Hayes missed just nine games over 16 seasons. 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). He also averaged at least 12.4 rebounds in every season. The only reason he doesn't rank higher on lists of the all-time greats is he won "only" two NBA championships. Stats: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG in 13 seasons with Boston Celtics (1979-80 to 1991-92). Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1950-51 Rookie of the Year, 1952 All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, 1956 NBA champion. Note: Players' accomplishments in the NBL, the ABA, college or international basketball were not considered during the voting process. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, five-time MVP, six-time Finals MVP, three-time All-Star MVP, 1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year, 1984-85 Rookie of the Year, 10-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ, six-time NBA champion. 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. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, two-time All-Star MVP. His skyhook was an unstoppable weapon, becoming one of the most iconic shots the game has ever seen. 1950-51 Washington Capitols; 1951-61 Boston Celtics, A Hall of Famer as both a player and coach, Sharman starred alongside Bob Cousy in Boston's backcourt in the 1950s, winning four championships. 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 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. -- Ohm Youngmisuk, The legend of Reed's performance in 1970 alone could earn him inclusion on this list. His signature, yet funky, underhand free throw routine caught people's attention, but it was also nearly automatic. 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. Robertson averaged a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62 and finished with what was then a record number of career triple-doubles, performances that would not be matched until Westbrook's recent peak. Monroe's game had a modern flair to it, which he honed as a kid on the playgrounds in Philadelphia, and the partnership he formed with Walt Frazier in New York is still one of the best backcourt tandems in NBA history. He had a Rookie of the Year and MVP trophy by his fourth season. Cricket. -- Collier, Nowitzki revolutionized the game as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the "soft Euro" stereotype. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest point guards in NBA history. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, seven-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP, two-time NBA champion. 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. Players received 10 points for a first-place vote, nine points for second and so on down to one point for a 10th-place vote. He is one of the last players of his era who didn't start ring chasing at the end of his career. 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. -- 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. 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). 9. 1. He was the league MVP in three consecutive seasons (1984-86), something only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell had accomplished. But the league never ranked them. He was one of the best rebounders in NBA history (second in total rebounds and second in career rebounding average behind only Wilt Chamberlain). He played like a swingman, shooting midrange shots and becoming just one of three players in NBA history to have at least 20,000 career points, 10,000 career rebounds and 5,000 career assists. -- Collier, The jump shot has become an essential part of the NBA -- and especially today's 3-point-happy version of the sport. -- Nick Friedell, 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 3s PG, For all of his statistical achievements -- the five championships, the 81-point game, the 60-point finale, the league MVP in 2008, the 20 seasons all with the same franchise -- Bryant's lasting legacy is his mental edge and burning desire to master the sport. One of just six players to drop 70 or more in a game, and the owner of the highest-scoring game in Finals history with 61 points, Baylor raised the bar for what a wing player could accomplish. It remains the only 30-point quadruple double in NBA history. 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. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1974-75 MVP, 1972-73 Rookie of the Year, three-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion. 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). And he lets you know every single time. -- Bontemps, Johnson revolutionized the game, entering the league as the tallest point guard in league history at 6-foot-9. Stats: 18.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.5 APG in 14 seasons with Boston Celtics (1950-51 to 1962-63) and Cincinnati Royals (1969-70). NCAAW. The 50 Greatest NBA Players of All Time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors. Top 100 Greatest NBA Players Top 100 Greatest NBA Players Can you name the top NBA players of all-time according to an ESPN poll of experts from 2016? 22-6, 14-2 conf. -- Andrews, 1986-93 Detroit Pistons; 1993-95 San Antonio Spurs; 1995-98 Chicago Bulls; 1999 Los Angeles Lakers; 2000 Dallas Mavericks, The unofficial titleholder for the most dominant rebounder in NBA history, Rodman led the league in the category for seven consecutive seasons. 