The NBA All-Star Weekend was a celebration of the best players in the history of the league.
The NBA unveiled its 75th Anniversary Team, a squad full of icons representing different points in the evolution of basketball.
The league never ranked them. We did.
The quality and quantity of their NBA contributions were taken into account by the NBA expert panel as they voted on thousands of head-to-head player matchups.
Is there a Michael Jordan vs.Lebron James match up? Is Gary Payton or Kawhi Leonard the better player? Stephen Curry vs. Larry Bird? Is Kobe Bryant or Kevin Durant the better player? Old school or new school?
The players from different eras changed the game. The NBA's very best check in on our list is here.
The voting process did not consider the accomplishments of players in the NBL, ABA, college or international basketball. There was a tie during the NBA's voting for its 75th anniversary team.
Washington Capitols; Boston Celtics.
17.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.0 APG.
In the 1950s, he was a player and coach for Boston and won four titles. He was one of the game's great early shooters, setting a record for free throw percentage during the 1959 season that lasted nearly two decades.
The Trail blazers were in 2012-22.
24.6 PPG, 6.6 APG, 4.2RPG.
One of the most clutch players in the game is Damian Lillard, who has a shooting range that rivals Stephen Curry and has become one of the most important players in the game. Dame Time is the nickname for his performance in the final stretches of games. He lets you know every time.
The Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets, and Boston Celtics all participated in the 1966-75 season.
20.3PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.8RPG.
Bing was 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 Bing did not allow the injuries to cut his career short. He made seven All-Star teams and gave the Pistons their first taste of success after moving from Fort Wayne.
The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons were both in the 1960's.
2 APG, 16.1PPG, 11.0RPG.
The NBA started naming an All-Defensive First Team for the first six years. 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.
The Philadelphia 76ers played two ABA seasons.
20.8 PPG, 10 RPG, and 4.0 APG.
Cunningham was a part of one of the most famous teams in NBA history, the 1967 NBA champion 76ers. He finished his career with four All-NBA teams, four All-Star appearances and a 20-10 average, despite a knee injury that ended his career.
Davis has redefined what a big man can do with his offensive skill set and ability to dominate a game defensively with the offensive skill set he possesses outside of the low post. As long as he stays healthy, there will be more to come for him.
Philadelphia 76ers/ Syracuse Nationals.
There were 18.5PPG, 12.1RPG, 3.1 APG.
One of the best players in the NBA's early years, Schayes was one of the last players to use a two-handed set shot and was a high-impact center during his 16 seasons with the Nationals and 76ers. The shot was so famous that it earned its own nickname: Sputnik.
Anthony filled the role of a stretch-4 before the position became a staple of every NBA roster when he entered the league with a handle and shooting touch of a shooting guard but with the height and broad shoulders of a traditional frontcourt player. Anthony is ninth on the all-time points list.
2020-2021 Washington Wizards, 2020- 2020 Houston Rockets, and 2020-22 Los Angeles Lakers.
22.9 PPG, 8.5 APG, 7.4 RPG.
Mr. triple-double. Oscar Robertson had the previous record for most career triple-doubles with 192. The record for most consecutive triple-doubles is held by Westbrook. He owns three of the top four streaks.
The most dominant rebounder in NBA history, Dennis Rodman, led the league in the category for seven consecutive seasons. Dennis Rodman was a five-time NBA champion as a centerpiece for dynasties in Detroit and Chicago. His play was relentless on the court. He was always one of the league's biggest enigmas.
The Philadelphia Warriors were in the 1950s and 1960s.
22.8PPG, 8.6RPG, 2.3 APG.
The jump shot has become an essential part of the NBA, and especially today's 3-point happy version of the sport. It was brought to the NBA 70 years ago by Arizin, a sweet-shooting forward who went on to become one of the game's early prolific scorers. He retired rather than move to San Francisco.
The St. Louis Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail blazers were all in the 1960's and 70's.
There were 16 points, 6.7 APG, and 4.7 points.
During the 1994 All-Star weekend, Shaquille O' Neal asked the coach if he played. He was better known for his lengthy coaching career. Only one person was chosen among the league&s top 75 players and top 15 coaches. A nine-time All-Star and two-time player-coach for the SuperSonics, Wilkens excelled as both a scorer and a player. He definitely played.
Philadelphia 76ers/ Syracuse Nationals.
19.2 points per game, 5.0 points per game, 4.0 points per game.
