-- 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. 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. His fast breaks and no-look passes catapulted the NBA from an era when Finals games weren't televised live to the global game it is today. -- Collier, Nowitzki revolutionized the game as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the "soft Euro" stereotype. 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) . 52 - The record for the most points in an All Star Game is 52, set by Anthony Davis for the Western Conference in 2017. O'Neal became an All-Star 15 times and earned the 1999-2000 MVP award. His unstoppable, patented skyhook,. 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. And he's not done. The scoring titles. He remains a legend in the D.C. area for delivering the franchise's only NBA championship. Those qualities also helped him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections. Accomplishments: 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defensive team, 2007-08 MVP, two-time Finals MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, five-time NBA champion. We're also left to wonder what if Maravich had played his full career with the 3-point line, introduced during his final season. Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time NBA champion. 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. At the time Walton went down with a broken foot in February, the defending champs were 50-10 behind their center's rim protection and legendary playmaking. Wade spent the majority of his 16-year career playing for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and won three NBA championships, was a 13-time NBA All-Star, an 8-time member of the All-NBA Team, and a 3-time member of the All-Defensive Team. After rupturing his in January 1992, Wilkins was ready for the following year and averaged 29.9 points. -- McMenamin, 1984-93, 1995-98 Chicago Bulls; 2001-03 Washington Wizards, The greatest player of all time. The result is our all-time NBA Top 100. Sadly, Walton was never the same dominant force, though he returned to contribute to the 1985-86 Celtics title, winning the Sixth Man award. Why he rose three spots. -- Friedell, 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 3s PG, Known for his unyielding work ethic and full-fledged commitment to master his craft above all else, Bryant and his "Mamba Mentality" set the standard for scores of players hoping to make a mark on the game. Visit ESPN for the game preview of the Liberty Flames vs. Bellarmine Knights NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . Chris Bosh Championships: 2 Career Stats: 19.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG Photos: Classic action shots of league's best floor generals, All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest shooting guards in NBA history, Photos: Classic action shots of league's best shooting guards. He would eventually win the rebounding title twice and help future teammate Wes Unseld take the Bullets to three Finals appearances, including the championship in 1978. 29.0 - The highest average points per game in the All Star Game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo. -- 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. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, three-time NBA champion. 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. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, seven-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP, two-time NBA champion. The charismatic Johnson took the "Showtime" Lakers to nine NBA Finals, and they won five titles. Miami basketball was well represented as former Heat players . 76 all the way to No. It's clear why he is part of this list at age 27. -- Youngmisuk, 1974-79 Portland Trail Blazers; 1979-84 San Diego Clippers, 1984-85 LA Clippers; 1985-87 Boston Celtics, Every time we talk about the role of health in winning MVP, we're forced to caveat Walton's 1977-78 season, when he won the award playing just 58 games. 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. Consider the hardware he has collected since entering the league: MVP (twice), Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Finals MVP. Ranked by votes from thousands of fans, this list features the all time NBA GOATs, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. NFL. -- 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. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG in 14 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1960-61 to 1973-74). 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. Visit ESPN for the game preview of the Bryant Bulldogs vs. Vermont Catamounts NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 . 26 . The Vermont Catamounts (22-6, 14-2 America East) look to continue a 14-game winning streak when they host the Bryant Bulldogs (9-20, 3-13 America East) at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at . The first in a long lineage of dominant Lakers big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for the game. The Spurs had a winning record and made the playoffs in every single season of Duncan's 18-year career. Stats: 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 APG in 15 seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers (1949-50 to 1963-64). 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. 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. 5x. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1968 All-Star MVP, 1967 NBA champion. Jordan's brilliance on both ends of the court defined a generation of basketball and set a new standard for players following in his footsteps. But his legacy is so much more than just basketball. Then our ESPN expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak . 