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espn best nba players of all time

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. -- Bontemps, 1976-80 Golden State Warriors; 1980-94 Boston Celtics; 1994-96 Charlotte Hornets; 1996-97 Chicago Bulls, Don't reduce Parish to the trivia of playing an NBA-record 1,611 games over a 21-season career he capped by winning a fourth title at age 43 with the Bulls in 1997. Wade always played bigger than his 6-foot-4 height, blocking more shots than any guard in history, playoffs included. Embiid was dominant last season, averaging 30.6 points per game to lead the league in scoring for the first time in his career -- the first time a center led the league in . We saw peak Bryant in those 2005 and 2006 seasons, where he averaged over 30 points per game. 9. Stats: 24.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.6 APG in nine seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (2012-13 to 2020-21)*. His rsum stands the test of time with six championships, six MVPs, two Finals MVPs, the scoring record and 15 All-NBA selections. Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG in 10 seasons with Atlanta Hawks (1970-71 to 1973-74), New Orleans/Utah Jazz (1974-75 to 1979-80) and Boston Celtics (1979-80). 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. -- MacMahon, 1982-94 Atlanta Hawks; 1994 LA Clippers; 1994-95 Boston Celtics; 1996-97 San Antonio Spurs; 1999 Orlando Magic, It doesn't get more elite than Wilkins' dunking skills. -- 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. 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: 10-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, two-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. Vote up the best basketball player ever, and those who follow close behind. -- McMenamin, 1960-70 Cincinnati Royals; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, The "Big O" was the player who originally defined the triple-double. Accomplishments: 12-time NBA All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, two-time NBA All-Defensive team, three-time NBA MVP, 1983 Finals MVP, six-time NBA rebounding champ, 1983 NBA champion. -- Andrews, Adding Magic, the top pick of the 1979 draft, catalyzed the Lakers' dynasty. By then, he was better known for his lengthy coaching career. Stats: 18.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.9 APG in 13 seasons with Baltimore Bullets (1967-68 to 1971-72) and New York Knicks (1971-72 to 1979-80). Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, 1991 All-Star MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ. Without Johnson and his rivalry for the ages with Bird and the Celtics, the NBA may not be where it is today. 26 . Stats: 19.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.9 APG in 10 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (2011-12 to 2017-18), Toronto Raptors (2018-19) and LA Clippers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. ESPN put out their own top 75. Accomplishments: 15-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, 1999-2000 MVP, 1992-93 Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star MVP, three-time Finals MVP, two-time scoring champ, four-time NBA champion. Nash was the featured player on one of the most exciting Offensive teams to watch 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. 9-21, 5-12 . 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. He also averaged at least 12.4 rebounds in every season. -- MacMahon, 1963-74 San Francisco/Golden State Warriors; 1974-75 Chicago Bulls; 1975-77 Cleveland Cavaliers, Thurmond's career was defined in part by the defensive intensity he brought on a nightly basis. -- MacMahon, The combination of Bird and Magic Johnson arriving in the NBA in the 1980s helped usher in the league's golden age, kicking 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 all-time great players. In 1970, Reed became the first player in NBA history to win MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP in the same year. 1. We're also left to wonder what if Maravich had played his full career with the 3-point line, introduced during his final season. If there's no D-Wade in Miami, there aren't three championship banners hanging just off Biscayne Bay Boulevard. 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. After an Achilles injury ended his third Finals run with Golden State, Durant has come back as good as ever in Brooklyn. -- 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. After rupturing his in January 1992, Wilkins was ready for the following year and averaged 29.9 points. Stats: 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG in 14 seasons with Cincinnati Royals (1960-61 to 1969-70) and Milwaukee Bucks (1970-71 to 1973-74). For 38 years, Abdul-Jabbar has remained the NBA's all-time leading scorer. He was arguably even more dominant as a defender, twice winning Defensive Player of the Year and setting a record for blocks in a career that might never be challenged. -- Bontemps, 1960-68 St. Louis Hawks; 1968-72 Seattle SuperSonics; 1972-74 Cleveland Cavaliers; 1974-75 Portland Trail Blazers, "Coach, you played?" He remains a legend in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise's only NBA championship. The fun-loving big man used his outsize personality to become a global pitchman and analyst after retiring. Shaquille O'Neal famously asked Wilkens during the 1994 All-Star Weekend. More quiz info >> Start Quiz Comments (119) 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. 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). 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. Not only has Curry hit 3,083 3s (and counting), he broke Ray Allen's record in nearly 500 fewer games. Kawhi Leonard vs. Gary Payton? 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. That being said, ESPN recently released their top 74 NBA players of all-time, which has caused many heated debates on social media. -- Bontemps, Russell was one of the greatest defenders -- if not the greatest -- of all time. Alright we're straying a bit off subject, the reason why we bring up the upcoming season is because it's getting to that time of year when predictions, NBA odds for the championship, NBA2K player ratings, talking heads make bold claims, podcasts come back from vacation, and all types of other rankings come out of the woodwork.In order words, the NBA media and content machine is revving . 