He went down in history as the first player to have his number retired by the 76ers, but he still remains the franchise's leader in a host of categories, including games.
Parish played an NBA-record 1,611 games over a 21-season career that ended in 1997 with the Bulls, and won four titles. Parish was an ideal All-Star complement to the Celtics because of his skills and willingness to accept physical play in the paint in the 1980s.
The Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Washington Wizards were all in the same year.
19.7PPG, 5.6RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG.
In 2000-01, when he played all 82 games, he became the first Celtic to score 2,000 or more points since Larry Bird in 1987-88, and averaged over 25 points in his third year in the league. He made the All-Star team 10 times over the next 11 seasons.
The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks were both in the 1980's.
18.6 PPG, 13.6RPG, 3.8 APG.
One of the most dominant centers of his era, Cowens averaged a double-double in eight straight seasons. He won an award after Boston made him the fourth pick in the draft. The Celtics won two titles in 1974 and 1976.
Boston Celtics from 1957 to 1969
17.7PPG, 4.9RPG, 2.5 APG.
Jones was dubbed Mr. Clutch for his penchant for delivering in the biggest moments. The Celtics won five titles in the 1960's and 70's as Jones increased his scoring average in the playoffs every year, peaking at 28.6 points per game in 1965, while he was a five-time All-Star.
The Cincinnati Royals, Kansas City-Omaha Kings, New York Nets, and Boston Celtics all participated in the 1970-76 season.
18.6 PPG, 7.4 APG, 2.3 RPG.
In his third NBA season, in 1972- 73, the 6-foot-1, 150-pound Archibald averaged 34.0 points and 11.4 assists per game. Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook were the only other players in NBA history to have 30-point, 10-assist seasons. His 34.0 points per game that season was the highest point total for a player at that height in NBA history.
The San Diego Rockets, Houston Rockets, Baltimore Bullets, and Capital Bullets all played in the 1970s.
21.0PPG and 12.5RPG.
The Big E averaged 28.4 points and 17.1 rebound as a rookies in 1968. He helped Wes Unseld take the Bullets to three Finals appearances, including the title in 1978. The Bullets haven't come close to that kind of success since. He is Washington's all-time leading scorer and second in rebound to Unseld. Over the course of 16 seasons, he missed just nine games.
The New York Knicks from 1964 to 1974.
18.7 points per game and 12.9 points per game.
The legend of Reed's performance in 1970 alone could earn him a spot on this list. Reed tore a thigh muscle that forced him to miss Game 6 of the NBA Finals, but he wanted to play in Game 7. The crowd at Madison Square Garden went crazy when Reed walked onto the floor and the Knicks won the championship. In 1970, Reed became the first player in NBA history to win three awards in the same year.
The Los Angeles Lakers from 1982-94.
18.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG.
The ability of Worthy to defend, run the floor and finish enabled the Showtime Lakers to be so effective playing the style they employed. The story of how important Worthy was to L.A.'s success is told by his 1988 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award.
The Baltimore Bullets and New York Knicks were both in the 70s.
18.6 PPG, 3.8 APG.
Monroe's silky smooth game earned him the nickname Earl The Pearl, and turned him into an icon for an entire generation of players. Monroe's game had a modern flair to it, which he fostered 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.
The Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, Utah Jazz, and Boston Celtics all existed in the 70s and 80s.
24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG.
During an NBA career cut short by injury, Maravich never quite reached the heights of his record-setting scoring for his father at LSU. He was an All-NBA player in 1976-77, when he led the league in scoring with 31.1 points per game for the New Orleans Jazz. We are left to wonder if Maravich played his entire career with the 3-point line, introduced during his final season.
The Portland Trail blazers and the Houston Rockets were both in the 90's.
20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG, 2.0 SPG.
Clyde the Glide was known for his high-flying ways, but he was also one of the more dominant rebound guards in NBA history. Drexler has the most offensive rebound by a player who played guard in NBA history. Drexler is one of four players in league history to have at least 2,000 offensive rebound and 2,000 steals.
The Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs both played in the ABA.
26.2PPG, 4.6RPG, 2.8 APG.
The Iceman epitomized cool during his career. Gervin won four NBA titles and scored over 20,000 points in his career, often with a gold chain or two dangling from his neck. Nike made his finger rolls into a marketing line after Gervin hung up his high-tops.
The Indiana Pacers from 1987 to 2005.
