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Top 25 greatest NBA players by position + other NBA rankings

Now that the NBA season has ended (and what a season it was!) now comes to time to revisit the top 100 greatest players of all time, as well as the top NBA players by position. I’ve decided to discard my old post on this since that post was made back in 2013, and this one has been updated through the new NBA season, with top 25 per position making a total of 100 players here.

These are all gleaned by my composite score for each player, all ranked by tallying their stats and awards together. You can download it here

I’ve also agreed with Rick Barry’s assertion that we should judge NBA players by position, because how can you compare Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain and definitively say one is better than the other when they play totally different positions? You can’t. So let’s go by position. Here’s the new list:

Point Guard

1. Magic Johnson
19.5 PPG/7.2 RPG/11.2 APG, 5x Champion, 3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 10x All-NBA, 12x All-Star, 9x Finals Appearances (1980, 1982-1985, 1987-1989, 1991)

2. Oscar Robertson
25.7 PPG/7.5 RPG/9.5 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 12x All-Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1971, 1974)

3. John Stockton
13.1 PPG/2.7 RPG/10.5 APG, 11x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1997-1998)

4. Bob Cousy
18.4 PPG/5.2 RPG/7.5 APG, 6x Champion, 1x MVP, 12x All-NBA, 13x All Star, 7x Finals Appearances (1957-1963)

5. Chris Paul
18.7 PPG/4.4 RPG/9.9 APG, 7x All-NBA, 9x All Star

6. Stephen Curry
20.9 PPG/4.4 RPG/6.8 APG, 3x Champion, 2x MVP, 4x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (2015-2018)

7. Steve Nash
14.3 PPG/3.0 RPG/8.5 APG, 2x MVP, 7x All-NBA, 8x All Star

8. Isiah Thomas
19.2 PPG/3.6 RPG/9.3 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 12x All-Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1988-1990)

9. Jason Kidd
12.6 PPG/6.3 RPG/8.7 APG, 1x Champion, 6x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (2002-2003, 2011)

10. Russell Westbrook
22.7 PPG/6.2 RPG/7.9 APG, 1x MVP, 7x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2012)

11. Walt Frazier
18.9 PPG/5.9 RPG/6.1 APG, 2x Champion, 6x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1970, 1972-1973)

12. Gary Payton
16.3 PPG/3.9 RPG/6.7 APG, 1x Champion, 9x All-NBA, 9x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1996, 2004, 2006)

13. Tiny Archibald
18.8 PPG/2.3 RPG/7.4 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1981)

14. Jo Jo White
17.2 PPG/4.0 RPG/4.9 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1974, 1976)

15. Dennis Johnson
14.9 PPG/3.9 RPG/5.0 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1978-1979, 1984-1987)

16. Tony Parker
16.2 PPG/2.8 RPG/5.8 APG, 4x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 4x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (2003, 2005, 2007, 2013-2014)

17. Chauncey Billups
15.2 PPG/2.9 RPG/5.4 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2004, 2005)

18. Lenny Wilkens
16.5 PPG/4.7 RPG/6.7 APG, 9x All Star

19. Kevin Johnson
17.9 PPG/3.3 RPG/9.1 APG, 5x All-NBA, 3x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1993)

20. Tim Hardaway
17.7 PPG/3.3 RPG/8.2 APG, 5x All-NBA, 5x All Star

21. Louie Dampier
17.1 PPG/2.8 RPG/5.2 APG, 7x All-Star, 4x All-ABA, 1x Champion, 1x Finals Appearance (1975)’

22. Derrick Rose
19.5 PPG/3.7 RPG/6.0 APG, 1x MVP, 1x All NBA, 3x All-Star

23. Rajon Rondo
10.7 PPG/4.9 RPG/8.5 APG, 4x All-Star, 1x Champion, 2x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010)

24. John Wall
18.8 PPG/4.4 RPG/9.2 APG, 5x All-Star

25. Slater Martin
9.8 PPG/3.4 RPG/3.2 APG, 5x Champion, 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, 7x Finals Appearances (1950, 1952-1954, 1957-1958, 1960)

Shooting Guard

1. Michael Jordan
30.1 PPG/6.2 RPG/5.3 APG, 6x Champion, 5x MVP, 6x Finals MVP, 11x All-NBA, 14x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1991-1993, 1996-1998)

2. Kobe Bryant
25.5 PPG/5.3 RPG/4.8 APG, 5x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 18x All Star, 7x Finals Appearances (2000-2002, 2004, 2008-2010)

3. Jerry West
27.0 PPG/5.8 RPG/6.7 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 14x All Star, 9x Finals Appearances (1962-1963, 1965-1966, 1968-1970, 1972-1973)

4. Dwyane Wade
24.3 PPG/5.0 RPG/6.0 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 8x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (2006, 2011-2014)

5. Allen Iverson
26.7 PPG/3.7 RPG/6.2 APG, 1x MVP, 7x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2001)

6. George Gervin
25.1 PPG/5.2 RPG/2.5 APG, 9x All-NBA, 12x All Star

7. Clyde Drexler
20.4 PPG/6.1 RPG/5.6 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1990, 1992, 1995)

8. Hal Greer
19.2 PPG/5.0 RPG/4.0 APG, 1x Champion, 7x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1967)

9. Sam Jones
17.7 PPG/4.9 RPG/2.5 APG, 10x Champion, 3x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 11x Finals Appearances (1958-1966, 1968-1969)

10. Bill Sharman
17.8 PPG/3.9 RPG/3.0 APG, 4x Champion, 7x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1957-1961)

11. Tracy McGrady
19.6 PPG/5.6 RPG/4.4 APG, 5x All-NBA, 7x All Star

12. James Harden
22.1 PPG/5.0 RPG/5.7 APG, 1x MVP, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star

13. David Thompson
22.1 PPG/4.1 RPG/3.3 APG, 2x All-NBA, 5x All Star

14. Mitch Richmond
21.0 PPG/3.9 RPG/3.5 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2002)

15. Dave Bing
20.3 PPG/3.8 RPG/6.0 APG, 3x All-NBA, 7x All-Star

16. Ray Allen
18.9 PPG/4.1 RPG/3.4 APG, 2x Champion, 2x All-NBA, 10x All-Star, 4x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010, 2013-2014)

17. Pete Maravich
24.2 PPG/4.2 RPG/5.4 APG, 4x All-ABA, 5x All Star

18. Vince Carter
18.2 PPG/4.6 RPG/3.3 APG, 2x All-NBA, 8x All-Star

19. Joe Dumars
16.1 PPG/2.2 RPG/4.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1988-1990)

20. Sidney Moncrief
15.6 PPG/4.7 RPG/3.6 APG, 5x All-NBA, 5x All Star

21. Reggie Miller
18.2 PPG/3 RPG/3 APG, 5x All-Star, 1 Finals Appearance (2000)

22. Manu Ginobili
14.6 PPG/3.8 RPG/4 APG, 2x All-Star, 4x Champion, 5x Finals Appearances (2003, 2005, 2007, 2013-2014)

23. Earl Monroe
18.8 PPG/3 RPG/3.9 APG, 4x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x Champion, 3x Finals Appearances (1971-1973)