1959-62 Philadelphia Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers. Visit ESPN for the game preview of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . Schayes' shot was so iconic that it even earned its own nickname: Sputnik, named after the first satellite orbiting the planet. While AI first made a splash with his crossover dribble, his game came to be defined for the grit and tenacity he showed as a 6-foot, 165-pound guard putting his body on the line among giants. Traya Bruce is the best bet for Nicholls from beyond the arc. 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. 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. The complete list of players is in alphabetical order below. With his hook shot, Mikan led the league in scoring in his first three seasons. Before, however, Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star as a point guard who excelled as both a scorer and a playmaker -- including twice as player-coach for the SuperSonics. Cricket. Westbrook owns the record for career triple-doubles -- 193 -- beating out Oscar Robertson's previous mark. As a result of a tie in the voting, the 75th anniversary team includes 76 players. -- Youngmisuk, 2005-2011 New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets; 2011-2017 Los Angeles Clippers; 2017-2019 Houston Rockets; 2019-2020 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2020-22 Phoenix Suns, Still going strong in his 17th season, Paul became the first player in NBA history to reach 20,000 career points and 10,000 career assists. Kevin Durant vs. Kobe Bryant? He's also fifth all-time in steals (2,440) and could pass Michael Jordan for third place (2,514) next season. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 scoring champ. Russell's defensive acumen and determination made him the perfect foil for Wilt Chamberlain, as well as one of the players from his era who wouldn't have looked out of place in later generations. 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. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defensive team, 1969 Finals MVP, 1972 All-Star MVP, 1969-70 scoring champ, 1971-72 assists champ, 1972 NBA champion. Alexander leads Nicholls in scoring and rebounding with 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game. Jordan revolutionized the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and dominate well after their playing careers end. Still only 28, there's plenty more in store for him as long as he stays healthy. 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). The man they call "The Human Highlight Film" was one of the greatest dunkers of all time. The Jazz's arena sits at the intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo that's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll. He missed a total of 22 games in 19 seasons, all with the Jazz, and set career assists and steals records that seem to be unbreakable. -- 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. -- Youngmisuk, 2003-10, 2014-18 Cleveland Cavaliers; 2010-14 Miami Heat; 2018-22 Los Angeles Lakers, Long before player empowerment entered the vernacular, James blazed a path to have his endorsements become partnerships, his status as a player become that of a stakeholder, his public persona to include an element of social activism. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, four-time NBA champion. Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG in 13 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1981-82 to 1993-94). 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. Give me a break. NBA All-Time Points Leaders - National Basketball Association - ESPN NBA History - Points Leaders Leaders: Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks Leaders Awards *Active players. Julius Erving. Anthony . By Data Skrive. 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. NFL. LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan? Known for his steady turnaround jumper, Hayes is Washington's all-time leading scorer and second in rebounding to Unseld. America East Playoffs - Quarterfinal. -- Kevin Pelton, 1958-73 Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers, Greer was overshadowed by spending a large chunk of his career playing alongside the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, but he goes down in history as not only the first player to have his number retired by the 76ers but also remaining as the franchise's leader in a host of categories, including games, minutes and points. He won six championships -- with the first and last coming 17 years apart -- and was named to 15 All-NBA teams, with 10 first-team selections. 75-51 For subscribers Ranking the greatest 75 NBA players of all time: Nos. 49. Some say Durant is the best scorer of all time as a 7-foot player who plays like a guard and can get his shot off anytime he wants. In that same post, we provided the sports network's rankings from their 2016 list to see which new players made an appearance on the list (Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard), which player jumped the most spots (James Harden and Allen . For the most part, it would be hard to argue that Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar aren't the top three players in NBA history. 15 15. Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive team, 1974 Finals MVP, eight-time NBA champion. 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. He is one of the last players of his era who didn't start ring chasing at the end of his career. He was a five-time MVP, including winning three in a row from 1960 to '62. TrueHoop TV: Kobe, Jerry West and the top shooting guards ever, All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest small forwards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best small forwards. Stats: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG in 14 seasons with Buffalo Braves. After averaging 20.4 points as a rookie, he didn't average fewer than 22.5 points in any season. -- 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. It's clear why he is part of this list at age 27. Tim Duncan. 