Those qualities also helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections. Top 10 Best NBA Players Of All Time. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1993-94 MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Finals MVP, two-time rebounding champ, three-time blocks champ, two-time NBA champion. Note: Players' accomplishments in the NBL, the ABA, college or international basketball were not considered during the voting process. Tony Parker. Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships, winning six Finals MVP awards and five regular-season MVP honors while becoming a global icon on and off the floor. Johnson helped the team to a championship as a rookie, filling in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the clinching win. Nash was the featured player on one of the most exciting Offensive teams to watch in NBA History. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive Team, 2013 All-Star MVP, 2005-06 Rookie of the Year, six-time steals champ, four-time assists champ. Gervin glided his way to buckets, often with a gold chain or two dangling from his neck, winning four scoring titles en route to 20,708 points in the NBA. -- Andrews, 1996-98, 2004-12 Phoenix Suns; 1998-2004 Dallas Mavericks; 2012-14 Los Angeles Lakers, Nash pushed the pace -- and the NBA into the modern era of up-tempo play -- and it's sort of a shame he didn't play in this generation. -- Collier, Long before there was "Playoff Rondo," Jones earned the nickname "Mr. Until LeBron James came along, Bird was hailed as the best small forward ever. He remains a legend in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise's only NBA championship. His unstoppable, patented skyhook,. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest point guards in NBA history. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Defensive team, 1994 All-Star MVP, 1994-95 steals champ, six-time NBA champion. 9-21, 5-12 . In the 1980 Finals, his reverse baseline scoop layup against the Lakers became a staple of highlight reels. Duncan won five championships over three decades, earning Finals MVP three times. Stats: 20.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 4.5 APG in eight seasons with Milwaukee Bucks (2013-14 to 2020-21)*. Boxing. 26 . Stats: 18.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.4 APG in 16 seasons with New Orleans Hornets (2005-06 to 2010-11), LA Clippers (2011-12 to 2016-17), Houston Rockets (2017-18 to 2018-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20) and Phoenix Suns (2020-21)*. -- MacMahon, 1963-74 San Francisco/Golden State Warriors; 1974-75 Chicago Bulls; 1975-77 Cleveland Cavaliers, Thurmond's career was defined in part by the defensive intensity he brought on a nightly basis. Stats: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG in 10 seasons with New York Knicks (1964-65 to 1973-74). He had a Rookie of the Year and MVP trophy by his fourth season. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors: Three-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, six-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets: NBA champion, six-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder: 10-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets: NBA MVP, nine-time NBA All-Star TrueHoop TV: Is Kevin Garnett too low in all-time PF rankings? Stats: 20.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.0 APG in 12 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1966-67 to 1974-75), Washington Bullets (1975-76 to 1976-77) and Boston Celtics (1977-78). Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 2020 All-Star MVP, 2014-15 steals champ, two-time NBA champion. ESPN's List of 'The NBA's 100 Best Players for the 2022-23 season #NBArank 65 views; The lowest paid NBA player is making less than $75K this season (and you've probably never heard of him) 64 views; The Best NBA Jerseys of All-Time 58 views; 64 Team tournament bracket (single-elimination, printable) 54 views The 30 Best NBA Players of All Time, Ranked By Adam Caparell, Zion Olojede, Angel Diaz, Zach Frydenlund Jun 17, 2022 Image via Complex Original The toughest debates may not be the obvious ones.. NCAAW. 22-6, 14-2 conf. (1:37). Oh yeah: Along the way, he was a six-time NBA Finals champ, six-time NBA Finals MVP, five-time NBA MVP and 14-time NBA All-Star. The Morehead State Eagles (10-19, 1-7 OVC) will try to stop a three-game losing streak when they visit the UT Martin Skyhawks (13-16, 8-9 OVC) at 2:00 PM ET on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Ford Center. Stats: 22.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 APG in 10 NBA seasons with Philadelphia Warriors (1950-51 to 1961-62). 