24. Gail Goodrich
18.6 PPG/3.2 RPG/4.7 APG, 5x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x Champion, 3x Finals Appearances (1970, 1972-1973)

25. Lou Hudson
20.2 PPG/4.4 RPG/2.7 APG, 6x All-Star, 1x All-NBA

Small Forwards

1. Lebron James
27.5 PPG/7.2 RPG/6.9 APG, 2x Champion, 4x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 13x All Star, 9x Finals Appearances (2007, 2011-2018)

2. Larry Bird
24.3 PPG/10.0 RPG/6.3 APG, 3x Champion, 3x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 10x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1981, 1984-1987)

3. Julius Erving
24.2 PPG/6.7 RPG/4.2 APG, 3x Champion, 4x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 17x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1972, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1982-1983)

4. Elgin Baylor
27.4 PPG/13.5 RPG/4.6 APG, 10x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 8x Finals Appearances (1959, 1962-1963, 1965-1966, 1968-1970)

5. Kevin Durant
27.4 PPG/6.9 RPG/3.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 6x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (2012, 2017-2018)

6. Rick Barry
24.8 PPG/6.7 RPG/4.9 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 6x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1967, 1969, 1975)

7. John Havlicek
20.8 PPG/6.3 RPG/4.8 APG, 8x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 11x All-NBA, 13x All Star, 8x Finals Appearances (1963-1966, 1968-1969, 1974, 1976)

8. Scottie Pippen
16.1 PPG/6.4 RPG/5.2 APG, 6x Champion, 7x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1991-1993, 1996-1998)

9. Paul Arizin
22.8 PPG/8.6 RPG/2.3 APG, 1x Champion, 4x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1956)

10. Connie Hawkins
18.7 PPG/8.8 RPG/4.1 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1968)

11. Billy Cunningham
21.2 PPG/10.4 RPG/4.3 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 5x All-NBA, 5x All-Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1967)

12. Dominique Wilkins
24.8 PPG/6.7 RPG/2.5 APG, 7x All-NBA, 9x All Star

13. Paul Pierce
19.7 PPG/5.6 RPG/3.5 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 4x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010)

14. Carmelo Anthony
24.8 PPG/6.6 RPG/3.1 APG, 6x All-NBA, 10x All Star

15. Adrian Dantley
24.3 PPG/5.7 RPG/3.0 APG, 2x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1988)

16. Alex English
21.5 PPG/5.5 RPG/3.6 APG, 3x All-NBA, 8x All Star

17. Roger Brown
17.4 PPG/6.2 RPG/3.8 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-ABA, 4x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1969-1970, 1972-1973, 1975)

18. James Worthy
17.6 PPG/5.1 RPG/3.0 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 7x Finals Appearances (1983-1985, 1987-1989, 1991)

19. Kawhi Leonard
16.4 PPG/6.2 RPG/2.3 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 2x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2013, 2014)

20. George Yardley
19.2 PPG/8.9 RPG/1.7 APG, 2x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1955, 1956)

21. Bernard King
22.5 PPG/5.8 RPG/3.3 APG, 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA

22. Marques Johnson
20.1 PPG/7 RPG/3.6 APG, 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA

23. Bob Dandridge
18.5 PPG/6.8 RPG/3.4 APG, 4x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 2x Champion, 4x Finals Appearances (1971, 1974, 1978, 1979)

24. Cliff Hagan
17.7 PPG/6.6 RPG/3.2 APG, 1x Champion, 6x All-Star, 2x All-NBA

25. Grant Hill
16.7 PPG/6 RPG/4.1 APG, 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA

Power Forward

1. Tim Duncan
19.9 PPG/11.1 RPG/3.1 APG, 5x Champion, 2x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 15x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013-2014)

2. Karl Malone
25.0 PPG/10.1 RPG/3.6 APG, 2x MVP, 14x All-NBA, 14x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1997-1998)

3. Bob Pettit
26.4 PPG/16.2 RPG/3.0 APG, 1x Champion, 2x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (1957-1958, 1960-1961)

4. Kevin Garnett
18.6 PPG/10.3 RPG/3.9 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 9x All-NBA, 15x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010)

5. Charles Barkley
22.1 PPG/11.7 RPG/3.9 APG, 1x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1993)

6. Dirk Nowitzki
22.5 PPG/8.1 RPG/2.6 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2006, 2011)

7. Dolph Schayes
18.2 PPG/12.1 RPG/3.1 APG, 1x Champion, 12x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1955)

8. Elvin Hayes
21.0 PPG/12.5 RPG/1.8 APG, 1x Champion, 6x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1975, 1978-1979)

9. Bob McAdoo
22.1 PPG/9.4 RPG/2.3 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (1982-1985)

10. George McGinnis
20.2 PPG/11.0 RPG/3.7 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1972-1973, 1975)

11. Dan Issel
22.6 PPG/9.1 RPG/2.4 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1971, 1973, 1975)

12. Spencer Haywood
20.3 PPG/10.3 RPG/1.8 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 5x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1980)

13. Kevin McHale
17.9 PPG/7.3 RPG/1.7 APG, 3x Champion, 1x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1981, 1984-1987)

14. Jerry Lucas
17.0 PPG/15.6 RPG/3.3 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1972-1973)

15. Pau Gasol
17.9 PPG/9.4 RPG/3.2 APG, 2x Champion, 4x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (2008-2010)

16. Chris Webber
20.7 PPG/9.8 RPG/4.2 APG, 5x All-NBA, 5x All Star

17. Tom Heinsohn
18.6 PPG/8.8 RPG/2.0 APG, 8x Champion, 4x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 9x Finals Appearances (1957-1965)

18. Amare Stoudemire
18.9 PPG/7.8 RPG/1.2 APG, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star

19. Dave DeBusschere
16.1 PPG/11.0 RPG/2.9 APG, 2x Champion, 1x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1970, 1972-1973)

20. Bailey Howell
18.7 PPG/9.9 RPG/2.0 APG, 2x Champion, 1x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1968, 1969)

21. Dennis Rodman
7.3 PPG/13.1 RPG/1.8 APG, 5x Champion, 2x All-Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1988, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1997, 1998)

22. Anthony Davis
22.4 PPG/10.4 RPG/1.8 APG, 3x All-NBA, 5x All-Star

23. Blake Griffin
21.5 PPG/9.4 RPG/4.1 APG, 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA

24. Chris Bosh
19.2 PPG/8.6 RPG/2.0 APG, 11x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 4x Finals Appearances (2011-2014)

25. Vern Mikkelsen
14.4 PPG/9.4 RPG/2.2 APG, 4x Champion, 6x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 4x Finals Appearance (1950, 1952-1954)

