champion (1982), ACC Player of the Year
NBA Draft	1984: 1st round, 3rd overall pick (Chicago Bulls)
NBA Career	NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA All-Star, NBA All-Defensive First Team, NBA scoring champion, NBA Finals MVP
Business Ventures	Principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, 23XI Racing
Cultural Impact	Popularized basketball and the NBA globally, global cultural icon
Endorsements	Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers, successful product endorsements
Awards and Honors	Basketball Hall of Fame (player), FIBA Hall of Fame (player), Olympic gold medals, multiple MVP awards, scoring titles
Net Worth	Estimated $2 billion (as of 2023)

Have you ever wondered about Michael Jordan’s height? This NBA legend stands tall at 6’6″ and was known for his incredible athleticism and dunking ability. His height, combined with his fierce competitiveness and dedication to the game, helped him become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

6. Chris Paul

Chris Paul is a professional basketball player from the United States. He’s a point guard with the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, where he’s been since 2011. As a point guard for Wake Forest University’s basketball team, he began playing. Chris Paul started his Wake Forest career as a ball boy at the age of nine and became the team’s manager at the age of fifteen. His family went to see him play for the first time during his sophomore year when he scored 36 points against Maryland-Baltimore County. He was invited to the United States Olympic Trials at 16 but was knocked out in the first round.

Chris Paul	Information
Full Name	Christopher Emmanuel Paul
Nickname	CP3, the Point God
Date of Birth	May 6, 1985
Birthplace	Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
Current Team	Golden State Warriors
Position	Point guard

7. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA). He was selected first overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. He’s also a member of Team USA, leading to a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Blake Griffin was a soccer player when he was younger, and El Nuevo Herald honored him as Male Athlete of the Year in 2005. He’s also been on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” among others.

Blake Griffin	Information
Full Name	Blake Austin Griffin
Birthdate	March 16, 1989
Birthplace	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Position	Center / Power Forward
Listed Height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed Weight	250 lb (113 kg)
High School	Oklahoma Christian School
College	University of Oklahoma
NBA Draft	2009: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Selected by	Los Angeles Clippers
Playing Career	2009–present
Career History	Los Angeles Clippers (2009–2018)
Career Highlights & Awards	6× NBA All-Star
Stats at NBA.com	Blake Griffin’s NBA Stats
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com	Blake Griffin’s Basketball-Reference Stats

If you are a fan of Blake Griffin, you may want to check out our top 40 list of funniest NBA players of all time. This section provides a humorous insight into the personalities of many NBA players, including Griffin, who is well known for his comedic roles in television commercials.

8. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley is a professional basketball player with the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. He was given the nickname “Sir Charles” because of his larger-than-life demeanor. Among others, basketball Digest and Sports Illustrated named him one of the fifty most significant players in NBA history.

Charles Barkley	Information
Full Name	Charles Wade Barkley
Nickname	Sir Charles, Chuck, the Round Mound of Rebound
Birthdate	February 20, 1963
Birthplace	Leeds, Alabama, U.S.
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight	252 lb (114 kg)
Position	Power forward / small forward
NBA Teams	Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets
College	Auburn University
NBA Draft	1984: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Jersey Numbers	34, 32, 4
NBA Career	1984–2000
NBA MVP	1993
NBA All-Star	11 times
All-NBA First Team	5 times
All-NBA Second Team	5 times
All-NBA Third Team	1 time
NBA All-Rookie First Team	1985
NBA Rebounding Leader	1988
IBM Award	3 times
Retired Jersey	No. 34 (Philadelphia 76ers)
Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor	Inducted
Basketball Hall of Fame	Inducted as player in 2006
College Basketball Hall of Fame	Inducted in 2006
Olympic Games	1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta
FIBA Americas Championship	1992 Portland
Career NBA Points	23,757 (22.1 ppg)
Career NBA Rebounds	12,546 (11.7 rpg)
Career NBA Assists	4,215 (3.9 apg)
NBA Analyst	TNT, CBS Sports
Books Authored	Multiple
Sports Emmy Awards	4
Personal Life	Leeds, Alabama native; Known for controversies and candid interviews; Interest in politics

9. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based NBA basketball player. He calls himself a “Thunder Baby.” After being taken in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft, he was voted the League’s Most Improved Player. In 2014 and 2015, he won two regular-season MVP titles with the Thunder and the 2015 All-NBA Championships.

