With its frantic play and vibrant uniforms in a big stadium, basketball is one of the most visually appealing sports on the planet. Basketball, like baseball, has a reputation for being a sport that rewards athleticism above all else and places a premium on players’ ability to score points whenever they please.
Basketball players of color are among the best in history because they are talented and productive. They needed to be exceptional in their own right and ground-breaking in terms of what they could accomplish on the court when compared to other white or minority players to be included on the list. When some of these legends or pioneers were active, a black man competing against whites on the same court was unthinkable.
1. Larry Bird
| Larry Bird | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Larry Joe Bird |
| Nickname | “the Hick from French Lick” and “Larry Legend” |
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1956 |
| Birthplace | West Baden Springs, Indiana, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| College | Indiana State University |
| NBA Team | Boston Celtics (1979–1992) |
| Position | Small forward / Power forward |
| Jersey Number | 33 |
| Career Achievements | Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year |
| NBA Championships | 3 |
| All-Star Selections | 12 |
| NBA Finals Appearances | 5 |
| NBA All-NBA First Team | 9 selections |
| NBA All-Defensive Second Team | 3 selections |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 1980 |
| NBA Three-Point Contest Champion | 3-time winner |
| 50–40–90 Club Member | 2-time member |
| NBA Executive of the Year | 2012 |
| NBA Coach of the Year | 1998 |
| NBA Lifetime Achievement Award | 2019 |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Basketball Hall of Fame as Player (1998), College Basketball Hall of Fame (2006) |
| College Career | Indiana State University (1976–1979) |
| Gold Medal | 1992 Olympic Games (Dream Team) |
| Rivalry | Magic Johnson |
| Front Court Partners | Kevin McHale and Robert Parish |
| Versatility | Excelled both inside and outside, early adopter of the three-point line |
| Coaching Career | Head coach of the Indiana Pacers (1997–2000) |
| Presidential Roles | President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers (2003–2012, 2013–2017) |
| Personal Background | Born in West Baden Springs, Indiana to Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird; of Irish, Scottish, and Native American descent |
| High School | Springs Valley High School (French Lick, Indiana) |
Larry Joe Bird is a former American professional basketball player, coach, and National Basketball Association (NBA) executive. He was born on December 7, 1956. Bird, also known as “Larry Legend” and “the Hick from French Lick,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever. Bird is the only player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, MVP of the Finals, MVP of the All-Star Game, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards.
For the 2012 season, he was named NBA Executive of the Year. In 2013, Bird took over as president of basketball operations for the Pacers, a position he held until 2017.
2. Dirk Nowitzki
| Dirk Nowitzki | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dirk Werner Nowitzki |
| Birthdate | June 19, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Würzburg, West Germany |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in |
| Position | Power forward / Center |
| NBA Team | Dallas Mavericks |
| NBA Championships | 1 (2011) |
| NBA MVP | 1 (2007) |
| NBA Finals MVP | 1 (2011) |
| All-Star Appearances | 14 times |
| All-NBA Team | 12 times |
| NBA Records | Highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history |
| Naismith Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2023 |
| International Achievements | Bronze in 2002 FIBA World Championship, Silver in EuroBasket 2005 |
| Number Retired | No. 41 by Dallas Mavericks, No. 14 by Germany national team |
| Scoring Records | 6th on the NBA all-time scoring list |
| Notable Skills | Versatility, accurate outside shooting, trademark fadeaway jump shot |
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a former German professional basketball player born June 19, 1978.
He is a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks, a National Basketball Association (NBA) member. Dirk Werner Nowitzki is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards ever and the greatest European player ever. His height is 7.0 inches (2.13 meters). He was included on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
3. Luka Dončić
| Luka Don i | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luka Dončić |
| Date of Birth | February 28, 1999 |
| Place of Birth | Ljubljana, Slovenia |
| Nationality | Slovenian |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Position | Point Guard / Shooting Guard |
| NBA Team | Dallas Mavericks |
| NBA Draft | 2018: 1st Round, 3rd Overall Pick (Selected by the Atlanta Hawks) |
| Playing Career | 2015–present |
| NBA All-Star | 4 times (2020–2023) |
| All-NBA First Team | 4 times (2020–2023) |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 2019 |
| EuroLeague Titles | 1 (2018) |
| EuroLeague MVP | 2018 |
| EuroBasket Titles | 1 (2017 with Slovenia) |
| Awards and Honors | EuroLeague Rising Star (2017, 2018), ACB Best Young Player (2017, 2018), ACB Most Valuable Player (2018), Euroscar Player of the Year (2019), Slovenian Sportsman of the Year (2018) |
Slovenian basketball player Luka Dončić competes for the National Basketball Association’s Dallas Mavericks (NBA). He was born on February 28, 1999. Additionally, he plays for the Slovenian national team.
Dončić entered the NBA draft in 2018 and signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He was named Rookie of the Year for the 2018–19 season and was unanimously selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
He was named to the NBA All-Star and All-NBA First Team the following three seasons. Luka Dončić has the most triple-doubles in franchise history for the Mavericks.
4. John Stockton
| John Stockton | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Houston Stockton |
| Birthdate | March 26, 1962 |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Point Guard |
| NBA Team | Utah Jazz (1984–2003) |
| NBA Championships | Reached NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 10-time NBA All-Star (1989–1997, 2000) |
| NBA Records | Most career assists and steals in NBA history |
| Accolades | – NBA All-Star Game MVP (1993) – 2× All-NBA First Team (1994, 1995) |
John Houston Stockton is an American former professional basketball player. He was born on March 26, 1962. Stockton was regarded as one of the greatest players, point guards, and passers ever. He played for the Utah Jazz throughout his entire NBA career, from 1984 to 2003, and the team made the playoffs in his 19 seasons there. Stockton and his longtime teammate Karl Malone led the Jazz to their only two NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998 when they lost to the Chicago Bulls.
5. Steve Nash
| Steve Nash | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen John Nash |
| Birthdate | February 7, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Professional Career | 18 seasons in the NBA |
| All-Star Selections | 8-time NBA All-Star |
| All-NBA Selections | 7-time All-NBA selection |
| NBA Most Valuable Player | 2-time NBA MVP |
| College | Santa Clara University |
| College Achievements | 2-time West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Year |
| Career Achievements | Led Phoenix Suns to Western Conference Finals |
| Philanthropic Honors | Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time |
| Ownership | Co-owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) |
| Coaching | Head coach of the Brooklyn Nets (2020–present) |
| International Play | Represented Canada in FIBA AmeriCup, Olympic Games, and FIBA AmeriCup MVP |
| Accolades | Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team |
Stephen John Nash OC OBC, a Canadian professional basketball coach and former player born on February 7, 1974, most recently led the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as head coach.
Nash was an eight-time All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA selection during his 18-year NBA career. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award twice when he was with the Phoenix Suns.
Steve Nash is one of the greatest point guards of all time and revolutionized the game with his incredible playmaking abilities. As a Canadian, Nash paved the way for future NBA players from his home country. Learn more about other iconic Canadian celebrities, including actors, musicians, and athletes, by checking out this list of the 50 Most Iconic Canadian Celebrities.
6. Jerry West
| Jerry West | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jerry West |
| Birthdate | May 28, 1938 |
| Birthplace | Chelyan, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Team | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Position | Executive board member |
| League | NBA |
| Nicknames | “The Logo,” “Mr. Clutch,” “Mr. Outside,” |
| College | West Virginia University (1957–1960) |
| Playing Career | 1960–1974 |
| Position (Player) | Point guard / Shooting guard |
| Jersey Number | 44 |
| Coaching Career | 1976–1979 |
| Career Highlights | NBA champion (1972) |
| Career Highlights | 8× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, |
| and Awards (Executive) | 2000, 2015, 2017) |
| Career Playing Stats | Points: 25,192 (27.0 ppg) |
| Career Coaching Record | NBA: 145–101 (.589) |
| Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame as player |
| Medals | Olympic Games: 1960 Rome – Team competition |
Jerome Alan West is an American basketball executive and former player born on May 28, 1938. He was a professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers. His ability to make big plays in crucial situations earned him the moniker “Mr. Clutch,” such as his famous 60-foot buzzer-beating shot that tied Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals; the Logo,” referring to the NBA logo’s incorporation of his silhouette; Mr. Outside,” referring to his work on the perimeter for the Los Angeles Lakers; and “Zeke from Cabin Creek,” named after the creek close to where he was born in Chelyan, West Virginia.
