There are few NBA stars that possess the ability to have there first names be recognizable above any other name in their sport.
Today’s game boasts interesting names such as Kobe and LeBron but before they were even old enough to lace up sneakers one man separated basketball from sports.
Michael was, and remains, the most recognizable name in not just sports but in popular entertainment. His air-ness may share his name with the King of Pop and their achievements may be similar on a global stage but Michael Jordan’s ability to combine his achievements as an athlete and his ability to bolster his public image with his successes in the business world undoubtedly separate him from the other Michael.
3. Bill Russell
You can not argue with winning and Bill Russell and his Celtics won 11 and I repeat 11 NBA Championships.
Not much more to say about Bill other then he was a fierce competitor, tenacious rebounder, consumate team player and a born winner.
4. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Where to start, Most total points in the NBA ever at 38,387. Kareem won 6 NBA Championships with career averages of
24.6 PPG and 11.2 RPG. Jabbar was a basketball phenom and his famed “Sky-hook” was his unblockable signature shot that kept finding the twine for 1560 NBA games.
5. Larry Bird
Larry “legend” Bird was a renowned clutch shooter, equally adept at the 3 point line and the free throw. Bird won 3 NBA Championships and 3 season MVP awards finishing his career with averages of 24.3 ppg and 10 rpg. A great team player and leader who could back up any of his trash talk on the court.
6. Magic Johnson
Johnson put the show in “Showtime” in Los Angeles. His behind the back passes, amazing shots and flair for the dramatic were all part of his game. Magic was a towering PG who could play all 5 positions on the court.
5 NBA Championships and 3 Season MVP awards are just some of the numerous awards in Johnson’s great NBA career.
Magic Johnson could have easily been # 5 on this list but I could only choose one.
7. Jerry West
Jerry West also know as “Mr. Clutch” was an all star every year for 14 years he played in the NBA . West led his Lakers to the NBA finals 9 times in his career winning only 1 championship. 6 of those finals losses would come to the great Celtics team of his era. West was a perfectionist at his craft and was known to be a great defender and excellent shot. Only one player Micheal Jordan has a higher scoring average in the NBA playoffs then Jerry West. Career averages of 27 ppg, 6.7 Apg and 5.8 RPG reflect his basketball greatness.
In 1987, Jordan averaged an astonishing 37 points per game but was again swept by the Celtics.
It wasn’t until 1988, perhaps Jordan’s most successful season individually, the Bulls emerged from the first round of
Jordan holding on of his 6 Larry O’Brien Trophies
the playoffs. That season, Jordan averaged 35 points per game, 52 percent from the field. He won his first of five NBA Most Valuable Player award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
It’s rare to have a player succeed on the offensive and defensive ends of the court in such a dominant fashion.
In 1988, the first of 4 epic post season battles, Isiah Thomas and his Detroit Pistons eliminated the Chicago Bulls in five games.
The Pistons and Bulls would meet again in 1989 and the Pistons, now famous, “Jordan Rules” defense facilitated in once again eliminating the Bulls.
In 1990 the Bulls emerging talent surrounding Jordan again fell to the Pistons as the “Jordan Rules” was now a famous and effective method for slowing down Jordan and stopping the Bulls.
It wasn’t until 1991 that Michael and his now ultra talented squad finally beat the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls were able to finally get revenge and swept the Pistons led by Jordan opting for the assist over the shot, made difficult by the Pistons “Jordan Defensive Rules”.
Isiah Thomas, in typical unsportsmanlike fashion, walked off the court before the final buzzer without congratulating his opponent.
After defeating the Detroit Pistons in 1991, Jordan led his Bulls to their first title.
9. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille also known as “Shaq” has dominated the Paint and dunked on opposing players at an alarming rate. At 7″1 and 325 pounds O’Neal is a physical force that can not be stopped. Shaq dominated the late 90′s and into the new millenium Winning 4 NBA Championships with career averages of 24.7 PPG and 11.2 RPG with a .582 FG %.
An unstoppable Post up game he is the most feared big man to ever put on a NBA jersey. Poor free throw shooting and not much outside shooting range are some of his few weaknesses.
10. Tim Duncan
Probably one of the most underrated yet most fundamental player on this list. Tim Duncan has a huge basketball IQ and knows how to play the game as it should be played.Some of Duncans many skills include great footwork, excellent bank shots and being able to change opposing players shots. Quietly winning 4 NBA championships he has amassed career averages of 21.4 PPG and 11.7 RPG and 2.3 BPG.
These are my top 10 NBA players of all time. Some players who are still competing have a chance to maybe make this list in the future notably Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade
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