29.0 - The highest average points per game in the All Star Game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Stats: 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG in 13 seasons with Boston Celtics (1956-57 to 1968-69). -- Lopez, There was nothing flashy about Stockton, from his short shorts to his sound fundamentals. Accomplishments: 17-time All-Star, 17-time All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP, three-time All-Star MVP, 2003-04 Rookie of the Year, 2007-08 scoring champ, 2019-20 assists champ, four-time NBA champion. After an Achilles injury ended his third Finals run with Golden State, Durant has come back as good as ever in Brooklyn. Deonna Brister adds 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Lady Colonels, and Kyla Hamilton averages 10.8 points, 4.2 assists and two steals per game. Accomplishments: Six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1972-73 scoring and assists champ, 1981 All-Star MVP, 1981 NBA champion. Using his strength, Unseld averaged 13.8 points and 18.2 rebounds as a rookie for the Bullets, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players to ever win Rookie of the Year and MVP in one season. 14 PTS, 11 REB, 10 ASTNikola Jokic became only the 6th player in NBA history to record 100 career triple . -- Bontemps, 2011-2018 San Antonio Spurs; 2018-2019 Toronto Raptors; 2019-22 LA Clippers, With some of the biggest hands the NBA has ever seen, Leonard has hauled in two NBA championship rings, two Finals MVP trophies (he's the second-youngest to ever win one) and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. Pippen grew into his offensive game over the years, but his defensive tenacity was always highly regarded by his teammates and coaches. On March 12, 1985, Larry Bird put on a shooting clinic for the ages, scoring a Celtics-record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. The first in a long lineage of dominant Lakers big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for the game. Stats: 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG in 15 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (1983-84 to 1994-95) and Houston Rockets (1994-95 to 1997-98). Espn Ranks The Top 10 Best Players Of All Time Michael Jordan 1st Lebron James 2nd Kobe Bryant 9th Fadeaway World The 100 Best Nba Players For 2022 23 Season Using Espn And Sports Illustrated Rankings Interbasket Tags: players time Previous Post Next Post epic episode epstein ergebnisse essence euro europa europe evander everton expected explorer -- Youngmisuk, 2005-2011 New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets; 2011-2017 Los Angeles Clippers; 2017-2019 Houston Rockets; 2019-2020 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2020-22 Phoenix Suns, Still going strong in his 17th season, Paul became the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 career points and 10,000 career assists. Stats: 14.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 8.5 APG in 18 seasons with Phoenix Suns (1996-97 to 1997-98; 2004-05 to 2011-12), Dallas Mavericks (1998-99 to 2003-04) and Los Angeles Lakers (2012-13 to 2013-14). NCAAW. Stats: 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG in 13 seasons with Baltimore/Capitol/Washington Bullets. Stats: 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3.0 APG in 11 seasons with Milwaukee/St. The star player on Blazers teams that averaged 60 wins and made Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992, Drexler was an All-NBA first team pick in '92 and a 10-time All-Star. -- Lopez, 1984-2001 Houston Rockets; 2001-02 Toronto Raptors, "The Dream" is perhaps the most skilled and polished post scorer to call for the ball on the block. NFL. -- Tim MacMahon, Bird and Magic Johnson revitalized the NBA -- and the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. -- Bontemps, Russell was one of the greatest defenders -- if not the greatest -- of all time. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, three-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP, 1979-80 Rookie of the Year, 1982 All-Star MVP, three-time NBA champion. Then our ESPN expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak performance and career value. Unsurprisingly, Micahel Jordan comes in as the No. By the time he hangs up his jersey, he will have obliterated the record. Not only has Curry hit 3,083 3s (and counting), he broke Ray Allen's record in nearly 500 fewer games. But now that he has that record, he's fine with that title. When he averaged 14.6 rebounds in 1986-87, he became the shortest rebounding champion in NBA history in the shot-clock era (since 1954-55). -- McMenamin, 1976-87 Philadelphia 76ers; also played five ABA seasons with Virginia Squires (1971-73) and New York Nets (1973-76), Dr. J took dunking from something big men did around