West excelled at the small forward position early in his career at East Bank High School and West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game.
Despite the defeat, he was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. After that, he began a 14-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He served as a co-captain for the 1960 American Olympic team that won the gold medal. That group was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
7. Nikola Jokić
| Nikola Joki | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nikola Jokić |
| Nickname | The Joker |
| Birthdate | February 19, 1995 |
| Nationality | Serbian |
| Team | Denver Nuggets |
| Position | Center |
| NBA All-Star | 5 times (2019-2023) |
| All-NBA Team | 5 times (3 first-team selections) |
| NBA Most Valuable Player | 2020-21, 2021-22 seasons |
| NBA Champion | 2022-23 season |
| Triple-Double Records | Fastest triple-double in NBA history |
| Career Highlights | NBA Finals MVP (2023) |
| Olympic Medals | Silver medal at 2016 Summer Olympics (representing Serbia) |
| Youth Career | Played for Vojvodina Srbijagas and Mega Vizura |
| NBA Career | Joined Denver Nuggets in 2015 after being drafted |
| Notable Performances | Multiple Player of the Week honors |
Nikola Jokić, a center for the National Basketball Association’s Denver Nuggets, is a Serbian professional basketball player (NBA). On February 19, 1995, he was born.
In addition to winning the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for the seasons 2020–21 and 2021–22, Nikola Jokić has been selected to the NBA All-Star team five times and made the All–NBA team four times, including three times to the first team. He is the representative of the Serbian team. He also took silver in the Summer Olympics in 2016.
8. Pete Maravich
| Full Name | Peter Press Maravich |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1947 |
| Died | January 5, 1988 |
| Playing career | 1970–1980 |
Pistol Pete, or Peter Press Maravich, was a professional basketball player from the United States. He was born on June 22, 1947, and died on January 5, 1988.
Maravich was raised in the Carolinas and was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Maravich excelled as a college basketball player for the Louisiana State University Tigers; The team’s head coach was his father, Press Maravich.
9. Kevin McHale
| Kevin McHale | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Edward McHale |
| Birthdate | December 19, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Hibbing, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| College | University of Minnesota |
| NBA Teams | Boston Celtics (1980–1993) |
| NBA Championships | 3 |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 7 |
| NBA Sixth Man of the Year | 2 |
| All-NBA First Team | 1 |
| All-NBA Defensive Teams | 3 First Team, 3 Second Team |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1 |
| Retired Jersey Numbers | No. 32 (Boston Celtics) |
| College Achievements | All-Big Ten Conference (1979, 1980) |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as a player in 1999 |
| Coaching Career | Minnesota Timberwolves (2005, 2008–2009) Houston Rockets (2011–2015) |
| Current Role | TV Analyst for NBA TV and Turner Sports’ NBA on TNT studio show |
| Medals | Pan American Games: Team competition (1979) Universiade: Team competition (1979) |
| Family Background | Croatian and Irish descent |
| College Records | Second in career points and rebounds for University of Minnesota |
| Notable Accomplishments | Regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time Named to NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams |
Kevin Edward McHale is a former American professional basketball player, coach, and analyst born on December 19, 1957. McHale played for the Boston Celtics throughout his entire professional basketball career. He is regarded as among the greatest power forwards ever and has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
After retiring from the NBA in 1993, McHale began working for the Minnesota Timberwolves as a head coach, TV analyst, and general manager from 1993 to 2009. He was the Houston Rockets’ head coach from 2011 to 2015 when he was fired following a 4–7 start to the 2015–16 season. McHale is employed as an on-air analyst for NBA TV and Turner Sports’ well-known NBA on TNT studio show.
10. Rick Barry
| Rick Barry | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Francis Dennis Barry III |
| Birthdate | March 28, 1944 |
| Birthplace | Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Position | Small Forward |
| College | University of Miami |
| NBA Draft | 1965: 1st round, 2nd overall pick |
| High School | Roselle Park High School (Roselle Park, New Jersey) |
| Teams Played | San Francisco Warriors, Oakland Oaks, Washington Caps, New York Nets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets |
| Championships | NBA champion, ABA champion |
| All-Star Appearances | 8 NBA All-Star Appearances |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 1966 |
| NBA Scoring Champion | 1967 |
| NBA Finals MVP | 1975 |
| ABA All-Star Appearances | 4 ABA All-Star Appearances |
| All-NBA First Team | 5 selections |
| All-NBA Second Team | 1 selection |
| NBA Steals Leader | 1975 |
| Retired Numbers | No. 24 retired by Golden State Warriors, No. 24 retired by Miami Hurricanes |
| Career Points | 25,279 (24.8 ppg) |
| Career Rebounds | 6,863 (6.7 rpg) |
| Career Assists | 4,952 (4.9 apg) |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame |
| Notable Skills | Prolific Scorer, All-around Player |
| Family | Brent Barry (Son), Jon Barry (Son), Drew Barry (Son), Scooter Barry (Son), Canyon Barry (Son), Lynn Norenberg Barry (Wife) |
American retired professional basketball player Francis Richard Dennis Barry III competed at the highest levels in the NCAA, ABA, and NBA. He was born on March 28, 1944. Barry is one of the best scorers and all-around basketball players ever.
In a season, he is the only player to lead the NBA, ABA, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in points per game. In both leagues, he is one of only four players to have been on a championship team.
11. John Havlicek
| John Havlicek | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Joseph Havlicek |
| Birthdate | April 8, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Martins Ferry, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Czech and Croatian descent |
| Position | Small forward / Shooting guard |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 203 lb (92 kg) |
| College | Ohio State University |
| NBA Team | Boston Celtics |
| NBA Draft Year | 1962 |
| NBA Draft Selection | 1st round, 7th overall pick |
| Playing Career | 1962-1978 |
| Championships | 8 NBA championships |
| NBA Finals MVP | 1974 |
| All-Star Appearances | 13 |
| All-NBA First Team | 4 times |
| All-NBA Second Team | 7 times |
| NBA All-Defensive First Team | 5 times |
| NBA All-Defensive Second Team | 3 times |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1963 |
| NBA Records | 8-0 record in NBA Finals |
| Boston Celtics Records | All-time leading scorer with 26,395 points |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Retirement | Jersey number 17 retired by the Boston Celtics |
| Other Achievements | Named to the 35th Anniversary Team, 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, 75th Anniversary Team |
| Parkinson’s Disease | Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during his later years |
| Death | April 25, 2019, in Jupiter, Florida, at the age of 79 |
American basketball player John Joseph Havlicek was born on April 8, 1940, and died on April 25, 2019. He played for the NBA Boston Celtics throughout his entire career, winning eight NBA championships, starting with his first four seasons with the team.
Only teammates Sam Jones and Bill Russell have won more. Havlicek is one of only four players to win eight NBA Finals games and one of only three with an unrivaled 8–0 record. John Havlicek was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. Many people consider John Havlicek one of the greatest basketball players in history.
12. Bill Walton
| Bill Walton | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Walton |
| Birthdate | November 5, 1952 |
| Birthplace | La Mesa, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Television sportscaster, former professional basketball player |
| College | UCLA (1971–1974) |
| College Achievements | Three consecutive national college player of the year awards (1972–1974) |
| NBA Career | 1974–1988 |
| NBA Teams | Portland Trail Blazers (1974–1979) |
| NBA Achievements | NBA champion: 1977, 1986 |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 |
| Additional Information | Overcame stuttering and became a successful sportscaster |
William Theodore Walton III is an American television sportscaster and former professional basketball player born November 5, 1952. He won three national college player of the year awards between 1972 and 1974 while playing for coach John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins. He also led UCLA to NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973 and an 88-game winning streak. Walton led the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977, winning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award after being selected first overall in the draft.