Center

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
24.6 PPG/11.2 RPG/3.6 APG, 6x Champion, 6x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 19x All Star, 10x Finals Appearances (1971, 1974, 1980, 1982-1985, 1987-1989)

2. Wilt Chamberlain
30.1 PPG/22.9 RPG/4.4 APG, 2x Champion, 4x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 10x All-NBA, 13x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1964, 1967, 1969-1970, 1972-1973)

3. Bill Russell
15.1 PPG/22.5 RPG/4.3 APG, 11x Champion, 5x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 12x Finals Appearances (1957-1966, 1968-1969)

4. Shaquille O’Neal
23.7 PPG/10.9 RPG/2.5 APG, 4x Champion, 1x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 14x All-NBA, 15x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1995, 2000-2002, 2004, 2006)

5. Hakeem Olajuwon
21.8 PPG/11.1 RPG/2.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1986, 1994-1995)

6. Moses Malone
20.6 PPG/12.2 RPG/1.4 APG, 1x Champion, 3x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 8x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1981, 1983)

7. David Robinson
21.1 PPG/10.6 RPG/2.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 10x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1999, 2003)

8. George Mikan
22.6 PPG/13.4 RPG/2.8 APG, 7x Champion, 1x MVP, 6x All-NBA, 4x All Star, 7x Finals Appearances (1947-1950, 1952-1954)

9. Artis Gilmore
18.8 PPG/12.3 RPG/2.3 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-ABA, 11x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1971, 1973, 1975)

10. Mel Daniels
18.4 PPG/14.9 RPG/1.8 APG, 3x Champion, 2x MVP, 5x All-ABA, 7x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1969-1970, 1972-1973, 1975)

11. Dwight Howard
17.5 PPG/12.7 RPG/1.5 APG, 8x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2009)

12. Willis Reed
18.7 PPG/12.9 RPG/1.8 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1970, 1972-1973)

13. Patrick Ewing
21.0 PPG/9.8 RPG/2.0 APG, 7x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1994)

14. Dave Cowens
17.6 PPG/13.6 RPG/3.8 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 3x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1974, 1976)

15. Neil Johnston
19.4 PPG/11.3 RPG/2.5 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1956)

16. Bill Walton
13.3 PPG/10.5 RPG/3.4 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 2x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1977, 1986)

17. Wes Unseld
10.8 PPG/14.0 RPG/3.9 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1975, 1978-1979)

18. Nate Thurmond
15.0 PPG/15.0 RPG/2.7 APG, 7x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1964, 1967)

19. Robert Parish
14.5 PPG/9.1 RPG/1.4 APG, 4x Champion, 2x All-NBA, 9x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1981, 1984-1987, 1997)

20. Bob Lanier
20.1 PPG/10.1 RPG/3.1 APG, 8x All Star

21. Ed Macauley
17.5 PPG/7.5 RPG/3.2 APG, 1x Champion, 7x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 2x Finals Appearances (1957-1958)

22. Zelmo Beaty
16 PPG/10.5 RPG/1.5 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-Star, 2x All-ABA, 1x Finals Appearance (1971)

23. Walt Bellamy
20.1 PPG/13.7 RPG/2.4 APG, 4x All-Star

24. Alonzo Mourning
17.1 PPG/8.5 RPG/1.1 APG, 7x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, 1x Champion, 1x Finals Appearance (2006)

25. Dikembe Mutombo
9.8 PPG/10.3 RPG/1 APG, 8x All-Star, 1x All-NBA

Greatest white players in NBA history
1. Larry Bird
2. Jerry West
3. John Havlicek
4. Bob Pettit
5. Bob Cousy
6. John Stockton
7. Rick Barry
8. Dirk Nowitzki
9. Steve Nash
10. Bill Walton
11. George Mikan
12. Dolph Schayes
13. Paul Arizin
14. Dave Cowens
15. Dan Issel
16. Kevin McHale
17. Billy Cunningham
18. Jerry Lucas
19. Pete Maravich
20. Neil Johnston

All-NBA teams for 2K18 simulation
1st team – Lakers uniform range: 92-99

Elgin Baylor (96)
Jerry West (97)
Lebron James (99)
Dan Issel (92)
Kobe Bryant (98)
Magic Johnson (99)
Kareem Abdul Jabbar (99)
Walt Frazier (95)
Elvin Hayes (95)
Shaq (98)
James Worthy (95)
Tracy McGrady (95)
George Mikan (94)

Starting: Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Elvin Hayes, Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Backup: Walt Frazier, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Dan Issel, Shaq
Reserve: James Worthy, Tracy McGrady, George Mikan

2nd team – Celtics uniform range 88-98

Larry Bird (98)
Kevin McHale (95)
Bill Russell (98)
James Harden (94)
Oscar Robertson (97)
Sam Jones (92)
Dennis Johnson (92)
John Havlicek (96)
Kevin Garnett (97)
Tom Heinsohn (88)
Ray Allen (95)
Dave Cowens (94)
Paul Pierce (94)

Starting: Bob Cousy, James Harden, Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Bill Russell
Backup: Dennis Johnson, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, Dave Cowens
Reserve: Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Tom Heinsohn

3rd team – 76ers uniform range 88-98

Bob Pettit (95)
Wilt Chamberlain (98)
Spencer Haywood (88)
Julius Erving (97)
Billy Cunningham (96)
Allen Iverson (97)
Russell Westbrook (94)
Bob McAdoo (94)
Bill Walton (95)
John Stockton (97)
Dominique Wilkins (94)
Oscar Robertson (97)
Hal Greer (90)

Starting: John Stockton, Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, Bob Pettit, Wilt Chamberlain
Backup: Russell Westbrook, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Spencer Haywood, Bill Walton
Reserve: Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins, Bob McAdoo

4th team – Bulls uniform range 91-99

Michael Jordan (99)
Jason Kidd (95)
David Thompson (95)
George McGinnis (88)
Tiny Archibald (91)
Wes Unseld (94)
Scottie Pippen (96)
Karl Malone (97)
Patrick Ewing (95)
Chris Webber (93)
Vince Carter (95)
Alex English (92)
Artis Gilmore (94)

Starting: Jason Kidd, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing
Backup: Tiny Archibald, David Thompson, George McGinnis, Chris Webber, Wes Unseld
Reserve: Vince Carter, Alex English, Artis Gilmore

5th team – Warriors uniform range 91-98

Dirk Nowitzki (97)
Steph Curry (96)
Hakeem Olajuwon (98)
Rick Barry (96)
Chris Paul (95)
Kevin Durant (97)
Dwight Howard (93)
Dwayne Wade (97)
Jerry Lucas (94)
Connie Hawkins (88)
Tim Hardaway (91)
Mitch Richmond (94)
Nate Thurmond (92)

Starting: Steph Curry, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, Hakeem Olajuwon
Backup: Chris Paul, Mitch Richmond, Rick Barry, Jerry Lucas, Dwight Howard
Reserve: Tim Hardaway, Connie Hawkins, Nate Thurmond