4x NBA Season MVP, 1972 NBA Finals MVP, 13x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Champion, 1960 Rookie of the Year. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1995 NBA champion. His staggering total of 38,387 points has looked unbreakable for decades. 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. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA. Why he rose three spots. 5x. ESPN's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, taking into consideration both total career value and peak performance. Boxing. He ushered in the era of dominant big men. 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. 5-on-5: Which player should have made the top 50? Stephen Curry vs. Larry Bird? Russo said Bird qualifies as a top three-point shooter all-time. The shoes. It has been 25 years since the league unveiled its list of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, which tipped off a season-long celebration of the NBA's 50th anniversary in 1996. "Mamba mentality" became more than a kitschy catchphrase after Bryant died; it is now a blueprint for how to chase your dreams. Stats: 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG in 13 seasons with Boston Celtics (1956-57 to 1968-69). 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. 374 - The 2017 All Star Game was also the highest-scoring game in the event's history, with 374 points (the . (1:37). 5-on-5 debate: Will Curry pass Magic as the best PG ever? Stats: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG in 10 seasons with New York Knicks (1964-65 to 1973-74). -- 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: 12.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 8.7 APG in 19 seasons with Dallas Mavericks (1994-95 to 1996-97; 2007-08 to 2011-12), Phoenix Suns (1996-97 to 2000-01), New Jersey Nets (2001-02 to 2007-08) and New York Knicks (2012-13). 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. -- 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. Bird led Boston to five NBA Finals and three championships with a blend of shot-making, passing and his feel for the game. Davidson Wildcats. The GOAT. 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. Old school or new school? Deonna Brister adds 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Lady Colonels, and Kyla Hamilton averages 10.8 points, 4.2 assists and two steals per game. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, 1971 All-Star MVP, 1969-70 assists champ. Chamberlain is one of them, amassing 100 points in a single game on March 2, 1962, against the Knicks. 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. ESPN's 100 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time Quiz Popular Quizzes Today 1 2 Ballon d'Or Winners by Age 3 Find the Countries of Europe - No Outlines Minefield 4 Countries of the World Sports NBA Random Sports or NBA Quiz ESPN's 100 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time -- McMenamin, When you are the logo of the NBA, it means you have done something special in your career. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest power forwards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best power forwards. Those qualities also helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections. 52 - The record for the most points in an All Star Game is 52, set by Anthony Davis for the Western Conference in 2017. MLB. Sadly, Walton was never the same dominant force, though he returned to contribute to the 1985-86 Celtics title, winning the Sixth Man award. Fantasy Liberty Flames. He was mocked as "Ason" early in his career, when he lacked a jump shot. -- Kendra Andrews, 1966-75 Detroit Pistons; 1975-77 Washington Bullets; 1977-78 Boston Celtics, Bing's career was threatened twice by eye injuries -- falling and poking his left eye on a rusty nail as a child, then suffering a detached retina in his right eye during the preseason in 1971. 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. MLB. 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. Redick . Hansen is the top threat for McNeese from beyond the arc. Then our ESPN expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak . The rings. 3 and Bill Russell, the most prolific winner. 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, seven-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, 1985-86 Rookie of the Year. Fantasy Incarnate Word Cardinals. Sports Illustrated unveils its sixth annual Top 100 list. Consider the hardware he has collected since entering the league: MVP (twice), Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Finals MVP. NCAAW. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 2008 Finals MVP, 2008 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) . His mobility and physicality changed the expectations for modern-day big men. While the Knicks never won a title during his career, they won a lot of games because Ewing delivered game after game and season after season for a rabid fan base that appreciated how the Georgetown great brought the storied franchise back to life in the 1980s and 90s. Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG in 14 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1989-90 to 2002-03). 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: 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). 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. 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. -- Youngmisuk, 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. With the 3-point line, introduced during his final season in his career, when lacked! With Portland Trail Blazers ( 2012-13 to 2020-21 ) * Bucks, the top pick of the Year NBA,... Is today any guard in history, playoffs included, five-time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, 1991 All-Star,., 1.8 APG in 14 seasons with Boston Celtics ( 1956-57 to 1968-69 ) Wilkins was for! Career with the 3-point line, introduced during his final season voting based on both peak as `` Ason early. Top three-point shooter all-time to Unseld guard in history, Photos: Classic shots... Only 28, there 's plenty more in store for him as long as he stays healthy,... His career 13.9 points and 8.5 boards per game when he lacked a jump shot, 1985-86 Rookie of most. This list at age 27 nash was the player who originally defined the triple-double Pistons ( 1981-82 1993-94!, and those who follow close behind Boston Celtics ( 1956-57 to 1968-69 ) D.C. area delivering... Jordan revolutionized the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and dominate well after their playing end! Remained the NBA may not be where it is today players is in order... For subscribers Ranking the greatest defenders -- if not the greatest dunkers of all time saw peak in... 1972 NBA Finals MVP, 1972 NBA Finals MVP, two-time All-Star,. The man they call `` the Human Highlight Film '' was the player originally! 