In 1986, while playing for the Boston Celtics, he won a second NBA championship. In 1993, Walton was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was included on NBA teams celebrating their 50th and 75th birthdays.
13. Chris Mullin
| Chris Mullin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Paul Mullin |
| Birthdate | July 30, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Shooting Guard / Small Forward |
| NBA Teams | Golden State Warriors (1985–1997, 2000–2001) |
| College | St. John’s University |
| NBA Draft | 1985: 1st Round, 7th overall pick (Golden State Warriors) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 1984 Los Angeles (Team competition) |
| Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2010 and 2011) |
| Coaching Career | St. John’s University (2015–2019) |
| Awards and Honors | 5× NBA All-Star |
| NBA Statistics | Points: 17,911 (18.2 ppg) |
| Notable Facts | Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist |
Christopher Paul Mullin is a former American professional basketball player, executive, and coach born on July 30, 1963. He has won the gold medal in two Olympics and was a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee: once as a member of the United States men’s Olympic basketball team known as “The Dream Team” in 2010 and again for his career in 2011. From 2015 to 2019, Mullin was the Red Storm men’s basketball team’s head coach.
Consider getting a haircut that can give your hair texture and movement while maintaining length. Shaggy hairstyles for men work well in achieving a messy bedhead look. These hairstyles provide an effortless appearance and rugged texture, making them suitable for any face shape. To learn more about shaggy hairstyles for men, check out our article on 35 Shaggy Hairstyles for Men to Embrace in 2023.
14. Bob Cousy
| Bob Cousy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bob Cousy |
| Birthdate | August 9, 1928 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nickname | The Houdini of the Hardwood |
| Position | Point Guard |
| NBA Teams | Boston Celtics, Cincinnati Royals |
| College | Holy Cross |
| NBA Championships | 6 |
| NBA MVP | 1957 |
| All-Star Selections | 13 |
| All-Star Game MVPs | 2 |
| All-NBA First Team | 10 |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2 |
| Assists Leader | 8 |
| NCAA Championship | 1947 |
| College Accolades | Consensus All-American (1950) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Basketball Hall of Fame (player) |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2019 |
| Anti-Racist Advocate | Promoted anti-racist sentiment throughout career |
| Languages | English, French |
| Childhood | Grew up during the Great Depression |
| High School | Andrew Jackson High School |
| College Recruitment | Chose Holy Cross |
| NCAA Tournament | Led Holy Cross to 1947 Championship |
| Playing Style | Innovative ball-handling and passing skills |
| Ambidextrous Skills | Developed ambidexterity due to a hand injury |
Robert Joseph Cousy is an American former professional basketball player. He was born on August 9, 1928. From 1950 to 1963, Cousy was a point guard for the Boston Celtics. Cousy also briefly played for the Cincinnati Royals during the 1969–70 NBA season. He was a key part of the Celtics’ early half of the dynasty, winning six NBA championships during his 13 years with the Celtics. He was an All-Star in the NBA 13 times and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 1957 NBA season.
Cousy, better known as “The Houdini of the Hardwood,” led the NBA in assists for eight straight seasons and introduced a novel combination of passing and handling of the ball skills to the NBA. He is considered the NBA’s first great point guard.
15. Pau Gasol
| Pau Gasol | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pau Gasol Sáez |
| Birthdate | July 6, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Barcelona, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Position | Power forward / center |
| Height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| NBA Career | 2001-2021 |
| Teams | FC Barcelona, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, |
| NBA Championships | 2x NBA champion (2009, 2010) |
| NBA All-Star | 6x NBA All-Star (2006, 2009-2011, 2015, 2016) |
| All-NBA Selections | 2x All-NBA Second Team (2011, 2015) |
| NBA Rookie of the Year | 2002 |
| Off-Court Contributions | Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) |
| International Career | FIBA World Cup: 1x Gold Medalist |
Pau Gasol Sáez is a former professional basketball player from Spain. He was born on July 6, 1980. He was selected for four All-NBA teams, two times each on the second and third teams, and is a six-time NBA All-Star.
In 2009 and 2010, Gasol led the Los Angeles Lakers to back-to-back NBA championships. With the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002, he became the first non-American player to win NBA Rookie of the Year.
In addition to being regarded as one of the greatest European players ever, Pau Gasol is also considered among the best power forwards ever. He is Marc Gasol’s older brother and a former NBA player.
16. Peja Stojaković
| Peja Stojakovi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Predrag “Peja” Stojaković |
| Birthdate | June 9, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Požega, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Nationality | Serbian / Greek |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| NBA Teams | Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks |
| NBA Championships | 1 (2011 with the Dallas Mavericks) |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 3 |
| NBA Three-Point Contest Wins | 2 |
| NBA Career Highlights | All-NBA Second Team |
| FIBA EuroBasket MVP | 2001 |
| FIBA EuroLeague Top Scorer | 1998 |
| Greek League MVP | 1998 |
| Greek Cup Winner | 1995 |
| Euroscar Player of the Year | 2001 |
| FR Yugoslavian League MVP | 1993 |
| Three-Point Field Goals | 1,760 |
| Career Points | 13,647 |
| Career Rebounds | 3,782 |
| Career Assists | 1,408 |
| FIBA World Cup | Gold – 2002 Indianapolis |
| FIBA EuroBasket | Gold – 2001 Turkey, Bronze – 1999 France |
| Other Accomplishments | Inducted into Greek Basket League Hall of Fame (2022) |
Peja, or Predrag Stojaković, is a Serbian professional basketball executive and former player born on June 9, 1977.
He most recently served as the assistant general manager and director of player personnel and development for the National Basketball Association’s Sacramento Kings (NBA). In 2022, he was elected to the Greek Basketball Hall of Fame.
17. Bob Pettit
| Bob Pettit | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert E. Lee Pettit Jr. |
| Birthdate | December 12, 1932 |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
| NBA Team | Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks (1954–1965) |
| NBA MVP Awards | 2 (1956, 1959) |
| NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards | 4 |
| Career NBA Scoring Record | First NBA player to score over 20,000 points |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1970 |
| All-NBA First Team Selections | 10 |
| All-NBA Second Team Selections | 1 |
| Rebounding Leader | 1956 |
| SEC Championship Titles | Led LSU to SEC Championships in 1953 and 1954 |
| College Honors | Consensus All-American, LSU Hall of Fame |
| Impact on the Game | Widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards ever |
Robert Lee Pettit Jr. is a former American professional basketball player born on December 12, 1932. He won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award for the first time in 1956 and again in 1959.
Additionally, he has won the NBA All-Star Game MVP four times. In 1970, Pettit was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as the first NBA player to surpass 20,000 points in scoring. He was selected to all four NBA anniversary teams, making him one of four players. Pettit is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards ever.
18. Jason Williams
| Jason Williams | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jason Chandler Williams |
| Nickname | “White Chocolate” |
| Birthdate | November 18, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Belle, West Virginia, U.S. |
| College | Marshall University, University of Florida |
| NBA Teams | Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic |
| NBA Championships | 1 (2006 with the Miami Heat) |
| Position | Point guard |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Playing Career | 1998–2011 |
| Style of Play | Flashy passer known for behind-the-back, no-look, and half-court passes |
| Notable Skills | Spectacular assists, three-point shooting |
| Career Highlights | NBA champion (2006), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999) |
| Retirement | Officially retired in 2011, briefly returned for BIG3 in 2017 |
Jason Chandler Williams is a former American professional basketball player born on November 18, 1975. He played point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons between the late 1990s and the early 2000s. Williams was the Miami Heat’s starting point guard when they won the NBA championship in 2006. He was dubbed “White Chocolate” due to the way he played.
Williams, born in West Virginia, played basketball for Marshall University and the University of Florida in college. The Sacramento Kings selected him in the 1998 NBA draft in the first round. Throughout his career, he also played for the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and Memphis Grizzlies. In 2007, the Heat ranked Williams among their top 25 all-time players.