Russell Westbrook	Information
Full Name	Russell Westbrook III
Birthdate	November 12, 1988
Birthplace	Long Beach, California, U.S.
Team	Los Angeles Clippers
Position	Point guard
NBA All-Star	9-time NBA All-Star (2011–2013, 2015–2020)
NBA MVP	2016-17 season
All-NBA Team	9-time All-NBA Team member (Multiple First, Second, and Third Team selections)
Scoring Champion	2-time NBA Scoring Champion (2014–15, 2016–17)
NBA All-Star Game MVP	2-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016)
Triple-Double Records	Averaged a triple-double for 3 consecutive seasons
College	UCLA Bruins (2006–2008)
College Honors	All-Pac-10 Third Team
Olympic Medals	Gold medals in 2010 FIBA World Championship and 2012 Olympics
Drafted	4th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft
Previous Teams	Oklahoma City Thunder (2008–2019)
Additional Facts	Helped lead UCLA to the Final Four during each of his college seasons

If you’re a fan of basketball players’ hairstyles like Russell Westbrook’s, check out our article on the 40 most handsome basketball players with modern hairstyles. From slicked-back hair to intricate braids, you’ll find all the hair inspiration you need to rock a new look on the court.

10. Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph is a professional basketball center for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA (NBA). He’s a three-time NBA All-Star named to the First Team of the 2008 NBA All-Star Game. He was a basketball player at the University of California-Los Angeles, where he guided the Bruins to two NCAA Final Four appearances in a row. He worked as a server at a steakhouse in California before beginning his professional career.

Zach Randolph	Information
Full Name	Zachary McKenley Randolph
Nickname	Z-Bo
Date of Birth	July 16, 1981
Age	41
Birthplace	Marion, Indiana, U.S.
College	Michigan State University
NBA Draft	2001 NBA Draft, 1st round, 19th overall pick
Teams	Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks,
Position	Power Forward
Height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Weight	250 lb (113 kg)
NBA All-Star	2 times (2010, 2013)
All-NBA Third Team	2011
NBA Most Improved Player	2004
No. 50 Retired	Memphis Grizzlies
High School	Marion High School
College Accomplishments	Played for Michigan State Spartans,
Professional Career	Played for 5 teams over 18 seasons,
Big3	Joined Big3 in 2020

11. Greg Oden

Greg Oden is an American basketball player selected first overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He attended Ohio State University, where he was a member of the national championship squad in 2007. He underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee after a season and a half with the Trail Blazers, and he missed the majority of his second season with the organization. Late in 2009, he returned to play four games before needing additional knee surgery.

Greg Oden	Information
Full Name	Greg Oden
Birthdate	January 22, 1988
Birthplace	Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Listed height	7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight	273 lb (124 kg)
Position	Center
College	Ohio State University
NBA Teams	Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Jiangsu Dragons
Career Highlights	Consensus second-team All-American
Career NBA Statistics	Points: 840 (8.0 ppg)
Latest Information	Former professional basketball player

12. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal, better known by his nickname Superman, is a retired American basketball player who became a free agent when his NBA career ended. Shaq Fu is another name for him. He was designated one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and three years later, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2000–01, he received four accolades, making him one of only three players in NHL history to earn four Rookie of the Year awards in their first four seasons. He is a five-time NBA champion and the only player in NBA history to win an NCAA and an NBA championship. In numerous interviews, Shaquille O’Neal has revealed that he enjoys poker. According to him, he wears the number 32 because it is the same number that Amarillo Slim wore when they were card-playing partners.