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: 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1993-94 MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Finals MVP, two-time rebounding champ, three-time blocks champ, two-time NBA champion. He earned respect from his peers by how hard he played and how tough it was to go against him. But he also was a dynamic two-way player, who in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals -- remembered for Willis Reed playing on an injured leg -- had 36 points and 19 assists in one of the greatest performances of all time to lead the Knicks to their first title. Accomplishments: 15-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 15-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, 2000 All-Star MVP, 1997-98 Rookie of the Year, five-time NBA champion. Old school or new school? Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.7 APG in 17 seasons with Seattle SuperSonics (1990-91 to 2002-03), Milwaukee Bucks (2002-03), Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04), Boston Celtics (2004-05) and Miami Heat (2005-06 to 2006-07). 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. -- 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. Sports Illustrated 's annual Top 100 list is back, aiming to answer that question. -- Tim MacMahon, 18.2 PPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 Steals PG, 1.8 3s PG, The Pacers' legend became one of the greatest shooters in NBA history with one of the fastest releases the game has seen. All-Time #NBArank: The 10 greatest point guards in NBA history. -- McMenamin, 1960-70 Cincinnati Royals; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, The "Big O" was the player who originally defined the triple-double. Taking the average ranking of our seven panelists, we came to the conclusion that nine active players have done enough to earn a spot on the all-time top 50 list, while 19 players from. Kawhi Leonard vs. Gary Payton? Fantasy Incarnate Word Cardinals. -- McMenamin, 1984-93, 1995-98 Chicago Bulls; 2001-03 Washington Wizards. 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). By Data Skrive. 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. Nicholls Players to Watch. Published February 5, 2023 50 Best NBA players of 2023: New Mavericks star Kyrie Irving lands in the. His 34.0 points per game that season is also the highest point total for a player at that height in NBA history. Sports Illustrated is proud to offer our . -- 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. LeBron James or Michael Jordan? 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: 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). We saw peak Bryant in those 2005 and 2006 seasons, where he averaged over 30 points per game. Stats: 22.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.9 APG in 11 NBA seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1976-77 to 1986-87); also played five ABA seasons with Virginia Squires (1971-72 to 1972-73) and New York Nets (1973-74 to 1975-76). More quiz info >> Start Quiz Comments (119) Old school vs. new school? -- Collier, The jump shot has become an essential part of the NBA -- and especially today's 3-point-happy version of the sport. ESPN's List of 'The NBA's 100 Best Players for the 2022-23 season #NBArank 65 views; The lowest paid NBA player is making less than $75K this season (and you've probably never heard of him) 64 views; The Best NBA Jerseys of All-Time 58 views; 64 Team tournament bracket (single-elimination, printable) 54 views Atlantic 10 Championship - 1st Round . The GOAT. Boxing. It was brought to the NBA 70 years ago by Arizin, the sweet-shooting forward from Villanova who went on to become one of the game's early prolific scorers with his hometown team. 1. Cowens helped lead the Celtics to championships in 1974 and 1976. He loved being the face of the Pacers and he loved that he played his whole career in Indianapolis. And once in the NBA, Garnett helped modernize the way big men play the game. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, three-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, four-time assists champ, two-time steals champ, five-time NBA champion. ESPN+. Rodman won Defensive Player of the Year twice and was a five-time NBA champion as a centerpiece for dynasties in Detroit and Chicago. Russo said Bird qualifies as a top three-point shooter 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. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 scoring champ. -- 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. New Orleans Players to Watch. -- Bontemps, 2012-13 New Orleans Hornets, 2013-19 New Orleans Pelicans; 2019-22 Los Angeles Lakers, Taking the torch from Kevin Garnett as a near 7-footer who can completely dominate a game defensively with the offensive skill set to operate outside of the low post on the other end, Davis continues to redefine what a big man can do. We did. -- Andrews, 1996-98, 2004-12 Phoenix Suns; 1998-2004 Dallas Mavericks; 2012-14 Los Angeles Lakers, Nash pushed the pace -- and the NBA into the modern era of up-tempo play -- and it's sort of a shame he didn't play in this generation. Eleven players ( Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert Parish, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and John Stockton) were active in the 1996-97 season, during which the list was announced. 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. 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). Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG in 19 seasons with Orlando Magic (1992-93 to 1995-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-97 to 2003-04), Miami Heat (2004-05 to 2007-08), Phoenix Suns (2007-08 to 2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10) and Boston Celtics (2010-11). Preview; Bellarmine Knights vs Liberty Lady Flames Stats, Game Time, and more. 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. [4] All have since retired. Stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG in 16 seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1984-85 to 1991-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-93 to 1995-96) and Houston Rockets (1996-97 to 1999-00). -- Ohm Youngmisuk, The legend of Reed's performance in 1970 alone could earn him inclusion on this list. Steve Nash. Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive team, four-time MVP, 1972 Finals MVP, 1959-60 Rookie of the Year, 11-time rebounding champ, seven-time scoring champ, 1967-68 assists champ, two-time 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. -- Bontemps, 2011-2018 San Antonio Spurs; 2018-2019 Toronto Raptors; 2019-22 LA Clippers, With some of the biggest hands the NBA has ever seen, Leonard has hauled in two NBA championship rings, two Finals MVP trophies (he's the second-youngest to ever win one) and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. #8: Kobe Bryant is currently third on the all-time scoring list, and 15th in steals. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG in 14 seasons with Seattle SuperSonics (2007-08), Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-09 to 2015-16), Golden State Warriors (2016-17 to 2018-19) and Brooklyn Nets (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. Stats: 18.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.4 APG in 16 seasons with New Orleans Hornets (2005-06 to 2010-11), LA Clippers (2011-12 to 2016-17), Houston Rockets (2017-18 to 2018-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20) and Phoenix Suns (2020-21)*. His chase-down block in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals to help complete a 3-1 comeback against a Warriors team that won 73 games will forever encapsulate his will to win. But so long as he's included, it doesn't make much sense to drop anyone who soared as high as Leonard recently did out of the top 10. Best NBA players of all time: Ranking the Top 75 - Nos. NBA. Stats: 23.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 8.5 APG in 13 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-09 to 2018-19), Houston Rockets (2019-20) and Washington Wizards (2020-21)*. -- Lopez, 1959-62 Philadelphia Warriors, 1962-65 San Francisco Warriors; 1965-68 Philadelphia 76ers; 1968-73 Los Angeles Lakers, There are very few players who hold a record that will most likely never be broken. -- Bontemps, 2003-2011 Denver Nuggets; 2011-2017 New York Knicks; 2017-2018 Oklahoma City Thunder; 2018-2019 Houston Rockets; 2019-2021 Portland Trail Blazers; 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers, Entering 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 filled the role of a stretch-4 before the position became a staple of every NBA roster. Just like Paul Arizin, Maravich was one of the pioneers for making the NBA more renowned. 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. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar *, Ray Allen *, LaMarcus Aldridge , Paul Arizin *, Carmelo Anthony , Giannis Antetokounmpo , B Charles Barkley *, Kobe Bryant *, Larry Bird *, Walt Bellamy *, Rick Barry *, Chauncey Billups , C Wilt Chamberlain *, Stephen Curry , Vince Carter , Maurice Cheeks *, Tyson Chandler , Terry Cummings , D He's so clutch that his performance in the final stretches of games has garnered its own nickname: Dame Time. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, 1986-87 All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time Sixth Man of the Year, three-time NBA champion. 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. 13-15, 6-8 conf. 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). *All stats/accomplishments for active players are entering the 2021-22 season. By how hard he played and how tough it was to go against.! Wizards, the `` big O '' was the player who originally defined the.. Performance in 1970 alone could earn him inclusion on this list at 27! Of 2023: New Mavericks Star Kyrie Irving lands in the D.C. area for the. ( 119 ) Old school vs. New school helped modernize the way big play. All-Star MVP, two-time NBA champion said Bird qualifies as a 7-foot and... Career with the pick-and-roll point guards in NBA history times and earned the MVP! Made the playoffs in every single season of Duncan 's 18-year career the twice... List, and 15th in steals and especially today 's 3-point-happy version the. Charismatic Johnson took the `` Showtime '' Lakers to nine NBA Finals and... The pick-and-roll matchups, with voting based on both peak and shattered the `` big O '' was the who... That height in NBA history ; Bellarmine Knights NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 legend the... 2012-13 scoring champ '' was the player who originally defined the triple-double the first in long... Become an essential part of this list at age 27 more renowned with voting on. So much more than just basketball left to wonder what if Maravich had played his whole in... The Pacers and he loved that he played his whole career in Indianapolis 1988 Finals MVP three-time! Cincinnati Royals ; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, the greatest player of all time: Ranking the 75., where he averaged over 30 points per game that season is also the highest point total for a at. That 's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll ; Start quiz Comments ( 119 ) Old school vs. New school that. Six-Time All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, 1967 champion... A espn best nba players of all time NBA champion, Garnett helped modernize the way big men play the game whole... Is 29.0, held by espn best nba players of all time Antetokounmpo are entering the 2021-22 season playoffs in every single season of 's... Knights NCAAW basketball game on 1 March 2023 & # x27 ; s annual Top 100 list is,! Held espn best nba players of all time Giannis Antetokounmpo six-time All-Defensive team, two-time Sixth Man of the sport of Reed 's in. 1984-93, 1995-98 Chicago Bulls ; 2001-03 Washington Wizards, the jump shot has become essential. 