19. George Mikan
| George Mikan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Lawrence Mikan Jr. |
| Nickname | Mr. Basketball |
| Birthdate | June 18, 1924 |
| Birthplace | Joliet, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| Playing Career | 1946–1954, 1956 |
| Teams Played | Chicago American Gears (1946–1947) |
| Coaching Career | Minneapolis Lakers (1957–1958) |
| College | DePaul University |
| College Accomplishments | Helms NCAA College Player of the Year (1944, 1945) |
| Professional Achievements | 7× NBL, BAA, and NBA championships |
| Influence on the Game | Redefined basketball as a game dominated by “big men” |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Legacy | Named to the NBA Anniversary Teams |
| Death | June 1, 2005 |
| Cause of Death | Complications from chronic diabetes |
American professional basketball player George Lawrence Mikan Jr., also known as “Mr. Basketball,” played for the NBA’s (National Basketball Association) Minneapolis Lakers and the NBL’s Chicago American Gears (NBA). He was born on June 18, 1924, and died on June 1, 2005.
Mikan was a pioneer in professional basketball, standing 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) tall and weighing 245 pounds (111 kilograms). He always played with thick, round glasses. He redefined it as a sport dominated by “big men” at the time through his size and play. The Mikan Drill, developed with his coach at DePaul University (where Mikan was a three-time All-American), Ray Meyer, and his ability to shoot over smaller defenders with his ambidextrous hook shot all contributed to the game’s transformation. Additionally, he utilized the underhanded free-throw shooting technique long before Rick Barry made it his signature move.
20. Arvydas Sabonis
| Arvydas Sabonis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arvydas Romas Sabonis |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Nationality | Lithuanian |
| Height | 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) |
| Weight | 292 lb (132 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| NBA Team | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Playing Career | 1981–2005 |
| Olympic Medals | Gold: 1988, Bronze: 1992, 1996 |
| Euroscar Awards | 6-time winner |
| Mr. Europa Awards | 2-time winner |
| NBA All-Rookie Team | First Team (1996) |
| NBA Stats | Points: 5,629, Rebounds: 3,436, Assists: 964 |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2010 |
| Naismith Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2011 |
| Notable Achievements | EuroBasket MVP (1985) |
Arvydas Romas Sabonis is a businessman and former professional basketball player from Lithuania. He was born on December 19, 1964.
Sabonis won the Euroscar six times and the Mr. Europa Award twice, making him one of the greatest European players ever. Sabonis played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for seven seasons and participated in various leagues, including the Spanish ACB League.
21. Marc Gasol
| Marc Gasol | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marc Gasol Sáez |
| Birthdate | January 29, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Barcelona, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Position | Center |
| League | Liga ACB |
| NBA Teams | Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers |
| NBA Championships | 1 (2019 with Toronto Raptors) |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 3 (2012, 2015, 2017) |
| All-NBA Teams | All-NBA First Team (2015), All-NBA Second Team (2013) |
| NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 2013 |
| Olympic Medals | 2 Olympic silver medals with Spain |
| FIBA Basketball World Cup Titles | 2 titles with Spain |
| EuroBasket Medals | 2 titles, 1 silver, 2 bronze medals with Spain |
| High School | Lausanne Collegiate School (Memphis, Tennessee) |
| Draft | Selected 48th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 NBA draft |
| NBA Career | 2008–present |
Spanish professional basketball player Marc Gasol Sáez competes for Bàsquet Girona in the Liga ACB. His birthday is January 29, 1985.
The center has been selected to the All-NBA Team twice and was an NBA All-Star three times. Marc Gasol won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013 while he was a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. He won an NBA title in 2019 while playing for the Toronto Raptors.
22. Kevin Love
| Kevin Love | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Wesley Love |
| Birthdate | September 7, 1988 (age 34) |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Position | Power forward |
| League | NBA |
| NBA Team | Miami Heat |
| NBA Championships | 1 (2016) |
| NBA All-Star | 5 times (2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018) |
| All-NBA Second Team | 2 times (2012, 2014) |
| NBA Most Improved Player | 2011 |
| College | UCLA (2007–2008) |
| NCAA Tournament | Final Four appearance (2008) |
| High School | Lake Oswego High School (Oregon) |
| High School Honors | Gatorade National Male Athlete of the Year (2008) |
| National Team | United States |
| FIBA World Championship | Gold Medal (2010) |
| Olympic Games | Gold Medal (2012) |
| Rebounding Leader | NBA (2010–11 season) |
| @kevinlove |
Kevin Wesley Love is an American basketball player who plays for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). September 7, 1988 saw the birth of love.
Kevin Love has been selected five times for the NBA All-Star team and twice for the NBA Second Team. He guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA title in 2016. He also competed for the American national team, which won gold at the Summer Olympics in 2012 and the FIBA World Championship in 2010. Love won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2011 and ranked first in the NBA in rebounds.
23. Mark Price
| Mark Price | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Mark Price |
| Birthdate | February 15, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Bartlesville, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| College | Georgia Tech |
| College Achievements | – Two-time All American |
| NBA Career | – Played 12 seasons in the NBA |
| Coaching Career | – Head coach: Charlotte 49ers |
| Achievements & Awards | – Number 25 retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Notable Contributions | – Pioneered the splitting of the double team |
| Personal | – Father: Denny Price |
William Mark Price is a former American basketball player and coach born on February 15, 1964. He most recently led the Charlotte 49ers as their head coach.
From 1986 to 1998, he participated in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons. His last three seasons included one each with the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic, despite spending most of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
24. Gail Goodrich
| Gail Goodrich | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gail Charles Goodrich Jr. |
| Birthdate | April 23, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| High School | John H. Francis Polytechnic High School |
| College | UCLA |
| College Achievements | Led UCLA to two NCAA championships |
| NBA Career | Played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and |
| NBA Achievements | NBA champion |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Scoring Record | Scored a record 42 points for UCLA in the NCAA championship game |
| Lakers’ 1971–72 Season | Played a significant role in the Lakers’ historic 33-game winning streak and NBA championship |
| Career Scoring Average | Finished career with 19,181 points and averaged 18.6 points per game |
American former NBA player Gail Charles Goodrich Jr. played basketball professionally. On April 23, 1943, he was born.
His most notable accomplishments include setting a record with 42 points against Michigan for UCLA in the 1965 NCAA championship game and helping the Los Angeles Lakers win the 1971–1972 season. In 1996, 17 years after he retired from professional basketball, Goodrich was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
25. Tom Chambers
| Tom Chambers | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tom Chambers |
| Birthdate | June 21, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Ogden, Utah, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Power forward |
| NBA Teams | San Diego Clippers |
| College | University of Utah |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| NBA Draft | 1981: 1st round, 8th overall pick |
| Career Highlights | 4× NBA All-Star |
| Other Achievements | Israeli League champion |
| NBA Statistics | Career Points: 20,049 (18.1 ppg) |
| Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Nominated in 2021 |
| Phoenix Suns | Inducted into the Ring of Honor |
| Utah Sports HOF | Inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame |
| Arizona Sports HOF | Inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame |
| Notable Records | Career-high 60 points in a single game |
| Current Residence | Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Involvements | Community Relations Representative for the Phoenix Suns |
| Shooting Star Ranch | Owner |
Thomas Doane Chambers is a former American professional basketball player born on June 21, 1959. Chambers played professionally in basketball from 1981 to 1997. Chambers played power forward in the NBA and was selected to four All-Star teams.
Additionally, he was a member of the NBA Second Team twice in his career. Chambers was nominated in December 2021 for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame but was not chosen as a finalist.
26. Jerry Lucas
| Jerry Lucas | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jerry Ray Lucas |
| Birthdate | March 30, 1940 |
| Nationality | American |
| High School | Middletown High School |
| College | Ohio State University |
| NBA Team | Cincinnati Royals, San Francisco Warriors, New York Knicks |
| NBA Draft | 1962: Territorial pick (Selected by Cincinnati Royals) |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| College Achievements | Led Ohio State Buckeyes to three consecutive NCAA Finals |
| NBA Achievements | NBA champion in 1973 |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| High School Career | Led Middletown High School to two state championships |
| Olympics | Won a gold medal in basketball at the 1960 Rome Olympics |
| Academic Excellence | Maintained excellent academic performance throughout his career |
Jerry Ray Lucas is a former American basketball player born on March 30, 1940. Before becoming a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he was a high school star, a national college star at Ohio State, an Olympian who won a gold medal in 1960, and an international player.
