REMEMBERING THE STARS OF THE 1950s

My recent top 100 players in NBA history article has raised some interesting discussion on various internet message boards and in the comments section of this very blog about the ranking of stars from the 1950s. For example, reader 'JoeKnows' commented:

"A pretty fantastic job. [However] I think you are still underrating guys from the 50's and before. Mikan and Fulks should be higher, you forgot Bob Davies etc. Overall though, a very solid list. The top 8 is exactly right IMO, the top 25 is pretty much spot on (save for Mikan who I have at #9 all-time)".

Meanwhile, over at HobbyKings, a member known as 'bdrr' had this to say about Bill Simmons' rankings (which, amongst others, were analysed in the production of my own rankings):

"[Simmons'] judgements of greats from the past are simply judgements of the raw numbers. His low rankings of Joe Fulks and George Mikan should be evidence enough."

I tend to agree with both 'JoeKnows' and 'bdrr'.

Most basketball fans - myself included - are too young to have ever seen the likes of Bob Davies or Joe Fulks play. Meanwhile, we have a fresh memory of recent and current NBA stars.

Although ranking the best players of all-time is a fun exercise, it is of course impossible to compare someone like George Mikan to Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq would eat him alive. But that shouldn't be held against Mikan. After all, you can only beat the players put in front of you, and Mikan did just that on his way to becoming arguably the most dominant player of the 1950s.

Therefore, in my opinion, when comparing players from different eras, we should give greater weighting to achievements such as All-NBA 1st Team selections, i.e. indicators of a player's dominance during his era. Mikan (who is ranked 31st in my article), for example, has more All-League 1st Team selections than Scottie Pippen, Dwyane Wade, Walt Frazier, David Robinson, John Stockton, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, Dirk Nowitzki, John Havlicek, Moses Malone and even Bill Russell... all of whom are ranked above Mikan.

In other words, you could argue that Mikan was more dominant in his respective era than any of the players I just listed.

That has to count for something.

To conclude, I believe that some authors of all-time rankings are too quick to dismiss the accomplishments of players from the 1950s. Instead, they give players like Mikan and Fulks arbitrary rankings based on an acceptance of the fact that, yes, the players dominated their eras, but, no, they wouldn't dominate today.

I personally think that is unfair. After all, you can only beat the players and teams put in front of you. Mikan and Fulks did just that. They were the Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan of their era.

Lets not forget.

NBA LOCKOUT LEADS TO NEW ERA

Over the last few months, I've watched every All-Star Game from 1984 to 2000. Every year, I try to predict (obviously with the benefit of hindsight) which new players will be given their All-Star berth and, simultaneously, try to determine which players we have seen the back of due to old age. It's like watching NBA history play out in front of me while sat on the sofa with a beer in hand.

Watching the 2000 All-Star Game earlier today, it became clear that a new era of basketball had started.

There was no All-Star Game in 1999 due to he NBA's lockout - a very real (and depressing) possibility for the 2012 extravaganza scheduled for Orlando. Therefore, two years had passed between the 1998 game and the 2000 game held in Oakland, California.

And boy, did a lot change in those two years.

An incredible nine players made their All-Star debut in 2000. To put that into perspective, just three players made their All-Star debut in 2011.

By 2000, gone were Michael Jordan (temporarily), Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Clyde Drexler and Patrick Ewing from the All-Star proceedings. Meanwhile, although David Robinson, Karl Malone and John Stockton appeared in the 2000 spectacle, all were reaching the end of their legendary careers.

In their place? Allen Iverson and Vince Carter were amongst those making their All-Star debuts. Other soon-to-be superstars made just their second or third appearances: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd.

Out with the old, in with the new.

This got me thinking... might we see a similar occurrence as a result of this year's lockout? The lockout certainly threatens the likelihood of the 2012 All-Star Game taking place which means NBA fans would have to wait until February 2013 for the next showcase of the League's elite players.

By then, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett will be 36 while Kobe Bryant will be 34; at 39 years of age, you would expect Steve Nash and Jason Kidd to be past caring; Shaq is already retired; Iverson is out of the league; TMac may as well be. Out of this group, only Kobe and, at a push, KG stand a realistic chance of playing in the 2013 game.

Obviously there will be some familiar faces. Players like LeBron James and Dwight Howard will be at the peak of their abilities in 2013, in the same way that Shaq bridged the gap during the lockout enforced delay-of-play between 1998 and 2000.

But, when you next watch an NBA All-Star Game, things could look very different.

All of which reminds me of an old Nike advert. It went a little (but not quite) like this...

The revolution will be led by Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, John Wall, Kevin Love and Kevin Durant. 

The revolution will be about basketball, and basketball is the truth.

ALL-STAR ANALYSIS: KOBE vs JORDAN (1998)

Even though Kobe Bryant was just 19-years-old at the time, I remember watching the 1998 All-Star Game feeling fairly confident that it was one of those 'passing of the torch' moments. Looking back at it now, that's exactly what it was.

Kobe Bryant was selected as the starting shooting guard for the Western Conference All-Stars. Of course, the opposing two guard was Michael Jordan - his last All-Star appearance as a Chicago Bull. How would the teenager fair against the greatest of all-time?

Last week, I sat down to watch the game on DVD having not seen it for over thirteen years. Looking back at it now, it was truly one of legendary battles in All-Star history.

In 1997-98, Kobe Bryant averaged 15.4ppg for the season compared to Jordan's 28.8ppg. But don't be fooled by Kobe's relatively low output. Only the most pessimistic observer would have doubted Kobe's potential to go on to be a superstar despite his role as a bench player for the Lakers. Indeed, he was one of only a few bench players ever selected to the All-Star Game, biding his time behind Eddie Jones, himself a talented two-way player chosen to be an All-Star that same year.

Despite being the Lakers' 6th man, Kobe proved in the 1998 All-Star Game that he belonged. He finished the game with 18 points on 6-for-17 shooting including 2-for-3 from long range, all the more impressive when you consider he played just 22 minutes.

At one point, Kobe caused a stir with a memorable behind-the-back-dribble layup that left even ball-handling maestro Isiah Thomas (who was offering colour commentary) in awe. (Please excuse the poor quality video - I know HDTV wasn't invented yet, but come on, 1998 wasn't that long ago).

One year removed from his success in the 1997 dunk contest, Kobe reminded us in the 1998 All-Star Game that he was one of the highest flyers in the entire league, as shown in this clip with Kobe finishing the alley-oop off Kevin Garnett's pass.

And yet, despite Kobe's highlights, he was completely outplayed by Michael Jordan when the two players were on the court at the same time.

Jordan finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and an MVP trophy. He schooled the young pretender with a variety of moves including his patented fade-away jump shot (which, by 1998, he had mastered like no other player before or since) and Kevin McHale-inspired post moves.