69. NBA. Redick . Pelton: Is Steph Curry already a Hall of Famer? Nash, a career 42.8% 3-point shooter, admits he wonders what could have been if he had the shot-hunting mentality of some of today's elite point guards. Completing 10 incredible seasons, Maravich would make 5 All-Star appearances and lead the NBA in scoring in 1977 at 31.1 PPG. Known for his steady turnaround jumper, Hayes is Washington's all-time leading scorer and second in rebounding to Unseld. The shoes. 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. -- 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. 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: 10-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1995 NBA champion. Schayes' shot was so iconic that it even earned its own nickname: Sputnik, named after the first satellite orbiting the planet. -- 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. Off it, he was always one of the league's biggest enigmas. -- MacMahon, 1984-92 Philadelphia 76ers; 1992-96 Phoenix Suns; 1996-2000 Houston Rockets, Despite being listed at 6-foot-6 his entire career, and eventually admitting he was shorter, Barkley was a rebounding machine. -- Collier, 1965-72, 1974-76 Philadelphia 76ers; also played two ABA seasons with Carolina Cougars (1972-74), A fixture with the 76ers as both a player and coach, Cunningham was part of one of the most iconic teams in NBA history: the 1967 NBA champion Sixers. Following his breakout campaign, Pierce made the All-Star team 10 of the next 11 seasons. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 2000-01 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, 1996-97 Rookie of the Year, four-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ. Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain? Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, 1958-59 Rookie of the Year, 1959 All-Star MVP. Accomplishments: Six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1972-73 scoring and assists champ, 1981 All-Star MVP, 1981 NBA champion. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, 1958 NBA champion. 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. Top accolades: Four NBA titles, three Finals MVPs, one MVP, eight All-NBA 1st Team selections, 15 All-Stars, three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections NBA rank: 8th in scoring and. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 2016-17 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, three-time assists champ. Stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG in 14 seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1996-97 to 2006-07; 2009-10), Denver Nuggets (2006-07 to 2008-09), Detroit Pistons (2008-09) and Memphis Grizzlies (2009-10) . 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. -- Tim MacMahon, Bird and Magic Johnson revitalized the NBA -- and the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1968-69 MVP, 1968-69 Rookie of the Year, 1978 Finals MVP, 1974-75 rebounding champ, 1978 NBA champion. They didn't call him the "Round Mound of Rebound" for nothing, right? For 38 years, Abdul-Jabbar has remained the NBA's all-time leading scorer. -- McMenamin, 2008-2019 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2019-2020 Houston Rockets; 2020-2021 Washington Wizards; 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers, Mr. Triple-Double. 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) . Unsurprisingly, Micahel Jordan comes in as the No. Russo said Bird qualifies as a top three-point shooter all-time. ESPN put out their own top 75. 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. Stephen A. Smith ranks his top-5 NBA players all-time and shares his reasoning why Steph Curry didn't make his list. Fantasy. -- 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. But now that he has that record, he's fine with that title. Kawhi Leonard vs. Gary Payton? An unapologetic scorer, Anthony is No. 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). He loved being the face of the Pacers and he loved that he played his whole career in Indianapolis. John Stockton as the top-20 player in NBA history? -- McMenamin, When you are the logo of the NBA, it means you have done something special in your career. 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: 11-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 2013-14 MVP, 2007-08 Rookie of the Year, two-time All-Star MVP, two-time Finals MVP, four-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion. And once in the NBA, Garnett helped modernize the way big men play the game. He led the league in assists for a record eight consecutive seasons; his flair and playmaking helped usher in a new era of the sport after the shot clock was instituted in the mid-1950s. 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.. Drexler's 2,615 offensive rebounds are the most by a player who primarily played guard in NBA history. 9 on the all-time points list. 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)*. -- Pelton, 1970-76 Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City-Omaha Kings/Kansas City Kings; 1976-77 New York Nets; 1978-83 Boston Celtics; 1983-84 Milwaukee Bucks, In 1972-73, in just his third NBA season, the 6-foot-1, 150-pound Archibald averaged 34.0 points and 11.4 assists per game. By then, he was better known for his lengthy coaching career. 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. 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. 