Lucas received numerous accolades during his professional career, including being named to the All-NBA First Team three times, the All-NBA Second Team twice, being named an NBA All-Star seven times (including six years in a row), being named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1964, and being named the Most Valuable Player of the 1965 NBA All-Star Game. In 1980, he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
If you want to learn more about basketball players of the 1970s, check out this article on the top 30 Pro NBA players from the 1970s. It highlights some of the biggest names in the game from that era, and provides some context for the time period in which Jerry Lucas was playing.
27. Jeff Hornacek
| Jeff Hornacek | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey John Hornacek |
| Birthdate | May 3, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Elmhurst, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Shooting guard / Point guard |
| College | Iowa State University |
| NBA Teams Played For | Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz |
| NBA Teams Coached | Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets (assistant) |
| Coaching Consultant | Utah Jazz |
| High School | Lyons Township High School |
| NBA Draft | 1986: 2nd round, 46th overall pick (Phoenix Suns) |
| NBA Career | 1986–2000 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| NBA All-Star | 1992 |
| Three-Point Contest | Champion in 1998 and 2000 |
| Number Retired | No. 14 (Utah Jazz, Iowa State Cyclones) |
| College Highlights | All-Big Eight Conference, Sweet Sixteen of 1986 NCAA tournament |
| NBA Career Statistics | Points: 15,659 (14.5 ppg), Rebounds: 3,646 (3.4 rpg), Assists: 5,281 (4.9 apg) |
| Notable Records | NBA record for consecutive three-pointers in a game |
| Family | Married to Stacy since June 7, 1986; Three children: Ryan, Tyler, and Abby |
| Representation | Steve A. Kauffman and Spencer Breecker of Kauffman Sports Management Group |
Jeffrey John Hornacek, an American professional basketball coach and former player, was born on May 3, 1963. Hornacek is a coaching consultant for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Hornacek was the head coach of the New York Knicks from 2016 to 2018 and the Phoenix Suns from 2013 to 2016. He also worked for the Houston Rockets as an assistant coach.
From 1986 to 2000, Hornacek played shooting guard in the NBA, and he also played at Iowa State University.
28. Detlef Schrempf
| Detlef Schrempf | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Detlef Schrempf |
| Birthdate | January 21, 1963 (age 60) |
| Birthplace | Leverkusen, West Germany |
| Nationality | German-American |
| College | University of Washington |
| NBA Draft | 1985: 1st round, 8th overall pick |
| NBA Teams | Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers |
| Position | Small forward / Power forward |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| NBA Achievements | 3× NBA All-Star, All-NBA Third Team, 2× NBA Sixth Man of the Year |
| International Career | Represented West Germany/Germany in the Olympics and EuroBasket Championships |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2021 |
| Philanthropy | Established the Detlef Schrempf Foundation |
| Business Career | Business Development Officer at Coldstream Capital |
Detlef Schrempf is a former German-American professional basketball player born on January 21, 1963.
With the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft, the Dallas Mavericks selected him to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 1995, Schrempf was named to the All-NBA Third Team, won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year twice, was the first European player to do so, and was a three-time NBA All-Star. He led the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1996. In 2021, Schrempf was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame.
29. Dave DeBusschere
| Dave DeBusschere | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Albert DeBusschere |
| Birthdate | October 16, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| NBA Team | Detroit Pistons (1962–1968), New York Knicks (1968–1974) |
| Coaching Career | Detroit Pistons (1964–1967) |
| Baseball Career | Chicago White Sox (MLB, 1962–1963) |
| NBA Championships | 2× (1970, 1973) |
| NBA All-Star | 8× (1966–1968, 1970–1974) |
| NBA All-Defensive | 6× First Team (1969–1974) |
| NBA All-NBA | Second Team (1969) |
| College Basketball | University of Detroit |
| Notable Achievements | Led Austin Catholic Preparatory School to the Michigan Class A basketball title |
| Legacy | Youngest-ever NBA coach (player-coach for Pistons at 24) |
David Albert DeBusschere was an American professional basketball player, coach, and Major League Baseball (MLB) player. He was born on October 16, 1940, and died on May 14, 2003.
In 1983, DeBusschere was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. DeBusschere was selected as one of the 50 greatest NBA players in 1996. DeBusschere was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021, once more recognizing him as one of the league’s greatest players.
To learn more about the average height of NBA players from 1951 to 2023, check out our article on Hood MWR. It provides insightful information about the changes in player heights over the years, which can give you a better understanding of the physical evolution of the game.
30. Kristaps Porzingis
| Kristaps Porzingis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kristaps Porzingis |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Liepāja, Latvia |
| Height | 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) |
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Position | Center / Power forward |
| League | NBA |
| NBA Draft | 2015: 1st round, 4th overall pick |
| Current Team | Boston Celtics |
| Playing Career | 2012–present |
| Career Highlights | NBA All-Star (2018) |
| NBA.com Stats | Link |
| Basketball-Reference.com Stats | Link |
Kristaps Porziis is a professional basketball player from Latvia who competes for the National Basketball Association’s Washington Wizards (NBA). His birthday is August 2, 1995.
At 7 feet 3 inches, he is one of the NBA’s tallest players at the moment and plays center and power forward (2.21 meters).
In New York, Porziis was thought of as one of the Knicks’ potential pillar players. In 2018, he was selected as an All-Star.
He was, however, dealt with the Dallas Mavericks in 2019 due to issues with the front office. After experiencing injuries and inconsistent play during his time in Dallas, Porziis was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2022.
31. Danny Ainge
| Danny Ainge | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danny Ainge |
| Birthdate | March 17, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Eugene, Oregon, U.S. |
| Listed Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| High School | North Eugene High School |
| College | Brigham Young University (BYU) |
| NBA Teams | Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, |
| NBA Championships | 2× NBA champion (1984, 1986) |
| NBA All-Star | 1988 |
| John R. Wooden Award | 1981 |
| WAC Player of the Year | 1981 |
| NBA Executive of the Year | 2008 |
| MLB Career | Played for the Toronto Blue Jays |
| Retirement | Retired from playing career in 1995 |
| Notable Feuds | Tree Rollins, Michael Jordan |
Daniel Ray Ainge is a former professional baseball player, coach, and basketball player from the United States who now manages the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He excelled in all three high school sports, winning football, basketball, and baseball All-America accolades. Then, in the NBA draft, the Celtics chose him. Ainge spent his entire 14-year NBA career playing shooting guard, primarily for the Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns.
Ainge was the president of basketball operations for the Celtics from 2003 until his retirement in 2021, at which point he hired Brad Stevens, the team’s current head coach.
32. Bill Laimbeer
| Bill Laimbeer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Laimbeer Jr. |
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| Teams Played For | Basket Brescia, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons |
| NBA Career Highlights | 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990), 4× NBA All-Star (1983–1985, 1987), NBA rebounding leader (1986), No. 40 retired by Detroit Pistons |
| College | University of Notre Dame, Final Four appearance in NCAA Tournament (1978), Elite Eight appearance in NCAA Tournament (1979) |
| Coaching Career | Detroit Shock, Minnesota Timberwolves (assistant), New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces |
| WNBA Coaching Highlights | 3× WNBA champion (2003, 2006, 2008), 2× WNBA Coach of the Year (2003, 2015), WNBA All-Star Game Head Coach (2019) |
| Additional Information | Known for physical play and role in Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, endorsed video game “Bill Laimbeer’s Combat Basketball,” co-founded Laimbeer Packaging Corp., former color commentator for the Detroit Pistons, studio analyst for ESPN in 2003, inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (1999) |
William J. Laimbeer Jr. is an American professional basketball coach and former player born on May 19, 1957, and played for the Detroit Pistons most of his career. He helped the Pistons earn the nickname “Bad Boys” in the middle of the 1980s and helped them win back-to-back NBA championships. He was known for his rough and violent play.