Watching the two players go head-to-head was like watching Darth Vader toy with a young Luke Skywalker. The only difference, of course, was that, unlike Darth Vader, Jordan emerged victorious*.

However, despite Jordan outplaying Kobe, it's unfair to draw too many conclusions from the 1998 All-Star Game. Did it prove that Jordan was better than Kobe? Well, yes, certainly at the time. But Kobe was about 10 years away from reaching his peak. Did he ever reach a peak as high as Jordan's? In this writer's opinion, no.

What isn't up for debate, however, is that both players gave it their all in the 1998 All-Star Game. Such games are usually devoid of defense, but that wasn't the case when Kobe and Jordan went head-to-head. Neither player wanted to be embarrassed. Jordan wanted to retain his title as the greatest of all-time, and Kobe wanted to snatch it from him. Given the stages they were at in their respective careers, both players came out smelling of roses. Kobe proved he belonged. Jordan proved he was still the greatest.

*This will be the first and last time I use a Star Wars analogy. I don't even like the film.

THREE DECADES' WORTH OF ALL-STAR GAMES

If you've read the 'About Me' section of this blog, you might have noticed that I own every All-Star Game since 1984 on DVD. An obvious - and valid - question might be "Why since 1984?". I'd like to give a poetic answer pertaining to Jordan's entrance into the NBA in that same year, but, well, I'd be lying. The real answer is rather more mundane: the company I bought the DVDs from, Pontel, only has All-Star Games going back that far (if anyone has copies of the older games, please let me know - I have PayPal ready and waiting).

Thinking about it positively, I suppose limiting my collection to the last three decades' worth of games does save some shelf space for my girlfriend's Take That concert DVDs. (And there is your answer to why I spend so much of my time on the internet - there's only so much one can take of Gary Barlow and friends).

As has been mentioned elsewhere, my basketball obsession started in the early 1990s and I've watched every All-Star Game live on TV since then (except this year's, which I had the privilege of attending). In fact, staying up until 4:30am on All-Star Sunday has become an annual rite of passage (remember, we're 5-8 hours ahead of the USA over here in the UK). In my previous job, I would book the next day off work knowing that I'd be too tired to stay awake at my desk. These days I'm a secondary school teacher, so booking a day off work isn't an option (don't you just love it when teachers complain about lack of time off?). Instead, I tend to plan effortless video lessons for the Monday after All-Star weekend and sit in the corner of the classroom drinking black coffee or talking to (the rare few) kids who saw the game.

Since getting the DVDs a few months ago, I have sat through every All-Star Game between 1984 and 1998. That's approximately 38 hours of behind-the-back passes, alley-oops, bad hairdos and defensive apathy.

That also means I still have at least another decade's worth of games to watch.

Pure basketball heaven.

THE TOP 10 MOST ICONIC SLAM MAGAZINE COVERS

I remember my thirteenth Birthday, in May 1995, for one distinct reason: My older brother bought me my first issue of Slam magazine as a present. It was issue number 5. Timmy Hardaway and Latrell Sprewell, two fresh-faced Warriors, graced the cover. Two fly.

At this point, it's important to give a bit of background information. In the mid-1990s, basketball was beginning to grow in popularity in the UK (a topic I'll talk more about in the future). However, despite this, the newsagents only stocked a limited number of basketball magazines. One such magazine (actually, more of a newspaper) was called Slam Dunk and was produced locally. In the days before the internet, it was a great source of box scores and other NBA news, since it was published every Friday - a great end to the week at school. Plus it was dirt cheap. The other options for basketball enthusiasts were Fiba Basketball and XXL. The former was always a little outdated and concentrated too much on the European game for my liking (it was about as cool as Detlef Schrempf) while the latter was a UK publication which, well, sucked*.

Then along came Slam. As the magazine's tagline told us, it was the 'In Your Face Basketball Magazine'. It resonated with a whole generation of young 'ballers not just in the States but across the world and, in the years since, has become the best basketball magazine by some margin. Of course, owing to my OCD-like tendencies and addiction to all things basketball, I have since gone on to collect every single issue of Slam. Indeed, some of those early issues are worth a small fortune (as I recently found out when I sold a few old duplicate issues on eBay).

Anyway, enough background information. I would like to present the ten most iconic Slam magazine covers of all-time, in descending order, chosen by yours truly.

10th Place - Issue 2 - Shawn Kemp

Analysis: Before the babies - and before the burgers - Shawn Kemp was the 1990s version of Blake Griffin. What's not to like about a cover featuring pink and yellow text and too many exclamation marks?

9th Place - Issue 8 - Penny Hardaway

Analysis: The NBA was searching for the new Jordan - even though the old one was back in business - and Penny Hardaway fitted the bill. One of the few players capable of holding his own against the great one.

8th Place - Issue 109 - Dirk Nowitzki

Analysis: A golden era for Slam covers as the design team experimented with some unique ideas. This Sin City-inspired cover succeeded in making even Dirk Nowitzki look cool.

7th Place - Issue 106 - LeBron James

Analysis: The NBA needed a new logo, according to Slam. Something more modern. Something more... in your face. LeBron stepped up and delivered this epic pose. Jerry who?

6th Place - Issue 114 - Kobe Bryant

Analysis: Perhaps the most appropriate headline in Slam history: 'Kobe against the world'. At this point, Kobe had gone from fan favourite to arguably America's most hated athlete. It didn't matter. The cover was a classic.

5th Place - Issue 50 - Michael Jordan

Analysis: Who better to put on the cover of the much-talked-about 50th issue? The greatest of all-time. Three different covers, each capturing His Airness mid-flight.

4th Place - Issue 21 - Stephon Marbury & Kevin Garnett

Analysis: Showbiz and KG. Starbury and Da Kid. What could have been. It was fun while it lasted.

3rd Place - Issue 62 - LeBron James & Sebastian Telfair

Analysis: Slam should be commended for occasionally putting players on their cover based on potential rather than credentials. One of these players failed to live up to the hype. The other turned out okay.

2nd Place - Issue 1 - Larry Johnson

Analysis: It's tempting to put this first - after all, it was the premier issue - but, alas, second place will have to do. He may have worn Converse trainers and dressed like your Gran, but LJ was cool once upon a time.

1st Place - Issue 32 - Allen Iverson

Analysis: This throwback cover - a tribute to Dr J's era - was so iconic that Slam recently replicated it for their 150th issue, but there's no beating the original.

*Thankfully, approximately a decade after XXL ceased to exist, along came FadeAway magazine, saving the face of UK basketball publications. I was so impressed when I saw the first issue of FadeAway (glossy, artistic and insightful as it was) that I contacted the editor, Greg Tanner, and got a gig writing content for a handful of issues. The magazine has since evolved into MVP magazine and is worth checking out.

