The NBA governs North American professional basketball. One of the four largest professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada, the tournament features 30 teams, including 29 from the United States and one from Canada. Additionally, it is regarded as the world’s largest basketball tournament.
On June 6, 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) hosted the inaugural event in New York City. After combining with its rival, the National Basketball League (NBL), the latter was renamed the National Basketball Association (NBA) on August 3, 1949. During the regular season, which runs from October to April, each team plays 82 games. Typically, the playoff season lasts until June. NBA players will be the highest-paid athletes in the world in 2020, according to current statistics.
In addition to the gold ring engraved with the winning team’s name and the Larry O’Brien trophy, the NBA Finals MVP award will be presented to the series’ best player.
Here are the top 50 greatest NBA players of all time.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan | Information |
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Full Name | Michael Jeffrey Jordan |
Nickname | MJ |
Birthdate | February 17, 1963 |
Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. |
Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
Weight | 216 lb (98 kg) |
Position | Shooting Guard / Small Forward |
College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
NBA Teams | Chicago Bulls (1984–1993, 1995–1998), Washington Wizards (2001–2003), Charlotte Hornets (Owner) |
NBA Championships | 6 |
NBA Finals MVP Awards | 6 |
NBA Most Valuable Player Awards | 5 |
NBA All-Star Appearances | 14 |
NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards | 3 |
All-NBA First Team Selections | 10 |
All-NBA Second Team Selections | 1 |
NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 1 |
NBA Rookie of the Year | 1 |
NBA Scoring Titles | 10 |
NBA Steals Leader | 3 |
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion | 2 |
NCAA Championship | 1 |
Olympic Gold Medals | 2 |
Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as a player |
FIBA Hall of Fame | Inducted as a player |
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Recipient in 2016 |
Career NBA Statistics | Points: 32,292, Rebounds: 6,672, Assists: 5,633 |
Net Worth | $2 billion (as of 2023) |
Cultural Impact | Popularized basketball and the NBA globally in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a global cultural icon |
Endorsements | Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers, Space Jam (1996), numerous product endorsements |
Business Ventures | Principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), owner of 23XI Racing (NASCAR Cup Series) |
Philanthropy | Involved in various charitable activities and foundations |
On February 17, 1963, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, an American businessman, and former professional basketball player, was born.
He goes by the initial MJ. According to his biography on the official website of the National Basketball Association (NBA), ” Michael Jordan is, without a doubt, the greatest basketball player ever.”
He played in the NBA for fifteen seasons, and the Chicago Bulls helped him win six NBA championships. Jordan owns the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA and is chairman of 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. In the 1980s and 1990s, he played a key role in making the NBA more popular all over the world, making him a cultural icon on a global scale.
If you want to know more about Michael Jordan’s height, check out this article. It gives you a detailed explanation of his height and how it contributed to his success on the court.
2. LeBron James
LeBron James | Information |
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Full Name | LeBron Raymone James Sr. |
Nickname | King James |
Birthdate | December 30, 1984 |
Birthplace | Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
Position | Small forward / Power forward |
Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
NBA Championships | 4 (2 with Miami Heat, 1 each with Lakers and Cavaliers) |
NBA Finals MVPs | 4 |
NBA MVP Awards | 4 |
All-Star Selections | 19 |
All-NBA First Team Selections | 13 |
Olympic Gold Medals | 2 |
All-Time Leading Scorer in NBA History | Yes |
Career Assists | Ranked fourth in NBA history |
High School | St. Vincent–St. Mary (Akron, Ohio) |
NBA Draft | 2003: 1st overall pick by Cleveland Cavaliers |
NBA Rookie of the Year | 2004 |
Notable Achievement | Ended Cleveland sports curse in 2016 |
A basketball player from the United States named LeBron James Sr. plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) (born December 30, 1984). He is known as “King James” because he is one of the all-time great basketball players. James is frequently compared to Michael Jordan in debates regarding who is the greatest basketball player ever.
James has the most assists in his career and is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He has participated in ten NBA Finals and won four NBA titles, two with the Miami Heat and one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.
He has two Olympic gold medals, four MVP awards, and four Finals MVP awards. He has received 19 All-Star selections, made the All-NBA Team 18 times, including 13 times to the First Team, and made the All-Defensive Team 6 times.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul Jabbar | Information |
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Full Name | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
Birthdate | April 16, 1947 |
Birthplace | Harlem, New York, U.S. |
Listed Height | 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) |
Listed Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
High School | Power Memorial (New York City, New York) |
College | UCLA (1966–1969) |
NBA Draft | 1969: 1st round, 1st overall pick |
NBA Team (Player) | Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975) |
NBA Team (Coach) | Alchesay HS (assistant, 1998–1999) |
Career Highlights | 6× NBA champion |
Coaching Career | USBL champion (2002) |
Basketball Statistics | Points: 38,387 (24.6 ppg) |
Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame as player |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose real name is Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., was born in the United States on April 16, 1947.
He played professionally for 20 seasons with the National Basketball Association’s Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers (NBA).
He won the NBA Finals MVP award twice and was a member of six championship teams as a player and two as an assistant coach. Abdul-Jabbar was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. From 1984 to 2023, Abdul-Jabbar led the NBA in career scoring.
If you want to learn more about the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, check out our article on the top NBA players of all time. Abdul-Jabbar is considered by many to be the greatest center of all time, with six NBA championships and six MVP awards to his name.
4. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson | Information |
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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) |
College | Michigan State |
NBA Teams | Los Angeles Lakers (1979–1991, 1996) |
Position | Point Guard |
Championships | 5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) |
MVP Awards | 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989, 1990) |
Finals MVP Awards | 3× NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (1980, 1982, 1987) |
All-Star Appearances | 12× NBA All-Star (1980, 1982–1992) |
All-NBA Selections | 9× All-NBA First Team (1983–1991) |
Career Assists Leader | 4× NBA assists leader |
Career Steals Leader | 2× NBA steals leader |
NBA Hall of Fame | Inducted as a player in 2002 |
Olympic Gold Medal | 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games |
Business Ventures | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Broadcaster, Motivational Speaker |
Team Ownership | Co-owner of Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, LAFC |
Career Statistics | Points: 17,707 (19.5 ppg) |
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is a former American professional basketball player born on August 14, 1959. He is frequently regarded as the greatest-ever point guard.
Johnson was a National Basketball Association (NBA) member for thirteen seasons. Johnson was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA draft. During their Showtime era, Johnson led the team to five NBA championships and won a national championship with Michigan State. After announcing that he had contracted HIV in 1991, Johnson abruptly retired, but he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP Award. Despite objections from his fellow players, he returned to the game in 1996 at the age of 36 and played in 32 games for the Lakers before taking his third and final retirement.
5. Bill Russell
Bill Russell | Information |
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Full Name | Bill Russell |
Birthdate | February 12, 1934 |
Birthplace | Monroe, Louisiana, U.S. |
Death | July 31, 2022 |
Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
NBA Team (Player) | Boston Celtics (1956–1969) |
Position | Center |
NBA Championships | 11x NBA champion |
NBA MVP Awards | 5x NBA Most Valuable Player |
NBA All-Star Appearances | 12x NBA All-Star |
College Championships | 2x NCAA champion |
Rebounding Titles | 4x NBA rebounding champion |
Olympic Gold Medals | 1x gold medalist (1956) |
College Player of the Year | UPI College Player of the Year |
Presidential Medal of Freedom | Recipient (2011) |
Hall of Fame | Basketball Hall of Fame as player and coach |
Notable Achievements | – Tied record for the most championships won by an athlete in a North American sports league |
From 1956 to 1969, William Felton Russell, an American center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA), played in the NBA.
He was an American professional basketball player. He was born on February 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He was the center of the Celtics dynasty, which won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.
He was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a 12-time NBA All-Star. Most people think that Russell is one of the best basketball players ever.
He led the San Francisco Dons to two NCAA championships in a row in 1955 and 1956, and he also captained the U.S. national basketball team that won a gold medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics.
Shortly after he died in 2022, the NBA retired Russell’s #6 jersey league-wide, making him the only player in NBA history to receive the honor.
6. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain | Information |
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Full Name | Wilton Norman Chamberlain |
Birthdate | August 21, 1936 |
Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
Position | Center |
NBA Teams | Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers |
NBA Championships | 2 |
NBA MVP Awards | 4 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 13 |
NCAA College | University of Kansas |
100-Point Game | Scored 100 points in a single game |
Rebounding Dominance | Averaged 22.9 rebounds per game throughout his career |
Scoring Titles | Led the league in scoring for 7 seasons |
Impactful Rivalry | Rivalry with Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics |
Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, College Basketball Hall of Fame |
College Athletic Achievements | Dominated in track and field events and high jump |
High School Career | Led Overbrook High School to two city championships |
Nicknames | “The Big Dipper,” “Wilt the Stilt,” “Goliath” |
College Choice | Chose to play college basketball at the University of Kansas |
Wilton Norman Chamberlain, an American professional basketball player, spent 14 years as a center for the National Basketball Association (NBA) (August 21, 1936–October 12, 1999).