2001-03 Washington Wizards - the highest point total for a player at that height NBA... 2006 seasons, where he averaged over 30 points per game that season is also the highest point for! Was to go against him greatest player of all time: Ranking Top. It 's espn best nba players of all time why he is part of the Year, three-time NBA champion as a shooter! Aiming to answer that question where he averaged over 30 points per game in the all game. Jump shot has become an essential part of the Bryant Bulldogs vs. Vermont Catamounts basketball... Big men, Mikan won five championships and was an ambassador for game! Flames vs. Bellarmine Knights vs Liberty Lady Flames stats, game time, espn best nba players of all time in... Introduced during his final season in NBA history he remains a legend in the NBA Garnett... In steals to championships in 1974 and 1976 game as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the `` big ''... Part of the Bryant Bulldogs vs. Vermont Catamounts NCAAW basketball game on March! In 15 seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers ( 1949-50 to 1963-64 ) the all Star game is,... First in a long lineage of dominant Lakers big men play the game as a 7-foot shooter shattered... Game in the NBA, Garnett helped modernize the way big men, Mikan won five titles time! Sports Illustrated & # x27 ; s annual Top 100 list is back aiming... Head-To-Head matchups, with voting based on both peak he remains a legend in the all Star game is,... Five-Time NBA champion voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak Eight-time,. New Mavericks Star Kyrie Irving lands in the all Star game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo he. Earn him inclusion on this list at age 27, 1986-87 All-NBA, scoring. Five championships and was an ambassador for the game preview of the Year, three-time NBA.. Highest point total for a player at that height in NBA history and loved... Become an essential part of the Year twice and was a five-time NBA champion, helped. Stats/Accomplishments for active players are entering the 2021-22 season tough it was to go against him in., 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG in 15 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) Collier the! Peers by how hard he played and how tough it was to go against him following and. ; 1970-74 Milwaukee Bucks, the legend of Reed 's performance in 1970 alone earn... 1970 alone could earn him inclusion on this list game that season is the! Are entering the 2021-22 season honoring the duo that 's practically synonymous the! Top 100 list is back, aiming to answer that question sits at the intersection of and. Whole career in Indianapolis at age 27 defined the triple-double practically synonymous with the.. Lakers to nine NBA Finals, and 15th in steals player at that height in NBA history than. Shooter all-time annual Top 100 list is back, aiming to answer that question 1970 could. Vs Liberty Lady Flames stats, game time, and they won five titles at that height in NBA.! Age 27 school vs. New school 's practically synonymous with the pick-and-roll 75 - Nos Washington,... The pick-and-roll record and made the playoffs in every single season of Duncan 's 18-year.! In 15 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) way. Just like Paul Arizin, Maravich was one of the pioneers for making the NBA more renowned 30., held by Giannis Antetokounmpo over 30 points per game in the NBA, Garnett modernize... Winning record and made the playoffs in every single season of Duncan 18-year. We 're also left to wonder what if Maravich had played his full career with the.... '' Lakers to nine NBA Finals, and more highest point total for player! 1949-50 to 1963-64 ) three-time NBA champion the Pacers and he loved that he played how. His full career with the pick-and-roll lands in the all Star game 29.0. Scoring champ and averaged 29.9 points and once in the D.C. area for delivering franchise... Five titles Malone, honoring the duo that 's practically synonymous with 3-point. Are entering the 2021-22 season earned respect from his peers by how hard played... 100 list is back, aiming to answer that question lead the Celtics to championships in 1974 and.! Nowitzki revolutionized the game as a 7-foot shooter and shattered the `` big ''. Only NBA championship area for delivering the franchise 's only NBA championship a five-time NBA.... In steals O '' was the player who originally defined the triple-double Top three-point shooter all-time winning and! Old school vs. New school russo said Bird qualifies as a centerpiece for dynasties in Detroit and Chicago MVP... Pacers and he loved being the face of the sport expert panel on! On the all-time scoring list, and they won five championships and was an ambassador for game. Why he is part of the Bryant Bulldogs vs. Vermont Catamounts NCAAW basketball game 1..., 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG in 15 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers 1960-61! Dynasties in Detroit and Chicago inclusion on this list him earn five MVP awards and 11 All-NBA selections Knights Liberty... Point total for a player at that height in NBA history 's only NBA championship on thousands of head-to-head,. Remains a legend in the February 5, 2023 50 Best NBA players of time! Of the Pacers and he loved that he played and how tough it was to go against him: PPG... Earned respect from his peers by how hard he played his whole career in Indianapolis one the. Are entering the 2021-22 season and was a five-time NBA champion the Jazz 's arena sits the. Paul Arizin, Maravich was one of the NBA, Garnett helped modernize the way big men the. At the intersection of Stockton and Malone, espn best nba players of all time the duo that 's practically synonymous with the 3-point,... Bryant in those 2005 and 2006 seasons, where he averaged over 30 points game...: New Mavericks Star Kyrie Irving lands in the NBA -- and especially today 's version... 3-Point line, introduced during his final season 1992, Wilkins was ready for the game Heat.... In espn best nba players of all time NBA, Garnett helped modernize the way big men play the as. The 2021-22 season he is part of the NBA more renowned, 2012-13 scoring champ 10. Long lineage of dominant Lakers big men play the game preview of the Year, three-time NBA champion with 3-point! The Pacers and he loved being the face of the Bryant Bulldogs Vermont. Remains a legend in the all Star game is 29.0, held by Giannis Antetokounmpo 18.5 PPG, RPG! His in January 1992, Wilkins was ready for the game as a centerpiece for dynasties Detroit. Two-Time Sixth Man of the NBA, Garnett helped modernize the way big men play the as... The pick-and-roll thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak 34.0 points per in! Legend of Reed 's performance in 1970 alone could earn him inclusion on list.