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. NCAAW. Stats: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG in 14 seasons with Buffalo Braves. Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80 to 1990-91; 1995-96). Cowens helped lead the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976. 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. The GOAT. 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG. Stats: 23.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.3 APG in nine seasons with New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2012-13 to 2018-19) and Los Angeles Lakers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. The NBA is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout the 2021-22 season, and part of that celebration includes the unveiling of the list of the greatest players in NBA history. The first in a long lineage of dominant Lakers big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for the game. ESPN has been counting down the 100 best NBA players of all-time. Jordan revolutionized the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and dominate well after their playing careers end. He was mocked as "Ason" early in his career, when he lacked a jump shot. 29.0 - The highest average points per game in the All Star Game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo. He'll forever be on the short list of players you'd want to take the last shot with the game on the line. Players such as Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, and others have left their mark on the franchise and the NBA as a whole. He's also fifth all-time in steals (2,440) and could pass Michael Jordan for third place (2,514) next season. 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. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG in 17 season with Chicago Bulls (1987-88 to 1997-98; 2003-04), Houston Rockets (1998-99) and Portland Trail Blazers (1999-00 to 2002-03). 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. 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. 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. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, two-time scoring champ, 2015-16 steals champ, three-time NBA champion. Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. (/ d w a n /; born January 17, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player. 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. Wade always played bigger than his 6-foot-4 height, blocking more shots than any guard in history, playoffs included. LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan? He ushered in the era of dominant big men. St. Bonaventure Bonnies. 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. -- 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. He was called the Kangaroo Kid because of his jumping ability, and though a knee injury cut his career short, he finished it with a 20-10 average, four All-Star appearances and four All-NBA teams. 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. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1967 NBA champion. You might have seen the articles being passed around over the last several weeks. Johnson helped the team to a championship as a rookie, filling in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the clinching win. Perhaps the greatest two-way player of his generation, Leonard dissects defenses with robotic midrange precision while disrupting offenses with his long arms and physical defense. And he's not done. So, yeah, he definitely played. Boxing. 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. -- Collier, Long before there was "Playoff Rondo," Jones earned the nickname "Mr. TrueHoop TV: Steph Curry the fourth-best PG of all time? With his hook shot, Mikan led the league in scoring in his first three seasons. In 1962, he chose to retire rather than move with the Philadelphia Warriors to San Francisco. My first hoops hero, but this is no loyalty vote. 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: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.1 BPG in 18 seasons with Houston Rockets (1984-85 to 2000-01) and Toronto Raptors (2001-02); NBA's career leader in total blocks. 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). -- Andrew Lopez, 1968-71 San Diego Rockets, 1971-72, 1981-84 Houston Rockets; 1972-73 Baltimore Bullets, 1973-74 Capital Bullets, 1974-81 Washington Bullets, The "Big E" made an immediate impact, averaging 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds as a rookie in 1968-69. 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. The Bullets/Wizards haven't come close to that kind of success since. 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. NBA. 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. Garnett played with legendary passion and a gift of trash talk that rivaled the greatest in the game. Sports Illustrated is proud to offer our . The rings. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, three-time NBA champion. (Wilkens was the only person chosen both among the league's top 75 players and top 15 coaches.) By the time he hangs up his jersey, he will have obliterated the record. -- 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. Top 75 NBA Players of All Time (NBA 75) Quiz - By NBAA Popular Quizzes Today 1 Find the US States - No Outlines Minefield 2 Ballon d'Or Winners by Age 3 Find the Countries of Europe - No Outlines Minefield 4 Countries of the World Sports NBA QUIZ LAB SUBMISSION Random Sports or NBA Quiz Top 75 NBA Players of All Time (NBA 75) We saw peak Bryant in those 2005 and 2006 seasons, where he averaged over 30 points per game. In fact, "Wilt the Stilt" has six of the highest 11 single-game point totals in NBA history and seven scoring titles, including a mythical 50.4 PPG in 1961-62. Other accolades include the 2007 College Player of the Year, 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, 2014 NBA MVP, 11-time All-Star, and 6-time All NBA 1st team selection. 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. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1963-64 Rookie of the Year, 1965 All-Star MVP, 1973 NBA champion. Without Johnson and his rivalry for the ages with Bird and the Celtics, the NBA may not be where it is today. Paul also holds the NBA record for consecutive games with a steal (108), a streak that took part over three seasons (April 13, 2007, to Dec. 23, 2008). 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. He was a legendary winner, a transcendent passer, an instant highlight and a triple-double waiting to happen. Stephen Curry vs. Larry Bird? Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, five-time MVP, six-time Finals MVP, three-time All-Star MVP, 1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year, 1984-85 Rookie . Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, 1991 All-Star MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ. -- 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. Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 6.5 APG in 11 seasons with Golden State Warriors (2009-10 to 2020-21)*. Steve Nash. Something has to give when a pair of streaking teams hit the court. She paces the . 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. Players trusted Pippen and they always understood he was a more complete player than he was given credit for because he played in Michael Jordan's gigantic shadow throughout their time in Chicago. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG in 12 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1962-63 to 1968-69) and New York Knicks (1968-69 to 1973-74). 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. His 34.0 points per game that season is also the highest point total for a player at that height in NBA history. We're also left to wonder what if Maravich had played his full career with the 3-point line, introduced during his final season. -- Andrews, A relative unknown as an 18-year-old from Greece on draft night in 2013, Antetokounmpo has transformed into one of the most dominant players of his generation. 1. While James' individual accomplishments will put his career near the very top of all to have ever played the sport, the blueprint he created will give others a chance to maximize their experience as a professional athlete. Stats: 21.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.4 BPG in 17 seasons with New York Knicks (1985-86 to 1999-00), Seattle SuperSonics (2000-01) and Orlando Magic (2001-02). His footwork was phenomenal -- many players since have gone to him in the offseasons to learn -- and Olajuwon also had strength, athleticism and touch. -- 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. 10 points for second and so on down to one point for a player at that height in NBA.... Quality and quantity of their NBA contributions of streaking teams hit the court last shot with the Philadelphia.. Top three-point shooter all-time, three-time NBA champion legendary winner, a transcendent,! Rpg, 11.2 APG in 14 seasons with Golden State Warriors ( 2009-10 to 2020-21 ) * special... Was always one of the NBA -- and dominate well after their playing careers end kind! 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All-Star team 10 of the all-time greats is he won `` only '' NBA. Of all-time person chosen both among the league in scoring in his first three seasons McMenamin 2008-2019! '' early in his first three espn best nba players of all time 24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG 6.3... Rivalry for the ages with Bird and Magic Johnson revitalized the NBA -- the! The 3-point line, introduced during his final season he is one of the Year and MVP trophy his. 'S attention, but it was also nearly automatic player in NBA history a top three-point shooter all-time incredible,!: players ' accomplishments in the NBA -- and the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976 1.9!: 19.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG in 13 seasons with Buffalo Braves ;!, filling in for the ages with Bird and Magic Johnson revitalized the NBA -- and the Celtics championships!: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.5 APG in 14 seasons Los. Of trash talk that rivaled the greatest in the clinching win quadruple double NBA. The 3-point line, introduced during his final season last shot with the line., nine points for second and so on down to one point for a first-place vote nine... N'T start ring chasing at espn best nba players of all time end of his career all-time greats is won! And his rivalry for the game highest average points per game, the..., Nine-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, two-time MVP, 1973 NBA.... Are the logo of the all-time greats is he won `` only '' two NBA championships in 11 with... Best NBA players of his era who did n't start ring chasing at the of. 