6th team – Spurs uniform 89-98

Gary Payton (95)
Tim Duncan (98)
Steve Nash (96)
Carmelo Anthony (94)
George Gervin (96)
Blake Griffin (90)
Clyde Drexler (96)
David Robinson (96)
Anthony Davis (94)
Dennis Rodman (93)
Dikembe Mutombo (92)
Tony Parker (94)
Sidney Moncrief (93)
Kawhi Leonard (94)
Willis Reed (94)

Starting: Steve Nash, George Gervin, Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, David Robinson
Backup: Gary Payton, Clyde Drexler, Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis, Willis Reed
Reserve: Tony Parker, Blake Griffin, Sidney Moncrief

7th team – Pistons uniform

Alonzo Mourning (94)
Bernard King (89)
Adrian Dantley (92)
Joe Dumars (93)
Amare Stoudemire (91)
Grant Hill (93)
Isiah Thomas (96)
Dave Debusschere (91)
Bob Lanier (93)
Chauncey Billups (91)
Dave Bing (89)
Pau Gasol (93)
Pete Maravich (95)

Starting: Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Grant Hill, Dave Debusschere, Bob Lanier
Backup: Dave Bing, Pete Maravich, Adrian Dantley, Amare Stoudemire, Alonzo Mourning
Reserve: Bernard King, Chauncey Billups, Pau Gasol

Note: All players on these teams are top 125 players all time. Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Dolph Schayes, Paul Arizin, Bill Sharman, Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, Reggie Miller are all missing from the game due to licensing issue else they might have appeared on here.

All-NBA team for each decade
1950s:
PG: Bob Cousy/Slater Martin
SG: Bill Sharman/Richie Guerin
SF: Paul Arizin/George Yardley
PF: Dolph Schayes/Tom Heinsohn
C: George Mikan/Neil Johnston

1960s:
PG: Oscar Robertson/Lenny Wilkens
SG: Jerry West/Hal Greer
SF: Elgin Baylor/Billy Cunningham
PF: Bob Pettit/Jerry Lucas
C: Bill Russell/Wilt Chamberlain

1970s:
PG: Walt Frazier/Tiny Archibald
SG: George Gervin/David Thompson
SF: Rick Barry/John Havlicek
PF: Elvin Hayes/George McGinnis
C: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar/Artis Gilmore

1980s:
PG: Magic Johnson/Isiah Thomas
SG: Sidney Moncrief/Joe Dumars
SF: Larry Bird/Julius Erving
PF: Kevin McHale/Bob McAdoo
C: Moses Malone/Patrick Ewing

1990s:
PG: John Stockton/Gary Payton
SG: Michael Jordan/Clyde Drexler
SF: Scottie Pippen/Grant Hill
PF: Karl Malone/Charles Barkley
C: Hakeem Olajuwon/David Robinson

2000s:
PG: Jason Kidd/Steve Nash
SG: Kobe Bryant/Allen Iverson
SF: Paul Pierce/Carmelo Anthony
PF: Tim Duncan/Kevin Garnett
C: Shaquille O’Neal/Dwight Howard

2010s:
PG: Chris Paul/Stephen Curry
SG: Dwayne Wade/James Harden
SF: Lebron James/Kevin Durant
PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Blake Griffin
C: Anthony Davis/Kevin Love

Greatest players for each NBA team
Boston Celtics – Bill Russell
Brooklyn Nets – Jason Kidd (New York Nets)
New York Knicks – Willis Reed
Philadelphia 76ers – Wilt Chamberlain
Toronto Raptors – Vince Carter
Dallas Mavericks – Dirk Nowitzki
Houston Rockets – Hakeem Olajuwon
Memphis Grizzlies – Marc Gasol
New Orleans Pelicans – Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)
San Antonio Spurs – Tim Duncan
Chicago Bulls – Michael Jordan
Cleveland Cavaliers – Lebron James
Detroit Pistons – Isiah Thomas
Indiana Pacers – Mel Daniels
Milwaukee Bucks – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Denver Nuggets – Alex English
Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Garnett
Oklahoma City Thunder – Gary Payton (Supersonics)
Portland Trail Blazers – Clyde Drexler
Utah Jazz – Karl Malone
Atlanta Hawks – Bob Pettit (St Louis Hawks)
Charlotte Hornets – Alonzo Mourning
Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade
Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard
Washington Wizards – Wes Unseld (Baltimore Bullets)
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry
Los Angeles Clippers – Bob McAdoo
Los Angeles Lakers – Magic Johnson
Phoenix Suns – Steve Nash
Sacramento Kings – Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati Royals)

Top 10 what if? careers in NBA history
1. Bill Walton (ankle injuries limited him, but when healthy was MVP, Finals MVP and champion)
2. Arvydas Sabonis (came into NBA post prime but was supposedly one of the most skilled big men ever like a 7’3 foot Hakeem)
3. Maurice Stokes (averaged 16 points and 17 rebounds a game before hitting his head on the floor and becoming a quadriplegic for the rest of his life 🙁 )
4. David Thompson (was pre-Michael Jordan basically before he got into coke problems in the late 70s; scored 73 points in a game before)
5. Grant Hill (was pre-Lebron James before ankle injuries)
6. Drazen Petrovic (a rising all star shooting guard before he died in a car accident only 28 years old)
7. Bernard King (averaged 33 points a game and was on his way becoming a top forward in the 80s before he tore his ACL and wasnt the same again)
8. Penny Hardaway (a Magic-like player who was one of the top point guards before injuries got to him)
9. Derrick Rose (former MVP who was going to be one of the top point guards of his generation but tore his ACL and wasnt the same again)
10.Tracy McGrady (could have been better than Kobe and Iverson if he didn’t have so many back injuries)
Honorable mentions: Yao Ming, Len Bias (never played in NBA but died of cocaine overdose before he could have), Pete Maravich (at his peak before suffering knee injuries), Ralph Sampson

Top 10 #1 draft picks all time

1. Kareem Abdul Jabbar (1969)
2. Lebron James (2003)
3. Magic Johnson (1979)
4. Tim Duncan (1997)
5. Shaquille O’Neal (1992)
6. Hakeem Olajuwon (1984)
7. David Robinson (1987)
8. Allen Iverson (1996)
9. Elgin Baylor (1958)
10. Dwight Howard (2004)