KEVIN DURANT AND THE LEGEND OF RUCKER PARK

Basketball was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, but its popularity is arguably greatest in the state of Indiana.

However, the sport's spiritual home is surely Rucker Park in Harlem, New York.

In 2009, I surprised my girlfriend by taking her to New York for her Birthday. It would be a romantic trip featuring a sunset cruise down the Hudson River, beautiful views from the top of the Empire State Building, a chance to learn about immigrants' plight at Ellis Island and the opportunity to breathe the (relatively) fresh air in Central Park - the 'lungs of New York'.

Who am I kidding?

The trip to New York was all about my badly disguised pilgrimage to the Mecca of basketball - Rucker Park.

Being an Englishman in New York, I was concerned what the residents of Harlem would make of me. My girlfriend and I got off the tube at 125th Street and quickly established that we were the only white people on view. (This would later cause much reflection about how ethnic minorities must feel in England and other predominantly white countries). Not only that, but my posh Oxfordshire accent certainly wasn't what the locals were used to.

It didn't seem to matter. The people were friendly and approachable. We walked into a local sports store and checked out the latest Nike Hyperize trainers (or 'sneakers', to use the American word). The shop assistant seemed intrigued by my accent - and what the hell I was doing in Harlem.

Later, I walked past a street seller trying to offload bottles of shampoo and conditioner suited to afro-style hair. But that didn't stop him from trying to sell me some.

"White man, come back, I won't bite!" he barked at me as I walked past, laughing nervously .

We eventually made our way to Rucker Park (admittedly with the help of a taxi driver, who seemed bemused as to why we cared).

Fast forward two years. On 1st August 2011, Kevin Durant lit up Rucker Park with 66 points including four consecutive 3-pointers (see link below).

This is why I care.

RANKING THE TOP 100 PLAYERS IN NBA HISTORY

I am fascinated by articles that attempt to rank the best players in NBA (and ABA) history. Some authors are too easily swayed by eye-catching statistics. Other authors give too much credit to players who won championships (perhaps riding the coattails of their superstar teammates). Meanwhile, some authors abandon all obvious indicators and simply go with their heart. In my opinion, all three measures are valid and should be combined together.

Indeed, that is exactly what I have attempted to do here. I have combined the rankings from 18 different publications (including – but not limited to – Wayne Patterson's 'Basketball's 100 Greatest Players', Bill Simmons’ ‘Book of Basketball’, Kenneth Shouler's 'The Expert's Picks', Slam magazine’s ‘Top 500’, Elliot Kalb’s ‘Who’s Better Who’s Best in Basketball?’ and Sport magazine’s 50^th anniversary rankings) to create a master list.

Some of the rankings were written a few years ago and, as a result, active players were ranked too low. To accommodate for this, I have adjusted the rankings of active players accordingly (by simply weighting them more towards the most recent rankings).

I have included the major awards won by each player, their career statistics along with revealing quotes (admittedly with a generous dose of hyperbole) from players and well-respected basketball authors.

The results are fascinating and, in my opinion, the most accurate rankings I have seen. Let me know what you think.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

01 – Michael Jordan (SG, 6'6", 215 lb)

Awards: 6 x NBA champion, 5 x Regular Season MVP, 6 x Finals MVP, 10 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 14 x All-Star, 1 x Defensive Player of the Year, 9 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 30.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 5.3apg, 2.3spg (1984-1993; 1995-1998; 2001-2003)
Words: “That was God disguised as Michael Jordan” (Larry Bird after Jordan scored an NBA record 63 points in the playoffs against the Celtics).

02 – Bill Russell (C, 6'9", 220 lb)

Awards: 11 x NBA champion, 5 x Regular Season MVP, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 12 x All-Star

Numbers: 15.1ppg, 22.5rpg, 4.3apg, .440 FG% (1956-1969)
Words: “Each year the Finals MVP is given to an exceptional, extraordinary player based on his performance on the grandest stage in all of basketball: the Finals. Who better to name this prestigious award for than one of the greatest players of all time and the ultimate champion?” (David Stern).

03 – Wilt Chamberlain (C, 7'1", 275 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 4 x Regular Season MVP, 1 x Finals MVP, 7 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 13 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 30.1ppg, 22.9rpg, 4.4apg, .540 FG% (1959-1973)
Words: “He’s like T-Rex, so big and god-awful, stomping through his world as other, thunderstruck creatures seek shelter from his wrath” (Michael Bradley).

04 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (C, 7'2", 225 lb)

Awards: 6 x NBA champion, 6 x Regular Season MVP, 2 x Finals MVP, 10 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 19 x All-Star, 5 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 24.6ppg, 11.2rpg, 3.6apg, .559 FG% (1969-1989)
Words: “He developed the skyhook after dunking was banned in college to neutralize him. Instead, the ban helped lead to the perfection of the greatest shot the game has ever seen” (Peter Vecsey).

05 – Magic Johnson (PG, 6'9", 215 lb)

Awards: 5 x NBA champion, 3 x Regular Season MVP, 3 x Finals MVP, 9 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 12 x All-Star

Numbers: 19.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 11.2apg, 1.9spg (1979-1991; 1996)
Words: “There have been times when he has thrown passes and I wasn’t sure where he was going. Then one of our guys catches the ball and scores and I run back up the floor convinced that he must’ve thrown it through somebody” (Michael Cooper).

06 – Larry Bird (SF, 6'9", 220 lb)

Awards: 3 x NBA champion, 3 x Regular Season MVP, 2 x Finals MVP, 9 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 12 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 24.3ppg, 10.0rpg, 6.3apg, 1.7spg (1979-1992)
Words: “Larry Bird was the only one that I feared. A lot of black guys always asked me 'Could Larry Bird really play?'. And I said 'Man, Larry Bird, he was so good it is frightening'" (Magic Johnson)

07 – Shaquille O’Neal (C, 7'1" 325 lb)

Awards: 4 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 3 x Finals MVP, 8 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 15 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 24.7ppg, 11.2rpg, 2.6apg, .582 FG% (1992-2011)
Words: “All the greats are blessed with something…  and Shaq – along with his criminally underrated athleticism, passing ability and court vision – has mass. Hate if you want, but the Daddy has taken utmost advantage of his gift, and the results are undeniable” (Ryan Jones).

08 – Oscar Robertson (G, 6'5", 220 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 9 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 12 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 25.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 9.5apg, .838 FT% (1960-1974)
Words: “Oscar was the best player I ever played against. The guy did not have a weakness. He was such a powerful player and had such great control that he could move whoever was guarding him all over the floor. There's nothing Oscar Robertson couldn't do” (John Havlicek).

09 – Kobe Bryant (SG, 6'6", 205 lb)

Awards: 5 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 2 x Finals MVP, 10 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 15 x All-Star, 9 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 25.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.7apg, 1.5spg (1996-)
Words: “There's no better player that I've ever seen than him... He's the greatest Laker player that we have ever seen” (Jerry West).

