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25. Alex English

The leading scorer in the NBA in the 1980s (19,682 points), Alex English established himself as one of the league’s most respected and well-rounded players during a sensational 15-year professional career. With the erratic, high-paced, and high-scoring Denver Nuggets he averaged 21 points when he arrived in Denver in 1980, then proceeded with averages of 24, 25, 28, 26, 28, nearly 30 (in 85-86′), 29, 25, 27, and 18 points per game during his decade-long scoring spree.  Alex was the first players to score 2,000 points in eight straight seasons

24. James Worthy

Known as “Big Game James”, and the  nickname was definitely earned. Drafted first in the 82′ NBA Draft to the Lakers who had just won the NbA Finals the previous year. Worthy fit right in and the Lakers went on to win 3 championships. He was named Finals MVP in 88′ Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2003); NBA champion (1985, ’87, ’88); NBA Finals MVP (1988); All-NBA Third Team (1990, ’91); All-Rookie Team (1983); Seven-time NBA All-Star (1986-92); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

23. Dave Cowens

Of his 11 years in the league, all but one was spent with the Boston Celtics. An unlikely hero in a sport dominated by men of greater size and natural ability, the red-haired lefthander relied on hustle and heart to achieve NBA greatness. His determination helped to resurrect a Celtics dynasty presumed dead after the departure of legend Bill Russell. Cowens ultimately joined his venerated predecessor in the Hall of Fame, a feat he never dreamed of achieving. ”I never thought of myself as a superstar,” Cowens said on the eve of his Hall of Fame induction in 1991. “I represent the working class of the NBA. I’m honored they’ve selected me, because I could name a whole lot of guys who were better than Dave Cowens. You have to play with the right people and get picked by the right team. Let’s face it — I was pretty lucky.” Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball hall of Fame (1990); NBA champion (1974, ’76); NBA MVP (1973); All-NBA Second Team (1973, ’75, ’76); All-Defensive First Team (1976); All-Defensive Second Team (1975, ’80); NBA co-Rookie of the Year (1971); Seven-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (’73); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996)

22. Nate Thurmond

One of four NBA players to ever achieve a quadruple-double(Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson) Some basketball observers have suggested that the 6-11 Thurmond provided the best mix of offense and defense in basketball history. Many say that his defense was better than Chamberlain’s, and that his offense was better than Bill Russells’. With quickness and long hands, a smooth outside shooting touch, tenacious rebounding, classic shotblocking ability, and a total team attitude, Thurmond offered a perfectly balanced package.Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1985); NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969, ’71); NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1972, ’73, ’74);NBA All-Rookie Team (1964); Seven-time NBA All-Star (1965-’68, ’70, ’73, ’74); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

21. Bob Petit

After 11 years with the Milwaukee and St. Louis Hawks, he retired having become the first player in the league to top 20,000 points. The greatest forward of his era, Pettit was an All-Star in each of his 11 seasons (winning the NBA All-Star MVP four times), an All-NBA First Team selection 10 times, and an All-NBA Second Team pick once. He never finished below seventh in the NBA scoring race, and he left the sport with two MVPs and an NBA championship ring.Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1970); NBA champion (1958); NBA MVP (1956, ’59); 10-time All-NBA First Team (1955-64); All-NBA second team (1965); Rookie of the Year (1955); One of the 50 Greatest Playersin NBA History (1996).

20. David Robinson

Nicknamed the “Admiral”, because he is one. After being drafted in 87′ by the Spurs he had a two year commitment to the Navy, then he could join the Spurs. The wait was worth it. One of four players to achieve a quadruple-double. The backbone of the San Antonio franchise for his entire career. NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that future winners of the NBA Community Assist Award would receive the David Robinson Plaque, with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece by piece.” Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2009); NBA champion (1999, 2003); MVP (1995); Defensive Player of the Year (1992); Rookie of the Year (1990); All-NBA First Team (1991, ’92, ’95, ’96); All-NBA Second Team (1994, ’98); All-NBA Third Team (1990, ’93, 2000, ’01); All-Defensive First Team (1991, ’92, ’95, ’96); All-Defensive Second Team (1990, ’93, ’94, ’98); 10-time NBA All-Star; NBA Sportsmanship Award (2001); Three-time Olympian (1988, ’92, ’96); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