From 2002 to 2009, Laimbeer led the Detroit Shock in the WNBA as head coach and general manager, leading the team to three league championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008. From 2013 to 2017, he was the head coach of the New York Liberty; from 2018 to 2021, he was the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces. He has been awarded the WNBA Coach of the Year title twice.
33. Vlade Divac
| Vlade Divac | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vlade Divac |
| Birthdate | February 3, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Prijepolje, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Occupation | Basketball executive, former player |
| Height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
| NBA Teams | Los Angeles Lakers (1989–1996, 2004–2005) |
| NBA Career Statistics | Points: 13,398 |
| Career Highlights | NBA All-Star (2001) |
| and Awards | NBA All-Rookie First Team (1990) |
| Humanitarian Work | Known for his humanitarian efforts in Serbia and Africa |
| Serbian Olympic Committee | President from 2009–2017 |
| FIBA Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2010 for international play |
| Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2019 |
| International Achievements | Gold medals at EuroBasket 1989, 1991; FIBA World Championship 1990; Summer Olympic Games 1988, 1996 |
| Other Notable Facts | One of seven players in NBA history to record 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, and 1,500 blocked shots |
Born on February 3, 1968, Vlade Divac is a professional basketball executive and former player from Serbia. Vlade Divac most recently served as the Sacramento Kings’ general manager and vice president of basketball operations in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Divac is a humanitarian who assists children in Serbia and Africa. He was appointed government adviser for humanitarian issues in Serbia in October 2008. Vlade Divac was elected President of the Serbian Olympic Committee for four years in February 2009 and was re-elected in November 2012. Divac was honored by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 2013.
34. Gordon Hayward
| Gordon Hayward | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gordon Daniel Hayward |
| Birthdate | March 23, 1990 |
| Team | Charlotte Hornets |
| Position | Small forward / Power forward |
| League | NBA |
| College | Butler University |
| NBA Draft | 2010: 1st round, 9th overall pick |
| Playing Career | 2010–present |
| High School | Brownsburg High School (Brownsburg, Indiana) |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| College Achievements | Horizon League Player of the Year (2010) |
| NBA Achievements | NBA All-Star (2017) |
| Medals | Represented the United States in FIBA U-19 World Cup |
| Personal Growth Spurt | Grew from 5’11” (1.80 m) to 6’7″ (2.01 m) during high school |
| High School Success | Led Brownsburg to Indiana Class 4A state championship |
| College Performance | Averaged 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game (sophomore year) |
| NCAA Tournament | Reached championship game in 2010, known for near-half-court shot |
| NBA Career | Notable performances, All-Star selection, and high-scoring games |
Gordon Daniel Hayward, an American professional basketball player, represents the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on March 23, 1990. Hayward has previously appeared for the Boston Celtics and the Utah Jazz.
Hayward led the Butler Bulldogs to the 2010 NCAA tournament championship game in college basketball. The Utah Jazz selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. After playing for the Jazz for seven seasons, he was selected for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.
Hayward signed with the Celtics as a free agent in the offseason of 2017, but he was out for the rest of the 2017–18 season after breaking his tibia and dislocating his ankle in the team’s first game.
35. Kyle Korver
| Kyle Korver | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Elliot Korver |
| Birthdate | March 17, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Paramount, California, U.S. |
| Position | Shooting guard / small forward |
| College | Creighton Bluejays |
| NBA Draft | 2003: 2nd round, 51st overall pick |
| Playing Career | 2003–2020 |
| Number | 26 |
| NBA All-Star | 2015 |
| NBA Sportsmanship Award | 2015 |
| Prolific 3-Point Shooter | Ranked 5th all-time in 3-point field goals made |
| Hawks Records | Single-season three-point field goal percentage |
| Assistant General Manager | Atlanta Hawks |
| College Career | Fourth all-time in scoring at Creighton |
| Personal Life | Oldest of four children, born to basketball-playing |
| Graduation | Bachelor’s degree in visual communications |
| NBA Career | Played for Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, |
Kyle Elliot Korver is a former American professional basketball player who serves as the Atlanta Hawks’ Assistant General Manager in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on March 17, 1981. He was a Creighton Bluejays basketball player in college.
Korver ranks fifth all-time in made 3-pointers and tenth all-time in 3-point percentage, making him one of the NBA’s most prolific 3-point shooters. He is the only player in the NBA to have a four-time lead in three-point shooting percentage.
36. J. J. Redick
| J J Redick | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Clay “J.J.” Redick |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Cookeville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Shooting Guard |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 201 lb (91 kg) |
| College | Duke University |
| NBA Draft | 2006: 1st round, 11th overall pick (Orlando Magic) |
| NBA Teams | Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks |
| NBA Career | 2006–2021 |
| Retired | September 21, 2021 |
| Career Highlights | ACC Player of the Year (2005, 2006) |
| NCAA Records | Career free-throw percentage: 91.2% |
| Podcast & Analyst | ESPN |
| YouTube Channel | ThreeFourTwo Productions |
| High School | Cave Spring High School, Roanoke, Virginia |
| McDonald’s All-American | 2002 McDonald’s All-American Game MVP |
| Record-breaking | ACC career points leader |
Jonathan Clay “JJ” Redick is an American former professional basketball player who is now a podcaster and ESPN sports analyst. He was born on June 24, 1984.
In the 2006 NBA draft, the Orlando Magic selected him 11th overall. He was a Duke Blue Devil basketball player in college.
Redick became the second active professional athlete and the first player in the NBA to host a podcast during the regular season.
37. Billy Cunningham
| Billy Cunningham | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Billy Cunningham |
| Nickname | Kangaroo Kid |
| Birthdate | June 3, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| College | University of North Carolina |
| Position | Small forward / Power forward |
| NBA Teams | Philadelphia 76ers, Carolina Cougars |
| NBA Championships | 1967 (player), 1983 (coach) |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 4 |
| All-NBA First Team | 3 times |
| All-NBA Second Team | 1 time |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1966 |
| ABA MVP | 1973 |
| All-ABA First Team | 1973 |
| ABA All-Star | 1973 |
| Points | 16,310 (21.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 7,981 (10.4 rpg) |
| Assists | 3,305 (4.3 apg) |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1986) |
| NBA 50th Anniversary Team | Yes |
| NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Yes |
| College Accolades | All-ACC, ACC Player of the Year, All-American |
| College Records | 1,709 points, 1,062 rebounds |
| Triple Doubles | 14 (NBA), 5 (ABA) |
| Coaching Career | Philadelphia 76ers (1977-1985) |
| Coaching Record | 454-196 (.698) |
| TV Broadcasting Career | CBS Sports commentator for NBA and NCAA basketball |
William John Cunningham is a former American professional basketball player and coach born on June 3, 1943. Because of his ability to leap and set rebounding records, he was referred to as the “Kangaroo Kid.” He played nine of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 17 NBA seasons as a player and eight as a coach. He also played as a player in two of the Carolina Cougars’ ABA seasons.
Cunningham, regarded as one of the greatest players in basketball history, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and named to the ABA All-Time Team and the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Cunningham was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men’s basketball team, which honored the fifty best players in Atlantic Coast Conference history, after being named All-ACC, ACC Player of the Year, and All-American in college.
If you want to achieve a sleek and polished look like basketball legend Billy Cunningham, consider trying a white actors inspired hairstyle. These actors often sport classic and sophisticated haircuts that can add a touch of elegance to your overall appearance. Whether you prefer a sharp crew cut or a more refined side-parted hairstyle, emulating the style of white actors can help you achieve a timeless and stylish look.