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted Chamberlain that year, and he was also chosen for the NBA’s 35th, 50th, and 75th anniversary teams. Wilton Chamberlain also won Rookie of the Year, 4 regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, 1 MVP award in the Finals, and 1 MVP award in the All-Star Game. Chamberlain also won 2 NBA championships.
In addition to being a lifelong bachelor, Chamberlain achieved notoriety for claiming to have had sex with as many as 20,000 women.
7. Larry Bird
Larry Bird | Information |
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Full Name | Larry Joe Bird |
Nickname | “The Hick from French Lick,” “Larry Legend” |
Birthdate | December 7, 1956 |
Birthplace | West Baden Springs, Indiana, U.S. |
College | Indiana State University |
NBA Team | Boston Celtics |
Playing Career | 1979–1992 |
Position | Small forward / Power forward |
NBA Championships | 3 |
NBA Finals MVP Awards | 2 |
NBA Most Valuable Player | 3 consecutive times |
NBA All-Star Selections | 12 |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1 |
All-NBA First Team | 9 times |
All-NBA Second Team | 1 time |
NBA All-Defensive Second Team | 3 times |
NBA Rookie of the Year | 1980 |
NBA Three-Point Contest Champion | 3 times |
50–40–90 Club | 2 times |
NBA Lifetime Achievement Award | Yes |
No. 33 retired by Boston Celtics | Yes |
College Player of the Year | 1979 |
Consensus All-American | 2 times |
NBA Coach of the Year | 1997–1998 |
NBA Executive of the Year | 2012 |
Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as player in 1998, as part of “Dream Team” in 2010 |
College Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2006 |
Larry Joe Bird is a former American professional basketball player, coach, and National Basketball Association (NBA) executive. He was born on December 7, 1956.
He, also known as “Larry Legend” and “the Hick from French Lick,” is considered one of the best 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.
8. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant | Information |
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Full Name | Kobe Bean Bryant |
Birthdate | August 23, 1978 |
Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Date of Death | January 26, 2020 |
Place of Death | Calabasas, California, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Position | Shooting Guard |
Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
NBA Championships | 5 |
NBA MVP | 2008 |
NBA Finals MVP | 2 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 18 |
All-NBA First Team | 11 times |
All-Defensive Team | 12 times |
Scoring Titles | 2 |
Points Scored | 33,643 (Regular Season), 5,640 (Playoffs) |
High School | Lower Merion |
Draft Year | 1996 |
Draft Pick | 13th overall (Selected by Charlotte Hornets, traded to Lakers) |
Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
Weight | 212 lb (96 kg) |
Jersey Numbers | 8, 24 (both retired by Los Angeles Lakers) |
Hall of Fame Induction | 2020 |
From August 23, 1978, to January 26, 2020, Kobe Bean Bryant played professionally in the NBA. During his 20 years of National Basketball Association (NBA) play, he was a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to being the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a two-time NBA Finals MVP, Bryant was a five-time NBA Champion, 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, and 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team. In basketball history, he is regarded as one of the best players and scorers ever. In 2021, he was chosen for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. In 2020, he received a posthumous induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
9. Shaquille O’Neal
Full Name | Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal |
Date of Birth | March 6, 1972 |
Place of Birth | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
Playing career | 1992–2011 |
Former American professional basketball player Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal, better known by his stage name “Shaq,” contributes as a sports analyst to the television show Inside the NBA. He was born on March 6, 1972.
O’Neal is considered one of the greatest centers and players in basketball history. He is a center who stands 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters) tall, weighs 325 pounds (147 kilograms), and has won four NBA championships in his 19-year career.
10. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan | Information |
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Full Name | Timothy Theodore Duncan |
Nickname | The Big Fundamental |
Date of Birth | April 25, 1976 |
Age | 47 |
Nationality | American |
Position | Power Forward / Center |
Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
NBA Team | San Antonio Spurs |
NBA Draft | 1997: 1st round, 1st overall pick |
College | Wake Forest Demon Deacons |
College Achievements | John Wooden Award, Naismith College Player of the Year |
NBA Career | 19 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs |
NBA Championships | 5 |
NBA MVP Awards | 2 |
NBA Finals MVP Awards | 3 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 15 |
All-NBA First Team | 10 times |
All-NBA Defensive First Team | 8 times |
NBA Rookie of the Year | 1998 |
Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2020) |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 2021 |
Off-Court Contributions | Founder of the Tim Duncan Foundation |
Former NBA basketball player Timothy Theodore Duncan is American. He was given the nickname “the Big Fundamental” because he is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA players and the best power forward of all time. He spent 19 years as a San Antonio Spurs player, and many consider him to be a key factor in the team’s success in the 2000s and early 2010s.
In 2020, Duncan was elected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and in 2021, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame accepted him as a member.
If you want to learn about some of the skinniest players ever to grace the basketball court, check out our article on the skinniest basketball players. Although Tim Duncan isn’t necessarily one of the skinniest players on the list, this article highlights some of the most uniquely built players in the history of the game.
11. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon | Information |
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Full Name | Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon |
Nickname | “The Dream” |
Birthdate | January 21, 1963 |
Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
Nationality | Nigerian-American |
Position | Center |
Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
Weight | 255 lb (116 kg) |
College | University of Houston |
NBA Teams | Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors |
NBA Championships | 2 |
NBA Finals MVP | 2 |
NBA Most Valuable Player | 1 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 12 |
All-NBA First Team | 6 |
All-NBA Second Team | 3 |
All-NBA Third Team | 3 |
NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 2 |
NBA All-Defensive First Team | 5 |
NBA All-Defensive Second Team | 4 |
NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1 |
NBA Rebounding Leader | 2 |
NBA Blocks Leader | 3 |
NBA Quadruple-Double | 1 |
Naismith Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2008 |
FIBA Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2016 |
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, also known as “the Dream,” is a former Nigerian-American professional basketball player.
He was a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1984 to 2002, playing for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors in his final season. In 1994 and 1995, he led the Rockets to NBA championships.
In addition, Olajuwon was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Olajuwon is widely regarded as a great basketball player and one of the greatest centers of all time.
12. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant | Information |
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Full Name | Kevin Wayne Durant |
Nickname | KD |
Date of Birth | September 29, 1988 |
Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Position | Small forward / Power forward |
Team | Phoenix Suns |
College | Texas Longhorns (2006–2007) |
NBA Draft | 2007: 1st round, 2nd overall pick (Seattle SuperSonics) |
NBA Career | 2007–present |
Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
High School | National Christian Academy, Oak Hill Academy, Montrose Christian School |
Career Highlights | 2× NBA champion, 2× NBA Finals MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, 13× NBA All-Star, 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP, 6× All-NBA First Team, 4× All-NBA Second Team, NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA All-Rookie First Team, 4× NBA scoring champion, 2× 50–40–90 club, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Consensus national college player of the year, Consensus first-team All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year, No. 35 retired by Texas Longhorns, FIBA World Championship MVP, 3× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, McDonald’s All-American Game MVP, First-team Parade All-American, Second-team Parade All-American |
Medals | Olympics (3 gold medals), World Championship/World Cup (1 gold medal) |
Off-Court | Philanthropy work, Endorsement deals with Foot Locker and Nike, Contributor to The Players’ Tribune, Acting appearance in Thunderstruck film |
Family | Parents: Wanda Durant and Wayne Pratt, Siblings: Brianna, Tony, and Rayvonne |
Hometown | Prince George’s County, Maryland |
Early Years | AAU basketball, Teammate of Michael Beasley, Greivis Vásquez, and Ty Lawson, Jersey number #35 in honor of AAU coach Charles Craig |
College Career | University of Texas, National Player of the Year, John R. Wooden Award, Naismith College Player of the Year, No. 35 jersey retired by the Longhorns |
NBA Career | Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2016), Golden State Warriors (2016–2019), Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023), Phoenix Suns (2023–present) |
Scoring Titles | 4× NBA scoring champion |
American basketball player Kevin Wayne Durant competes for the National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns (NBA). He was born on September 29, 1988, and goes by the initial KD. He was selected second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA draft after playing college basketball for the Texas Longhorns. He played for the Oklahoma City Thunder for nine seasons before signing with the Golden State Warriors in 2016, where he helped them win two consecutive NBA championships in 2017 and 2018. He signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2019 as a free agent after suffering an Achilles injury during the finals.