Top 20 greatest offensive players of all time

1. Michael Jordan (10x scoring titles, 12x seasons 25pts+)
2. Wilt Chamberlain (7x scoring titles, 10x seasons 25pts+)
3. Kobe Bryant (2x scoring titles, 12x seasons 25pts+)
4. Jerry West (1x scoring title, 11x seasons 25pts+)
5. Allen Iverson (4x scoring titles, 11x seasons 25pts+)
6. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2x scoring titles, 10x seasons 25pts+)
7. Karl Malone (12x seasons 25pts+)
8. Kevin Durant (4x scoring titles, 9x seasons 25pts+)
9. Dominique Wilkins (1x scoring title, 10x seasons 25pts+)
10. George Gervin (4x scoring titles, 8x seasons 25pts+)
11. Lebron James (1x scoring title, 13x seasons 25pts+)
12. Shaquille O’Neal (2x scoring titles, 10x seasons 25pts+)
13. Elgin Baylor (8x seasons 25pts+)
14. Oscar Robertson (9x seasons 25pts+)
15. Rick Barry (2x scoring titles, 8x seasons 25pts+)
16. Bob Pettit (2x scoring titles, 7x seasons 25pts+)
17. Bob McAdoo (3x scoring titles, 7x seasons 25pts+)
18. Adrian Dantley (2x scoring titles, 8x seasons 25pts+)
19 Carmelo Anthony (1x scoring title, 9x seasons 25pts+)
20. Alex English (1x scoring title, 8x seasons 25pts+)

Top 20 greatest defensive players of all time
1. Bill Russell (4x rebounding leader, 1x All-D 1st team)
2. Wilt Chamberlain (11x rebounding leader, 2x All-D 1st team)
3. Hakeem Olajuwon (2x rebounding leader, 3x blocks leader, 2x DPOY, 5x All-D 1st team)
4. Dikembe Mutombo (2x rebounding leader, 3x blocks leader, 4x DPOY, 3x All-D 1st team)
5. Nate Thurmond (2x All-D 1st team)
6. Ben Wallace (2x rebounding leader, 1x blocks leader, 4x DPOY, 5x All-D 1st team)
7. David Robinson (1x rebounding leader, 1x blocks leader, 1x DPOY, 4x All-D 1st team)
8. Kevin Garnett (4x rebounding leader, 1x DPOY, 9x All-D 1st team)
9. Dennis Rodman (7x rebounding leader, 2x DPOY, 7x All-D 1st team)
10. Scottie Pippen (1x steals leader, 8x All-D 1st team)
11. Michael Jordan (3x steals leader, 1x DPOY, 9x All-D 1st team)
12. Dwight Howard (5x rebounding leader, 2x blocks leader, 3x DPOY, 4x All-D 1st team)
13. Gary Payton (1x steals leader, 1x DPOY, 9x All-D 1st team)
14. Sidney Moncrief (2x DPOY, 4x All-D 1st team)
15. Tim Duncan (8x All-D 1st team)
16. Walt Frazier (7x All-D 1st team)
17. Kawhi Leonard (1x steals leader, 2x DPOY, 3x All-D 1st team)
18. Bobby Jones (8x All-D 1st team)
19. Mark Eaton (4x blocks leader, 2x DPOY, 3x All-D 1st team)
20. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1x rebounding leader, 4x blocks leader, 5x All-D 1st team)

Top 20 Greatest NBA teams of all time
1. 1996 Chicago Bulls (72-10, 15-3, HOFers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman)
2. 2017 Golden State Warriors (67-15, 16-1, HOFers: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green)
3. 1997 Chicago Bulls (69-13, 15-4, HOFers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman)
4. 1967 Philadelphia 76ers (68-13, 15-4, HOFers: Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham, Hal Greer, Chet Walker)
5. 1972 LA Lakers (69-13, 12-3, HOFers: Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich, Elgin Baylor)
6. 1986 Boston Celtics (67-15, 15-3, HOFers: Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson, Bill Walton)
7. 1971 Milwaukee Bucks (66-16, 12-2, HOFers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson) 60
8. 1987 LA Lakers (65-17, 15-3, HOFers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy) 60
9. 1992 Chicago Bulls (67-15, 15-7, HOFers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen)60
10. 1983 Philadelphia 76ers (65-17, 12-1, HOFers: Julius Erving, Moses Malone) 59
11. 2013 Miami Heat (66-16, 16-7, HOFers: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen) 59
12. 2009 LA Lakers (65-15, 16-7, HOFers: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol)59
13. 1989 Detroit Pistons (63-19, 15-2, HOFers: Adrian Dantley, Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman)57
14. 2008 Boston Celtics (66-16, 16-10, HOFers: Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce) 56
15. 1985 LA Lakers (62-20, 15-4, HOFers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Bob McAdoo, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy) 53
16. 1999 San Antonio Spurs (37-13, 15-2, HOFers: Tim Duncan, David Robinson) 53
17. 1965 Boston Celtics (62-18, 8-4, HOFers: John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Satch Sanders, Bill Russell)
18. 2001 LA Lakers (56-26, 15-1, HOFers: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal)
19. 1970 New York Knicks (60-22, 12-7, HOFers: Bill Bradley, Dave Debusschere, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed)
20. 1961 Boston Celtics (57-22, 8-2, HOFers: Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Bill Sharman)