18.2 PPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 Steals, 1.8 3s.
The Pacers legend became one of the greatest shooters in NBA history with one of the fastest releases the game has seen. His loyalty was what defined the Hall of Famer. He loved being the face of the Pacers and he loved playing his entire career in Indianapolis. He was one of the last players of his era who did not start ring chasing at the end of his career.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers are all in the same year.
28.0 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.6 RPG.
Harden might be the most controversial player of his generation. His style of play has generated a lot of groans and criticism, and his partnerships with several co-stars have produced unpleasant breakups. Harden is at or near the top of the list of the best isolation scorers in the history of the game. The NBA changed their rules due to his foul-drawing tactics.
The San Francisco/Golden State Warriors, 1974-75 Chicago Bulls, and 1975-77 Cleveland Cavaliers were all Warriors.
There were 15.0 PPG, 15.0 RPG, and 2.7 APG.
Thurmond's career was defined by his defensive intensity on a nightly basis. He was respected by his peers for how hard he played and how tough it was to go against him. During his NBA career, he averaged 15 points and 15 rebound per game, which was good for a beloved member of the Warriors.
Capital Bullets, Baltimore Bullets, and Washington Bullets.
14.0RPG, 3.8 APG.
The Unseld had no player rebound in the paint. Unseld became the second player in Bullets history to win rookies of the year and most valuable player in the same season. Unseld was the greatest Bullet of all time, played the most games in franchise history, and was seventh in rebound when he retired. Unseld was one of the best outlet passers the NBA has seen. He is a legend in the D.C. area for his NBA championship.
The Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat all played in the same year.
18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 3PG
Before Stephen Curry broke his all-time 3-point record, Allen was considered the smoothest shooting player of all time. The work ethic that helped achieve that level of basketball greatness was what set Allen apart. After becoming 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.
The Cincinnati Royals, San Francisco Warriors, and New York Knicks all existed in the 1960's and 70's.
18.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.3 APG.
During his illustrious career, Lucas averaged over 15 points a game, but what seemed to set him apart was his brain. Lucas used his mind and recall of opponents tendencies to improve his physical skills.
The Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers all competed in the 1972-76 season.
22.1PPG and 9.4RPG.
It didn't take long for McAdoo to start dominating, getting off to one of the best individual starts an NBA scorer can have. During the 2014–2018 2014–2018, McAdoo averaged 30.6 points, 34.5 points and 31.1 points per season, winning three straight scoring titles. He had two awards by his fourth season. As a role player with the Lakers, McAdoo would win two titles.
San Diego Clippers, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail blazers are some of the teams.
There were 13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 2.2 BPG.
Every time we talk about the role of health in winning the award, we have to caveat the fact that he only played 58 games in 1977. The defending champ were 50-10) behind their center's rim protection and legendary playmaking when Walton broke his foot. Though he returned to contribute to the 1985-86 Celtics title, he was never the same dominant force as before.
The Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, and the New York Knicks all played in the same period.
8.6 APG, 1.9 SPG.
Kidd was a dominant force for almost two decades without ever scoring like a star, finishing his career second all time in both assists and steals. He was mocked as "Ason" early in his career because he lacked a jump shot. 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.
The Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat all played in the same period.
16.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.8 SPG.
The Glove and Shawn Kemp helped lead the Sonics to five consecutive seasons of 55 wins. In 1995-96, the most recent guard to win Defensive Player of the Year, Seattle pushed the 72-10 Bulls to six games in the NBA Finals. Payton made nine consecutive All-Defensive First Teams and was fourth in career steals.
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers were both in the 70's.
18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG
The face of the Knicks in the 1970s was due to his long post-playing career with the team, but he was also known for his unique style off the court. He was a two-way player who in the 1970 NBA Finals, when he was playing with an injured leg, had 36 points and 19 assists to lead the Knicks to their first title.
The New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Magic were all in the 90's.
21.0PPG, 9.8RPG, 2.4 BPG.
Generations of New Yorkers were fond of this Knicks big man because of his ability to perform and produce under the spotlight. While the Knicks never won a title during his career, they won a lot of games because they appreciated how the Georgetown great brought the storied franchise back to life in the 1980s and 90s.
The Boston Celtics from 1980-93.
17.9PPG, 7.3RPG, 1.7 BPP.
One of the most creative post players in history is a Celtics legend. The Larry Bird-led teams that McHale helped lead had a tough style and he always seemed to find a way to make a play on the blocks. One of the most beloved Celtics players of all time was McHale, because of his ability to play through pain and injury.
