Then head over and vote on the best NBA players of the 2010s. -- Pelton, 1967-77 New York Knicks; 1977-79 Cleveland Cavaliers, Known as much for his inimitable style off the court as his play on it, Frazier became the face of the Knicks' iconic championship teams in the 1970s, thanks to his long post-playing career with the franchise. No other player in NBA history has those scoring and assist averages in the same season (only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook also had 30-point, 10-assist seasons). The shoes. Wade gave Heat Culture its championship pedigree while earning a Finals MVP and leading the league in scoring (2008-09 when he averaged 30.2 points per game). Unseld is the greatest Bullet of all time, played the most games (984) in franchise history and was seventh all time in rebounding when he retired. RB Jim Brown -- Cleveland Browns, 1957-1965 Pettit was named to the All-NBA first team in each of his first 10 seasons and was an All-NBA second-team selection in his final year. 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 Gamecast; Preview; Davidson Wildcats vs Saint . Redick . As a five-time All-Star, Jones was hardly ineffective during the regular season, but he increased his scoring average in the playoffs every year from 1961-62 through 1966-67 -- peaking at 28.6 PPG in 1965 -- as the Celtics won five championships during that span. 5-on-5: Is Blake Griffin one of the 10 best power forwards ever? NFL. Without Wade, there's probably no Shaq, no LeBron and no Heatles in South Beach. ESPN's Malika Andrews and Kendrick Perkins the latter a Celtics alumnus himself dove into all things Boston basketball in a clip produced for the day's focus on the Celtics, getting . But Unseld wasn't just all muscle; he was one of the best outlet passers the NBA has seen. The man they call "The Human Highlight Film" was one of the greatest dunkers of all time. (Wilkens was the only person chosen both among the league's top 75 players and top 15 coaches.) 14-13, 9-8 conf. 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 Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, 2017 All-Star MVP, three-time blocks champ, 2020 NBA champion. Sports Illustrated 's annual Top 100 list is back, aiming to answer that question. Stats: 19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG in 19 seasons with Boston Celtics (1998-99 to 2012-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-14), Washington Wizards (2014-15) and LA Clippers (2015-16 to 2016-17). Schayes' shot was so iconic that it even earned its own nickname: Sputnik, named after the first satellite orbiting the planet. 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. He won Rookie of the Year after Boston made him the No. He also provided an inspiration for players coming back from Achilles injuries. 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). But his legacy is so much more than just basketball. He was a five-time MVP, including winning three in a row from 1960 to '62. He loved being the face of the Pacers and he loved that he played his whole career in Indianapolis. -- Friedell, Paul J. Maguire/The Boston Globe/Getty Images, 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, the NBA unveiled its 75th Anniversary Team. TrueHoop TV: Is Kevin Garnett too low in all-time PF rankings? Stats: 25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6 APG in 19 seasons with Utah Jazz (1985-86 to 2002-03) and Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04). Bryant Bulldogs. Photos: Classic action shots of league's best floor generals, All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest shooting guards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best shooting guards. 76 all the way to No. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defensive team, nine-time assists champ, two-time steals champ, 1993 All-Star MVP. McHale's ability to play through pain and injury made him one of the most beloved Celtics players of all time. 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. 9 on the all-time points list. Then our ESPN expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak performance and career value. In the 1980 Finals, his reverse baseline scoop layup against the Lakers became a staple of highlight reels. NFL. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive team. Accomplishments: Eight-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 1975 Finals MVP, 1965-66 Rookie of the Year, 1966-67 scoring champ, 1974-75 steals champ, 1975 NBA champion. Stats: 21.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.8 APG in 16 season with San Diego/Houston Rockets (1968-69 to 1971-72; 1981-82 to 1983-84) and Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets (1972-73 to 1980-81) . He threw down some of the most memorable dunks in NBA history, but one of the plays he's remembered for most is a layup. NBA. NBA75: Meet the best players in league history, 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. He'll forever be on the short list of players you'd want to take the last shot with the game on the line. Barry drained 90% of his NBA free throws, fourth best all time. 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. 29.0 - The highest average points per game in the All Star Game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo. He was the league MVP in three consecutive seasons (1984-86), something only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had accomplished. Stats: 25.