10 – Tim Duncan (C, 6'11", 255 lb)

Awards: 4 x NBA champion, 2 x Regular Season MVP, 3 x Finals MVP, 9 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 14 x All-Star, 8 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 20.2ppg, 11.2rpg, 3.1apg, 2.2bpg (1997-)
Words: “He excelled as one of the few big guys polished enough to punish players down low and talented enough to guard quicker players on the other end. He made everyone else better and came through when it mattered” (Bill Simmons).

11 – Jerry West (G, 6'2", 175 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 10 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 14 x All-Star, 4 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 27.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 6.7apg, .814 FT% (1960-1974)
Words: “Jerry, I once wrote that success is a journey, and that the greatest honour a man can have is the respect and friendship of his peers. You have that more than any man I know. Jerry, you are, in every sense of the world, truly a champion” (Bill Russell).

12 – Elgin Baylor (SF, 6'5", 225 lb)

Awards: 10 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 11 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 27.4ppg, 13.5rpg, 4.3apg, .431 FG% (1958-1971)
Words: “I know this sounds weird, but I thought you played Elgin great today” (Bob Cousy to defensive specialist Tom Sanders after Elgin Baylor scored 63 points against the Celtics in a playoff game).

13 – Hakeem Olajuwon (C, 7'0", 255 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 2 x Finals MVP, 12 x All-Star, 6 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 2 x Defensive Player of the Year, 5 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 21.8ppg, 11.1rpg, 2.5apg, 3.1bpg (1984-2002)
Words: “I really felt like I could keep him under control, play well and defend him. I was in my prime defensively. But I didn’t stop him very well… he just controlled the series” (David Robinson).

14 – Bob Pettit (PF, 6'9", 205 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 2 x Regular Season MVP, 10 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 11 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 26.4ppg, 16.2rpg, 3.0apg, .436 FG% (1954-1965)
Words: “Bob made 'second effort' a part of the sports vocabulary. He kept coming at you more than any man in the game. He was always battling for position, fighting you off the boards” (Bill Russell).

15 – Julius Erving (SF, 6'7", 210 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion (+2 x ABA), 1 x Regular Season MVP (+3 x ABA), 5 x All-NBA 1^st Team (+4 x ABA), 11 x All-Star (+5 x ABA)

Numbers: 24.2ppg, 8.5rpg, 4.2apg, 2.0spg (1971-1987)
Words: “If you went to watch Julius Erving play every single night – you would learn something new that you hadn’t seen before. You can’t say that about too many players” (Phil Jasner).

16 – Moses Malone (PF/C, 6'10", 260 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 3 x Regular Season MVP, 1 x Finals MVP, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 12 x All-Star (+1 x ABA)

Numbers: 20.6ppg, 12.2rpg, 1.4apg, .491 FG% (1974-1995)
Words: “He could do anything. He was tenacious. Greatest rebounder I ever saw. He was so smart. A real workhorse” (Joe Maloof).

17 – John Havlicek (SG/SF, 6'5", 205 lb)

Awards: 8 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 13 x All-Star, 5 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 20.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.8apg, .815 FT% (1962-1978)
Words: “I would take John Havlicek [as the greatest forward ever]. He was fluid, he never tired and he came at you consistently. Zoom, zoom, zoom. It was a relentless assault on you” (Elvin Hayes).

18 – Dirk Nowitzki (PF, 7'0", 245 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 1 x Finals MVP, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 11 x All-Star

Numbers: 22.6ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.6apg, .877 FT% (1998-)
Words: “We'll remember him as one of the 20 best basketball players of all time, the best European player ever, one of the best shooters ever, someone who came through when it mattered” (Bill Simmons).

19 – Karl Malone (PF, 6'9", 265 lb)

Awards: 2 x Regular Season MVP, 11 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 14 x All-Star, 3 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 25.0ppg, 10.1rpg, 3.6apg, .516 FG% (1985-2004)
Words: “Championships and all those things aside, he was a championship guy. A lot of guys won championships. But not many put as much work into it as he did” (Jerry Sloan).

20 – Charles Barkley (PF, 6'6", 252 lb)

Awards: 1 x Regular Season MVP, 5 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 11 x All-Star

Numbers: 22.1ppg, 11.7rpg, 3.9apg, .541 FG% (1984-2000)
Words: “I am not paid to be a role model. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court” (Charles Barkley).

21 – Isiah Thomas (PG, 6'1", 180 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 12 x All-Star

Numbers: 19.2ppg, 3.6rpg, 9.3apg, 1.9spg (1981-1994)
Words: “If he were five inches taller, we’d be talking about the greatest player in the history of basketball, no questions asked” (Chuck Daly).

22 – Bob Cousy (PG, 6'1", 175 lb)

Awards: 6 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 10 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 13 x All-Star

Numbers: 18.rppg, 5.2rpg, 7.5apg, .803 FT% (1950-1963; 1969-1970)
Words: “He always shows you something new, something you've never seen before... One step and he's past the defense. He's quick, he's smart, he's tireless, he has spirit and he is probably the best finisher in sports today" (Joe Lapchick). 

23 – Rick Barry (SF, 6'7", 205 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 5 x All-NBA 1^st Team (+4 x ABA), 8 x All-Star (+4 x ABA) , Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 24.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.9apg, .893 FT% (1965-1980)
Words: “Rick was sensational. He was one of the smartest players of all time. He was a terrific passer. There have been a lot of great players, but you can’t forget about Barry” (Marv Albert).

24 – Kevin Garnett (PF, 6'11", 220 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 15 x All-Star, 1 x Defensive Player of the Year, 9 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 19.1ppg, 10.5rpg, 4.0apg, .498 FG% (1995-)
Words: “If KG had played on a contender his entire career, people would speak of him as a candidate for best player ever” (Paul Shirley).

25 – LeBron James (SF, 6'8", 250 lb)

Awards: 3 x Regular Season MVP, 6 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 9 x All-Star, 4 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 27.6ppg, 7.3rpg, 6.9apg, .490 FG% (2003-)
Words: “I may go as far as to say LeBron James may be the greatest player to ever play the game because he is so potent offensively that not only can he score at will but he keeps everybody involved” (Scottie Pippen).

26 – John Stockton (PG, 6'1", 175 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 5 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 10 x All-Star, 5 x All-Defensive 2^nd Team

Numbers: 13.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 10.5apg, 2.2spg (1984-2003)
Words: “I hope and I pray people realize a couple of things. There absolutely, positively, will never ever be another John Stockton – ever” (Karl Malone).

27 – David Robinson (C, 7'1", 235 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 10 x All-Star, 1 x Defensive Player of the Year, 4 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 21.1ppg, 10.6rpg, 2.5apg, 3.0bpg (1989-2003)
Words: “If it’s possible to have achieved as much as David has – and still not get the credit – then Robinson isn’t nearly as appreciated as he should be. His greatness transcends the court” (PJ Carlesimo).