The San Francisco Warriors, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and New York Nets all played in the ABA.
21.2 PPG, 6.5RPG, 5.1 APG.
Barry was an eight-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA selection, an NBA champion and a scoring champion, but he might be best known for a move that has never been replicated in the league. His signature, yet funky, underhand free throw routine caught the attention of people, but it was almost automatic. Barry was the fourth best NBA free thrower of all time.
The Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers played during the 1996-98, 2004-12, and 1998-2004 seasons.
42.8 3P% was thePPG, 8.5 APG.
Nash pushed the pace and the NBA into the modern era of up-tempo play, but he didn't play in this generation. He was the ultimate pass-first point guard, winning five assists titles, including both of his most valuable player seasons, and also possessed one of the game's purest jump shots. 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.
1994-95 Boston Celtics; 1996-97 San Antonio Spurs; 1999 Orlando Magic.
24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG.
Wilkins dunking skills are elite. The man they call The Human Highlight Film was one of the greatest dunkers of all time. He won the dunk contest in 1985 and 1990 and participated in five other contests. He inspired players to come back from injuries. Wilkins averaged 29.9 points in the following year after rupturing his appendix.
The Milwaukee Hawks and St. Louis Hawks were part of the NBA.
26.4PPG, 16.2RPG, 3.0 APG
He was the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 points and was a dominant force throughout his 11 seasons. In each of his first 10 NBA seasons, Pettit was named to the All-NBA first team. He averaged more than 22 points in any season after scoring 20.4 points as a freshman. He averaged at least 12.4 rebound in every season.
The Boston Celtics and Cincinnati Royals were both in the 1960s.
18.4 points per game, 5.2 points per game, 7.5 points per game.
He helped define the point guard position with his passing skills. After the shot clock was instituted in the mid-1950s, he led the league in assists for a record eight consecutive seasons. He was a 12-time All-NBA selection and a 13-time All-Star.
The San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and LA Clippers were all in 2011.
19.2PPG, 6.4RPG, 1.8 SPG.
Leonard has won two NBA championship rings, two Finals MVP trophies, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, with some of the biggest hands the NBA has ever seen. He is not done. Leonard is perhaps the greatest two-way player of his generation, as he is able to disrupt offenses with his long arms and physical defense. Leonard helped deliver the first NBA championship to Canada.
The Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail blazers were all in the 90's.
16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.0 SPG.
Pippen had an unbelievable consistency on both ends of the floor. Pippen's defensive tenacity was always highly regarded by his teammates and coaches, even though he grew into his offensive game. Pippen is often brought up as one of his former teammates favorite people to play with. Pippen was a more complete player than he was given credit for because he played in the shadow of Michael Jordan.
The Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets, the Detroit Pistons, and the Memphis Grizzlies all played in the same period.
26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.2 SPG.
A cultural icon as much as he was a basketball player, Iverson inspired a generation of prospects who followed him in sharing their true, authentic self, rather than an airbrushed corporate image. While he first made a splash with his dribble, his game came to be defined by his tenacity as a guard who put his body on the line.
The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers were all in the same year.
22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG.
Wade was the greatest player in the history of the Heat. There aren't three championship banners hanging just off Biscayne Bay Boulevard if there isn't D- Wade in Miami. Without Wade, South Beach will probably not have any of the Heatles. Wade was the leading scorer in the league in 2008 when he averaged 30.2 points per game. Wade played bigger than his height, blocking more shots than any guard in history.
The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been mentioned.
18.2 PPG, 9.5 APG, 4.5RPG, 2.1 SPG.
Paul became the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 career points and 10,000 career assists in his 17th season. He could pass Michael Jordan for third place on the all-time steals list next season. The NBA record for consecutive games with a steal is held by Paul, who has done it for three seasons.
The Minneapolis Lakers of the 50s and 60s.
23.1PPG, 13.4RPG, 2.8 APG.
Mikan was an NBA pioneer. The era of dominant big men was ushered in by him. The league had to widen the lane from 6 to 12 feet because Mikan was so imposing inside. Mikan was the first in a long line of dominant Lakers big men and was an ambassador for the game.
The Detroit Pistons from 1981-94.
19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG, 1.9 SPG.
One of the NBA's greatest point guards and one of the leaders of the Bad Boy Pistons, Thomas was one of the best players of the 1980s. He was an All-Star in his first season in the league and has appeared in 12 straight. He played his entire career in Detroit and won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990.