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.5 APG in 12 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder (2009-10 to 2011-12), Houston Rockets (2012-13 to 2020-21) and Brooklyn Nets (2020-21)*. He also averaged at least 12.4 rebounds in every season. Jordan's brilliance on both ends of the court defined a generation of basketball and set a new standard for players following in his footsteps. Cricket. Jordan revolutionized the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and dominate well after their playing careers end. Clutch" for his penchant for delivering in the biggest moments. 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. Stats: 17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.5 APG in 12 seasons with Boston Celtics (1957-58 to 1968-69). O'Neal became an All-Star 15 times and earned the 1999-2000 MVP award. Long before that, Parish was an ideal All-Star complement to the Celtics' other frontcourt stars because of his skills and willingness to accept -- and occasionally deal out -- the physical play in the paint in the 1980s. This year, the rankings were determined holistically by a panel of NBA writers Chris Herring, Rohan Nadkarni,. Fantasy. TrueHoop TV: Is small forward a dying position in the NBA? 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. Vermont Catamounts. 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. 69. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, seven-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP, two-time NBA champion. -- Youngmisuk, 1987-98, 2003-04 Chicago Bulls; 1999 Houston Rockets; 1999-2003 Portland Trail Blazers, Pippen carved out a career for himself with unbelievable consistency on both ends of the floor. The crowd at Madison Square Garden went wild seeing Reed walk onto the floor, and although he finished with just four points and three rebounds, the Knicks won the championship. -- 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. 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. Stats: 13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.4 APG in 10 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (1974-75 to 1977-78), San Diego/LA Clippers (1979-80 to 1984-85) and Boston Celtics (1985-86 to 1986-87). His staggering total of 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades. John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated. Fantasy. He had a Rookie of the Year and MVP trophy by his fourth season. Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80 to 1990-91; 1995-96). And for the first time in the list's history, there's a new No. Andrew D Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images. -- 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. His mobility and physicality changed the expectations for modern-day big men. -- Dave McMenamin, Perhaps the only perceived knock on Duncan's game was that he was boring. -- Pelton, 1983-95 Portland Trail Blazers; 1995-98 Houston Rockets, "Clyde the Glide" was known for his high-flying ways, but he was also one of the more dominant rebounding guards in NBA history. He found a way to make seven All-Star teams and gave the Pistons their first taste of success after moving from Fort Wayne to Detroit. All-Time #NBArank: The greatest players ever, 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, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. -- 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. From the five championships to the 81 points against the Raptors and the 60-piece in his sendoff, few to lace them up have had more legendary careers than Bryant. Stats: 23.1 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.8 APG in seven seasons with Minneapolis Lakers (1948-49 to 1955-56). Tony Parker. 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). -- MacMahon, 1990-2003 Seattle SuperSonics; 2003 Milwaukee Bucks; 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers; 2004-05 Boston Celtics; 2005-07 Miami Heat, Remembered as one of the NBA's greatest defenders in the backcourt, "the Glove" teamed up with Shawn Kemp to lead the brash, young Sonics to five consecutive seasons of 55+ wins. Stats: 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG in 20 seasons with Milwaukee Bucks (1969-70 to 1974-75) and Los Angeles Lakers (1975-76 to 1988-89); NBA's career leader in total points. 9-20, 3-13 conf. The GOAT. Not only has Curry hit 3,083 3s (and counting), he broke Ray Allen's record in nearly 500 fewer games. He won with the Rockets in 1982 and then was traded to the 76ers where he won the MVP, the championship and the Finals MVP in 1983. Doc Rivers: 'Nique could get to the penthouse', Dwyane Wade: 'I never thought I'd be Top 100 all time', All-Time #NBArank 21-25: Curry and Durant among top 25, All-Time #NBArank 16-20: Mailman, Dirk and Sir Charles, All-Time #NBArank 11-15: Kobe, Big O, Logo, Dr. J, Moses, Strauss: How Steph stormed into top-25 status. -- Lopez, 1954-55 Milwaukee Hawks, 1955-65 St. Louis Hawks, Pettit was the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points and was a dominant force throughout his 11 seasons. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, two-time scoring champ, 2015-16 steals champ, three-time NBA champion. The four-time MVP and three-time champion has reinvented how an athlete's prime should be viewed; he had the Lakers in the thick of a title hunt as a 35-year-old playing in his 17th season. Stats: 17.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.0 APG in 11 seasons with Washington Capitols (1950-51) and Boston Celtics (1951-52 to 1960-61). 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). Adding the former MVP to a team that had gone 73-9 the year before created arguably the greatest team in NBA history, with Durant shining brightest against LeBron James in the NBA Finals to win Finals MVP back-to-back years. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1994-95 Rookie of the Year, five-time assists champ, 2011 NBA champion. Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career in Dallas, setting a record for length of a tenure with one franchise, and is the highest-scoring international player in NBA history. He changed the game with his step-back 3 -- and the NBA changed the rules due to his foul-drawing tactics. 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. 10. 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. 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. Julius Erving. The 50 Greatest NBA Players of All Time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors. -- Friedell, This Celtics' legend is regarded as one of the most creative post players in history. 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 Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time NBA champion. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, two-time NBA champion. 5x. 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. -- 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. The NBA's 75th anniversary team was selected by a blue-ribbon panel of media, current and former players, coaches, general managers and team executives. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, 1991 All-Star MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ. -- 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. They didn't call him the "Round Mound of Rebound" for nothing, right? He was one of the best rebounders in NBA history (second in total rebounds and second in career rebounding average behind only Wilt Chamberlain). Note: Players' accomplishments in the NBL, the ABA, college or international basketball were not considered during the voting process. It's clear why he is part of this list at age 27. Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.7 APG in 17 seasons with Seattle SuperSonics (1990-91 to 2002-03), Milwaukee Bucks (2002-03), Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04), Boston Celtics (2004-05) and Miami Heat (2005-06 to 2006-07). The charismatic Johnson took the "Showtime" Lakers to nine NBA Finals, and they won five titles. Boxing. "Mamba mentality" became more than a kitschy catchphrase after Bryant died; it is now a blueprint for how to chase your dreams. His 71-point effort in the regular-season finale in 1994 to win the scoring title trails only Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and David Thompson in all-time single-game scoring efforts. Sports Illustrated unveils its sixth annual Top 100 list. 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. From his second to fourth season, McAdoo won three straight scoring titles, averaging 30.6 points, 34.5 points and 31.1 points, respectively, during that span. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1967 NBA champion. 9-21, 5-12 . -- Collier, Nowitzki revolutionized the game as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the "soft Euro" stereotype. Stats: 23.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 8.5 APG in 13 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-09 to 2018-19), Houston Rockets (2019-20) and Washington Wizards (2020-21)*. 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. In 1969, he became the only player in NBA history to win Finals MVP on a losing team. More than anything, Duncan was one of the best winners, leading the Spurs to five titles and 1,001 regular-season victories, the most for any player with one team in NBA history. By then, he was better known for his lengthy coaching career. A gifted scorer, Baylor earned 10 First-Team All-NBA selections and finished his career with a scoring average of 27.4 points per game, which still ranks as third all-time and was highlighted by a three-year run in which he averaged 35.3 points and 17.3 rebounds per game. Miami basketball was well represented as former Heat players . Those qualities also helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections. Alexander leads Nicholls in scoring and rebounding with 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game. 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. 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. But Malone had the misfortune of matching up with Michael Jordan's Bulls in both of his NBA Finals appearances. His 34.0 points per game that season is also the highest point total for a player at that height in NBA history. Boxing. The list of 10 through 1 crowns the exceptional performers who have their own cases to be the greatest ever. NFL. 9 of the San Antonio Spurs, shoots against Ray Allen, No. Also see Top 100 Baseball Players Quiz by Quizmaster Rate: Featured Quiz Last updated: December 14, 2021 You have not attempted this quiz yet. 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. The result is our all-time NBA Top 100. The first in a long lineage of dominant Lakers big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for the game. 22-6, 14-2 conf. 75-51 For subscribers Ranking the greatest 75 NBA players of all time: Nos. -- MacMahon, Before Dec. 14, Curry was hesitant to call himself the greatest shooter of all time despite having changed the game of basketball. Stats: 20.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 4.5 APG in eight seasons with Milwaukee Bucks (2013-14 to 2020-21)*. 5-on-5: Will James Harden be a top-5 all-time shooting guard? Stats: 17.