38. Dan Majerle
| Dan Majerle | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Lewis Majerle |
| Nickname | Thunder Dan |
| Birthdate | September 9, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Traverse City, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 222 lb (101 kg) |
| High School | Traverse City High School (now Central) |
| College | Central Michigan University |
| NBA Teams | Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers |
| NBA Career | 14 seasons (1988–2002) |
| Olympic Medal | Bronze medal (1988 Summer Olympics) |
| FIBA World Championship Medal | Gold medal (1994) |
| NBA All-Star | 3× NBA All-Star (1992, 1993, 1995) |
| NBA All-Defensive Team | 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991, 1993) |
| Three-Point Shooting | Led NBA in three-point field goals made and attempted |
| Coaching Career | Former associate head coach of the Phoenix Suns |
| Honors and Awards | Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor (inducted 2003) |
| Restaurants Owned | Majerle’s Sports Grill (3 locations) |
| Family | Married to Tina Majerle |
| Children | Madison, McKenzie, Mia, and Max (plays basketball) |
| Notable Achievement | Hole in one at Shadow Ridge Country Club (2021) |
Basketball coach for the Grand Canyon Antelopes and former professional basketball player Daniel Lewis Majerle, also known as “Thunder Dan,” is an American. He was born on September 9, 1965. He spent 14 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, and Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Majerle won a gold medal at the 1994 FIBA World Championship and a bronze medal with the U.S. national team at the Seoul Summer Olympics in 1988.
39. Steve Kerr
| Steve Kerr | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Douglas Kerr |
| Birthdate | September 27, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Nationality | Lebanese-born American |
| Position | Head coach |
| League | NBA |
| Current Team | Golden State Warriors |
| College | University of Arizona |
| Playing Career | Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers |
| Coaching Career | Golden State Warriors |
| NBA Championships | 5× NBA champion as a player, 4× NBA champion as a coach |
| NBA Coach of the Year | 2016 |
| NBA All-Star Game | 2× NBA All-Star Game head coach |
| Three-Point Shooting | Known as one of the most accurate three-point shooters of all time |
| NCAA Records | Set the NCAA single-season three-point field goal percentage record |
| Notable Achievements | Top 15 Coaches in NBA History |
American professional basketball coach and former player Stephen Douglas Kerr is the head coach of the National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors (NBA). Kerr was born on September 27, 1965. He has won the NBA nine times, five as a player (three with the Chicago Bulls and two with the San Antonio Spurs) and four as a head coach with the Warriors.
Kerr is the only NBA player since 1969 to win four titles. Kerr’s career three-point field goal percentage is the highest of any player in NBA history who has made at least 250 three-pointers (45.4%). Until Kyle Korver broke the record in 2010, Kerr also held the NBA record for the highest three-point percentage in a season with 52.4%. Kerr is one of the best three-point shooters ever and the best NBA coach.
40. Dave Cowens
| Dave Cowens | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David William Cowens |
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Newport, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Position | Center, Power Forward |
| NBA Teams | Boston Celtics (1970-1980, 1982-1983) Milwaukee Bucks (1982-1983) |
| College | Florida State University (1967–1970) |
| NBA Draft | 1970: 1st round, 4th overall pick (Selected by the Boston Celtics) |
| Career Highlights | 2× NBA champion (1974, 1976) NBA Most Valuable Player (1973) 8× NBA All-Star NBA Rookie of the Year (1971) Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (1991) |
| NBA Playing Statistics | Points: 13,516 (17.6 ppg) Rebounds: 10,444 (13.6 rpg) Assists: 2,910 (3.8 apg) |
| Coaching Career | Boston Celtics (player-coach, 1978-1979) Charlotte Hornets (1996–1999) Golden State Warriors (1999–2001) Detroit Pistons (assistant, 2006–2009) |
| Political Career | Ran as a Republican candidate for Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth (1990) |
| Personal Life | Married to Deby Cowens since 1978 Two daughters and several grandchildren |
David William Cowens is an American former NBA head coach and professional basketball player born on October 25, 1948. He was tall, 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters), and played center and power forward occasionally. Cowens played for the Boston Celtics for most of his career.
David William won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1971 and the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1973. In 1974 and 1976, Cowens led the Celtics to NBA championships. In 1991, he joined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, Cowens has coached in the NBA, CBA, and WNBA.
41. 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) |
| High School | St. Anne High School, St. Anne, Illinois |
| College | Illinois Wesleyan University |
| NBA Draft | 1977: 1st round, 8th overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics |
| NBA Teams | Seattle SuperSonics (1977-1986), Milwaukee Bucks (1986-1991) |
| Coaching Career | Seattle SuperSonics (assistant coach, 2003-2007), Houston Rockets (assistant coach, 2007-2011), Minnesota Timberwolves (assistant coach, 2011-2014) |
| NBA Championships | 1979 (Seattle SuperSonics) |
| NBA All-Star | 7 times (1979-1985) |
| NBA All-Defensive | Second Team (1982) |
| NBA All-Rookie | First Team (1978) |
| College Achievements | 2× First-team NCAA Division III All-American (1976, 1977), Third-team NCAA Division III All-American (1975) |
| Career Points | 17,287 |
| Career Rebounds | 10,816 |
| Career Assists | 3,488 |
| Naismith Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2019 |
A former American professional basketball center named Jack Wayne Sikma was born on November 14, 1955. He was an NBA All-Star seven times while playing for the Seattle SuperSonics, who picked him eighth overall in the 1977 NBA Draft.
In the NBA, he captured a title in 1979 while playing for Seattle. Sikma’s playing days with the Milwaukee Bucks came to an end. He was put forward for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
His signature blond hair, which he first wore in a pageboy style early in his career before wearing it curly later, and his “Sikma move,” which involves a reverse pivot and step back behind the head jump, made him famous. Sikma participated in 17,287 games in the NBA.
42. Andrei Kirilenko
| Andrei Kirilenko | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrei Gennadyevich Kirilenko |
| Birthdate | February 18, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Izhevsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Nationality | Russian / American |
| Position | Power forward / Small forward |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| NBA Draft | 1999: 1st round, 24th overall pick |
| Team | Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, CSKA Moscow |
| Career Highlights | NBA All-Star, NBA All-Defensive First Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team |
| International Career | EuroBasket champion, EuroBasket bronze medalist |
| Additional Information | Commissioner of the Russian Basketball Federation |
On February 18, 1981, Andrei Gennadyevich Kirilenko, an American-Russian basketball executive, was born. He was a professional basketball player and currently serves as the Russian Basketball Federation’s commissioner.
Kirilenko was chosen for the NBA All-Rookie First Team after his rookie season, was chosen three times for the NBA All-Defensive Team, and took part in the 2004 All-Star Game.
CSKA Moscow reached the EuroLeague Final in 2012 thanks to Kirilenko, who remained with the team for an additional year during the NBA lockout in 2011. He was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player that same year, as well as Best Defender of the EuroLeague and First Team of the All-EuroLeague.
Andrei Kirilenko, a former forward for the Utah Jazz, was named an NBA All-Star in 2004. Despite his successful career, some people found him to be not-so-easy on the eyes. Check out this article on the ugliest basketball players to see who else made the list.
43. Goran Dragić
| Goran Dragi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Goran Dragić |
| Nickname | The Dragon |
| Nationality | Slovenian |
| Position | Point Guard |
| NBA Teams | Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 1 |
| NBA Most Improved Player | 2014 |
| FIBA EuroBasket MVP | 2017 |
| Euroscar Player of the Year | 2017 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Birthdate | May 6, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Ljubljana, SR Slovenia, Yugoslavia |
| Draft | 2008 NBA Draft: 2nd round, 45th overall pick |
| Career Highlights | – NBA All-Star (2018) |
| Career Achievements | – Slovenian League Champion (2008) |
| NBA Teams | Phoenix Suns (2008–2011, 2012–2015), Houston Rockets (2011–2012), |
Goran Dragić, a professional basketball player from Slovenia who was born on May 6, 1986, most recently played for the National Basketball Association’s Chicago Bulls (NBA).
He earned the “the Dragon” moniker while playing professional basketball in Slovenia and Spain before signing on with the NBA in 2008. The Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns are just a few more teams Dragi has acted as an agent for. He won the NBA Most Improved Player award and was chosen for the 2014 NBA Third Team while playing for the Suns. He received his first NBA All-Star honor with Miami in 2018.