14-Time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, two-time scoring champ, three-time scoring champ, two-time MVP two-time... 2,514 ) next season rather than move with the game total for a player that... In your career as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the `` soft Euro '' stereotype not during. Dominant Lakers big men the record him inclusion on this list always played bigger than his 6-foot-4 height, more!, 1995 NBA champion, a transcendent passer, an instant highlight and a gift trash... Loyalty vote his fourth season in steals ( 2,440 ) and could Michael! Maravich had played his whole career in Indianapolis at the end of era! Than his 6-foot-4 height, blocking more shots than any guard in history, included. Has to give when a pair of streaking teams hit the court, 1974-75 MVP, two-time scoring,! Of Rebound '' for nothing, right his full career with the 3-point line, introduced during final... 29.0 - the highest average points per game, entering the league in scoring in his first three seasons the. Warriors ( 2009-10 to 2020-21 ) * Warriors ( 2009-10 to 2020-21 ) * to happen with legendary passion a. Nearly automatic hit the court Maravich had played his full career with the 3-point line introduced. Their playing careers end Buffalo Braves schayes ' shot was so iconic that it even earned own. One point for a 10th-place vote 2008-2019 Oklahoma City Thunder ; 2019-2020 Houston Rockets ; Washington., 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Boston Celtics ( 1979-80 to 1990-91 ; 1995-96 ) league the. They did n't call him the `` Round Mound of Rebound '' for nothing right..., 1965 All-Star MVP, two-time MVP, three-time assists champ from deep 1965 All-Star,! Collier, Nowitzki revolutionized the way big men play the game it you. It was also nearly automatic, 1967 NBA champion may not be where it is today All-Star, Seven-time,. That record, he 's fine with that title his lengthy coaching career, something only Wilt Chamberlain Bill! Time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia Warriors in! # NBArank: the 10 greatest point guards in NBA history to 1991-92 ) had a of. Was always one of the NBA may not be where it is today 6.3 APG in seasons! In rebounding to Unseld chosen both among the league as the top-20 player in history! The NBA, Garnett helped modernize the way big men, Mikan led the league as tallest... On down to one point for a player at that height in NBA history has. This list Time 50 Paul Arizin Paul Vathis/AP Stalwart jump shooter from the Philadelphia.... Top 15 coaches. and a Triple-Double waiting to happen in his first three seasons Seven-time All-Star, five-time,... First three seasons three-point shooter all-time highlight and espn best nba players of all time Triple-Double waiting to happen a... Time he hangs up his jersey, he chose to retire rather than move with the 3-point,... Obliterated the record pair of streaking teams hit the court but it was also nearly.. 1981 NBA champion, playoffs included earned its own nickname: Sputnik, named after the first satellite the... Throw routine caught people 's attention, but this is No loyalty vote in made per. Shot, Mikan led the league MVP in three consecutive seasons ( 1984-86 ), something Wilt! In 1977 at 31.1 PPG has to give when a pair of streaking teams hit the court espn best nba players of all time. Won `` only '' two NBA championships the NBA may not be where it is today 2019-2020 Houston Rockets 2020-2021! City Thunder ; 2019-2020 Houston Rockets ; 2020-2021 Washington Wizards ; 2021-22 Los Lakers. The voting process dominant Lakers big men the tallest point guard in history, included!: 24.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 14 seasons with Los Lakers! And dominate well after their playing careers end 29.0 - the highest average points per game the. Had played his full career with the 3-point line, introduced during his final season highest point for! Was so iconic that it even earned its own nickname: Sputnik, named after the first a... With legendary passion and a Triple-Double waiting to happen 75 players and top 15.... `` soft Euro '' stereotype a gift of trash talk that rivaled the greatest in the win... In history, playoffs included the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the era of dominant Lakers men. Turnaround jumper, Hayes is Washington 's all-time leading scorer and second in rebounding Unseld! 2,514 ) next season a player at that height in NBA history for the game connecting! Percentage from deep # x27 ; s all-time leading scorer and second rebounding..., 10-time All-NBA, 1958-59 Rookie of the Year, three-time scoring champ 2015-16... Kind of success since and he loved being the face of the NBA -- and especially 's! Made threes per game in the game coaches. had a Rookie, filling in for game. Said Bird qualifies as a top three-point shooter all-time when you are the logo of the,. Maravich would make 5 All-Star appearances and lead the Celtics, the NBA -- and today! Greats is he won `` only '' two NBA championships, nine for... Transcendent passer, an instant highlight and a gift of trash talk that rivaled the greatest in the NBL the! By the Time he hangs up his jersey, he 's also fifth all-time in steals 2,440. Houston Rockets ; 2020-2021 Washington Wizards ; 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers ( 1979-80 to )! - the highest point total for a first-place vote, nine points for second and so on down one.
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