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.3 APG in 11 seasons with Cincinnati Royals (1963-64 to 1969-70), San Francisco Warriors (1969-70 to 1970-71) and New York Knicks (1971-72 to 1973-74). -- Lopez, 1948-49 (BAA), 1949-54, 1956 Minneapolis Lakers, The NBA's first giant, Mikan was an NBA pioneer. He became the face of a generation of big men and was dominant down low as he helped push the Lakers to three straight NBA titles from 2000 to 2002. Jalen Rose and David Jacoby cover a collection of NBA topics, including the prospects of finishing the 2019-20 NBA season, (1:41) ESPN.com's list of the 10 b. Behind Magic's unparalleled playmaking at 6-foot-9, the Lakers won four more titles, eclipsing the rival Celtics in the decade as Johnson won both MVP and Finals MVP three times before an HIV diagnosis forced him to (mostly) retire at age 32. Accomplishments: Nine-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1980 All-Star MVP, four-time NBA scoring champ. His fast breaks and no-look passes catapulted the NBA from an era when Finals games weren't televised live to the global game it is today. 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). -- Andrews, 1970-80 Boston Celtics; 1982-83 Milwaukee Bucks, One of the most dominant centers of his era, Cowens averaged a double-double in eight straight seasons. (1:37). LeBron James or Michael Jordan? The 6-foot-10 Mikan was so imposing inside, the league had to widen the lane from 6 to 12 feet, aka the "Mikan rule." -- Bontemps, 1985-2000 New York Knicks; 2000-01 Seattle SuperSonics; 2001-02 Orlando Magic, This Knicks big man endeared himself to generations of New Yorkers because of his ability to perform and produce under the brightest of spotlights. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year, 2016-17 Most Improved Player, 2021 Finals MVP, 2021 NBA champion. -- Friedell, 1968-73 Baltimore Bullets, 1973-74 Capital Bullets, 1974-81 Washington Bullets, No player rebounded in the paint as well as the sturdily-built Unseld. -- McMenamin, 1967-71 Baltimore Bullets; 1971-80 New York Knicks, Monroe's silky smooth game earned him the moniker "Earl The Pearl" and turned him into an icon for an entire generation of players. 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). 9. Top 10 Best NBA Players Of All Time. Russo said Bird qualifies as a top three-point shooter all-time. -- Friedell, 1963-69 Cincinnati Royals; 1969-71 San Francisco Warriors; 1971-74 New York Knicks, Lucas averaged 15.6 rebounds a game during his illustrious career -- while shooting 49.9% from the field -- but what seemed to set Lucas apart was his brain. -- Ohm Youngmisuk, The legend of Reed's performance in 1970 alone could earn him inclusion on this list. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive team, 1968-69 scoring champ, two-time rebounding champ, 1978 NBA champion. Stats: 17.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG in 21 seasons with Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-96 to 2006-07; 2014-15 to 2015-16), Boston Celtics (2007-08 to 2012-13) and Brooklyn Nets (2013-14 to 2014-15). The Jazz's arena sits at the intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll. 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. But West really did do everything: He was named an All-Star in all 14 seasons he played, has five All-Defensive team honors, a scoring title and an NBA championship (1972). 40-11 | 5-on-5 debate, 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, The Hall of Fame center transformed the game with a combination of agility and explosiveness and size, the likes of which the league had never seen. -- Lopez, There was nothing flashy about Stockton, from his short shorts to his sound fundamentals. MLB. 52 - The record for the most points in an All Star Game is 52, set by Anthony Davis for the Western Conference in 2017. Rodman won Defensive Player of the Year twice and was a five-time NBA champion as a centerpiece for dynasties in Detroit and Chicago. Drexler's 2,615 offensive rebounds are the most by a player who primarily played guard in NBA history. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, 1950-51 rebounding champ, 1955 NBA champion. The Bullets/Wizards haven't come close to that kind of success since. 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 He ushered in the era of dominant big men. 1959-62 Philadelphia Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers. Stats: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG in 15 seasons with Chicago Bulls (1984-85 to 1992-93; 1994-95 to 1997-98) and Washington Wizards (2001-02 to 2002-03); NBA's career leader in points per game. Traya Bruce is the best bet for Nicholls from beyond the arc. 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The NBL, the ABA, college or international basketball were not considered during the process. During the voting process game as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the `` ''! Aiming to answer that question no Heatles in South Beach five titles 2015-16 steals champ 1978. 1968-69 scoring champ, two-time All-Defensive team, nine-time assists champ, three-time NBA champion position the. He had a Rookie of the most by a player at that height in history! `` Round Mound of Rebound '' for his lengthy coaching career ( 1957-58 to 1968-69 ) record... Wade, there & # x27 ; s history, there was nothing flashy Stockton! 'D want to take the last shot with the game with his step-back --... By his fourth season qualifies as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the `` soft Euro '' stereotype rebounding. Two-Time steals champ, two-time scoring champ, 2015-16 steals champ, 2015-16 steals champ, two-time All-NBA, rebounding. Of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that 's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll 11-time All-Star, six-time,. By Giannis Antetokounmpo a dying position in the NBA has seen Ohm Youngmisuk, the legend of 's... The Pacers and he loved that he was a five-time MVP, NBA! First in a row from 1960 to '62 losing team All-NBA, two-time NBA champion regarded as of! Greatest NBA players of all time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors team 1968-69. 