28 – Walt Frazier (G, 6'4", 200 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 7 x All-Star, 7 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 18.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 6.1apg, .490 FG% (1967-1980)
Words: “His greatest asset was remaining unrattled by pressure. His performance increased in direct proportion to the importance of the moment” (Peter Vecsey).

29 – Dwyane Wade (G, 6'4", 220 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 9 x All-Star

Numbers: 24.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 6.1apg, 1.8spg (2003-)
Words: “He scores and creates for others; he’s an excellent defender; he rises to the occasion when it matters; and, most important, he straddles the line between ‘making everyone else better’ and ‘it’s time for me to take over’ as well as anyone” (Bill Simmons).

30 – Scottie Pippen (SF, 6'8", 228 lb)

Awards: 6 x NBA champion, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 7 x All-Star, 8 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 16.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 5.2apg, 2.0spg (1987-2004)
Words: “When we went into battle, I knew I had someone to watch my back. I love him like a brother. He pushed me to be the best basketball player every day in practice. And I pushed him to be the best Scottie Pippen he could be” (Michael Jordan).

31 – George Mikan (C, 6'10", 245 lb)

Awards: 5 x NBA champion, 6 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 4 x All-Star

Numbers: 23.1ppg, 9.5rpg, 2.8apg, .404 FG% (1946-1956)
Words: “Is it fair to ‘punish’ Mikan because the game wasn’t as popular when he played? In its own way, I feel that dominating the league in the 1950s was as much of an accomplishment as dominating it in the 1990s” (Elliot Kalb).

32 – Willis Reed (PF/C, 6'9", 240 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 2 x Finals MVP, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 7 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 18.8ppg, 12.9rpg, 1.8apg, .476 FG% (1964-1974)
Words: “Willis Reed had the heart of a champion. [He] was unreal. He lit a fire in every player... he exemplified the word 'captain'” (Elvin Hayes).

33 – Elvin Hayes (PF/C, 6'9", 235 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 12 x All-Star

Numbers: 21.0ppg, 12.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4bpg (1968-1984)
Words: “What he had was unstoppable. The ultimate weapon, like Alcindor’s sky hook, Dream’s shake, Jordan’s fadeaway. Elvin Hayes had that turnaround” (Scoop Jackson).

34 – Kevin McHale (PF, 6'10", 210 lb)

Awards: 3 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 7 x All-Star, 3 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 17.9ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.7apg, .554 FG% (1980-1993)
Words: “Kevin McHale became the most difficult low-post player to defend in the history of the league. He was totally unstoppable because of his quickness, diversity of moves, and the long arms that gave him an angle to release the ball over a taller man or a more explosive jumper” (Hubie Brown).

35 – Dave Cowens (PF/C, 6'9", 230 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 3 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 7 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 17.6ppg, 13.6rpg, 3.8apg, .460 FG% (1970-1983)
Words: “I thought he was a wild man. I'd never seen anybody with that much talent play that aggressively. Dave just wanted to win. And he played so hard that he wouldn't accept any less from anybody around him” (Paul Silas).

36 – Jason Kidd (PG, 6'4", 195lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 5 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 10 x All-Star, 4 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 12.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 8.7apg, 1.9spg (1994-)
Words: “He’s like the quiet assassin. The only thing that separates him from Magic Johnson is five inches. He has the heart and desire. No one else can win games without scoring like Kidd can” (Byron Scott).

37 – Allen Iverson (G, 6'0", 165 lb)

Awards: 1 x Regular Season MVP, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 11 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 26.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 6.2apg, 2.2spg (1996-2010)
Words: “He had a knack for going 9-for-24 but somehow making the two biggest shots of the game. And he played with an eff-you intensity only KG and Kobe matched (although MJ remains the king in this category)” (Bill Simmons).

38 – George Gervin (SG, 6'7", 180 lb)

Awards: 5 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 9 x All-Star (+3 x ABA)

Numbers: 26.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.8apg, .511 FG% (1972-1986)
Words: “Nobody in history scored points easier than Gervin. He would light you up and you didn’t even know that match was lit. He had the efficiency and ability to be unstoppable” (Steve Jones).

39 – Patrick Ewing (C, 7'0", 240 lb)

Awards: 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 6 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 11 x All-Star, 3 x All-Defensive 2^nd Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 21.0ppg, 9.9rpg, 1.9apg, 2.4bpg (1985-2002)
Words: “I think people appreciate Patrick now. It’s funny. When we had him, people were saying one thing. Now they’re saying another thing. Sometimes you don’t appreciate things until they’re gone. I think that’s definitely the case with Patrick and the fans of New York” (Allan Houston).

40 – Dolph Schayes (PF, 6'7", 195 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 6 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 6 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 12 x All-Star

Numbers: 18.5ppg, 11.3rpg, 3.1apg, .849 FT% (1948-1964)
Words: “Nobody moved better without the ball. He didn’t just hit layups but picturesque, beautifully released jumpers as well” (Peter Vecsey).

41 – Gary Payton (PG, 6'4", 180 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 9 x All-Star, 1 x Defensive Player of the Year, 9 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 16.3ppg, 3.9apg, 6.7apg, 1.8spg (1990-2007)
Words: “Payton is very underrated. Make no mistake about it, he’s one of the best. You can look at his body of work and it compares to… most of the other great point guards” (Isiah Thomas).

42 – Clyde Drexler (SG, 6'7", 210 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 10 x All-Star

Numbers: 20.4ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.6apg, 2.0spg (1983-1998)
Words: “During the most competitive stretch in league history (1990-93), Portland made the Finals twice with Drexler as its lone blue-chipper” (Bill Simmons).

43 – Steve Nash (PG, 6'3", 178 lb)

Awards: 2 x Regular Season MVP, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 8 x All-Star

Numbers: 14.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 8.5apg, .904 FT% (1996-)
Words: “The two MVPs he got, he deserved. Part of the reason that he’s so good and so effective is that the guys like playing with him. He creates an atmosphere where they win games” (Bill Russell).

44 – Tiny Archibald (PG, 6'1", 150 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 6 x All-Star

Numbers: 18.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 7.4apg, .810 FT% (1970-1984)
Words: “Tiny had it all: instinct, vision, and most importantly attitude - the unselfishness to give up the ball. Nobody moved a team like Tiny” (Bob Cousy).

45 – Dominique Wilkins (SF, 6'8", 230 lb)

Awards: 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 4 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 9 x All-Star

Numbers: 24.9ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.5apg, .461 FG% (1982-1997)
Words: “He’s probably the most underrated player of our generation. He carried the Hawks. When you went to Atlanta, you had to bring it… because of him” (Charles Barkley).