Shaquille O Neal	Information
Full Name	Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal
Nickname	Shaq
Date of Birth	March 6, 1972
Height	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
Weight	325 lb (147 kg)
Position	Center
NBA Teams	Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics
NBA Championships	4
College	Louisiana State University (LSU)
NBA Draft	1992: 1st round, 1st overall pick (Orlando Magic)
NBA Rookie of the Year	1992-1993
NBA MVP Award	1999-2000
All-Star Selections	15
All-NBA Selections	14 (8x First Team, 2x Second Team, 4x Third Team)
All-Defensive Selections	3 (Second Team)
Field Goal Percentage	58.2%
Points Scored	28,596
Rebounds	13,099
Blocks	2,732
NBA 50th Anniversary Team	Yes
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame	Inducted in 2016
FIBA Hall of Fame	Inducted in 2017
NBA 75th Anniversary Team	Honored in 2021
Music Career	Released four rap albums, including “Shaq Diesel” (went platinum)
Other Endeavors	Electronic music producer and touring DJ (known as DIESEL), actor, reality TV personality, podcast host, minority owner of Sacramento Kings (2013-2022)
Parental Background	Father: Joe Toney (estranged)

13. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson was an NBA basketball player in the United States. He played with the Philadelphia 76ers for most of his career, although he also played for the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies. He’s a six-time NBA All-Star, a two-time scoring champion, and a two-time regular-season MVP. Allen Iverson is one of only four players in NBA history to lead a team in scoring per game for 13 seasons in a row.

Allen Iverson	Information
Full Name	Allen Ezail Iverson
Nickname	The Answer
Date of Birth	June 7, 1975
Nationality	American
Position	Shooting guard / point guard
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	165 lb (75 kg)
College	Georgetown University
NBA Draft	1996: 1st overall pick, Philadelphia 76ers
NBA Teams	Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons,
NBA MVP	2001
NBA All-Star	11 times (2000–2010)
NBA All-Star Game MVP	2 times (2001, 2005)
NBA Scoring Champion	4 times (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005)
NBA Rookie of the Year	1997
NBA All-Rookie First Team	1997
Basketball Hall of Fame	Inducted in 2016
Olympic Medals	2004 Athens: Bronze medal
High School	Bethel High School (Hampton, Virginia)
High School Achievements	Associated Press High School Player of the Year
College Achievements	Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1996)
Criminal Conviction	Convicted as an adult of maiming by mob (1993)

If you’re a fan of Allen Iverson, check out our article on the skinniest basketball players in the world. While Iverson was known for his speed and agility on the court, these players take it to another level with their slim physiques. Find out who made the list and how their bodies impact their performance.

14. Steve Nash

Steve Nash is a retired professional basketball player from Canada who was the league’s first Canadian-born player. He was born in South Africa but grew up in the United States, playing soccer. He was a member of the soccer teams at his elementary school, high school, and university. Steve Nash is the only Canadian to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award two times.

Steve Nash	Information
Full Name	Stephen John Nash
Date of Birth	February 7, 1974
Birthplace	Johannesburg, South Africa
Nationality	Canadian
Profession	Professional Basketball Coach and Former Player
NBA Teams	Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets
NBA Career	1996–2015
Position	Point Guard
College	Santa Clara University
College Accomplishments	3-time NCAA Tournament Appearances, 2-time WCC Player of the Year
NBA Achievements	2× NBA Most Valuable Player, 8× NBA All-Star, 7× All-NBA Selections, 5× NBA Assists Leader, 4× 50–40–90 Club
International Career	Played for the Canadian Men’s National Basketball Team, 2-time FIBA AmeriCup MVP, Olympic Appearance
Philanthropy	Honored for Contributions to Various Philanthropic Causes
Awards and Honors	Order of Canada, Honorary Doctor of Laws, NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Social Impact	Named by Time as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World

15. Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is a retired basketball player from the United States. Johnson was a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning two NBA titles and five NBA Finals MVP honors. He also won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons. At his retirement, he was one of the most prolific passers in NBA history, averaging more than 15 assists per game throughout his career. He also led the league in assists six times and was voted Associated Press Player of the Year three times.