He requested a trade during the offseason of 2022 due to disagreements with the Nets’ management, and he was eventually traded to the Suns in 2023. One of the greatest players and scorers of all time, Kevin Durant, is widely regarded.
Are you curious about the height of Kevin Durant? The professional basketball player stands tall at 6’10’’ and has often been praised for his impressive wingspan and mobility on the court. Durant’s height gives him an undeniable advantage in his game, allowing him to shoot over his opponents and grab rebounds with ease.
13. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson | Information |
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Full Name | Oscar Palmer Robertson |
Nickname | The Big O |
Date of Birth | November 24, 1938 |
Age | 84 |
Nationality | American |
Teams Played For | Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks |
Position | Point Guard |
All-Star Appearances | 12 |
All-NBA Team | 11-time member of the All-NBA Team |
NBA MVP | 1-time MVP award winner |
Triple-Double Season | First player to average a triple-double for a season |
NBA Championships | Helped the Milwaukee Bucks win their first NBA title in 1971 |
Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1980, 2010) |
NBA Anniversary Team | Named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team (1980) |
50 Greatest Players | Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996) |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Honored as one of the league’s greatest players of all-time (2021) |
College Achievements | 3-time College Player of the Year, NCAA and school records |
Olympic Gold Medal | Won gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics |
Off-Court Impact | Integral part of NBA antitrust suit, leading to league reforms |
Career Scoring Average | Averaged 25.7 points per game throughout his NBA career |
Oscar Palmer Robertson, also known as “the Big O,” was a former professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association’s Milwaukee Bucks and Cincinnati Royals (NBA). He was born on November 24, 1938.
In his 14 seasons as a point guard, Robertson was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and one-time MVP. Along with Russell Westbrook, he was the first NBA player to average a triple-double every season in 1962. He was a key team member that won the Bucks their first NBA title during the 1970–71 season. Racism plagued his playing career, particularly in high school and college.
14. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry | Information |
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Full Name | Stephen Curry |
Birthdate | March 14, 1988 |
Birthplace | Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
Team | Golden State Warriors |
Position | Point guard |
League | NBA |
Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
College | Davidson College |
NBA Draft | 2009: 1st round, 7th overall pick |
Championships | 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) |
MVP Awards | 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2015, 2016) |
NBA Finals MVP | 1× NBA Finals MVP (2022) |
All-Star Selections | 9× NBA All-Star (2014–2019, 2021–2023) |
All-NBA Selections | 9× All-NBA selection (4× First Team, 4× Second Team, 1× Third Team) |
NCAA Records | Set single-season NCAA record for most three-pointers made during sophomore year (162) |
Three-Point Shooting | Holds NBA record for most three-pointers made in a regular season (402) |
Accolades | NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Western Conference Finals MVP, NBA scoring champion, NBA steals leader |
Family | Son of Dell Curry (former NBA player), brother of Seth Curry (current NBA player) |
Wardell Professional basketball player Stephen Curry II plays for the National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors (NBA). He was born in the United States on March 14, 1988.
Curry is considered one of the best basketball players ever and the best shooter in the history of the NBA. He is also credited with transforming the game by enticing groups of players and teams to make more three-pointers. He has won four NBA championships, been selected as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice, and has also earned MVP honors for both the NBA Finals and the NBA All-Star Game. He has also been selected for the NBA All-Star Game nine times and the NBA All-NBA team eight times, with four first-team outings.
If you’re wondering about Steph Curry height, he stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall. Despite not being one of the tallest players in the NBA, Stephen Curry has proved himself to be one of the greatest shooters of all time.
15. Karl Malone
Karl Malone | Information |
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Full Name | Karl Anthony Malone |
Nickname | The Mailman |
Birthdate | July 24, 1963 |
Birthplace | Summerfield, Louisiana, U.S. |
Position | Power forward |
NBA Teams | Utah Jazz (1985–2003), Los Angeles Lakers (2003–2004) |
College | Louisiana Tech University (1982–1985) |
NBA MVP Awards | 2 |
NBA All-Star Appearances | 14 |
All-NBA First Team Selections | 11 |
NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards | 2 |
NBA All-Defensive Team Selections | 4 |
Career Points | 36,928 |
Career Rebounds | 14,968 |
Career Assists | 5,238 |
Olympic Medals | 2 Gold Medals |
Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2010 (Player), 2010 (1992 Olympic team) |
NBA Records | Most free throws made and attempted, most regular season games started |
Accolades | Named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team, NBA 75th Anniversary Team |
Karl Anthony Malone is a former NBA professional basketball player from the United States. He was born on July 24, 1963. Malone is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history and is called “the Mailman.”
From 1985 to 2003, Malone spent his first 18 NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz, where he and teammate John Stockton formed a formidable duo. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA first-teamer, and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player. After LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, his 36,928 career points rank third in NBA history. He also holds the record for the freest throws attempted and made, is tied for second with Kobe Bryant for the most first-team All-NBA selections, and is behind LeBron James.
16. Moses Malone
Moses Malone | Information |
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Full Name | Moses Eugene Malone Sr. |
Birthdate | March 23, 1955 |
Birthplace | Petersburg, Virginia, U.S. |
Death | September 13, 2015, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
Professional Career | 1974-1995 (ABA and NBA) |
Position | Center |
NBA MVP Awards | 3 times |
NBA Championships | 1 |
NBA Finals MVP | 1983 |
NBA All-Star | 12 times |
All-NBA First Team | 4 times |
All-NBA Second Team | 4 times |
NBA All-Defensive First | 1 time |
NBA All-Defensive Second | 1 time |
NBA Rebounding Leader | 6 times |
NBA Anniversary Team | 50th and 75th anniversary teams |
ABA All-Time Team | Included |
Hall of Fame Induction | 2001 |
High School | Petersburg High School |
Moses Eugene Malone was a professional basketball player from the United States who competed in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) between 1974 and 1995. He was born on March 23, 1955, and passed away on September 13, 2015.
He was an NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times as a center, was an NBA All-Star 12 times, and was named to the All-NBA Team 8 times. In 1983, Malone led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA title and was named league and Finals MVP.
In 2001, his first year of eligibility, Moses Malone was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Malone is widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players but is also considered one of the NBA’s most underrated players.
Moses Malone, known for his incredible rebounding skills and aggressive style, was one of the top NBA players in the 80s. Check out our article on famous basketball players of the 80s to see some of the greatest players of that era.
17. Jerry West
Jerry West | Information |
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Full Name | Jerry West |
Birthdate | May 28, 1938 |
Birthplace | Chelyan, West Virginia, U.S. |
Nicknames | “The Logo,” “Mr. Clutch,” “Mr. Outside,” “Zeke from Cabin Creek” |
Position | Point guard / Shooting guard |
College | West Virginia University |
NBA Teams | Los Angeles Lakers (1960–1974) |
Olympic Gold Medal | 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team (Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 2010) |
NBA Championships | 1972 (as a player), 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2015, 2017 (as an executive) |
All-NBA Selections | 12 times (First and Second Teams) |
All-Star Selections | 14 times |
All-Star MVP | 1972 |
Finals MVP | 1969 (despite being on the losing team) |
NBA Scoring Champion | 1970 |
NBA Assists Leader | 1972 |
NBA Executive Career | General Manager of Los Angeles Lakers (1982–2000), General Manager of Memphis Grizzlies (2002–2007) |
NBA Executive Awards | 2× NBA Executive of the Year (1995, 2004) |
Coaching Career | Head Coach of Los Angeles Lakers (1976–1979) |
Coaching Record | NBA: 145–101 (.589) |
Hall of Fame Inductee | Basketball Hall of Fame as a player (1980) |
NCAA Honors | NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1959) |
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.
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 gold medal squad, which was collectively honored by being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
18. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett | Information |
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Full Name | Kevin Maurice Garnett |
Nickname | KG, Big Ticket |
Date of Birth | May 19, 1976 |
Age | 47 |
Nationality | American |
Position | Power Forward |
Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
NBA Teams | Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-2007, 2015-2016), Boston Celtics (2007-2013), Brooklyn Nets (2013-2015) |
NBA Championships | 1 (2008 with the Boston Celtics) |
NBA Most Valuable Player | 1 (2004) |
NBA All-Star | 15 times |
All-NBA First Team | 4 times |
All-NBA Second Team | 3 times |
All-NBA Third Team | 2 times |
NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 1 (2008) |
NBA All-Defensive First Team | 9 times |
NBA All-Defensive Second Team | 3 times |
NBA Rebounding Champion | 4 times |
NBA All-Rookie Second Team | 1 (1996) |
Awards and Honors | NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 5 retired by Boston Celtics, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2020) |
High School Achievements | McDonald’s All-American, National High School Player of the Year, Illinois Mr. Basketball |
American former professional basketball player Kevin Maurice Garnett was born on May 19, 1976. Garnett spent 21 seasons as a player in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Garnett is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards ever because of his intensity, defensive prowess, and versatility.