46 – Wes Unseld (PF/C, 6'7", 245 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 1 x Finals MVP, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 5 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 10.8ppg, 14.0rpg, 3.9apg, .509 FG% (1968-1981)
Words: “Unseld was the consummate team basketball player; his only objective was to win. Statistics were never important to him. You can’t begin to imagine what he did to make his teammates better – set picks, made outlet passes, guarded the bigger center” (Mitch Kupchak).

47 – Earl Monroe (PG, 6'3", 185 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 4 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 18.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, .807 FT% (1967-1980)
Words: “Black Jesus. That’s how sick he was. People in Philly (his hometown) and down in Carolina (where he dropped 42 points per game as a senior at Winston-Salem State) were so moved by the way he played, they compared it to a religious experience” (Scoop Jackson).

48 – Sam Jones (SG, 6'4", 198 lb)

Awards: 10 x NBA champion, 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 5 x All-Star

Numbers: 17.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.5apg, .803 FT% (1957-1969)
Words: “He was a great shooter, a great defensive player and he had great speed. There wasn't anything Sam Jones couldn't do. If he had played with a team other than the Celtics, he'd be held in the same esteem as Jerry West or Oscar Robertson” (John Havlicek).

49 – James Worthy (SF, 6'9", 235 lb)

Awards: 3 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 2 x All-NBA 3^rd Team, 7 x All-Star

Numbers: 17.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.0apg, .521 FG% (1982-1994)
Words: “I don't think there has been or will be a better small forward than James, and don't think people appreciated that. When he was in his prime, I can guarantee you, there wasn't anybody who could touch him” (Pat Riley).

50 – Nate Thurmond (C, 6'11", 225 lb)

Awards: 7 x All-Star, 2 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 15.0ppg, 15.0rpg, 2.7apg, .421 FG% (1963-1977)
Words: “One of the greatest shot blockers of all time. He totally intimidated Pettit by playing 4 feet off him but still being quick enough to block his shot. Nobody wanted to be guarded by this Rolls Royce of centers” (Peter Vecsey).

51 – Billy Cunningham (F, 6'6", 210 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x ABA Regular Season MVP, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team (+1 x ABA), 4 x All-Star (+1 x ABA)

Numbers: 20.8ppg, 10.1rpg, 4.0apg, .446 FG% (1965-1976)
Words: “You are talking about a freak of nature. He was a 6-foot-7 guy who could jump out of the gym. He was a great scorer. He would go inside and mix it up with anybody” (Steve Jones).

52 – Pete Maravich (G, 6'5", 197 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 5 x All-Star

Numbers: 24.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 5.4apg, .820 FT% (1970-1980)
Words: “The legendary following that Pete Maravich has is the truest testament to how great he was” (Bill Walton).

53 – Bill Walton (C, 6'11", 250 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 1 x Finals MVP, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 2 x All-Star

Numbers: 13.3ppg, 10.5rpg, 3.4apg, 2.2bpg (1974-1987)
Words: “Bill was probably the most complete center I ever saw. Offense, defense, passing, ball-handling, rebounding, he did it all” (Dan Issel).

54 – Jerry Lucas (PF, 6'8", 230 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 7 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 17.0ppg, 15.6rpg, 3.3apg, .499 FG% (1962-1974)
Words: “He had championships on every possible level: high school, college, the Olympics and the NBA. And that’s even more impressive than memorizing every play run by every team in the League, for which he was famous” (Alan Paul).

55 – Bob McAdoo (PF/C, 6'9", 210 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Regular Season MVP, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 5 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 22.1ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.3apg, .503 FG% (1972-1986)
Words: “He was impossible to guard. He'd blow by a center or a big forward, and if they put a little guy on him, he'd take him down low and post up all night. He was a scoring machine” (Dr. Jack Ramsay).

56 – Dave DeBusschere (PF, 6'6", 220 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 8 x All-Star, 6 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 16.1ppg, 11.0rpg, 2.9apg, .432 FG% (1962-1974)
Words: “He took away my first, second, third and fourth offensive moves” (Connie Hawkins).

57 – Dennis Johnson (G, 6'4", 182 lb)

Awards: 3 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 5 x All-Star, 6 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 14.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.0apg, 1.3spg (1976-1990)
Words: “He was the original Scottie Pippen, the first Joe Dumars, the second KC Jones. No guard in the NBA has played D the way DJ play D” (Scoop Jackson).

58 – Hal Greer (SG, 6'2", 175 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 7 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 10 x All-Star

Numbers: 19.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.0apg, .801 FT% (1958-1973)
Words: “Hal was tremendously quick and he was the greatest midrange jump shooter in the history of the game. When things broke down, he always found a way to score” (Dolph Schayes)

59 – Dennis Rodman (PF, 6'6", 210 lb)

Awards: 5 x NBA champion, 2 x All-Star, 2 x Defensive Player of the Year, 7 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 7.3ppg, 13.1rpg, 1.8apg, .521 FG% (1986-2000)
Words: “The man was a physical freak. We’ll see another fifty Horace Grants before we see another Dennis Rodman. And thank God. I think one was enough” (Bill Simmons).

60 – Reggie Miller (SG, 6'7", 195 lb)

Awards: 3 x All-NBA 3^rd Team, 5 x All-Star

Numbers: 18.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.0apg, .395 3P% (1987-2005)
Words: “He authored the ultimate example of clutch: First round, ’95, Game 1, MSG. Eight straight points in 8.9 seconds. Pacers win. Damn” (Khalid Salaam).

61 – Robert Parish (C, 7'0", 230 lb)

Awards: 4 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 9 x All-Star

Numbers: 14.5ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, .537 FG% (1976-1997)
Words: “He had tremendous touch around the rim, part of why he was able to hang around long enough to win four rings and play in three decades” (Slam).

62 – Bernard King (SF, 6'7", 205 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 4 x All-Star

Numbers: 22.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.3apg, .518 FG% (1977-1991; 1993)
Words: “If you were a kid in the early eighties, you had a Nerf hoop in your room, you loved basketball and you didn’t pretend to be Bernard on those running two-handed slams… well, I say you’re lying” (Bill Simmons).

63 – Alex English (SF, 6'7", 190 lb)

Awards: 3 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 8 x All-Star

Numbers: 21.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.6apg, .507 FG% (1976-1991)
Words: “The most deceptive player that I ever played against. He was so smooth on the court that you would never realize how many damn points he was scoring” (Dan Issel).

64 – Paul Arizin (G/F, 6'4", 190 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 3 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 10 x All-Star

Numbers: 22.8ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.3apg, .810 FT% (1950-1962)
Words: “One of the toughest guys I had to play against was Paul Arizin. He was an amazing shooter... I probably admired him the early days as much as anybody... His jump shot was perfect. There was no stopping it” (Dolph Schayes).