Magic Johnson	Information
Full Name	Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr.
Birthdate	August 14, 1959
Birthplace	Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
Height	6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Weight	220 lb (100 kg)
Position	Point Guard
NBA Team	Los Angeles Lakers
College	Michigan State
NBA Championships	5
NBA MVP Awards	3
NBA Finals MVPs	3
NBA All-Star Games	12
All-NBA First Team	9 times
NBA Assists Leader	4 times
Olympic Gold Medals	1992 Barcelona (Men’s basketball)
Basketball Hall of Fame	Inducted in 2002 (individual career) and 2010 (member of the “Dream Team”)
HIV/AIDS Advocate	Promotes prevention and safe sex
Entrepreneur	Successful business ventures and investments
Philanthropist	Supports various charitable causes
Broadcaster	Commentator and analyst
Motivational Speaker	Inspires and motivates through speeches and appearances
Team Ownership	Part-owner of Los Angeles Lakers (former), Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, and LAFC (current)

16. Mutombo

Mutombo, Pierre “PJ,” was a basketball center from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He played for seven different NBA teams during his 16-year career. He was a vital part of the Denver Nuggets‘ four-year run to the NBA Finals, three championships, and an Oscar Robertson Trophy. Mutombo was named one of the top 50 NBA players of all time.

Mutombo	Information
Full Name	Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo
Date of Birth	June 25, 1966
Birthplace	Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nationality	Congolese-American
Height	7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
Weight	260 lb (120 kg)
Position	Center
College	Georgetown University
NBA Teams	Denver Nuggets (1991–1996), Atlanta Hawks (1996–2001), Philadelphia 76ers (2001–2002), New Jersey Nets (2002–2003), New York Knicks (2003–2004), Houston Rockets (2004–2009)
NBA Career Highlights	– 8× NBA All-Star
and Awards	– 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Rebounding Leader	2× NBA rebounding leader
Shot Blocking Leader	3× NBA blocks leader
Defensive Prowess	Regarded as one of the best shot blockers and defensive players of all time
Humanitarian Work	Known for extensive humanitarian work
Retirement	Announced retirement at the conclusion of the 2009 NBA playoffs
Hall of Fame Induction	Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015
Languages	Fluent in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, Tshiluba, and five Central African languages
Academic Background	Graduated from Georgetown University with bachelor’s degrees in linguistics and diplomacy

If you’re interested in learning more about the NBA, check out our article on the funniest NBA players of all time. Whether you’re a fan of Mutombo’s iconic finger wag or just enjoy a good laugh, this list has got you covered.

17. Tim Hardaway

Tim Hardaway, Jr. is a retired professional basketball player from the United States. He was a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a 10-time NBA All-Star and 11-time All-NBA Team member during his 15-year NBA career. Before being selected #8 in the 1991 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, he won an NCAA Championship at the University of Michigan.

Tim Hardaway	Information
Full Name	Tim Hardaway
Birthdate	September 1, 1966
Birthplace	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
NBA Teams Played For	Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers
NBA All-Star Selections	5 times
All-NBA Team Selections	Multiple times
Olympic Gold Medal	2000 Summer Olympics (United States national basketball team)
Father of NBA Player	Tim Hardaway Jr.
High School	Carver Area High School
College	UTEP Miners (1985–1989)
College Accomplishments	Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, WAC Player of the Year
NBA Draft	1989: 1st round, 14th overall pick (Golden State Warriors)
Notable NBA Seasons	Career-high 23.4 points per game in 1991–92 season
Retirement	Became a basketball analyst for ESPN
Coaching Career	Assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons (2014–2018)
Hall of Fame Induction	Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2022)
Record	Holds Miami Heat’s all-time record in 3-point field goals made (806)

18. Jason Williams

Jason Williams, also known as JayWilliams, is a retired professional basketball player from the United States. Before becoming an ESPN basketball analyst, he was a point guard in the National Basketball Association. He guided the University of Illinois to its third NCAA championship in his sophomore year. Jason Williams had a three-year collegiate career in which he averaged 23.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.7 assists before being taken second overall in the 2002 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings.

Jason Williams	Information
Full Name	Jason Williams

19. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Boston Celtics of the NBA and is a member of the US national team. In 2009, Kyrie Irving chose Duke University as his college basketball team. As a freshman in 2011-2012, he was an All-American, and he continued to be so for the next three seasons. He was a member of two NCAA Championship teams at Duke, and in 2014, he led his team to the national championship game.