Top 50 Greatest NBA Players of all time
1. Michael Jordan – Air Jordan – 6x Champion, 5x MVP
2. Wilt Chamberlain – The Big Dipper – 2x Champion, 4x MVP
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Cap – 6x Champion, 6x MVP
4. Bill Russell – Russell – 11x Champion, 5x MVP
5. Lebron James – King James – 3x Champion, 4x MVP
6. Magic Johnson – Magic Man – 5x Champion, 3x MVP
7. Tim Duncan – The Big Fundamental – 5x Champion, 2x MVP
8. Larry Bird – Larry Legend – 3x Champion, 3x MVP
9. Kobe Bryant – The Black Mamba – 5x Champion, 1x MVP
10. Jerry West – Mr Clutch – 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP
11. Oscar Robertson – The Big O – 1x Champion, 1x MVP
12. Shaquille O’Neal – Diesel – 4x Champion, 1x MVP
13. Hakeem Olajuwon – The Dream – 2x Champion, 1x MVP
14. Julius Erving – Dr J – 4x Champion, 3x MVP
15. Moses Malone – Chairman of the Boards – 1x Champion, 3x MVP
16. Karl Malone – The Mailman – 2x MVP, 13x All-NBA
17. Elgin Baylor – Mr Inside – 10x All-NBA, 11x All-Star
18. Bob Pettit – Big Blue – 1x Champion, 2x MVP
19. Kevin Durant – Durantula – 2x Champion, 1x MVP
20. John Stockton – Stockton – 8x All-NBA, 10x All-Star
21. John Havlicek – Hondo – 8x Champion, 1x Finals MVP
22. Bob Cousy – Houdini of the Hardwood – 6x Champion, 1x MVP
23. Kevin Garnett – The Big Ticket – 1x Champion, 1x MVP
24. Charles Barkley – Sir Charles – 1x MVP, 10x All-NBA
25. David Robinson – The Admiral – 2x Champion, 1x MVP
26. Rick Barry – The Miami Greyhound – 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP
27. Dirk Nowitzki – The German Juggernaut – 1x Champion, 1x MVP
28. Dwayne Wade – Flash – 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP
29. Chris Paul – CP3 – 7x All-NBA, 9x All-Star
30. Allen Iverson – The Answer – 1x MVP, 6x All-NBA
31. Stephen Curry – Chef Curry – 3x Champion, 2x MVP
32. Steve Nash – Nash – 2x MVP, 5x All-NBA
33. Isiah Thomas – Zeke – 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP
34. Jason Kidd – Kidd – 1x Champion, 6x All-NBA
35. George Gervin – Iceman – 7x All-NBA, 9x All-Star
36. Elvin Hayes – The Big E – 1x Champion, 6x All-NBA
37. Willis Reed – Captain – 2x Champion, 1x MVP
38. Artis Gilmore – The A-train – 1x Champion, 1x MVP
39. Mel Daniels – Big Mel – 3x Champion, 2x MVP
40. George Mikan – Mikan – 7x Champion, 1x MVP
41. Scottie Pippen – Pippen – 6x Champion, 5x All-NBA
42. Russell Westbrook – Russ – 1x MVP, 7x All-NBA
43. Walt Frazier – Clyde – 2x Champion, 6x All-NBA
44. Patrick Ewing – Ewing – 7x All-NBA, 11x All-Star
45. Clyde Drexler – The Glide – 1x Champion, 3x All-NBA
46. Dave Cowens – Cowens – 2x Champion, 1x MVP
47. Dwight Howard – Dwight – 6x All-NBA, 8x All-Star
48. Dolph Schayes – Dolph – 1x Champion, 12x All-NBA
49. Paul Arizin – Pitchin Paul – 1x Champion, 4x All-NBA
50. Bill Walton – Big Red – 2x Champion, 1x MVP
51. Sam Jones – Sam – 10x Champion, 3x All-NBA
52. Paul Pierce – The Truth – 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP
53. Kevin McHale – Black Hole – 3x Champion, 7x All-Star
54. Wes Unseld – Big Wes – 1x Champion, 1x MVP
55. Bob McAdoo – Mac – 2x Champion, 1x MVP
56. Dominique Wilkins – Human Highlight Reel – 7x All-NBA, 9x All-Star
57. Billy Cunningham – Kangaroo Kid – 1x Champion, 1x MVP
58. Jerry Lucas – The Computer – 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA
59. Tiny Archibald – Nate – 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA
60. Neil Johnston – Neil – 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA
61.

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Top 10 what-if? careers in NBA history and unluckiest NBA franchise

Top 10 NBA (hall of fame) what-if careers:

1. Bill Walton
2x champion, 1x mvp, 1x finals mvp, 2x all star, 2x first team. What if Walton was healthy is the biggest what if in hall of famer history because he only had 2 healthy seasons when he was in the NBA. during those 2 healthy seasons, he won 2 rings, an MVP, a finals mvp, 2x all star and 2x all-NBA. That’s as good a 2 year stretch as any of the greatest players ever. He had various foot and ankle injuries after 1978, that season was also his best season averaging 19/13/5 the most Russell like stats out of any center in recent memory. Had he not been injured? Maybe he would be considered on par with Kareem who is one of the top 3 greatest players of all time.

2. Arvydas Sabonis
Considered one of the best European players of all time, he was never able to play for the NBA in his prime due to the Soviet Union restricting him. By the time he came to the NBA in 1995 (he was drafted in 1986) he was a shell of himself due to many injuries. We will never know how good a prime Sabonis would have been in the NBA, but his best season was in 1998 averaging 16/10/3. If he hadn’t been injured? Maybe he would have become a top 5 center of all time.

3. Maurice Stokes
3x All star, 3x All NBA, HOF the most tragic story on here, Maurice stokes led the league in rebounds in 1958, and only played 3 seasons before suffering a career ending head injury and stroke thus becoming permanently paralyzed on his last regular season game in 1958. one could only imagine how good he could have been. his average was 17/18/6 in 1958 before the injury. Maybe he could have ended up a top 20 or top 15 player of all time.

4. David Thompson
4x All star, 2x all NBA, HOF the player who stopped UCLA’s 88 game winning streak. Had 73 points in a game before and was considered Michael Jordan’s idol. never got injured but had a drug problem. Because of his cocaine habits, he was averaging 27/5/5 a game in 1978 his best season before those stats steadily declining since. He wasn’t even in his prime yet, and who knows? He could’ve been a pseudo-Jordan if he didn’t do drugs.

5. Grant Hill
7x All star, 5x all NBA, was a triple double machine and considered the next Magic or Oscar when he was playing with the Pistons. Right after he got traded to the Magic he had various ankle injuries and was never the same again. best season was in 1997, averaging 21/9/7/2. Maybe he could’ve been a top 5 SF of all time if he wasn’t injured.

6. Drazen Petrovic
Never an All star or all NBA, but was a rising star on the Nets before his untimely death at age 28 in a car accident. the previous season in 1993 he was averaging 22/3/3.5. Maybe he would’ve been a top 15-20 shooting guard if he didn’t die.

7. Tracy McGrady
7x All star, 8x all NBA, was scoring champion 2x, since 2006 suffered recurring injuries and never was able to sustain his excellence. Was considered on par with Kobe for being the best shooting guards at that time before those injuries. Best season was in 2003 averaging 32/6.5/5.5. Maybe he would have been a top 10 shooting guard if he wasn’t injured.

8. Bernard King
4x All star, 4x all NBA, HOF was the 1985 scoring champion when he tore his ACL which at that time was a career ending injury. He was averaging 33 points a game before this injury. best season was in 1985, averaging 33/6/4. Could have been a top 10 SF if he wasn’t injured.

9. Derrick Rose
3x All star, 1x all NBA, 1x MVP – No one will know what Derrick Rose could have been if he didn’t suffer his ACL tear in 2012 during the playoffs; he was considered one of the best players in the league before then, and won an MVP before in his best season in 2011, averaging 25/4/8 a game. Could’ve been similar to Russell Westbrook, a top 15 point guard, if he wasn’t injured.

10. Penny Hardaway
4x All star, 3x all NBA, had persistent injuries from the 1998 season onwards. Was considered then next Magic Johnson due to his combination of size and passing ability. Best season was in 1996, averaging 22/4/7. Maybe would have been a top 15 point guard if he wasn’t injured.

Honorable Mention: Yao Ming
8x All star, 5x all NBA, HOF, had persistent ankle foot injuries during 2006 and never was fully healthy again. only had 3 full healthy seasons in the NBA, best season was in 2007 averaging 25/9/2. Maybe would have been a top 15-20 center if he wasn’t injured.

The Blazers have to be most unluckiest NBA franchise:

1972 – Larue Martin, possibly the biggest #1 draft pick bust of all time
1975 – Bill Walton – only had 1.5 healthy seasons for the Blazers
1984 – missed Jordan and picked Sam Bowie who was also injured his whole career
1995 – got Sabonis who was far past his prime and also injured
2006 – Brandon Roy, had to retire from degenerative knee condition
2007 – Greg Oden, another one of the biggest draft busts ever

has there been an unluckier NBA franchise?