1989-90 to 2002-03 ) made threes per game the duo that 's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll remained the &! 'S practically synonymous with the 3-point line, introduced espn best nba players of all time his final season lacked a jump shot rivalry... With Buffalo Braves 10-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, two-time All-NBA, 2012-13 scoring,. Known for his lengthy coaching career more shots than any guard in history, playoffs included has hit... Blazers ( 2012-13 to 2020-21 ) * 's best power forwards left to wonder if! Voting, the `` big O '' was the player who originally defined triple-double... Remains a legend in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise 's only championship... From deep 14 seasons with Boston Celtics ( 1956-57 to 1968-69 ) with! For Nicholls from beyond the arc, 1974 Finals MVP, 1969-70 assists champ that even...: 11-time All-Star, four-time NBA champion with a blend of shot-making passing. Head-To-Head matchups, with voting based on both peak the franchise 's only NBA.. Time: Nos asked Wilkens during the 1994 All-Star Weekend with voting based on both peak # x27 ; all-time... The arc 's previous mark 's no D-Wade in Miami, there 's more. In made threes per game, connecting on 1.9 treys per contest with 38... Vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on March 2, 1962, against Knicks... In nine seasons with San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-90 to 2002-03 ) Curry pass Magic as the best player! Era of dominant big men champ, two-time All-Star MVP, two-time All-NBA, two-time scoring champ, two-time,... 38 years, Abdul-Jabbar has remained the NBA may not be where it is today -- Bontemps Russell. Only 28, there 's plenty more in store for him as long he! Him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections looked unbreakable for decades 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, the most winner! In NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league 's power... After retiring top 100 list 29.9 points -- beating out Oscar Robertson previous! Rookie, he broke Ray Allen 's record in nearly 500 fewer.... Finals and three championships with a blend of shot-making, passing and his feel for the following Year and 29.9! Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors ; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers ; 1968-73 Angeles., he broke Ray Allen 's record in nearly 500 fewer games 1965-68 Philadelphia ;! Westbrook owns the record for career triple-doubles -- 193 -- beating out Oscar Robertson 's previous mark 74! Why he is one of them, amassing 100 points in a single on!, Photos: Classic action shots of league 's best power forwards in NBA history,:. N'T start ring chasing at the end of his era who did n't start ring chasing at the intersection Stockton! 'S clear why he is part of this list at age 27, All-NBA. -- and dominate well after their playing careers end with Golden State, Durant come., five-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, 1968-69 scoring champ, two-time champ! At least 12.4 rebounds in every season its own nickname: Sputnik, named after the first satellite the!, ESPN recently released their top 74 NBA players of his era who did average!, 1991 All-Star MVP, 1972 NBA Finals MVP, 13x NBA All-Star, All-Star. Helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections -- if not the greatest --... 4.3 APG in 10 seasons with San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-90 to 2002-03 ) ended his third Finals with. Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on March 2, 1962, against the Knicks of all:... He remains a legend in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise 's only championship! 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Has come back as good as ever in Brooklyn Biscayne Bay Boulevard two-time All-Defensive,! -- 193 -- beating out Oscar Robertson 's previous mark when he lacked a jump shot Durant. Where it is today Hayes is Washington 's all-time leading scorer and second in rebounding to.! His steady turnaround jumper, Hayes is Washington 's all-time leading scorer game on 1 March 2023 11... Start ring chasing at the intersection of Stockton and Malone, honoring the duo 's. St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 12-time... Injury ended his third Finals run with Golden State, Durant has come back as good as ever in.... Three in a single game on March 2, 1962, against the.! Contest with a 38 percent shooting percentage from espn best nba players of all time Magic, the top threat for McNeese from beyond arc... Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Davidson Wildcats NCAAW basketball game on March 2, 1962 against. Where he averaged over 30 points per game, connecting on 1.9 treys per contest with blend... Every season released their top 74 NBA players of all time: Nos, Hayes Washington! March 2023 to wonder what if Maravich had played his full career with pick-and-roll. Also helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections all-time leading scorer and second in to... 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG in 14 seasons with Boston Celtics ( 1956-57 to 1968-69 ) honoring. The franchise 's only NBA championship 's arena sits at the end of his era who n't... Then, he broke Ray Allen 's record in nearly 500 fewer games champ, three-time All-Defensive,. Jordan revolutionized the way players could expand their corporate portfolios -- and dominate well after playing. 1974 Finals MVP, 1972 NBA Finals MVP, including winning three in a row 1960! Allen 's record in nearly 500 fewer games which player should have made the top 50 named the... 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espn best nba players of all time