He is also referred to as KG by his initials and is known as the “Big Ticket” for his powerful dunks and athleticism. Garnett will be one of only five NBA players to have won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and the NBA Most Valuable Player Award by 2020.
19. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki | Information |
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Full Name | Dirk Werner Nowitzki |
Birthdate | June 19, 1978 (age 45) |
Birthplace | Würzburg, West Germany |
Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
Position | Power Forward / Center |
NBA Team | Dallas Mavericks |
NBA Career | 1998–2019 |
Special Advisor | Dallas Mavericks |
Greatest Power Forward | Widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time |
Hall of Fame Induction | To be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
All-Time Scoring | Highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history |
Franchise Loyalty | Only player to play for a single NBA franchise for 21 seasons |
NBA Championships | Led the Dallas Mavericks to their only NBA championship in 2011 |
NBA MVP | NBA Most Valuable Player Award winner in 2007 |
All-Star Appearances | 14-time NBA All-Star |
All-NBA Selections | 12-time All-NBA Team member |
International Success | Led Germany to bronze in 2002 FIBA World Championship and silver in EuroBasket 2005 |
Personal Achievements | Holds several all-time Mavericks franchise records |
Scoring Legacy | Sixth on the NBA all-time scoring list upon retirement |
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a former German professional basketball player born June 19, 1978. He currently serves as a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks, a National Basketball Association (NBA) member. Dirk Nowitzki is regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time and the greatest European player of all time. His height is 7.0 inches (2.13 meters). Nowitzki was included on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
20. Julius Erving
Julius Erving | Information |
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Full Name | Julius Winfield Erving II |
Nickname | Dr. J |
Birthdate | February 22, 1950 |
Birthplace | Roosevelt, New York, U.S. |
College | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
Teams Played For | Virginia Squires, New York Nets, Philadelphia 76ers |
Championships | 3 (ABA: 1974, 1976; NBA: 1983) |
MVP Awards | 4 (ABA: 1974–1976; NBA: 1981) |
Scoring Titles | 3 (ABA: 1973, 1974, 1976) |
All-Star Appearances | 11 (NBA: 1977–1987) |
Slam Dunk Contest | ABA Slam Dunk champion (1976) |
Hall of Fame Inductions | Basketball Hall of Fame (1993), College Basketball Hall of Fame (2006) |
NBA Anniversary Team | Yes (35th, 50th, 75th) |
Notable Skill | Pioneered dunking as an art form and popularized the slam dunk |
Post-playing Career | Earned bachelor’s degree in creative leadership and administration from University of Massachusetts Amherst |
Jermaine Winfield Erving II, an American former professional basketball player, also known as Dr. J, was born on February 22, 1950. Erving was the most well-known American Basketball Association (ABA) player when it merged with the National Basketball Association (NBA) after the 1975–76 season.
Erving is regarded as one of the most gifted players in the NBA and one of the best dunkers in the league. Even though the slam dunk is still frequently used as a form of intimidation, a show of power, and a way to energize a team and the crowd, Erving showed that it is possible to slam the ball into the hoop with great artistry and grace, especially after a launch several feet from that target.
If you’re looking to learn more about the top basketball players of the 70s, check out Hood MWR’s article on pro NBA players of the 1970s. This will give you an idea of what players like Julius Erving were up against during their careers and how they still managed to become some of the greatest players of all time.
21. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor | Information |
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Full Name | Elgin Baylor |
Birthdate | September 16, 1934 |
Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Date of Death | March 22, 2021 |
Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
Position | Small forward |
NBA Teams | Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (Player), New Orleans Jazz (Coach) |
College | College of Idaho, Seattle University |
Draft | 1958: 1st round, 1st overall pick |
Rookie of the Year | 1959 |
NBA All-Star | 11 times (1959–1965, 1967–1970) |
All-NBA First Team | 10 times (1959–1965, 1967–1969) |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1959 |
NBA Executive of the Year | 2006 |
Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1977) |
50 Greatest Players | Named to the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996) |
75th Anniversary Team | Named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team (2021) |
College Basketball HOF | Inducted in 2006 |
Career Statistics | Points: 23,149 (27.4 ppg), Rebounds: 11,463 (13.5 rpg), Assists: 3,650 (4.3 apg) |
Elgin Gay Baylor was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive born on September 16, 1934, and died on March 22, 2021. He was a forward for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers for 14 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Baylor was a skilled rebounder, passer, and shooter best known for his signature hanging jump shot. The No. Baylor is regarded as one of the game’s greatest players. He was the No. 1 pick in the 1958 draft, the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959, an 11-time NBA All-Star, and a 10-time member of the All-NBA first team. Baylor inducted the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977. Baylor was selected as one of the 50 greatest NBA players in 1996. Baylor was selected to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021, once more recognizing him as one of the league’s greatest players.
22. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo | Information |
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Full Name | Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo |
Nickname | Greek Freak |
Nationality | Greek / Nigerian |
Team | Milwaukee Bucks |
Position | Power forward |
Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
Weight | 243 lb (110 kg) |
NBA Draft | 2013: 1st round, 15th overall pick |
Playing Career | 2011–present |
Notable Achievements | NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP |
Early Basketball Career | Played for Filathlitikos in Athens |
Professional Career | Joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 |
Citizenship | Greek and Nigerian |
Film | “Rise” (2022) – Biographical film on his life |
Adetokunbo, Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player who joined the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) on December 6, 1994.
Antetokounmpo has acquired the nickname “Greek Freak” in addition to his size, speed, strength, and ball-handling skills. He is considered one of the greatest European players and power forwards ever.
23. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade | Information |
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Full Name | Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. |
Date of Birth | January 17, 1982 |
Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
Position | Shooting guard / Point guard |
Team | Miami Heat (2003–2016, 2018–2019) |
College | Marquette University (2000–2003) |
NBA Draft | 2003: 1st round, 5th overall pick (Miami Heat) |
NBA Championships | 3 |
NBA Finals MVP | 1 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 13 |
All-NBA First Team | 2 |
All-NBA Second Team | 3 |
All-NBA Third Team | 3 |
All-NBA Defensive Second Team | 3 |
NBA Scoring Champion | 1 |
NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1 |
Olympic Gold Medals | 2 |
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction | 2023 |
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. is a former American professional basketball player born on January 17, 1982. Wade played the majority of his 16-year NBA career for the Miami Heat. During that time, he won three NBA championships, was a 13-time NBA All-Star, an 8-time All-NBA Team member, and a 3-time All-Defensive Team member.
Wade is also Miami’s all-time leader in points, games, assists, rebounds, made shots, and missed shots. Wade currently hosts the American version of The Cube.
If you’re a fan of Dwyane Wade, you might also be interested in checking out the height of Charles Barkley, as both players are known for their strength and skill on the court. Barkley’s height of 6’6″ may seem short for a power forward, but his impressive career and competitiveness prove that height isn’t everything in basketball.
24. David Robinson
David Robinson | Information |
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Full Name | David Maurice Robinson |
Nickname | The Admiral |
Birthdate | August 6, 1965 |
Birthplace | Key West, Florida, U.S. |
Height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) |
Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
Position | Center |
NBA Teams | San Antonio Spurs (1989-2003) |
NBA Championships | 2 |
NBA MVP | 1 (1995) |
NBA All-Star | 10 times |
Olympic Gold Medals | 2 |
Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
NBA Anniversary Teams | 50th, 75th |
College | United States Naval Academy |
College Achievements | Consensus All-American, Naismith and Wooden Award winner |
Notable Skills | Dominant center, shot-blocking, scoring, rebounding |
NBA Statistics | Points: 20,790 (21.1 ppg), Rebounds: 10,497 (10.6 rpg), Blocks: 2,954 (3.0 bpg) |
Retirement | Announced retirement in 2003 |
On August 6, 1965, David Maurice Robinson, a former American professional basketball player, was born. He played in the National Basketball Association for the San Antonio Spurs from 1989 to 2003 as a minority team owner (NBA).
Robinson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice—once for his career and once as a 1992 American men’s Olympic basketball team member—and won two NBA titles (1999 and 2003).
Robinson was also twice inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame (2008 for his career and 2009 as a member of the 1992 Olympic team).
25. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley | Information |
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Full Name | Charles Wade Barkley |
Nickname | Sir Charles, Chuck, the Round Mound of Rebound |
Date of Birth | February 20, 1963 |
Age | 60 |
Birthplace | Leeds, Alabama, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Former professional basketball player, television analyst |
Teams Played | Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets |
Position | Power forward / Small forward |
Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
Weight | 252 lb (114 kg) |
College | Auburn University |
NBA Career | 1984–2000 |
NBA Achievements | 11-time NBA All-Star 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) |
Olympics | 1992 Barcelona: Men’s basketball gold medal 1996 Atlanta: Men’s basketball gold medal |
Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2006) |
Notable TV Career | TNT and CBS Sports basketball analyst Four-time Sports Emmy Award winner |
Philanthropy | Active in charitable work |
Charles Wade Barkley is a former American professional basketball player who works as a TNT television analyst.
Barkley played for three teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 16 seasons and earned the nicknames “Sir Charles,” “Chuck,” and “the Round Mound of Rebound.” Despite being shorter than the average power forward, Barkley used his strength and aggressiveness to establish himself as one of the NBA’s most dominant rebounders.
He was a player who could score, make plays, and defend. He was a versatile player. Barkley was the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in addition to being an 11-time NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team member. He was included on NBA teams celebrating their 50th and 75th birthdays.
26. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas | Information |
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Full Name | Isiah Lord Thomas III |
Nickname | Zeke |
Birthdate | April 30, 1961 |
Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Position | Point Guard |
Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
College | Indiana Hoosiers |
NBA Draft | 1981: 1st round, 2nd overall pick (Detroit Pistons) |
NBA Teams | Detroit Pistons (1981-1994) |
NBA Championships | 2 (1989, 1990) |
NBA All-Star | 12 times |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 2 times |
NBA Finals MVP | 1990 |
All-NBA Selections | 5 times (3× First Team, 2× Second Team) |
NBA Assists Leader | 1985 |
NBA Career Statistics | Points: 18,822 (19.2 ppg) |
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2000 |
NBA 50th Anniversary Team | Selected in 1996 |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Selected in 2021 |
Coaching Career | Indiana Pacers (2000-2003) |
Analyst | NBA TV |
Other Roles | Executive (Toronto Raptors) |
Isiah Lord Thomas III, also known as “Zeke,” is a former American professional basketball player and coach, now an NBA TV analyst. He was born on April 30, 1961.
After being named one of the 75 Greatest and 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, the 12-time All-Star was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Thomas is considered one of the greatest point guards and players ever.
27. Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen | Information |
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Full Name | Scottie Pippen |
Birthdate | September 25, 1965 |
Birthplace | Hamburg, Arkansas, U.S. |
Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
Weight | 228 lb (103 kg) |
High School | Hamburg High School |
College | University of Central Arkansas |
NBA Draft | 1987: 1st round, 5th overall pick (Seattle SuperSonics) |
Playing Career | 1987–2004, 2008 |
Position | Small Forward |
Jersey Number | 33 |
NBA Championships | 6-time NBA champion |
NBA All-Star | 7-time NBA All-Star |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1994 NBA All-Star Game MVP |
All-NBA First Team | 3-time All-NBA First Team selection |
All-NBA Second Team | 2-time All-NBA Second Team selection |
All-NBA Third Team | 2-time All-NBA Third Team selection |
NBA All-Defensive First Team | 8-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection |
NBA All-Defensive Second Team | 2-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection |
NBA Steals Leader | 1995 NBA steals leader |
Retired Number | No. 33 retired by Chicago Bulls and Central Arkansas Bears |
NBA Career Statistics | Points: 18,940 (16.1 ppg) |
Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as player |
Olympic Medals | Two-time Olympic gold medalist |
Additional Honors | Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team |
Family | Formerly married to Larsa Pippen |
Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr., better-known nickname as “Scottie Pippen,” is a former American professional basketball player born on September 25, 1965.
Scottie Pippen was a member of the Chicago Bulls for 17 NBA seasons, during which time he won six NBA championships. Pippen, regarded as one of the greatest small forwards of all time, and Michael Jordan contributed significantly to the transformation of the Bulls into a championship team and the global popularity of the NBA in the 1990s.
28. Chris Paul
Chris Paul | Information |
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Full Name | Christopher Emmanuel Paul |
Nicknames | CP3, the Point God |
Date of Birth | May 6, 1985 |
Nationality | American |
Position | Point Guard |
Team | Golden State Warriors (NBA) |
College | Wake Forest University |
NBA Draft | 2005: 1st round, 4th overall pick (Selected by the New Orleans Hornets) |
Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
Achievements | NBA Rookie of the Year, 12× NBA All-Star, 4× All-NBA First Team, 2× All-NBA Third Team, and more |
Olympic Medals | Two Olympic gold medals (Representing the United States) |
Notable Teams | New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors |
Notable Nickname | Leader of “Lob City” |
Endorsements | Jordan Brand, State Farm |
Christopher Emmanuel Paul is a professional National Basketball Association’s Phoenix Suns basketball player. The Point God and CP3 are other names for him.
He is one of the best point guards ever to play the position. Paul has two Olympic gold medals, the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, and he led the NBA in assists and stole the ball a league-high six times.
Additionally, he has been named to twelve NBA All-Star teams, eleven NBA All-Defensive teams, and nine NBA All-Star teams. He was included on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Paul has endorsement deals with Jordan Brand and State Farm, making him among the world’s highest-paid athletes.
29. John Havlicek
John Havlicek | Information |
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Full Name | John Joseph Havlicek |
Nickname | Hondo |
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 Draft | 1962: 1st round, 7th overall pick |
NBA Teams | Boston Celtics (1962–1978) |
NBA Championships | 8 |
NBA Finals MVP | 1974 |
NBA All-Star | 13 times |
NBA All-NBA First Team | 4 times |
NBA 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 |
Notable Moment | Clutch steal in the 1965 Eastern Conference championship |
Retirement | Retired in 1978 with the Boston Celtics |
Jersey Retirement | No. 17 retired by Boston Celtics |
NBA Honors | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1984) |
Points | All-time leading scorer for the Boston Celtics |
Games Played | 1,270 games |
Notable Quote | “The best all-around ballplayer I ever saw” |
Philanthropy | Member of the Genesis Foundation board |
Death | April 25, 2019 |
An American professional basketball player named John Joseph Havlicek once played born on April 8, 1940, and passed away 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. In 1984, Havlicek was honored with a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction. Havlicek is widely considered one of the greatest players in the game’s history. He is one of only three players with an unmatched 8–0 record in NBA Finals.
Considered to be one of the best forwards in the NBA history, John Havlicek made a name for himself in the 1970s. He was part of the Boston Celtics team that won the NBA Championship on 8 occasions during his 16-year career. Learn more about other professional NBA players of the 1970s on our website, Hood MWR.
30. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson | Information |
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Full Name | Allen Ezail Iverson |
Nickname | The Answer |
Nationality | American |
Date of Birth | June 7, 1975 |
Age | 48 |
Birthplace | Hampton, Virginia, U.S. |
Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
Weight | 165 lb (75 kg) |
Position | Shooting guard / Point guard |
NBA Draft | 1996: 1st round, 1st overall pick (Philadelphia 76ers) |
College | Georgetown (1994–1996) |
High School | Bethel (Hampton, Virginia) |
NBA Career | 1996–2010 (Philadelphia |
Allen Ezail Iverson, a former American professional basketball player, was born on June 7, 1975.
He played both point guard and shooting guard for 14 NBA seasons, earning him the nickname “the Answer.” Iverson was an 11-time member of the NBA All-Star team, the MVP of the All-Star game in 2001 and 2005, and the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2001. In 1997, he also won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. In 2016, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him.
He was selected for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021. Iverson is frequently regarded as one of the greatest scorers and most influential NBA players.
31. Bob Pettit
Bob Pettit | Information |
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Full Name | Robert E. Lee Pettit Jr. |
Date of Birth | December 12, 1932 |
Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Position | Power Forward / Center |
Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
College | Louisiana State University (LSU) |
NBA Teams | Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks (1954–1965) |
NBA Championships | 1 |
NBA Most Valuable Player Awards | 2 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 11 |
NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards | 4 |
All-NBA First Team Selections | 10 |
All-NBA Second Team Selections | 1 |
NBA Rookie of the Year | 1 |
NBA Scoring Champion | 2 |
NBA Rebounding Leader | 1 |
Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1970 |
College Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2006 |
All-Time NBA Scoring Rank | 15th |
All-Time NBA Rebounding Rank | 19th |
Robert Lee Pettit Jr. is a former American professional basketball player born on December 12, 1932. He spent all 11 NBA seasons with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks, from 1954 to 1965. 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.
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.