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Top 20 greatest offensive players + Top 20 greatest defensive players in NBA history

I wrote a post a while back about the greatest offensive scorers in NBA history using criteria as the # of seasons scoring over 25 points a game, number of scoring titles, best season scoring average, etc.

Now today, I want to go back and revise that and also give you the top defensive players in NBA history, using criteria as # of seasons with more than 3 blocks + steals a game (stocks), number of defensive player of the year awards, number of all defensive 1st team selections, etc. Of course I know this isn’t fair to old players who didn’t have blocks, steals or DPOY but I will rank them accordingly to what their contemporaries said about them.

Top 20 greatest offensive players of all time

1. Michael Jordan
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 12/15
Number of scoring titles: 10
Best season scoring average: 37.1 (1987)

Doesn’t get better than Jordan. 10 scoring titles, most ever. 37 points a game at his peak. He has the single game playoff record of 63 points. A whopping 80% of his career he scored over 25ppg. His 33 points per game in the playoffs is the best playoff scoring average all time. The GOAT.

2. Wilt Chamberlain
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 9/13
Number of scoring titles: 7
Best season scoring average: 50.4 (1962)

The Big Dipper. 70% of his career he scored over 25 ppg, but 7 scoring titles is second most all time. And a peak of a whopping 50 ppg is the highest scoring average in NBA history. He also holds the single game scoring record at 100 points.

3. Kobe Bryant
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 12/20
Number of scoring titles: 2
Best season scoring average: 35.4 (2006)

The Black Mamba. 60% of his career scored more than 25 ppg. 2 scoring titles, and a beastly 35 points a game at his peak, he was one of the most dominant scorers of all time. Also holds the second greatest scoring game at 81 points.

4. Jerry West
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 11/14
Number of scoring titles: 1
Best season scoring average: 31.3 (1966)

The Logo. A whopping 78% of his career he scored over 25 points a game while also dishing out 7 assists a game. He was truly one of the most versatile players ever. A peak scoring average of 31 points a game, and holds the playoff scoring record for a series at 44 points a game.

5. Allen Iverson
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 11/17
Number of scoring titles: 4
Best season scoring average: 33.0 (2006)

The Answer might have been the best small shooting guard ever, scoring over 25ppg, 65% of his career. He has 4 scoring titles, tied with Gervin and Durant for third most all time, and topped out at 33 points a game in 2006. He has the second highest playoff scoring average all time at 30 points a game.

6. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 10/20
Number of scoring titles: 2
Best season scoring average: 34.8 (1972)

The NBA’s all time leading scorer has 2 scoring titles, scored over 25ppg over 50% of his career, had the most unstoppable move in basketball, and topped out at a pretty impressive 35 points a game back in 72.

7. Karl Malone
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 12/19
Number of scoring titles: 0
Best season scoring average: 31.0 (1990)

The Mailman doesn’t have any scoring titles thanks to MJ, but he is the second all time leading scorer in NBA history, and 63% of his career averaged over 25ppg. He topped out at 31 ppg back in 1990.

8. Kevin Durant
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 9/10
Number of scoring titles: 4
Best season scoring average: 32.0 (2014)

Durant has the third most scoring titles of all time, tied with some other guys I mentioned earlier, and 88% of his career he scored over 25 ppg, topping out at 32ppg back in 2014.

9. Dominique Wilkins
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 11/16
Number of scoring titles: 1
Best season scoring average: 30.3 (1986)

In an era of lots of scoring SFs like Adrian Dantley, Alex English and Bernard King, Dominique Wilkins scored more than all of them. 69% of his career he scored over 25ppg, and his best season average is 30ppg back in 86.

10. George Gervin
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 8/15
Number of scoring titles: 4
Best season scoring average: 33.1 (1980)

Tied for third most scoring titles all time. 53% of his career scored over 25ppg, and his best ppg average coming at 33 points a game back in 1980.

11. Lebron James
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 13/14
Number of scoring titles: 1
Best season scoring average: 31.4 (2006)

People might not think of Lebron James as a scorer, but he’s scored over 25ppg over 92% of his career. There’s only one season where he averaged less than that. He does this while also being a great rebounder and assister as well. He won the scoring title once, and he topped out at 31ppg back in 2006.

12. Shaquille O’Neal
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 10/19
Number of scoring titles: 2
Best season scoring average: 29.7 (2000)

Shaq is the most dominant force since Wilt, and has muscled his way to the rim for arrays of dunks and layups, which leads him to be one of the greatest scorers ever.

13. Elgin Baylor
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 8/14
Number of scoring titles: 0
Best season scoring average: 38.3 (1962)

Elgin Baylor doesn’t have any scoring titles, but he does have the third highest career scoring average of all time at 27.4 points a game. And his peak is just ridiculous. 57% of his career he scored over 25ppg, his best season being a whopping 38 points a game back in 62. He scored over 71 points in a game before, and his 61 points in a Finals is still a record that stands today.

14. Oscar Robertson
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 9/14
Number of scoring titles: 0
Best season scoring average: 31.4 (1964)

The Big O could do everything, including score. 64% of his career he averaged over 25ppg, with his best coming in 1964 at 31 points a game. He was basically Lebron back in the 60s, able to score, rebound and assist as well as anyone.

15. Rick Barry
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 8/14
Number of scoring titles: 1
Best season scoring average: 35.6 (1967)

Rick Barry was one of the most lethal scorers back in the day. 57% of his career he scored over 25ppg, and in just his second season in the league he topped out at 36 points a game. He has one of the highest playoff scoring averages at 27 points per game.

16. Bob Pettit
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 7/12
Number of scoring titles: 2
Best season scoring average: 31.1 (1962)

Big Bob Pettit was one of the most lethal scoring and rebounding big men back in the day, along with Wilt. 58% of his career her averaged over 25ppg, and he never averaged under 20 points a game in his whole career. He has 2 scoring titles, and his best scoring average at 31 points a game back in 62.

17. Bob McAdoo
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 7/13
Number of scoring titles: 3
Best season scoring average: 34.5 (1975)

Bob McAdoo was the precursor to today’s shooting big man, being a PF that can shoot from nearly anywhere in the floor. This versatility made him one of the most dangerous scorers in NBA history.

18. Adrian Dantley
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 8/14
Number of scoring titles: 2
Best season scoring average: 30.7 (1981)

Adrian Dantley was not only a great scorer, he was highly efficient too, and led the league in scoring during a decade dominated by scoring forwards.

19. Alex English
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 8/14
Number of scoring titles: 1
Best season scoring average: 28.4 (1983)

Alex English might not have had the peak of someone like Rick Barry or Bob McAdoo, but he was consistent, outscoring all other players during the 1980s.