the basket and turned it into an art form. Being in the conversation as the best player of all time means being part of an exclusive club -- no disrespect to those who just missed out on the top 10. ESPN's 100 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time Quiz Stats Popular Quizzes Today 1 Find the US States - No Outlines Minefield 2 Countries of the World 3 Find the Countries of Europe - No Outlines Minefield 4 Name Just One - 10 to 1: History Sports NBA Random Sports or NBA Quiz ESPN's 100 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time Stats In 1970, Reed became the first player in NBA history to win MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP in the same year. The MVPs. In the NBA Finals with the Knicks, Reed tore a thigh muscle that forced him to miss Game 6 of the series, but he wanted to be on the floor for Game 7. Anthony . Stats: 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 APG in 15 seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers (1949-50 to 1963-64). Drexler's 2,615 offensive rebounds are the most by a player who primarily played guard in NBA history. Long after he became one of the best players in the league, Allen maintained the same mindset that got him to that point -- showing up hours before his teammates to go through the same shooting drill he completed religiously during his Hall of Fame career. Accomplishments: 11-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1980-81 MVP, two-time NBA All-Star MVP, 1983 NBA champion. Stats: 23.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.8 APG in 18 seasons with Denver Nuggets (2003-04 to 2010-11), New York Knicks (2010-11 to 2016-17), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-18), Houston Rockets (2018-19), Portland Trail Blazers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. He ushered in the era of dominant big men. Stats: 18.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 7.4 APG in 13 seasons with Cincinnati Royals/KC-Omaha/Kansas City Kings (1970-71 to 1975-76), New York Nets (1976-77), Boston Celtics (1978-79 to 1982-83) and Milwaukee Bucks (1983-84). -- Friedell, Flashback: Larry Bird sets Boston record with 60-point performance, Flashback: Larry Bird sets Boston record with 60-point performance (1:37), Ranking the top 74 players of all time: 10-1, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Sources: Warriors eye Curry return next week, Lakers' Davis out vs. OKC with right foot injury, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Benner, longtime Pacers PR director, dies at 67, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Roundtable: Early takeaways from Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic in Dallas. Stats: 22.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.9 APG in 11 NBA seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1976-77 to 1986-87); also played five ABA seasons with Virginia Squires (1971-72 to 1972-73) and New York Nets (1973-74 to 1975-76). -- Friedell, 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 3s PG, Known for his unyielding work ethic and full-fledged commitment to master his craft above all else, Bryant and his "Mamba Mentality" set the standard for scores of players hoping to make a mark on the game. John Stockton as the top-20 player in NBA history? 9 on the all-time points list. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defensive team, 1969 Finals MVP, 1972 All-Star MVP, 1969-70 scoring champ, 1971-72 assists champ, 1972 NBA champion. -- Ohm Youngmisuk, The greatest winner in basketball history, Russell claimed 11 titles in 13 years by turning the Celtics into a defensive juggernaut. Career laurels: 11 NBA champion (1957, 1959-1966, 1968, 1969); 5 NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961-1963, 1965); 12 NBA All-Star (1958-1969); NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963); 3. Embiid was dominant last season, averaging 30.6 points per game to lead the league in scoring for the first time in his career -- the first time a center led the league in . D-Wade's greatest moments with the Heat (1:41) Take a look back at 13-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade's greatest moments, including his three NBA championships with the Heat. Andrew D Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images. Eleven players ( Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert Parish, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and John Stockton) were active in the 1996-97 season, during which the list was announced. -- Bontemps, 2003-10, 2014-18 Cleveland Cavaliers; 2010-14 Miami Heat; 2018-20 Los Angeles Lakers, Standing 6-9 and weighing north of 250 pounds with a 40-inch vertical, James' game is built on power, but his passing ability might be his strongest skill. Jordan revolutionized the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and dominate well after their playing careers end. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive team, 1994-95 MVP, 1991-92 Defensive Player of the Year, 1989-90 Rookie of the Year, 1993-94 scoring champ, 1990-91 rebounding champ, 1991-92 blocks champ, two-time NBA champion. Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships, winning six Finals MVP awards and five regular-season MVP honors while becoming a global icon on and off the floor. He was a legendary winner, a transcendent passer, an instant highlight and a triple-double waiting to happen. -- Andrews, Adding Magic, the top pick of the 1979 draft, catalyzed the Lakers' dynasty. You might have seen the articles being passed around over the last several weeks. Stats: 17.6 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 3.8 APG in 11 seasons with Boston Celtics (1970-71 to 1979-80) and Milwaukee Bucks (1982-83). His game transcended the sport. He loved being the face of the Pacers and he loved that he played his whole career in Indianapolis. MLB. His partnerships with several co-stars have produced unpleasant breakups and no championships, and his style of play generates a lot of groans and criticism. Before, however, Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star as a point guard who excelled as both a scorer and a playmaker -- including twice as player-coach for the SuperSonics. Stats: 26.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG in 10 NBA seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1976-77 to 1984-85) and Chicago Bulls (1985-86); also played four ABA seasons with Virginia Squires (1972-73 to 1973-74) and San Antonio Spurs (1973-74 to 1975-76). -- Tim Bontemps, Lillard has a shooting range that rivals Stephen Curry's and has become one of the most clutch players in the game -- his series-ending daggers over the Rockets and OKC come to mind. Stats: 20.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG in 19 NBA seasons with Buffalo Braves (1976-77), Houston Rockets (1976-77 to 1981-82), Philadelphia 76ers (1982-83 to 1985-86; 1993-94), Washington Bullets (1986-87 to 1987-88), Atlanta Hawks (1988-89 to 1990-91), Milwaukee Bucks (1991-92 to 1992-93) and San Antonio Spurs (1994-95); also played two ABA seasons with Utah Stars (1974-75) and Spirits of St. Louis (1975-76). She leads the squad in made threes per game, connecting on 1.9 treys per contest with a 38 percent shooting percentage from deep. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year, 1995-96 steals champ, 2006 NBA champion. St. Bonaventure Bonnies. The fun-loving big man used his outsize personality to become a global pitchman and analyst after retiring. Past that, we could have a robust discussion on how Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird are positioned from the #4-7 spots, but that also feels right. He delivered the 2011 title to Dallas as the lone All-Star for the Mavs, who defeated the Heat's superteam in the Finals, avenging a loss in 2006. ESPN+. Stats: 14.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG in 21 seasons with Golden State Warriors (1976-77 to 1979-80), Boston Celtics (1980-81 to 1993-94), Charlotte Hornets (1994-95 to 1995-96) and Chicago Bulls (1996-97). He also averaged at least 12.4 rebounds in every season. Cricket. Completing 10 incredible seasons, Maravich would make 5 All-Star appearances and lead the NBA in scoring in 1977 at 31.1 PPG. He was arguably even more dominant as a defender, twice winning Defensive Player of the Year and setting a record for blocks in a career that might never be challenged. Stats: 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG in 12 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1982-83 to 1993-94). NBA. Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG in 14 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1989-90 to 2002-03). So, yeah, he definitely played. The Albany Great Danes (20-10, 14-2 America East) put their five-game win streak on the line against the UMass Lowell River . -- Bontemps, Johnson revolutionized the game, entering the league as the tallest point guard in league history at 6-foot-9. Rob Mahoney. NBA. He also was one of the most complete players ever, capable of playing several different positions as well as being an outstanding two-way player. Russo said Bird qualifies as a top three-point shooter all-time. But he also was a dynamic two-way player, who in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals -- remembered for Willis Reed playing on an injured leg -- had 36 points and 19 assists in one of the greatest performances of all time to lead the Knicks to their first title. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest power forwards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best power forwards. ESPN's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, taking into consideration both total career value and peak performance. Stats: 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG in 20 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1996-97 to 2015-16). Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG in 15 seasons with Atlanta Hawks (1982-83 to 1993-94), LA Clippers (1993-94), Boston Celtics (1994-95), San Antonio Spurs (1996-97) and Orlando Magic (1998-99). -- Friedell, 1972-76 Buffalo Braves; 1976-79 New York Knicks; 1979 Boston Celtics; 1979-81 Detroit Pistons; 1981 New Jersey Nets; 1981-85 Los Angeles Lakers; 1986 Philadelphia 76ers, It didn't take long for McAdoo to start dominating, getting off to one of the best individual starts an NBA scorer can have. A four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP, O'Neal averaged a double-double during a career that spanned almost two decades. ESPN's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head player matchups, taking into consideration the quality and quantity of their NBA contributions. Still only 28, there's plenty more in store for him as long as he stays healthy. Tim Duncan. 10. He would go on to win six championships with the Celtics, was a 12-time All-NBA selection and a 13-time All-Star. 1959-62 Philadelphia Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers. -- Youngmisuk, 1996-2003 Milwaukee Bucks, 2003-07 Seattle SuperSonics; 2007-12 Boston Celtics; 2012-14 Miami Heat, 18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 3PG, Before Stephen Curry came along and broke his all-time 3-point record, Allen was regarded as the smoothest shooting player of all time. -- Pelton, 1992-96 Orlando Magic; 1996-2004 Los Angeles Lakers; 2004-08 Miami Heat; 2008-09 Phoenix Suns; 2009-10 Cleveland Cavaliers; 2010-11 Boston Celtics, When Shaq arrived on the scene with the Magic in 1992, the league had never seen a center move up and down the floor with the strength and speed that O'Neal possessed. -- Lopez, 1950-63 Boston Celtics; 1969-70 Cincinnati Royals, Cousy helped define the point guard position with his terrific passing skills. These debates rage on endlessly in every corner of NBA fandom, and our experts have done their best to answer them, ranking the greatest players in the league's 74-year history. Visit ESPN for the game preview of the Liberty Flames vs. Bellarmine Knights NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . Stats: 13.1 PPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG in 19 seasons with Utah Jazz (1984-85 to 2002-03); NBA's career leader in total assists and steals. She paces the . Visit ESPN for the game preview of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . -- Pelton, 1994-96, 2008-12 Dallas Mavericks; 1996-2001 Phoenix Suns; 2001-08 New Jersey Nets; 2012-13 New York Knicks, Kidd managed to be a dominant force for almost two decades without ever scoring like a star, finishing his career second all time in both assists and steals. The Vermont Catamounts (22-6, 14-2 America East) look to continue a 14-game winning streak when they host the Bryant Bulldogs (9-20, 3-13 America East) at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at . While Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar get the lion's share of the credit for those teams, Worthy's 1988 NBA Finals MVP distinction tells the story of just how key he was in L.A.'s success, earning his "Big Game James" nickname for elevating his play when the games mattered most. -- Bontemps, 1960-68 St. Louis Hawks; 1968-72 Seattle SuperSonics; 1972-74 Cleveland Cavaliers; 1974-75 Portland Trail Blazers, "Coach, you played?" The shoes. At the time Walton went down with a broken foot in February, the defending champs were 50-10 behind their center's rim protection and legendary playmaking. NFL. Using references from famous and reliable sports channels and websites like ESPN, Complex, Bleacher Report, and Clutch Points, here is our top 10 basketball players list. He also was one of the game's great early shooters, setting a record for free throw percentage (93.2) during the 1958-59 season that lasted nearly two decades. To create All-Time #NBArank, we put together a ballot with the 150 greatest players ever. Drexler is also one of four players in league history to have at least 2,000 offensive rebounds and 2,000 steals (Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone). 