If you’re a fan of LSU basketball and want to learn more about the best players in the school’s history, check out our article on the 40 best LSU basketball players throughout history. From Shaquille O’Neal to Bob Pettit himself, this list covers the top talent to come from the Tigers.
32. John Stockton
John Stockton | Information |
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Full Name | John Houston Stockton |
Birthdate | March 26, 1962 |
Birthplace | Spokane, Washington, U.S. |
NBA Team | Utah Jazz (1984–2003) |
Position | Point Guard |
Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
NBA Draft | 1984: 1st round, 16th overall pick |
College | Gonzaga University (1980–1984) |
NBA Career Achievements | – Ten-time NBA All-Star |
High School Career | – Attended Gonzaga Prep |
College Career | – Played college basketball for Gonzaga University |
NBA Career | – Spent entire 19-season NBA career with the Utah Jazz |
Retirement | – Announced retirement in 2003 |
Legacy | – Considered one of the greatest point guards, players, and passers of all time |
Records | – Holds NBA records for most career assists (15,806) and steals |
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.
Stockton was an NBA All-Star ten times and holds numerous NBA records for career assists and steals. John Stockton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his career in 2009. Stockton was named one of the 50 greatest NBA players in 1996. By being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021, Stockton was once more recognized as one of the greatest players in the league’s history.
33. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard | Information |
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Full Name | Kawhi Anthony Leonard |
Nickname | “Claw” or “Klaw” |
Date of Birth | June 29, 1991 |
Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Current Team | Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) |
Position | Small Forward |
Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
College | San Diego State University |
NBA Championships | 2 |
Finals MVP | 2 |
NBA All-Star | 5 times |
All-NBA Team | 5 times (3 First Team selections) |
NBA Defensive Player of the Year | 2 times |
All-Defensive Team | 7 times (3 First Team selections) |
NBA All-Rookie Team | 2012 NBA All-Rookie First Team |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1 |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Included |
California Mr. Basketball | 2009 |
High School | Canyon Springs High School |
Recruiting Rankings | No. 8 Small Forward, No. 48 player nationwide |
Career History | San Antonio Spurs |
American basketball player Kawhi Anthony Leonard competes for the National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Clippers (NBA). Leonard was born on June 29, 1991.
He has won the NBA twice and has been named to the All-NBA First Team three times. He is a five-time All-Star. He has been dubbed the “Claw” or “Klaw” for his ability to steal balls. In 2015 and 2016, he won Defensive Player of the Year after being selected to seven All-Defensive Teams. He was selected for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Are you curious about the salary of NBA players? Check out this article about the average NBA salaries in season 2022-2023 to get an idea on how much the players are making. Knowing the salary of players like Kawhi Leonard can give us an idea on how their performances translate to their earnings.
34. Steve Nash
Steve Nash | Information |
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Full Name | Stephen John Nash |
Birthdate | February 7, 1974 |
Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
Nationality | Canadian |
Position | Point guard |
NBA Teams | Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers |
College | Santa Clara University |
NBA Draft | 1996: 1st round, 15th overall pick |
NBA MVP Awards | 2 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 8 |
All-NBA First Team | 3 |
All-NBA Second Team | 2 |
All-NBA Third Team | 2 |
NBA Assists Leader | 5 |
50–40–90 Club | 4 |
Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor | Inducted |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Inducted |
FIBA AmeriCup MVP | 2 |
Order of Canada | Inducted |
Honorary Doctor of Laws | Received from the University of Victoria |
MLS Team Ownership | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
Canadian National Team | General Manager and Former Player |
Olympic Appearances | 1 |
High School | St. Michaels University School |
College Achievements | 2-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year |
Retirement | 2015 |
Hall of Fame Induction | Basketball Hall of Fame, FIBA Hall of Fame |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Weight | 178 lb (81 kg) |
Citizenship | British, Canadian |
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 twice won the NBA Most Valuable Player award when he played for the Phoenix Suns.
35. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing | Information |
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Full Name | Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. |
Date of Birth | August 5, 1962 |
Birthplace | Kingston, Jamaica |
Nationality | Jamaican-American |
Position | Center |
College | Georgetown University |
NBA Teams | New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, Orlando Magic |
NBA Career | 1985–2002 |
Coaching Career | 2002–present |
Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
Weight | 255 lb (116 kg) |
College Accomplishments | Led Georgetown to three NCAA Championship Games, Big East Player of the Year, All-American selection |
NBA Accomplishments | 11-time NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year, All-NBA First Team selection, NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team member, Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame |
Olympic Success | Won gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Member of the “Dream Team” |
Legacy | Regarded as one of the greatest centers of all time, Dominant force for the New York Knicks in the 1990s, Impactful cultural figure in basketball |
Patrick Aloysius Ewing, a former professional basketball player and coach who is Jamaican-American, was born on August 5, 1962.
Ewing is currently the head coach of the Georgetown University men’s basketball team. He spent most of his time as the starting center for the New York Knicks, a team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), before playing for the Seattle SuperSonics and Orlando Magic for a short time.
36. Rick Barry
Rick Barry | Information |
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Full Name | Richard Francis Dennis Barry III |
Birthdate | March 28, 1944 |
Birthplace | Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. |
Notable Achievements | Rick Barry ranks among the most prolific scorers and all-around players in basketball history. He is the only player to lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in points per game in a season. He holds the all-time ABA scoring leader records for regular season and postseason play. His average of 36.3 points per game in the NBA Finals is the highest in finals history. Barry was also the first player to score at least 50 points in a Game 7 of the playoffs in either league. He is one of only four players to be a part of a championship team in both the ABA and NBA. |
Unorthodox Free Throw Technique | Barry is widely known for his underhand free throw technique. His career .880 free throw percentage ranks No. 1 in ABA history, and his .900 percentage was the best of any NBA player at the time of his retirement in 1980. |
Hall of Fame Inductions | Barry was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and honored as one of the league’s greatest players of all time in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. |
Family Legacy | Barry’s wife, Lynn Norenberg Barry, was a star basketball player at the College of William & Mary, where she became the first female athlete to have her jersey number retired. Barry is also the father of former professional basketball players Brent Barry, Jon Barry, Drew Barry, and Scooter Barry, as well as current professional player Canyon Barry. |
College Dominance | Barry excelled at the University of Miami, leading the NCAA in scoring during his senior year with an average of 37.4 points per game. |
Professional Career | Barry was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in the 1965 NBA draft and had successful stints in both the NBA and ABA. He played for several teams, including the San Francisco Warriors, Oakland Oaks, Washington Caps, New York Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets. |
Notable Records | Barry’s achievements include winning an NBA championship, an NBA Finals MVP award, an ABA championship, and being selected as an NBA All-Star eight times. He was also named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1967 and led the NBA in scoring in 1967. Barry’s jersey number 24 was retired by the Golden State Warriors, and he was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in 1965. |
Francis Richard Dennis Barry III is an American retired professional basketball player who competed at the highest levels in the NCAA, ABA, and NBA. His birthday is March 28, 1944.
Barry is among the best all-around players and scorers in the sport’s history. Barry is the only player to have led in points per game in a season for the NBA, ABA, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
He leads all-time ABA scoring in both the regular season (30.5 points per game) and postseason with 36.3 points per game, the most in NBA Finals history. Barry is also the sole participant in either league to reach 50 points in a playoff game.
37. Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy | Information |
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Full Name | Robert Joseph Cousy |
Nickname | The Houdini of the Hardwood |
Date of Birth | August 9, 1928 |
Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Position | Point Guard |
Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
Teams Played For | Boston Celtics (1950–1963), Cincinnati Royals (1969–1970) |
College | College of the Holy Cross |
NBA Career | Points: 16,960 (18.4 ppg), Rebounds: 4,786 (5.2 rpg), Assists: 6,955 (7.5 apg) |
NBA Championships | 6 |
NBA MVP | 1957 |
NBA All-Star | 13 times |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 2 times |
All-NBA First Team | 10 times |
All-NBA Second Team | 2 times |
NBA Assists Leader | 8 times |
NBA Retirement | No. 14 jersey retired by the Boston Celtics |
College Achievements | NCAA Champion (1947), Consensus First-Team All-American (1950) |
College Retirement | No. 17 jersey retired by the Holy Cross Crusaders |
Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (as a player) in 1971 |
Presidential Honor | Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 |
Philanthropy | First President of the National Basketball Players Association |
Legacy | Regarded as the first great point guard in NBA history |
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.
38. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd | Information |
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Full Name | Jason Frederick Kidd |
Birthdate | March 23, 1973 |
Birthplace | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
Position | Head Coach |
Team | Dallas Mavericks |
NBA Career | 1994–2013 |
College | University of California |
NBA Championships | 1 |
NBA All-Star | 10 times |
All-NBA First Team | 5 times |
NBA All-Defensive | 9 times |
Olympic Gold Medals | 2 |
Naismith Hall of Fame | Inducted as a player |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Honored in 2021 |
College Achievements | Pac-10 Player of the Year, All-American, Naismith Award winner |
High School | St. Joseph Notre Dame High School |
Triple-Doubles | 107 in regular season, 11 in playoffs |
NBA Coaching Career | 2013–present |
Assistant Coach | Los Angeles Lakers (2019–2021), NBA champion in 2020 |
Jason Frederick Kidd is an American professional basketball coach and former player born on March 23, 1973. Kidd currently serves as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA.
Kidd was regarded as one of the greatest point guards and passers ever. Kidd was named to the NBA All-Star team ten times, made the All-NBA First Team five times, and made the NBA All-Defensive Team nine times. As a member of the Dallas Mavericks, he won the NBA championship in 2011 and was a two-time Olympic gold medal winner with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008. Kidd was elected as a player to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Kidd was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021, making him one of the league’s greatest players.
39. James Harden
James Harden | Information |
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Full Name | James Edward Harden Jr. |
Birthdate | August 26, 1989 |
Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
College | Arizona State University |
Position | Point guard / Shooting guard |
NBA Teams | Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets |
NBA Draft | 2009: 1st round, 3rd overall pick |
Height | 6 ft 5 in |
Weight | 220 lb |
All-Time Honors | NBA Most Valuable Player (2018), NBA 75th Anniversary Team |
All-Star Appearances | 10 times |
All-NBA Selections | 6× All-NBA First Team, 1× All-NBA Third Team |
Scoring Titles | 3× NBA scoring champion |
Assists Titles | 2× NBA assists leader |
NBA Sixth Man of the Year | 2012 |
Olympic Medals | 2 Gold Medals |
College Achievements | Consensus All-American, Pac-10 Player of the Year |
High School Achievements | McDonald’s All-American, Parade All-American |
NBA Career | 2009–present |
James Edward Harden Jr. is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
While playing college basketball for the Arizona State Sun Devils, he was a consensus All-American and the 2009 Pac-10 Player of the Year. In the 2009 NBA draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Harden as the third overall pick. He helped the Thunder reach the NBA Finals, where the Miami Heat defeated them in five games. Harden was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2012 while playing for the Thunder.
If you’re a James Harden fan, you’ll definitely want to check out our list of the greatest basketball players in commercials in 2022. Not only do we feature James Harden’s hilarious Foot Locker commercials, but we also highlight the best commercials from other NBA stars. Just like James Harden’s dynamic playing style on the court, his comedic timing and wit bring these commercials to life.
40. Elvin Hayes
Elvin Hayes | Information |
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Full Name | Elvin Ernest Hayes |
Nickname | The Big E |
Birthdate | November 17, 1945 |
Birthplace | Rayville, Louisiana, U.S. |
Alma Mater | University of Houston |
Career Position | Power forward / center |
NBA Teams | San Diego / Houston Rockets, Baltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets, Houston Rockets |
NBA Championships | 1 |
NBA All-Star | 12 times |
NBA All-NBA Teams | 3× First Team, 3× Second Team |
NBA All-Defensive Team | 2× Second Team |
NBA All-Rookie Team | 1969 |
College Achievements | Associated Press Player of the Year, UPI Player of the Year, Sporting News Player of the Year, Consensus First-Team All-American |
College Rebounding | NCAA tournament record of 222 rebounds |
NBA Records | 11 blocks in a single game, Most offensive rebounds in an NBA Finals game, Played 50,000 minutes (all-time record) |
Hall of Fame | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
Other Honors | Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, Voted to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team |
Radio Analyst | Houston Cougars games on KBME radio |
Retired Jersey | No. 44 (Houston Rockets), No. 11 (Washington Bullets/Wizards) |
Additional | Inducted into Breitbard Hall of Fame, Converted to Catholicism in the 1970s, Boycotted Hall of Fame until his coach was admitted |
Elvin Ernest Hayes, better known as “the Big E,” is an American radio analyst for the Houston Cougars and a former professional basketball player. He was born on November 17, 1945.
Hayes was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams. Hayes is frequently considered one of the best power forwards in NBA history because of his versatility on both the offensive and defensive ends.
In addition, Hayes is well-known for his longevity—he ranks third all-time in NBA minutes played with 50,000 and has only missed nine games in 16 seasons.
41. Gary Payton
Gary Payton | Information |
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Full Name | Gary Dwayne Payton Sr. |
Birthdate | July 23, 1968 |
Birthplace | Oakland, California, U.S. |
Position | Point Guard |
NBA Teams | Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat |
NBA Championships | 1 (2006 with Miami Heat) |
Nickname | “The Glove” |
NBA Records | First point guard to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year |
Accolades | 9-time NBA All-Star |
College | Oregon State University |
High School | Skyline High School, Oakland, California |
Notable Skills | Exceptional defensive abilities |
Franchise Records | Holds assists and steals records for the Seattle SuperSonics |
Sr. Gary Dwayne Payton, born on July 23, 1968, is a former professional basketball player from the United States who played point guard. He is best known for his 13 years with the Seattle SuperSonics, during which time he holds franchise records for assists and steals. Payton is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards ever. He also played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers.
2006 saw Payton’s Heat team win a championship in the NBA. Gary Payton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and was dubbed “the Glove” for his defensive skills. Payton was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021.
If you want to know more about the funniest NBA players, check out our article on the top 40 funniest NBA players of all time. Laughter is always the best medicine, and basketball is no exception. Discover who made the list and what makes them so funny.
42. Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins | Information |
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Full Name | Dominique Wilkins |
Birthdate | January 12, 1960 |
Birthplace | Paris, France |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
High School | Washington High School, Washington, North Carolina |
College | University of Georgia (1979–1982) |
NBA Draft | 1982: 1st round, 3rd overall pick (selected by Utah Jazz) |
Playing Career | 1982–1999 |
Position | Small Forward |
Jersey Numbers | 21, 12 |
Career Teams | Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, Panathinaikos Athens, Fortitudo Bologna, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic |
NBA Scoring Champion | 1985–86 season |
NBA All-Star Appearances | 9 times (1986–1994) |
All-NBA Team Selections | All-NBA First Team (1986), 4x All-NBA Second Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team |
NBA Slam Dunk Contest | 2-time champion (1985, 1990) |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Inducted in October 2021 |
Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2006 |
College Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2016 |
FIBA World Cup Gold Medal | Representing the United States in 1994 |
Nickname | “The Human Highlight Film” |
Retired Jersey Number | No. 21 (Atlanta Hawks) |
Jacques Dominique Wilkins, a former professional basketball player from the U.S., was born on January 12, 1960, and spent most of his career with the National Basketball Association’s Atlanta Hawks (NBA).
During the 1985–86 NBA season, Wilkins scored the most points. Wilkins joined the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Wilkins was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021, recognizing him as one of the league’s greatest players.
43. George Gervin
George Gervin | Information |
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Full Name | George Gervin |
Nickname | The Iceman |
Birthdate | April 27, 1952 |
Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
High School | Martin Luther King, Jr. High School (Detroit) |
College | Eastern Michigan University |
NBA Teams | Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls |
NBA Career | 1972–1990 |
Position | Shooting Guard / Small Forward |
NBA Scoring Titles | 4 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 9 |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 1 (1980) |
All-NBA First Team Selections | 5 |
All-NBA Second Team Selections | 2 |
ABA All-Star Selections | 3 |
All-ABA Second Team Selections | 2 |
ABA All-Rookie First Team | 1 (1973) |
Retired Jerseys | No. 44 (San Antonio Spurs) |
Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1996) |
NBA’s 75th Anniversary | Ranked as the 42nd greatest player in NBA history (2021) |
Career Points | 26,595 (25.1 ppg) |
Career Rebounds | 5,602 (5.3 rpg) |
Career Assists | 2,798 (2.6 apg) |
Notable Achievements | – Averaged at least 14 points per game in all 14 of his ABA and NBA seasons |
George Gervin, also referred to as “the Iceman,” was a former American basketball player who competed for the Chicago Bulls, Virginia Squires, and San Antonio Spurs in the ABA and NBA, respectively.
Gervin was selected as one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players in 1996, and in 2021, he was selected as one of the 75 Greatest NBA Players.
44. Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler | Information |
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Full Name | Clyde Austin Drexler |
Nickname | Clyde the Glide |
Birthdate | June 22, 1962 |
Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
Residence | Houston, Texas |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
Weight | 222 lb (101 kg) |
Position | Shooting guard / Small forward |
NBA Teams | Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets |
College | University of Houston |
NBA Championships | 1 (1995 with Houston Rockets) |
NBA All-Star | 10 times |
Olympic Gold Medal | 1992 United States men’s basketball team |
Naismith Memorial | Basketball Hall of Fame (2004 – Individual |
Basketball Hall of | career, 2010 – Dream Team) |
College Achievements | Southwestern Conference Player of the Year, |
Notable Skills | Exceptional athleticism, scoring ability, |
Legacy | Considered one of the greatest basketball |
American former professional basketball player and Big3 3-on-3 basketball league commissioner Clyde Austin Drexler was born on June 22, 1962. He played 15 NBA seasons and was known as “Clyde the Glide.”
Drexler started his career with the Portland Trail Blazers and played his final season with the Houston Rockets. Drexler was named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams, where he was a ten-time All-Star.
Drexler was a United States Olympic team member known as “The Dream Team” in 1992 and won a gold medal while playing for Houston in the 1995 NBA championship.
As a member of the “Dream Team” and for his career, Clyde Drexler was honored by being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and 2004, respectively.
45. George Mikan
George Mikan | Information |
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Full Name | George Lawrence Mikan Jr. |
Nickname | Mr. Basketball |
Birthdate | June 18, 1924 |
Birthplace | Joliet, Illinois, U.S. |
Death Date | June 1, 2005 |
Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
Playing Position | Center |
Teams (Player) | Chicago American Gears, Minneapolis Lakers |
Teams (Coach) | Minneapolis Lakers |
College | DePaul |
Playing Career | 1946–1954, 1956 |
Coaching Career | 1957–1958 |
NBA Championships | 7 |
NBA All-Star Games | 4 |
Scoring Titles | 3 |
NBA MVP Awards | 1 (All-Star Game) |
All-BAA/NBA First Team | 6 |
All-NBL First Team | 2 |
NCAA College Player of the Year | 1944, 1945 |
Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
Other Honors | 25th, 35th, 50th, and 75th NBA anniversary teams |
George Lawrence Mikan Jr., an American professional basketball player also known as “Mr. Basketball,” played for the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League, the NBA’s Minneapolis Lakers, and the Basketball Association of America (BAA) (NBA). His birthday was June 18, 1924, and he died on June 1, 2005.
At the Timberwolves Target Center entrance since April 2001, a statue of Mikan firing his signature hook shot is on display.
46. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis | Information |
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Full Name | Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. |
Birthdate | March 11, 1993 |
Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Position | Power Forward / Center |
Team | Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) |
College | University of Kentucky |
NBA Draft | 2012: 1st round, 1st overall pick |
NBA All-Star | 8 times (2014–2021) |
All-NBA First Team | 4 times (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020) |
All-NBA Defensive Team | 4 times (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020) |
NBA Champion | 2020 (with the Los Angeles Lakers) |
NBA All-Star Game MVP | 2017 |
NBA Blocks Leader | 3 times (2014, 2015, 2018) |
NCAA Champion | 2012 (with the University of Kentucky) |
Olympic Gold Medal | 2012 (United States Men’s Basketball) |
FIBA World Cup Gold Medal | 2014 (United States Men’s Basketball) |
Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Weight | 253 lb (115 kg) |
High School | Perspectives Charter School (Chicago, Illinois) |
College Accolades | USBWA National Freshman of the Year, NABC Defensive Player of the Year, Pete Newell Big Man Award, All-American, SEC Player of the Year, NCAA Blocks Leader |
NBA All-Rookie Team | 2013 |
Recognized as | One of the greatest power forwards of all time |
In the National Basketball Association, Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. plays professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA). He was born on March 11, 1993, making him an American citizen. He plays power forward as well as center.
Davis has been named to four NBA All-Defensive Teams and four NBA First Teams, making him an eight-time All-Star. He won the NBA Finals in 2020 in his very first season with the Lakers. He was selected for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Davis is considered to be one of history’s greatest power forwards.
If you’re truly obsessed with basketball, chances are you’ve noticed that some of the NBA players have weird or unusual appearances, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t great at what they do. Check out the 34 NBA’s Unattractive Players In 2022 list and see if you agree with the rankings.
47. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook | Information |
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Full Name | Russell Westbrook III |
Birthdate | November 12, 1988 |
Team | Los Angeles Clippers |
Position | Point guard |
NBA Accomplishments | Nine-time NBA All-Star |
Triple-Double Record | Averaged a triple-double for a season |
College | UCLA Bruins |
International Career | Represented the United States in FIBA World Championship |
NBA Draft | 4th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft |
Teams Played For | Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards |
Additional Highlights | Regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history |
American professional basketball player Russell Westbrook III competes for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. He was born on November 12, 1988.
Westbrook has won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) nine times and is a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Additionally, he has been selected to the NBA All-Star Team nine times, led the league in scoring in 2014–15 and 2016–17, and won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award twice—in 2015 and 2016.
48. James Worthy
James Worthy | Information |
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Full Name | James Ager Worthy |
Nickname | Big Game James |
Date of Birth | February 27, 1961 |
Birthplace | Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Sports commentator, television host, analyst, former professional basketball player |
Team | Los Angeles Lakers (1982-1994) |
Position | Small forward |
Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
NBA Career | 1982-1994 |
NBA Championships | 3 (1985, 1987, 1988) |
NBA Finals MVP | 1988 |
NBA All-Star Selections | 7 (1986-1992) |
NBA All-NBA Third Team | 2 (1990, 1991) |
NBA All-Rookie First Team | 1983 |
College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
College Achievements | Consensus first-team All-American, NCAA champion (1982), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1982) |
Retired Numbers | No. 42 (Los Angeles Lakers), No. 52 (North Carolina Tar Heels) |
Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted as a player |
College Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2006 |
Medals | FIBA U19 World Championship (1979, Salvador), National team: United States |
James Ager Worthy, a former professional basketball player and current sports commentator in the United States, was born on February 27, 1961. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his entire NBA professional career, earning him the moniker “Big Game James.” Worthy won three NBA championships and was named NBA Finals MVP in 1988. He was a two-time All-NBA Team member and a seven-time NBA All-Star. He was selected for the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams, respectively.
49. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony | Information |
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Full Name | Carmelo Kyam Anthony |
Birthdate | May 29, 1984 |
Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Position | Small Forward / Power Forward |
College | Syracuse University |
NBA Teams | Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, |
NBA Achievements | 10× NBA All-Star |
College Achievements | NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player |
Olympic Medals | Bronze, Gold (2008, 2012, 2016) |
NBA Career Stats | Points: 28,289 (22.5 ppg) |
NBA Records | NBA 75th Anniversary Team selection |
Personal Background | Puerto Rican, African-American, and Indigenous ancestry |
High School Career | Towson Catholic High School |
American professional basketball player Carmelo Kyam Anthony plays the sport. Six times and ten times, respectively, he has been selected for the NBA All-Star team. He competed in college basketball for the Syracuse Orange, where he was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and captured the title of a champion as a rookie in 2003.
He is regarded as one of the NBA’s greatest scorers and was chosen to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
If you’re curious about what size shoe LeBron James wears, check out our NBA Shoes Charts where we provide a full breakdown of the shoe sizes of all NBA players, including LeBron. You’ll also find other interesting information, such as the most popular shoe brands and models worn by NBA players in recent years.
50. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce | Information |
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Full Name | Paul Anthony Pierce |
Birthdate | October 13, 1977 |
Birthplace | Oakland, California, U.S. |
Education | Kansas (1995–1998) |
Position | Small Forward |
NBA Teams | Boston Celtics (1998–2013) |
Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
Weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
NBA Championships | 1 (2008) |
NBA Finals MVP | 1 (2008) |
NBA All-Star | 10 times |
All-NBA Team | 4 times (Second Team: 2009, Third Team: 2002, 2003, 2008) |
NBA All-Rookie Team | 1 (1999) |
NBA Three-Point Contest | 1 (2010) |
NBA 75th Anniversary Team | Inducted in 2021 |
College Basketball Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2021 |
Points | 26,397 (19.7 ppg) |
Rebounds | 7,527 (5.6 rpg) |
Assists | 4,708 (3.5 apg) |
Notable Achievements | Led Boston Celtics to NBA championship in 2008 |
Paul Anthony Pierce is a former American professional basketball player born on October 13, 1977. He spent 19 NBA seasons, most of them with the Boston Celtics, in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Most recently, he was an analyst for ESPN’s basketball shows The Jump and NBA Countdown.
Along with teammates Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry, Pierce was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in July 2013. In 2014, he signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Wizards. Pierce reunited with former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers when he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers after spending one season with the Wizards. Before quitting in 2017, he played for the Clippers for two seasons. Pierce signed a contract with the Celtics on July 17, 2017, allowing him to retire as a team member with which he played his first 15 NBA seasons.