The Boston Celtics from 1962 to 1978.
20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.2 SPG.
The role of sixth man was popularized by one of the first players to win eight titles. He was one of the most complete players of all time, capable of playing multiple positions as well as being an outstanding two-way player.
San Antonio Spurs from 1989-2003.
21.2 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 3.0 BPG.
One of only four times in NBA history, the Admiral had a quadruple-double when he had 34 points, 10 rebound, 10 assists and 10 blocks against the Pistons. It is the only triple double in NBA history. His 71-point effort in the regular-season finale in 1994 to win the scoring title trails only Kobe Bryant and David Thompson in all-time single-game scoring efforts.
Utah Jazz from 1984-2003.
There were 13.1 PPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG.
From his shorts to his sound, there was nothing flashy about him. He missed a total of 22 games in 19 seasons with the Jazz, but still set career assists and steals records. The Jazz's arena is located at the intersection of Stockton and Malone, which is where the pick-and-roll originated.
The Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers were both in 2003 and 2004.
28.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.4 SPG.
The Mailman is the most decorated ringless player in NBA history, earning 14 All-Star nods and twoMVPs and ranking as the second all-time leading scorer with 36,928 career points. In both of his NBA Finals appearances, he was matched up with Michael Jordan's Bulls.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets all played in the 90's.
22.1PPG, 11.7RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.5 SPG.
Even though he was listed at 6-foot-8 his entire career, he was a rebound machine. They didn't call him the "Round Mound of Rebound" for nothing. He was the shortest rebound champion in NBA history since the shot-clock era began.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets are from 1995-2007.
17.8PPG, 10.0RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG
The first high school player to go straight to the pros in more than two decades was Garnett, who was drafted fifth overall by the Wolves in 1995. The way big men play the game was modernized by Garnett. He played like a swingman and became just the third player in NBA history to have at least 20,000 career points, 10,000 career rebound and 5,000 career assists. The greatest in the game was overshadowed by the passion and trash talk of Garnett.
Minneapolis Lakers and Los Angeles Lakers.
27.4PPG, 13.5RPG, 4.3 APG.
Before the slam dunk became synonymous with the sport, a smooth, 6-foot-5 forward with a knack for scoring, made a habit of breathing the rare air above the rim. 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, has raised the bar for what a wing player could accomplish.
The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1960s and 1970s.
28.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG.
It means you have done something special when you are the NBA's logo. West was named an All-Star in all 14 seasons he played and he also won an NBA championship. He was the only player in NBA history to win Finals Most Valuable Player on a losing team. West is a member of the front-office of the Lakers and is also a player.
The Milwaukee Bucks played in the same year.
21.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 BPG.
A relative unknown as an 18-year-old from Greece, Antetokounmpo has become one of the most dominant players of his generation. Since entering the league, he has collected a number of awards: Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player, and Defensive Player of the Year. It is clear why he is on this list.
The Dallas Mavericks from 1998 to 2019.
20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 3PG.
As a 7-foot shooter, Nowitzki shattered the stereotype of soft Euro. He was the lone All-Star for the Mavs, who defeated the Heat in the finals, avenging a loss in the previous year. Nowitzki spent his entire 21-year career in Dallas, setting a record for length of tenure with one franchise and is the highest- scoring international player in NBA history.
The Golden State Warriors from 2009-22.
24.3 PPG, 6.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 42.8 3FG%
Curry was hesitant to call himself the greatest shooter of all time despite having changed the game of basketball. He is fine with that title now that he has that record. Curry has hit more 3s than Ray Allen did in 500 fewer games. He will destroy the record when he hangs up his jersey.
The Buffalo Braves, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and San Antonio Spurs all played in the ABA.
20.6PPG, 12.2RPG, 1.3 BPG.
Winning back-to-back MVPs with two different teams is a feat that he alone has accomplished. He was traded to the 76ers where he won the title and the Finals Most Valuable Player in 1983.
The Philadelphia 76ers played five ABA seasons with Virginia Squires.
22.0PPG, 6.7RPG, 3.8 APG.
Dr. J turned dunking into an art form when he took something big men did around the basket and dunked it. He threw down some of the most memorable dunks in NBA history, but one of the plays he is remembered for most is a layup. His reverse baseline scoop layup against the Lakers became a staple of highlight reels.