Kyrie Irving	Information
Full Name	Kyrie Andrew Irving
Nickname	“Uncle Drew”
Date of Birth	March 23, 1992
Place of Birth	Melbourne, Australia
Nationality	American
Citizenship	United States and Australia
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Position	Point Guard / Shooting Guard
NBA Team	Dallas Mavericks
College	Duke University (2010-2011)
NBA Draft	2011: 1st overall pick by Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Championships	1 (2016 with Cleveland Cavaliers)
NBA All-Star	8 times (2013-2015, 2017-2019, 2021, 2023)
All-NBA Team Selections	2nd Team (2019), 3rd Team (2015, 2021)
NBA Rookie of the Year	2012
NBA All-Rookie Team	1st Team (2012)
NBA All-Star Game MVP	2014
Skills	Exceptional ball handling, scoring, and clutch shooting
Olympic Gold Medal	2016 Rio de Janeiro, representing the United States
FIBA World Cup Gold	2014 Spain, representing the United States
Notable Advertisements	“Uncle Drew” series, Nike endorsements
Social Activism	Engaged in various community initiatives and causes

Kyrie Irving’s signature Nike shoes are a top seller in the basketball sneaker market. Check out Kyrie Irving’s Nike Sneaker History to learn why his kicks have become so popular among basketball enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.

20. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard is a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association for the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA). Before being taken sixth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012, he played two college basketball seasons for Weber State University. He became a starter during his rookie season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team.

Damian Lillard	Information
Full Name	Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.
Nickname	Dame Time
Birthdate	July 15, 1990
Birthplace	Oakland, California, U.S.
Position	Point Guard
Team	Portland Trail Blazers
College	Weber State Wildcats
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight	195 lb (88 kg)
NBA Draft	2012: 1st round, 6th overall pick
NBA Rookie of the Year	2012-2013
NBA All-Star Selections	7 times
All-NBA Team Selections	7 times
NBA Three-Point Contest Champion	2023
Olympic Gold Medal	2020 Tokyo (United States Men’s Basketball Team)
Rapper Name	Dame D.O.L.L.A.
Studio Albums	The Letter O (2016), Confirmed (2017), Big D.O.L.L.A. (2019), Different On Levels The Lord Allowed (2021)
High School Career	Arroyo High School, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, Oakland High School
College Career	Weber State Wildcats (Big Sky Conference)
Scoring Records	Second all-time scorer in Weber State history, Fifth all-time scorer in Big Sky history
Personal Sales Degree	Completed degree in professional sales from Weber State University

21. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is a professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association. At seventeen, he was the first high schooler to be drafted in 2012. He’s 6’10” frame, and his massive statute allows him to play center, but he also has sufficient speed and agility to guard other players. In his rookie season, including the playoffs, Anthony Davis averaged 24 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, which led to scoring and rebounding. He also won Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Anthony Davis	Information
Full Name	Anthony Marshon Davis Jr.
Birthdate	March 11, 1993
Team	Los Angeles Lakers
Position	Power Forward / Center
Height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Weight	253 lb (115 kg)
College	University of Kentucky (2011-2012)
NBA Teams	New Orleans Pelicans (2012-2019)
NBA Championships	2020
NBA All-Star	8 times (2014-2021)
All-NBA First Team	4 times (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020)
NBA All-Defensive Team	First Team: 2 times (2018, 2020)
NBA All-Star Game MVP	2017
NCAA Championships	2012
Olympic Gold Medal	2012
World Cup Gold Medal	2014
Other Achievements	NBA 75th Anniversary Team

22. James Harden

James Harvey Harden, Jr. is a professional basketball player with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (previously known as the Oklahoma City Thunder). James Harden was a three-time conference player of the year at Arizona State University before being picked first overall by the Thunder in 2009. In his sophomore season, Harden was also a two-time All-American who led his team to the Elite Eight of the 2010 NCAA Championship. He was named to Team USA’s World Championship team in 2012.