19. Elgin Baylor

Without Elgin Baylor there might not have been a Michael Jordon or Kobe Bryant. His style was unlike any others, and he saved the Lakers franchise from banruptcy. As a rookie in 58-59′ Baylor was sensational. He finished fourth in the league in scoring (24.9 ppg), third in rebounding (15.0 rpg), and eighth in assists (4.1 apg). In 61-62′, Baylor hit his stride along with hotshot second-year guard Jerry West. Unfortunately, Baylor was playing at a time when eligible males were required to perform military service, and his season was curtailed. He spent half of the year stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, playing only when he could obtain a weekend pass. He appeared in 48 games that season. In 1962-63, Baylor was no longer spending half his time marching with a rifle and he improved his overall game. He finished second in the league in scoring (34.0 ppg), fifth in rebounding (14.3 rpg), third in free-throw percentage (.837) and sixth in assists (4.8 apg). The first player to finish in the NBA’s top five in four major categories,  Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1977); All-NBA First Team (1959, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’67, ’68, ’69); Rookie of the Year (1959); 11-time NBA All-Star; All-Star co-MVP (1959)

18. George Mikan

Mikan is lauded as the pioneer of Modern Age basketball. He was the original center, who scored 11,764 points, an average of 22.6 per game, retired as the all-time leading scorer and averaged 13.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 520 NBL, BAA and NBA games. As a testament to his fierce playing style, he also led the league three times in personal fouls.  He won seven BAA and NBA championships, an All-Star MVP trophy, three scoring titles and being member of the first four NBA All-Star and the first six All-BAA and All-NBA Teams. As well as being declared the greatest player of the first half of the century by The Associated Press.  Mikan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, made the 25th and 35th NBA Anniversary Teams of 1970 and 1980 and was elected one of the NBA 50 Greatest Players in 1996.

17. Kevin McHale

The Original “Slim Damn Long” Kevin McHale possesed the perfect physical form to be successfull in the NBA. McHale had all of these qualities, coupled with an uncanny ability to get to the free-throw line or nail the high-percentage shot in the clutch. He retired in 93′ as the fourth-leading scorer and sixth-best rebounder in Celtics history. A two-time winner of the NBA Sixth Man Award and a six-time member of either the NBA All-Defensive First or Second Team, McHale ranks ninth in the NBA in career field goal percentage (.554). Teaming with Bird and Parish, “The Big Three” led the Celtics to three NBA Championships in the 1980s. The Celtics owned the first overall pick, but Auerbach simply used that as leverage. Before the 1980 Draft, the Celtics engineered a blockbuster trade that shaped a modern-day dynasty. Boston traded its No. 1 pick and a later 1980 first-round pick to the Golden St. Warriors in exchange for the No. 3 overall pick and a young center named Robert Parish. Then, after Golden State selected Joe Barry Carroll at No. 1 and Utah took Darrell Griffith at No. 2, the Celtics got their man. In one fell swoop the Celtics had added Parish and McHale to a frontcourt that already included second-year forward Larry Bird. “The Big Three” went on to play 12 seasons together, win three championships and be hailed by many as the greatest frontcourt in the history of the game.The Celtics originally used McHale as a sixth man. The arrangement gave the team a potent scorer off the bench who could run circles around a tiring opponent and McHale was perfect for the role. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1999); NBA champion (1981, ’84, ’86); All-NBA First Team (1987); Sixth Man Award (1984, ’85); All-Defensive First Team (1986, ’87, ’88); All-Defensive Second Team (1983, ’89, ’90); Seven-time All-Star; One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

16. Julius Erving

Dr. J was a superstar in the NBA and the ABA as well. His high flying and acrobatic shots made him a pest for defenses. Many consider him among the most spectacular basketballers ever, and one of the best dunkers of all time. His signature dunk was the “slam” dunk. Erving began his professional career in the ABA with the Virginia Squires and the Nets. Widely regarded as the greatest player of his time, he is often considered to have been the main catalyst for the ABA-NBA merger in 76′. A 6-7, 210-pound small forward, he also played for 11 years with the Philadelphia 76ers, leading them to the NBA crown in 1983. His combined ABA and NBA points are over 30,000.Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993); NBA champion (1983); NBA MVP (1981); All-NBA First Team (1978, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83); All-NBA Second Team (1977, ’84); 11-time All-Star (1977-87); All-Star MVP (1977, ’83); J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1983); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