65 – Lenny Wilkens (PG, 6'1", 180 lb)

Awards: 9 x All-Star

Numbers: 16.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 6.7apg, .774 FT% (1960-1975)
Words: “In today’s game, he would demand a double-team. He was unstoppable despite only going left” (Pete Vecsey).

66 – Bill Sharman (G, 6'1", 175 lb)

Awards: 4 x NBA champion, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 3 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 8 x All-Star

Numbers: 17.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.0apg, .883 FT% (1950-1961)
Words: “Sharman was just an incredible shooter with great concentration, great practice habits. He was a very good defensive player, and people didn't give him credit for that. He was a tough player, who didn't lose many fights" (Ed Macauley).

67 – Dan Issel (PF/C, 6'9", 235 lb)

Awards: 1 x ABA champion, 1 x All-ABA 1^st Team, 4 x All-ABA 2^nd Team, 1 x All-Star (+6 x ABA)

Numbers: 20.4ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.5apg, .506 FG% (1970-1985)
Words: “Impeccable long-distance shooting (and drive if you played up on him) created insufferable mismatches for centers. Savvy, size and strength made it impossible for power forwards to negotiate with him inside” (Peter Vecsey).

68 – Adrian Dantley (SF, 6'5", 208 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 6 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 24.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.0apg, .540 FG% (1976-1991)
Words: “He's [a] piranha. He'll eat you alive. He would score in a raging storm at sea” (Frank Layden).

69 – Dave Bing (SG, 6'3", 180 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 7 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 20.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 6.0apg, .441 FG% (1966-1978)
Words: “He was awesome and he had such great leadership that he could draw the team together with his scoring or his passing. I remember him gliding to the hoop and slamming over Kareem [or] slamming it over Nate Thurmond” (Bob Lanier).

70 – Connie Hawkins (F, 6'8", 210 lb)

Awards: 1 x ABA champion, 1 x ABA Regular Season MVP, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team (+2 x ABA), 4 x All-Star (+1 x ABA)

Numbers: 18.7ppg, 8.8rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg (1967-1976)
Words: “He made some moves I've never seen before. Hawkins belongs in the same class with Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and John Havlicek” (Bill Sharman)

71 – Dwight Howard (C, 6'11", 265 lb)

Awards: 5 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 7 x All-Star, 4 x Defensive Player of the Year, 3 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 18.2ppg, 13.0rpg, 1.5apg, 2.2bpg (2004-)
Words: “That kid is a freak of nature, man. I don’t know what they put in the milk these days for these young kids, but that kid is a freak of nature. I was nowhere near that physically talented. I wasn’t that gifted, as far as body and physical presence” (Kevin Garnett).

72 – Artis Gilmore (C, 7'2", 240 lb)

Awards: 1 x ABA champion, 1 x ABA Regular Season MVP, 5 x All-ABA 1^st Team, 6 x All-Star (+5 x ABA), 4 x ABA All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 18.8ppg, 12.rpg, 2.3apg, 2.4bpg (1971-1988)
Words: “He was almost a mythic figure, thanks to his dominating play in college and five mammoth seasons with the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA” (Michael Bradley).

73 – Paul Pierce (SF, 6'7", 235 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 10 x All-Star

Numbers: 21.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg (1998-)
Words: “[Pierce] repeatedly raised his level of play in big games… [he]finished the Double Zeros as the best small forward not named LeBron… [he was]a memorably tough competitor who didn’t miss a single 2000 preseason game after getting nearly stabbed to death two weeks earlier” (Bill Simmons).

74 – Bob Lanier (C, 6'11", 250 lb)

Awards: 8 x All-Star

Numbers: 20.1ppg, 10.1rpg, 3.1apg, .514 FG% (1970-1984)
Words: “Bob was big, burly and quick. Once he got you on his hip, he'd throw up that hook shot and you'd be helpless. He also had nice ball fakes and a face-up jumper that was almost impossible to stop” (Bob McAdoo).

75 – Tracy McGrady (SF, 6'8", 235 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 3 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 7 x All-Star

Numbers: 19.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.4apg, 1.2spg (1997-2012)
Words: “People talk about Kobe, Iverson, and the other guys, but to me, Tracy is the best player in the league behind Shaq. More than anyone else, he does it all” (Sam Cassell).

76 – Walt Bellamy (C, 6'11", 225 lb)

Awards: 4 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 20.1ppg, 13.7rpg, 2.4apg, .516 FG% (1961-1974)
Words: “Walt Bellamy was one of the most consistent scorers and rebounders the game has ever seen. The burly pivot man snatched 1,000 rebounds a staggering nine times in his career” (Ken Shouler).

77 – Chris Mullin (SF, 6'7", 215 lb)

Awards: 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 5 x All-Star

Numbers: 18.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.5apg, .865 FT% (1985-2001)
Words: “Mully honed his lefty J to the point that you started counting buckets upon his release… As Warrior watchers saw it, he was the West Coast Larry Bird” (Ben Osborne)

78 – Joe Dumars (SG, 6'3", 195 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 6 x All-Star, 4 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 16.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.5apg, .843 FT% (1985-1999)
Words: “Joe D was… capable of sizing up any situation and delivering whatever was needed to win a game, be it a steal, a dish, a board, a lockdown, a drive or a trey. He had no holes in his game” (Slam).

79 – Tom Heinsohn (F/C, 6'7", 218 lb)

Awards: 8 x NBA champion, 4 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 6 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 18.6ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.0apg, .790 FT% (1956-1965)
Words: “He was probably the best all-around forward other than Pettit and Baylor from ’57 to ’64, someone who defended bigger guys and provided a little muscle during a hockey-like era where everyone threw down” (Bill Simmons).

80 – David Thompson (SG, 6'4", 195 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 4 x All-Star (+1 x ABA), Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 22.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.3apg, .505 FG% (1975-1984)
Words: “We’ll remember Thompson as the Intellivision to Jordan’s Playstation 2, an original prototype for every high-flying two-guard who followed. Blessed with a lightning first step, a reliable jump shot and a 44-inch vertical leap” (Bill Simmons).

81 – Ray Allen (SG, 6'5", 205 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 10 x All-Star

Numbers: 19.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.4apg, .401 3P% (1996-)
Words: “For his nine-year prime (1999-2007), Ray-Ray was remarkably efficient [and] had the prettiest jumper of any star player” (Bill Simmons).

82 – Alonzo Mourning (C, 6'10", 261 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 3 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 5 x All-Star, 2 x Defensive Player of the Year, 2 x All-Defensive 1^st Team (1992-2008)

Numbers: 17.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.1apg, 2.8bpg
Words: “Before Alonzo Mourning was diagnosed with kidney disease, we viewed him as almost inhuman – in a good way – like some machine-made Hercules. But think about it for a second. If the NBA had a lab where it created paint-banging big men, the prototype might very well be Zo” (Bonsu Thompson).