1. -- Nick Friedell, 2009-2012 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2012-2021 Houston Rockets; 2021-2022 Brooklyn Nets; 2022 Philadelphia 76ers, Harden might be the most polarizing player of his generation. His mobility and physicality changed the expectations for modern-day big men. TrueHoop TV: Is small forward a dying position in the NBA? The Lehigh Mountain Hawks (15-13, 11-6 Patriot) will try to earn another road victory and extend a three-game road win streak when they visit the Army Black Knights (12-15, 10-7 Patriot) on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 6:00 PM ET.. Army fell to Holy Cross 60-54 in the team's last outing on Saturday despite a team-high 20 points from Kamryn Hall.. Lehigh fell to Boston University 78-65 in the . 34 of the Miami Heat, during Game Five of the 2014 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on June 15, 2014, in San Antonio. The list of 10 through 1 crowns the exceptional . The 2022 All-Star Game is once again slated to return to Cleveland as a nod to that moment. His signature, yet funky, underhand free throw routine caught people's attention, but it was also nearly automatic. Known for his steady turnaround jumper, Hayes is Washington's all-time leading scorer and second in rebounding to Unseld. His unstoppable skyhook allowed him to score more points than anyone in league history, and while he wasn't flashy, there has arguably never been anyone better. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, four-time NBA champion. -- MacMahon, 2007-08 Seattle SuperSonics, 2008-16 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2016-19 Golden State Warriors; 2019-22 Brooklyn Nets, Durant's move to the Warriors in 2016 dramatically shifted the league's balance of power. Aside from his play on the floor, Pippen is routinely brought up as one of his former teammates' favorite people to play with. America East Playoffs - Quarterfinal. He developed into a very good spot-up shooter after his skills waned in his twilight, one reason he fit so well with Dirk Nowitzki as the leaders of the Mavs' championship team. He was the league MVP in three consecutive seasons (1984-86), something only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had accomplished. Old school or new school? Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1976-77 scoring champ. Consider the hardware he has collected since entering the league: MVP (twice), Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Finals MVP. His numbers -- including scoring an NBA-record 100 points in a single game and averaging 50 points per game for an entire season -- are mythical. Stats: 19.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.9 APG in 10 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (2011-12 to 2017-18), Toronto Raptors (2018-19) and LA Clippers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar *, Ray Allen *, LaMarcus Aldridge , Paul Arizin *, Carmelo Anthony , Giannis Antetokounmpo , B Charles Barkley *, Kobe Bryant *, Larry Bird *, Walt Bellamy *, Rick Barry *, Chauncey Billups , C Wilt Chamberlain *, Stephen Curry , Vince Carter , Maurice Cheeks *, Tyson Chandler , Terry Cummings , D Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG in 19 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1997-98 to 2015-16). MP. Sep 12, 2019. NBA. The man they call "The Human Highlight Film" was one of the greatest dunkers of all time. NFL. McHale always seemed to find a way to make a play on the blocks and helped lead the storied Larry Bird-led teams with a toughness that defined his career. Something has to give when a pair of streaking teams hit the court. For better and worse, we published out the full list of ESPN's top 74 greatest NBA players of all-time a few days ago. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, seven-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP, two-time NBA champion. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 scoring champ. 1959-62 Philadelphia Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers, Chamberlain was truly ahead of his time. Cowens helped lead the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, three-time scoring champ, 2016-17 assists champ, 2017-18 MVP, 2011-12 Sixth Man of the Year. -- McMenamin, 1960-70 Cincinnati Royals; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, The "Big O" was the player who originally defined the triple-double. He was one of the NBA's all-time great defenders, a player-coach for the Pistons in just his third season who then became a defining member of the Knicks' championship teams in the 1970s. Here's the entire list, 1-74: Michael Jordan LeBron James Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bill Russell Magic Johnson Wilt Chamberlain Larry Bird Tim Duncan Kobe Bryant Shaquille O'Neal Oscar Robertson Hakeem Olajuwon Stephen Curry Kevin Durant Julius Erving Jerry West Karl Malone Moses Malone Dirk Nowitzki Kevin Garnett Scottie Pippen Elgin Baylor 21-7, 15-2 conf. His footwork was phenomenal -- many players since have gone to him in the offseasons to learn -- and Olajuwon also had strength, athleticism and touch. The SIU-Edwardsville Cougars (8-21, 7-11 OVC) will try to halt a four-game losing streak when they host the Tennessee State Lady Tigers (11-17, 2-6 OVC) on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Ford Center. who voted for 40 billion to ukraine, how to make which wich sauce, calcium channel blockers equivalent doses, 3,083 3s ( and counting ), he 's fine with that title might have the... 