James Harden	Information
Full Name	James Edward Harden Jr.
Birthdate	August 26, 1989
Birthplace	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Team	Philadelphia 76ers
Position	Point guard / shooting guard
League	NBA
College	Arizona State University
NBA Draft	2009: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
Height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight	220 lb (100 kg)
NBA MVP	2018
NBA All-Star	10 times (2013–2022)
All-NBA First Team	6 times (2014, 2015, 2017–2020)
All-NBA Third Team	1 time (2013)
NBA Sixth Man of the Year	2012
NBA scoring champion	3 times (2018–2020)
NBA assists leader	2 times (2017, 2023)
NBA All-Rookie Second Team	2010
NBA 75th Anniversary Team	Included
Consensus All-American	2009
Pac-10 Player of the Year	2009
First-team All-Pac-10	2 times (2008, 2009)
McDonald’s All-American	2007
Olympic Games	2012 London (Team)
FIBA World Cup	2014 Spain (Team)

Looking for some inspiration from the iconic NBA player James Harden? Check out our article on the top 20 NBA players who shaped the league forever. You’ll find some incredible stories of success, perseverance, and top-notch athletic ability!

23. Giannis

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Greek basketball player who plays professionally. He is a 6’11” power forward/center with dual citizenship in the United States and Greece. He became the youngest NBA player to play in a season’s first game at 20. For the first time in his career, he was named an All-Star starter in his second season. In the same year, he participated in the All-Star Game and the Rising Stars Challenge.

Giannis	Information
Full Name	Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo
Team	Milwaukee Bucks
Position	Power forward
League	NBA
Nickname	Greek Freak
Country of Origin	Greece
Birthdate	December 6, 1994
Birthplace	Athens, Greece
Nationality	Greek / Nigerian
Listed Height	7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed Weight	243 lb (110 kg)
NBA Draft	2013: 1st round, 15th overall pick
Playing Career	2011–present
Career Highlights	NBA champion (2021) NBA Finals MVP (2021) 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020) 7× NBA All-Star (2017–2023) NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021) 5× All-NBA First Team (2019–2023) 2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018) NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020) 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2022) NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017) NBA Most Improved Player (2017) NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014) NBA 75th Anniversary Team FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2022) Euroscar Player of the Year (2018) Greek League All-Star (2013)
Film	“Rise” (2022) – Based on the life of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Greek Citizenship	Obtained in 2013
Nigerian Citizenship	Holds dual citizenship

24. Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell is a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association for the Utah Jazz. He was named to the All-ACC First Team and All-Defensive Team as a rookie at Louisville. He was the ACC Freshman of the Year, and he led the team.

Donovan Mitchell	Information
Full Name	Donovan Mitchell Jr.
Nickname	Spida
Birthdate	September 7, 1996
Birthplace	Elmsford, New York, U.S.
Position	Shooting Guard
League	NBA
Team	Cleveland Cavaliers
College	Louisville
NBA Draft	2017: 1st round, 13th overall pick
NBA All-Star	4× (2020–2023)
NBA All-Rookie	First Team (2018)
Slam Dunk	Contest Champion (2018)
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	215 lb (98 kg)
High School	Canterbury School, Brewster Academy
Parents	Donovan Mitchell Sr., Nicole Mitchell
Nationality	American

25. Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is a Serbian professional basketball player who currently plays for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets (NBA). He is the first player in the NBA born in 1986 or later. In his debut season, he was pretty compelling, finishing third in ESPN’s 2016-2017 GM survey for Rookie of the Year.

Nikola Jokic	Information
Full Name	Nikola Jokic
Nickname	The Joker
Nationality	Serbian
Team	Denver Nuggets
Position	Center
Height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Weight	284 lb (129 kg)
NBA Titles	NBA champion (2023)
NBA MVP Awards	2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2021, 2022)
All-NBA Team	5× NBA All-Star, 5× All-NBA Team (3 first-team selections)
NBA Finals MVP	NBA Finals MVP (2023)
NBA Conference MVP	NBA Western Conference Finals MVP (2023)
International Medals	Silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics (representing Serbia)
Notable Records	Fastest triple-double in NBA history
Early Life	Born in Sombor, Serbia
NBA Career	Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2014
Career Highlights	Led the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals in 2020, NBA champion and Finals MVP in 2023
Skills	Highly skilled playmaker, exceptional basketball IQ, versatile scoring ability
Legacy	Regarded as one of the greatest centers of all time
Personal Interests	Enjoys horse racing as a hobby