The senior Slovenian team won its first FIBA EuroBasket championship behind him in 2017, earning him the title of the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
44. Steven Adams
| Steven Adams | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Funaki Adams |
| Birthdate | July 20, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Position | Center |
| League | NBA |
| College | Pittsburgh |
| High School | Rotorua Lakes, Scots College, Notre Dame Prep |
| NBA Draft | 2013: 1st round, 12th overall pick |
| Selected by | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Current Team | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Career Highlights | NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014) |
| Family Background | Tongan and English heritage |
| Father | Sid Adams (2.11 m tall) |
| Mother | Tongan |
| Siblings | Brothers – Warren Adams, Sid Adams Jr. |
| NBA Career | Oklahoma City Thunder (2013-2020) |
| Autobiography | Steven Adams: My Life, My Fight |
| Hobbies | Video games (Dota 2, Smite, Fortnite) |
A professional basketball player from New Zealand named Steven Funaki Adams plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on July 20, 1993, Adams. Before moving to the United States in 2012 to play college basketball for Pittsburgh, Adams spent one season playing for his hometown team, the Wellington Saints.
The Oklahoma City Thunder chose Adams as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He spent six consecutive seasons as the Thunder’s main starting center. In November 2020, Adams was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans after spending seven years in Oklahoma City. In August 2021, he was exchanged for the Memphis Grizzlies.
45. Bobby Jones
| Bobby Jones | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bobby Jones |
| Nickname | “the Secretary of Defense” |
| Birthdate | December 18, 1951 (age 71) |
| Professional Teams | Denver Nuggets (ABA), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) |
| NBA Championship | Won NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983 |
| NBA All-Star | Four-time NBA All-Star |
| NBA All-Defensive Team | Eight-time NBA All-Defensive First Team |
| NBA Sixth Man of the Year | 1983 NBA Sixth Man of the Year |
| ABA All-Star | ABA All-Star |
| College | University of North Carolina |
| Position | Power forward |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Playing Career | 1974–1986 |
| Career Highlights | Consensus second-team All-American |
| Other Achievements | Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award recipient |
| Career Statistics | Points: 11,391 (12.1 ppg) |
| Olympic Games | Represented the United States in the 1972 Munich Olympics |
| Personal Traits | Exceptional defense and hustle |
| Health Concerns | Battled asthma, occasional seizures, and heart disorder |
Robert Clyde Jones is a former American professional basketball player born on December 18, 1951. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Denver Nuggets in the American Basketball Association (ABA).
Robert Clyde Jones won an NBA championship with the 76ers in 1983, earned the nickname “the Secretary of Defense,” was a four-time NBA All-Star, an eight-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team, and received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1983.
46. Domantas Sabonis
| Domantas Sabonis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Domantas Sabonis |
| Birthdate | May 3, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Nationality | Lithuanian / American |
| Position | Center / Power Forward |
| League | NBA |
| NBA Team | Sacramento Kings |
| NBA Career | 2016–present |
| Height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| NBA All-Star | 3 times (2020, 2021, 2023) |
| All-NBA Team | Third Team (2023) |
| NBA Rebounding Leader | 2023 |
| College | Gonzaga University |
| NBA Draft | 2016: 1st round, 11th overall pick |
| International Career | Lithuanian National Team |
| EuroBasket | 2015 (France) |
| European Youth Olympic | Festival 2011 (Turkey) |
| Family Background | Son of Arvydas Sabonis (Hall of Fame player) |
| Siblings | Žygis (brother), Tautvydas (brother), Aušrinė (sister) |
| NCAA Career | Gonzaga Bulldogs |
Domantas Sabonis, a professional basketball player of Lithuanian and American descent, was born on May 3, 1996.
He competes for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association and the Lithuanian national team (NBA). Arvydas Sabonis’ son, Sabonis, is a three-time NBA All-Star and a member of the Hall of Fame.
47. Rick Smits
| Rick Smits | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rick Smits |
| Nickname | The Dunking Dutchman |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Height | 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| College | Marist College |
| NBA Team | Indiana Pacers (1988-2000) |
| Position | Center |
| Career Highlights | NBA All-Star |
| NBA Finals Appearance | 2000 |
| Retired Jersey Number | No. 45 (Marist Red Foxes) |
| Career NBA Statistics | Points: 12,871 (14.8 ppg) |
| National Team Career | Played for the senior Netherlands national team |
| Other Interests | Vintage motocross racing |
| Family | Son: Derrik Smits (7 ft 2 in) |
Rik Smits, born on August 23, 1966, is a former professional basketball player from the Netherlands known as “the Dunking Dutchman.” He played for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) throughout his career.
The Pacers selected the 7-foot-4, 2.24-meter center from Marist College with the second overall pick in the 1988 NBA draft. Smits made the NBA Finals in 2000 after making the All-Star team in 1998.
48. Dan Issel
| Dan Issel | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Paul Issel |
| Birthdate | October 25, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Batavia, Illinois, U.S. |
| College | University of Kentucky |
| Position | Center / Power Forward |
| NBA Teams | Detroit Pistons (drafted), Kentucky Colonels, Denver Nuggets |
| Career Highlights | ABA champion |
| and Awards | NBA All-Star |
| Career ABA Statistics | Points: 27,482 (22.6 ppg) |
| Career NBA Statistics | Points: 20,643 (20.4 ppg) |
| Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993) |
| Coaching Career | Denver Nuggets (1992–1994, 1999–2001) |
Daniel Paul Issel is an American, former professional basketball player, and current basketball coach. Oct 25, 1948, marked his birth.
In addition to one NBA All-Star game and six ABA All-Star games, he won the American Basketball Association Rookie of the Year award in 1971.
Issel is a prolific scorer who currently holds the title of a second-leading scorer in both the American Basketball Association and the NBA, as well as an all-time leader in scoring for the University of Kentucky and the Denver Nuggets of the NBA. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted Issel in 1993.
49. Kiki Vandeweghe
| Kiki Vandeweghe | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ernest Maurice “Kiki” VanDeWeghe III |
| Birthdate | August 1, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Wiesbaden, West Germany |
| Nationality | German American |
| College | UCLA |
| Position | Small forward |
| NBA Teams | Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, |
| NBA All-Star Selections | 2 |
| Scoring Ability | Averaged 20 points for seven consecutive seasons |
| Notable Move | Mastered the stepback, known as the “Kiki Move” |
| NBA Playoffs Appearances | 12 out of 13 seasons played in the league |
| Front Office Positions | General Manager of Denver Nuggets and New Jersey |
| Name Change | Changed spelling to “VanDeWeghe” in honor of |
| College Success | Led UCLA Bruins to the 1980 NCAA Championship |
| Family Ties | Son of former NBA player Ernie Vandeweghe and |
| Nephew | Mel Hutchins, NBA player and four-time All-Star |
| Niece | Coco Vandeweghe, professional tennis player |
| Spouse | Peggy VanDeWeghe |
| Children | Ernest Maurice VanDeWeghe IV |
Ernest Maurice “Kiki” VanDeWeghe III is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive serving as an NBA advisor. He was born on August 1, 1958. He was a two-time NBA All-Star player.
VanDeWeghe joined the NBA’s executive team in 2013 and held the position of executive vice president of basketball operations for eight years until 2021 when he changed roles and became an advisor to Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner Byron Spruell, the president of the league operations.
50. Jerry Sloan
| Jerry Sloan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gerald Eugene Sloan |
| Birthdate | March 28, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Gobbler’s Knob, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| College | Evansville |
| NBA Teams | Baltimore Bullets, Chicago Bulls |
| NBA Career | 1965–1976 |
| NBA All-Star | 2× (1967, 1969) |
| All-Defensive First Team | 4× (1969, 1972, 1974–1975) |
| All-Defensive Second Team | 2× (1970–1971) |
| Coaching Career | 1978–2011 |
| Coaching Record | NBA: 1,221–803 (.603) |
| Team Coached | Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2009 |
Gerald Eugene Sloan, an American basketball coach, and professional player, was born on March 28, 1942, and died on May 22, 2020. He played in the NBA for 11 seasons before starting a 30-year coaching career, 23 of which he spent as the head coach of the Utah Jazz (1988–2011).
Sloan was one of the “greatest and most respected coaches in NBA history,” according to NBA commissioner David Stern. In 2009, he received his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.