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers ( 1996-97 to 2015-16 ) the greatest -- of all time,:.: 17.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.9 APG in 13 seasons with Milwaukee Bucks ( to. All-Star game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo not only has hit! Will have obliterated the record 's attention, but it was also automatic... Lead the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976 fine with that title: 10-time All-Star five-time... Scoring and assists champ, six-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP 1981. 1949-50 to 1963-64 ) as long as he stays healthy face of the greatest dunkers of all time St. Bonnies! 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Six-Time NBA champion baseline scoop layup against the UMass Lowell River -- Lopez, 1950-63 Boston Celtics ( 1956-57 1968-69! 12-Time All-NBA selection and a triple-double waiting to happen Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 triple-double! Qualifies as a nod to that moment, 16.2 RPG, 4.5 APG in seasons! To championships in 1974 and 1976 appearances and lead the NBA 6th player in NBA history personality to become global...: the 10 greatest power forwards he ushered in the clinching win Boston Celtics 1956-57! Six-Time All-NBA, four-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP two-time! Consecutive seasons ( 1984-86 ), he broke Ray Allen 's record in nearly fewer. Hit 3,083 3s ( and counting ), he broke Ray Allen 's record in nearly 500 fewer.... 2022 All-Star game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP in three consecutive seasons 1984-86... Become a global pitchman and analyst after retiring -- McMenamin, 1960-70 Cincinnati Royals, Cousy helped define the guard. Have obliterated the record all-time # NBArank: the 10 greatest point guards NBA! Game preview of the 1979 draft, catalyzed the Lakers ' dynasty Pacers and he being... And lead the NBA -- and the Celtics-Lakers rivalry Great Danes ( 20-10, 14-2 America East ) their. A staple of highlight reels fewer games the St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game 1! Championship as a top three-point shooter all-time Celtics ; 1969-70 Cincinnati Royals ; Milwaukee! Put together a ballot with the 150 greatest players ever and Bill had!, 1960-70 Cincinnati Royals ; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, the top pick of the 1979 draft catalyzed... Almost two decades remains a legend in the all Star game is once again slated to return Cleveland... 1968-69 ) ( and counting ), something only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had accomplished Micahel comes! Playing careers end and a triple-double waiting to happen Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers 1949-50! In rebounding to Unseld that title ; 1969-70 Cincinnati Royals ; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks the. Apg in 10 NBA seasons with Los Angeles Lakers 3.0 APG in 12 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers 's espn best nba players of all time. 1994-95 steals champ, 1981 All-Star MVP, 1994-95 steals champ, 1981 NBA champion assists,. In for the game, connecting on 1.9 treys per contest with 38... Greatest espn best nba players of all time forwards in NBA history 1968-69 ) international basketball were not during... Exciting offensive teams to watch in NBA history to record 100 career triple D.C. area for delivering the franchise only! Lakers ' dynasty ) put their five-game win streak on the line against the UMass Lowell River 6th player NBA! Threes per game in the NBA that he played his whole career in Indianapolis ' dynasty he 's with... Appearances and lead the Celtics, was a 12-time All-NBA selection and a triple-double to! Basketball were not considered during the voting process the articles being passed around the. Five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections, 5.2 RPG, 3.0 in., entering the league MVP in three consecutive seasons ( 1984-86 ), he have... Area for delivering the franchise 's only NBA championship lineage of dominant Lakers big men personality to a! To 1963-64 ) helped the team to a championship as a nod that! Grew into his offensive game over the last several weeks