83 – Chris Webber (PF, 6'10", 245 lb)

Awards: 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 3 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 5 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 20.7ppg, 9.8rpg, 4.2apg, .479 FG% (1993-2008)
Words: “He liked to control games from different spots on the floor, distributing from the high post before crashing the glass, or using his big, soft hands to throw down monstrous jams” (Slam).

84 – Spencer Haywood (PF/C, 6'8", 235 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x ABA Regular Season MVP, 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team (+1 x ABA), 4 x All-Star (+1 x ABA)

Numbers: 20.9ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.9apg, .796 FT% (1969-1983)
Words: “A 6-8, 225-pound power forward who could do it all, Haywood was headed for the HOF before personal demons slowed him down” (Slam).

85 – Sidney Moncrief (SG, 6'3", 180 lb)

Awards: 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 4 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 5 x All-Star, 2 x Defensive Player of the Year, 4 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 15.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.6apg, .502 FG% (1979-1991)
Words: “When you play against Moncrief, you're in for a night of all-around basketball. He'll hound you everywhere you go, both ends of the court. You just expect it” (Michael Jordan).

86 – Chris Paul (PG, 6'0", 175 lb)

Awards: 2 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 6 x All-Star, 2 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 18.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 9.8apg, 2.4spg (2005-)
Words: “Sitting there watching Chris really develop into the best point guard in this league, it’s amazing to watch how he’s really risen his game to another level. But that’s what great players do. He’s definitely one of the best in this league right now” (Byron Scott).

87 – Bob Dandridge (SG/SF, 6'6", 195 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 4 x All-Star, 1 x All-Defensive 1^st Team

Numbers: 18.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 3.4apg, .484 FG% (1969-1981)
Words: “Dandridge was someone who did all the little things, drifted between three positions, defended every type of forward (famously outdueling Julius Erving in the ’78 Playoffs) and routinely drained monster shots” (Bill Simmons).

88 – Gail Goodrich (PG, 6'1", 170 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 5 x All-Star

Numbers: 18.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.7apg, .807 FT% (1965-1979)
Words: “The crafty southpaw… had an unorthodox low-post game, punishing smaller guards down low, and attacking the rim like a crazed Manu Ginobili” (Bill Simmons)

89 – Maurice Cheeks (PG, 6'1", 180 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 4 x All-Star, 1 x All-Defensive 1^st Team, 4 x All-Defensive 2^nd Team

Numbers: 11.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 6.7apg, 2.1spg (1978-1993)
Words: “The most underrated player of all-time… he had an implausible knack for when to go for the steal and a consecrated gift for running the team” (Peter Vecsey).

90 – Cliff Hagan (SG/SF, 6'4", 210 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 5 x All-Star (+1 x ABA)

Numbers: 17.7ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.2apg, .799 FT% (1956-1969)
Words: “[Hagan] had the uncanny ability to get his little hook shot off and this twisting little lay-up off against Russell and Chamberlain. Nobody else could do it except Cliff" (Cal Ramsey)

91 – Kevin Johnson (PG, 6'1", 190 lb)

Awards: 4 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 3 x All-Star

Numbers: 17.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 9.1apg, .493 FG% (1987-1998; 2000)
Words: “He's the best point guard in the League in my eyes, and I've guarded all of them" (Sam Cassell).

92 – Joe Fulks (SF, 6'5", 190 lb)

Awards: 1 x BAA champion, 3 x All-BAA 1^st Team, 2 x All-Star

Numbers: 16.4ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg, .766 FT% (1946-1954)
Words: “He was a great, great player. He could shoot them any way, from any place. We set up our defense to revolve around him" (Red Auerbach)

93 – Jack Sikma (C, 6'11", 230 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 7 x All-Star

Numbers: 15.6ppg, 9.8rpg, 3.2apg, .849 FT% (1977-1991)
Words: “Sikma combined toughness (10 seasons of 80 or more games) and a sweet shooting touch (he led the league in FT percentage in ’87-88) to earn seven All-Star Game appearances” (Slam).

94 – Jo Jo White (G, 6'3", 190 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x Finals MVP, 2 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 7 x All-Star

Numbers: 17.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.9apg, .444 FG% (1969-1981)
Words: “He's so beautiful to watch, so graceful, yet a tough competitor. He is the cohesive force, the orchestrator of the Boston offense, as well as the team leader on the floor” (Mendy Rudolph).

95 – Neil Johnston (C, 6'8", 210 lb)

Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 4 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 6 x All-Star

Numbers: 19.4ppg, 11.3rpg, 2.5apg, .444 FG% (1951-1959)
Words: “Johnston led the NBA in scoring for three consecutive seasons (’53-55) – mostly due to his sweet hook shot – and led in rebounding in ’55 as well” (Slam).

96 – Bailey Howell (SF, 6'7", 210 lb)

Awards: 2 x NBA champion, 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 6 x All-Star

Numbers: 18.7ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.0apg, .480 FG% (1959-1971)
Words: “The term ‘garbage man’ was used more than once to describe the pesky inside game of Bailey Howell. It was not a pejorative term; in fact, it was paying homage” (Ken Shouler).

97 – George McGinnis (PF/C, 6'8", 235 lb)

Awards: 2 x ABA champion, 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team (+2 x ABA), 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team (+1 x ABA), 3 x All-Star (+3 x ABA)

Numbers: 20.2ppg, 11.0rpg, 3.7apg, .458 FG% (1971-1982)
Words: “After four dominant ABA seasons, winning two titles and scoring as much as 29.8ppg, McGinnis joined the 76ers. The bruising 6-8, 235-pound forward had seven straight 20-10 seasons spanning two leagues” (Slam).

98 – Lou Hudson (SG/SF, 6'5", 210 lb)

Awards: 1 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 6 x All-Star

Numbers: 20.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.7apg, .489 FG% (1966-1979)
Words: “Lou Hudson was the leading scorer five years running on those highly competitive Hawks teams that could never capture the national spotlight” (Slam).

99 – Grant Hill (SF, 6'8", 235 lb)

Awards: 1 x All-NBA 1^st Team, 4 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 7 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 16.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.2apg, .483 FG% (1994-)
Words: “Just like Mike, only better. A combination of Iceman and Big O, Grant Hill has grown into the mantle of the game’s best player as if he was born to fill the role” (Tony Gervino).

100 – Mitch Richmond (SG, 6'5", 215 lb)
Awards: 1 x NBA champion, 3 x All-NBA 2^nd Team, 6 x All-Star, Rookie of the Year

Numbers: 21.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.5apg, .388 3P% (1988-2002)
Words: “Able to drain from range or use his burly 6-5 frame to get to the cup, Rock was a Swiss Army knife in a League where most players were blunt hammers” (Slam).