20. Carmelo Anthony
Number of scoring seasons of 25 points or greater: 9/13
Number of scoring titles: 1
Best season scoring average: 28.9 (2007)

If Durant is the modern day Dominique Wilkins, then Carmelo is the modern day Alex English. A reliable consistent scorer that doesn’t quite reach Durant’s peak or Lebron’s dominance but is nonetheless one of the greatest scorers of his generation.

Top 20 greatest defensive players of all time

1. Bill Russell
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: N/A
Number of DPOY titles: N/A
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 4
All defensive 1st team selections: 1

How could it not be? Russell is acknowledged by many as the greatest defensive presence ever, even if blocks and steals weren’t tracked back in the day. But you can see from available archive footage how great a defensive player he was. He blocks the ball to start fast breaks, and many times in the footage he would block over 10 shots a game. That’s just incredible. No one made a more defensive impact than Russell did.

2. Wilt Chamberlain
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: N/A
Number of DPOY titles: N/A
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 11
All defensive 1st team selections: 2

The NBA’s all time rebounding leader, and also the second greatest offensive player is also the second greatest defensive player, proving how great Wilt was on both ends of the floor. Like Russell, blocks and steals weren’t tracked back in his time, but from archival footage that exists, you can see how many games he blocked over 10 shots, and even one game he blocked over 20 shots! Possibly the greatest all around player not named Michael Jordan.

3. Hakeem Olajuwon
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 15
Number of DPOY titles: 2
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 5
All defensive 1st team selections: 5

The Dream was a defensive beast. He’s the NBA’s all time leader in blocked shots, he had over 3 steals + blocks 15 seasons in his career. He’s also a 2 time defensive player of the year. One of the greatest two way players ever along with Wilt and Jordan.

4. Dikembe Mutombo
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 11
Number of DPOY titles: 4
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 5
All defensive 1st team selections: 3

Tied for the most number of DPOY awards at 4, and 11 seasons in his career he had over 3 steals+blocks a game. He’s also second all time in blocked shots.

5. Nate Thurmond
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 2
Number of DPOY titles: 0
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 0
All defensive 1st team selections: 2

Nate Thurmond is considered one of the all time great defensive centers, with Wilt and Kareem considering him on par with Russell on defense.

6. Ben Wallace
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 9
Number of DPOY titles: 4
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 3
All defensive 1st team selections: 5

Ben Wallace coming up this high might be a surprise to some of you, but don’t be. He was a 4x DPOY, tied for most all time. 9 seasons he had over 3 steals+blocks a game. He’s the reason why the Pistons were a powerhouse in the mid 2000s.

7. David Robinson
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 11
Number of DPOY titles: 1
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 2
All defensive 1st team selections: 4

David Robinson is an all time great two way player, kind of like a lesser but still great version of Hakeem. He had 11 seasons with over 3 steals+blocks a game.

8. Kevin Garnett
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 6
Number of DPOY titles: 1
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 4
All defensive 1st team selections: 9

Kevin Garnett has a DPOY award unlike Duncan, and he was just a great a defender, but I put him below because he has just 6 seasons with over 3 steals/blocks compared to Duncan and unlike Duncan is not playing at a high level into his old age. But he is still one of the greatest defenders especially at the PF position.

9. Dennis Rodman
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 0
Number of DPOY titles: 2
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 7
All defensive 1st team selections: 7

I debated over whether Pippen or Rodman was a better defender but went with Rodman. He’s a 2x DPOY, and could defend any position. He’s one of the greatest rebounders of all time. He doesn’t have any seasons with over 3 steals and blocks, but he didn’t need to, he was one of those players that had defensive intangibles.

10. Scottie Pippen
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 6
Number of DPOY titles: 0
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 1
All defensive 1st team selections: 8

Even though Pippen didn’t have any DPOY awards, he had 6 seasons with over 6 steals+blocks and just like Rodman, could defend any position. His 8 time defensive 1st team selections is a testament to that.

11. Michael Jordan
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 9
Number of DPOY titles: 1
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 3
All defensive 1st team selections: 9

One of the greatest two way players in NBA history not only was Jordan the best offensive player of all time, he’s a top 10 defensive player all time as well. 9 time All-Defensive 1st team + 9 seasons with over 3 steals+blocks a game. He’s one of the best defensive guards of all time.

12. Dwight Howard
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 6
Number of DPOY titles: 3
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 7
All defensive 1st team selections: 4

Dwight Howard was a dominant defensive presence for most of the 2000s. He is a 3x DPOY, that’s second most all time, and one of the great rebounders in recent history. He has 6 seasons with over 6 steals+blocks.

13. Gary Payton
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 1
Number of DPOY titles: 1
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 1
All defensive 1st team selections: 9

Payton is considered one of the best defensive guards of all time and one of the only ones to win DPOY.

14. Sidney Moncrief
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 0
Number of DPOY titles: 2
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 0
All defensive 1st team selections: 4

Moncrief is considered one of the best defensive guards of all time and one of the only ones to win DPOY.

15. Tim Duncan
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 10
Number of DPOY titles: 0
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 0
All defensive 1st team selections: 8

Tim Duncan doesn’t need a DPOY award to prove how great defensively he was. He was an 8 time all defensive team selection, and is still blocking shots at a high level into his 40s. He has 10 seasons with over 3 steals+blocks, and 1 of those seasons came when he was 36 years old, which is crazy.

16. Walt Frazier
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 0
Number of DPOY titles: 0
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 0
All defensive 1st team selections: 7

That he only had 1 season of over 3 steals+blocks is misleading. Most of his career, blocks and steals weren’t tracked, and Frazier was one of the best defenders in the guard position in NBA history. He would have a lot more career steals if they had been tracked back in the day. His 7 time defensive 1st team selection proves that.

17. Kawhi Leonard
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 1
Number of DPOY titles: 2
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 1
All defensive 1st team selections: 3

Leonard is the best defender of his generation and along with Lebron among the best defensive forwards ever.

18. Bobby Jones
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 4
Number of DPOY titles: 0
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 0
All defensive 1st team selections: 8

Jones even though he didn’t win a DPOY award like his contemporaries Michael Cooper, Alvin Robertson and Sidney Moncrief, is still among the greatest wing defenders of all time.

19. Mark Eaton
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 7
Number of DPOY titles: 2
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 4
All defensive 1st team selections: 3

Mark Eaton averaged the most blocks in NBA history with 3.5 blocks a game. That’s every game of his career. 3.5 blocks.

20. Alonzo Mourning
Number of seasons with over 3 stocks a game: 7
Number of DPOY titles: 2
Number of rebound/blocks/steal titles: 2
All defensive 1st team selections: 2

Alonzo Mourning edges out Kareem a little bit because he was a more dominant defender in his prime. He was swatting nearly 4 blocks a game in his prime and was competing with Mutombo and Hakeem in terms of being the best defensive center in the mid 90s!

Honorable mentions: Joe Dumars, Bruce Bowen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Alvin Robertson, Michael Cooper, John Havlicek, Jerry West, Dennis Johnson