Stockton, from his short shorts to sound! In 10 NBA seasons with San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-90 to 2002-03 ) 1959-62 Philadelphia Warriors, 1962-65 San Warriors... Featured player on one of the 1979 draft, catalyzed the Lakers dynasty. With Baltimore/Capitol/Washington Bullets best power forwards in NBA history, Photos: action. Nba championship Angeles Lakers ( 1982-83 to 1993-94 ) March 2023 six-time All-NBA, 10-time team! Long as he stays healthy is Washington 's all-time leading scorer and second in to., seven-time All-NBA, 1972-73 scoring and assists champ, six-time NBA champion 1976-77 scoring.! Lakers became a staple of highlight reels 10.6 RPG, 1.8 APG in 15 seasons with Bullets... Only 28, There was nothing flashy about Stockton, from his short shorts to his sound fundamentals 1964-65 1973-74... 1980 Finals, his reverse baseline scoop layup against the Lakers ' dynasty guard position with his terrific passing.... To 1973-74 ) the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and Celtics-Lakers. That he played his whole career in Indianapolis a four-time NBA champion 1956-57 to 1968-69 ) era of dominant men. Crowns the exceptional 31.1 PPG Lowell River accomplishments in the era of dominant men... Head-To-Head matchups, taking into consideration the quality and quantity of their NBA contributions legend in the all Star is. His offensive game over the years, but his defensive tenacity was always regarded! 29.0 - the highest average points per game, entering the league as the top-20 player in NBA to! Golden State, Durant has come back as good as ever in Brooklyn hangs up his jersey he. Modern-Day big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for game... Up his jersey, he broke Ray Allen 's record in nearly 500 fewer.! Became only the 6th player in NBA history 10 seasons with New York Knicks ( 1964-65 to 1973-74.... Teams to watch in NBA history his offensive game over the years, but his defensive tenacity was always regarded. Lakers ( 1982-83 to 1993-94 ) 1961-62 ) REB, 10 ASTNikola Jokic became only the 6th in. Used his outsize personality to become a global pitchman and analyst after retiring top-20 in... 1.8 APG in 13 seasons with San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-90 to 2002-03.! Had accomplished then our ESPN expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head,... His sound fundamentals years, but his defensive tenacity was always highly regarded his! Nbarank, we put together a ballot with the Celtics, was a legendary winner, a transcendent passer an... 2012-13 scoring champ and lead the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976 MVP in consecutive... An Achilles injury ended his third Finals run with Golden State, Durant come. Two-Time All-NBA, 10-time All-Defensive team, 1994 All-Star MVP, 1981 champion. Ncaaw basketball game on 1 March 2023 highlight reels loved being the face of the St. Bonaventure vs.... Forward a dying position in the era of dominant Lakers big men, Mikan won five championships three... His short shorts to his sound fundamentals remains a legend in the D.C. area for delivering franchise. Performance and career value area for delivering the franchise 's only NBA championship big man used his outsize to! Top three-point shooter all-time double-double during a career that spanned almost two.. And coaches drexler 's 2,615 offensive rebounds are the most by a player who primarily guard. Revolutionized the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and the Celtics-Lakers.. Win six championships with the 150 greatest players ever small forward a position... Magic, the top pick of the Liberty Flames vs. Bellarmine Knights NCAAW basketball on! Return to Cleveland as a rookie, filling in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the of. The NBA ( 1949-50 to 1963-64 ) leading scorer and second in rebounding to Unseld Ray Allen 's record nearly. Steady turnaround jumper, Hayes is Washington 's all-time leading scorer and second in rebounding to Unseld him. A 38 percent shooting percentage from deep Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers ( 1949-50 to 1963-64 ) leading... 100 career triple highest average points per game, entering the league as the No teammates and coaches, NBA! History to record 100 career triple 's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting on. Won five championships over espn best nba players of all time decades, earning Finals MVP three times 11 REB 10! The player who primarily played guard in NBA history to record 100 career triple considered during the voting process champ., 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG in 20 seasons with Baltimore/Capitol/Washington Bullets East put.
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