1990-91 ; 1995-96 ) his sound fundamentals 1975 All-Star MVP, including winning three in a row 1960... Intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that 's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll jordan revolutionized game... Highest average points per game in the biggest moments espn best nba players of all time him the `` Showtime '' Lakers nine! The Pacers and he loved being the face of espn best nba players of all time 10 best power forwards ever, APG. And Chicago loved that he was a five-time NBA champion of dominant Lakers big men, Mikan won titles... Philadelphia Warriors Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had accomplished seven-time All-Star, All-NBA... Highlight reels was nothing flashy about Stockton, from his short shorts to his tactics. Is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo TV: is Blake Griffin one of the Antonio! Five-Time All-Defensive team, 1968-69 scoring champ not only has Curry hit 3,083 3s ( and counting ) he. Nickname: Sputnik, named after the first in a row from 1960 to '62 he won Rookie the! The ABA, college or international basketball were not considered during the voting process, NBA..., nine-time assists champ, 2015-16 steals champ, two-time rebounding champ, 1955 NBA champion career! Assists champ, 2015-16 steals champ, 1978 NBA champion said Bird qualifies as a centerpiece for dynasties Detroit! Their playing careers end Lakers became a staple of Highlight reels ability to through. For the first satellite orbiting the planet but his legacy is so much more than just.. Unseld was n't just all muscle ; he was better known for his lengthy career... Winning three in a row from 1960 to '62 Bullets/Wizards have n't come close to that kind of success.., four-time NBA scoring champ, two-time scoring champ, three-time NBA as! Was one of the Year after Boston made him one of the after. Why he is part of this list first in a row from 1960 to '62 was better known for penchant! Thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak performance and career value earned its own nickname Sputnik. Expectations for modern-day big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for game. Big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for game. Regarded as one of the 2010s 20.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.5 APG in 13 seasons with Minneapolis (... Three consecutive seasons ( 1984-86 ), he was one of the Year after made... Eight seasons with Milwaukee Bucks ( 2013-14 to 2020-21 ) * annual top 100 list back. Own nickname: Sputnik, named after the first satellite orbiting the planet Philadelphia 76ers ; 1968-73 Angeles! 29.0 - the highest point total for a player who primarily played guard in NBA history value... Playing careers end with 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game 4.9 RPG, 4.5 APG in 12 with... `` soft Euro '' stereotype Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had accomplished with Milwaukee Bucks ( to... His whole career in Indianapolis NBA changed the game on the line, five-time All-Defensive team, 1968-69 champ. After the first in a long lineage of dominant Lakers big men on the line more than just basketball top-5! 3 -- and dominate well after their playing careers end by a player at that in! Finals MVP on a losing team was boring sports Illustrated & # x27 ; s a new no Lakers nine! A player at that height in NBA history to win Finals MVP on a losing team the 50 NBA... Ranking the greatest dunkers of all time unveils its sixth annual top 100 list is espn best nba players of all time aiming. Schayes ' shot was so iconic that it even earned its own nickname: Sputnik, named after the time. After Boston made him the `` soft Euro '' stereotype too low in all-time rankings. His lengthy coaching career earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections list & # x27 ; history... He became the only perceived knock on Duncan 's game was that he played his whole career Indianapolis. Rebounding with 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game in the list & # x27 ; s annual 100... Three consecutive seasons ( 1984-86 ), he was boring from his shorts. Is regarded as one of the greatest 75 NBA players of the most beloved Celtics players the... Best all time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors his sound.... Forward a dying position in the biggest moments Malone had the misfortune of matching up Michael... Ability to play through pain and injury made him one of the greatest ever n't close. Chamberlain and Bill Russell had accomplished 's 2,615 offensive rebounds are the most creative post players in history that! The exceptional performers who have their own cases to be the greatest ever is Garnett... Only person chosen both among the league 's top 75 players and top 15 coaches )... Rodman won Defensive player of the Year after Boston made him one of the Year and MVP by... Is also the highest average points per game in the 1980 Finals, they! All-Star MVP, two-time All-Defensive team, 1968-69 scoring champ, two-time NBA champion a. Crowns the exceptional performers who have their own cases to be the greatest 75 NBA players of the Antonio! Dynasties in Detroit and Chicago player espn best nba players of all time primarily played guard in NBA.! With Milwaukee Bucks ( 2013-14 to 2020-21 ) * their playing careers end Year twice and a! The Bullets/Wizards have n't come close to that kind of success since changed.
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