2001-02 Toronto Raptors
21.8PPG, 11.1RPG, 1.7 SPG, 3.1 BPG.
The Dream is perhaps the most skilled and polished post scorer to call for the ball on the block. Many players have gone to him in the off-season to learn how to use his feet, and he had strength, athletic ability and touch. He set a record for blocks in a career that might never be challenged, and he was arguably even more dominant as a defender.
The Seattle SuperSonics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Golden State Warriors all played in the same year.
27.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.1 BPG.
The league's balance of power was dramatically changed by the move of Kevin Durant to the Warriors. Adding the formerMVP to a team that had gone 73-9 the year before created arguably the greatest team in NBA history, with KD shining against James in the NBA Finals to win the title back-to-back years. After an injury ended his third Finals run with Golden State, Kevin Durant came back as good as ever in Brooklyn.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics all played in the 1992-96 season.
23.7PPG, 10.9RPG, 2.3 BPG.
The league had never seen a center move up and down the floor with the strength and speed that O' Neal possessed. 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. The expectations for big men were changed by his mobility.
The Los Angeles Lakers.
28.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.4 3s PG.
Bryant and his Mamba Mentality set the standard for scores of players hoping to make a mark on the game because of his uncompromising work ethic and full-fledged commitment to master his craft above all else. Bryant has had more legendary careers than any other player, from the five championship to the 81 points against the Raptors and the 60-piece in his sendoff.
The Cincinnati Royals were in the 1960s and 1970s.
25.7PPG, 7.5RPG, 9.5 APG.
The player who defined the triple-double was The Big O. Many of the stars of the current NBA have adopted a model that Robertson filled up stat sheets as a point guard. 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.
San Antonio Spurs from 1997 to 2016
19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.2 BPG.
Duncan dominated for a generation while rarely showing any emotion, aside from shock when he was whistled for a foul. He was a winner. Duncan won five titles over the course of three decades. He played in more games than any other player in NBA history. The Spurs made the playoffs in every single season of Duncan's career.
The Boston Celtics from 1979-93.
24.3PPG, 10.0RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.7 SPG.
Bird and Magic Johnson arrived in the NBA in the 1980s and helped kick off a new round of battles between the Celtics and Lakers, while Bird's all-around offensive prowess made him one of the game's best.
Boston Celtics of the 60s and 70s.
There were 15 points, 22.5 points, 22.5 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points, 4.3 points
Russell was one of the greatest defenders of all time. He is one of the best rebounders in NBA history, second in total rebound and second in career rebound average. He won three in a row from 1960 to 1962 and was a five-time Most Valuable Player. His 11 NBA titles are the most for a player. The NBA's Finals Most Valuable Player award will be named after Russell.
San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers all played in the 1960's and 70's.
30.1 points per game, 22.9 points per game, 4.2 points per game.
Few players hold a record that will never be broken. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points against the Knicks. 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.
The Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 to 1996.
There were 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG, 1.9 SPG.
Adding Magic, the top pick of the 1979 draft, catalyzed the Lakers dynasty. The team won the title as a rookies, with Johnson filling in for the injured Abdul-Jabbar. The Lakers won four more titles, beating the Celtics in the decade, as Johnson won both the Most Valuable Player and Finals Most Valuable Player three times, before retiring at age 32 due to an HIV diagnosis.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks played in the 90s.
24.6PPG, 11.2RPG, 3.6 APG.
Kareem ruled basketball. His resume includes six championship, six Most Valuable Player, two FinalsMVPs, the scoring record and 15 All-NBA selections. One of the most famous shots in the game was his skyhook. His legacy is more than just basketball. Kareem has stood taller than his stature, fighting for racial and religious equality.
The Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers were both in the same year.
27.1 PPG, 7.4 APG, 7.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG.
James paved the way for his endorsements to become partnerships, his status as a player become that of a stakeholder, and his public persona to include an element of social activism. James will put his career near the very top of all he has ever done, but he will give others a chance to maximize their experience as a professional athlete.
The Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards were both in the 90's.
30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG.
The rings. The people who are the most valuable. The titles were scored. The shoes. The GOAT.
Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time -- he changed so many different aspects of the league -- but maybe most of all, he showed players they could grow themselves into a global brand on and off the floor with stellar play and the right marketing machine behind it all. Jordan made it possible for players to expand their corporate portfolios after their playing careers are over. He was a six-time NBA Finals champ, six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 14-time NBA All-Star.
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