15. Bob Cousy

“The Houdini of the Hardwood”. “Mr. Basketball”. “The Cooz.” He was the original “Human Highlight Film.” Cousy was initially drafted as the third overall pick in the first round of the 1950 NBA Draft by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, but after he refused to report with the Blackhawks, he was picked up by the Boston Celtics. In his first 11 seasons in the NBA, Cousy led the league in assists eight consecutive times and introduced a new blend of ball-handling and passing skills. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1971); NBA champion (1957, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63); NBA MVP (1957); 10-time All-NBA First Team (1952-61); All-NBA Second Team (’62, ’63); 13-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (1954, ’57); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

14.Kobe Bryant

One of the most determined and focused players to ever play the game. Kobe was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 96′ and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade DIVAC. He joined the Lakers who were full of gaurds at the time, and Kobe was by far the youngest player on the team. Kobe and teammate Shaquille O’Neal were a one-two punch carrying the Lakers to three consecutive championships. Upon the trading of O’Neal Kobe became the face of the franchise. In 2006 Kobe scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second highest total for points scored. He earned MVP honors in 08′, but fell in six games to the Celtics in the Finals. The following summer Kobe joined the USA Basketball team and help them to win Gold at the Beijing Olympics. Kobe returned to the Finals the following year and earned his 4th NBA Championship and his first Finals MVP. MVP (2008), All-NBA first team (2002-04, 2006-09), All-Defensive team (2000, 2003-04, 2006-09)Finals MVP(2009)

13. John Havlicek

Regarded as one of the best all-around players to ever play in the NBA, Hondo was an exceptional guard, and intelligent defender. Only Bill Russell and Sam Jones have more championship rings. Havlicek was drafted into two professional sports leagues. The NFL’s Cleveland Browns selected him in the seventh round of the 1962 NFL Draft, and the NBA’s Boston Celtics nabbed him in the first round of the NBA Draft. The Browns, impressed with Havlicek’s athletic ability and his 6-5, 205-pound frame, tried him at wide receiver.A key member of two generations of Celtics, Havlicek provided the spark off the bench during the Celtics’ dynasty years of the 1960′s. During the 1970′s he was the trusted veteran who captained youthful teams to championships in 74′ and 76′. Known for clutch performances in big games, Havlicek posted impressive numbers during his illustrious 16-year career. In 1,270 regular-season games he scored 26,395 points and averaged 20.8 points to rank as the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer and top scorer in NBA history. He also grabbed 8,007 rebounds, recorded 6,114 assists, and played on eight Boston championship teams. He appeared in 13 consecutive NBA All-Star Games, earned 11 selections to the All-NBA First or Second Team and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First or Second Team eight times.Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1984); NBA champion (1963, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’68, ’69, ’74, ’76); NBA Finals MVP (1974); All-NBA First Team (1971-74); All-NBA Second Team (1964, ’66, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’75, ’76); All-Defensive First Team (1972-76); All-Defensive Second Team (1969-71); 13-time All-Star; One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

12. Jerry West

His image is the NBAs logo, that alone should explain the player that Jerry West was. Extremely crafty with a basketball, and able to score from anywhere on the court.  ”Mr. Clutch” is a nickname given to many players, but none lived up to it as West. During his 14-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, West became synonymous with brilliant basketball. He was the third player in league history to reach 25,000 points. He was an All-Star every year of his career and led Los Angeles to the NBA Finals nine times. He left the game holding records for career post-season scoring and the highest average in a playoff series. Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame (1980); NBA Finals MVP(1969); NBA Champion (1972); All-NBA First Team (1962-’67, ’70-’73); All-NBA Second Team (1968, ’69); NBA All-Defensive Team (1970-73); NBA Champion (1972); 14-time NBA All-Star (1961-’74); NBA All-Star MVP (1972); Olympic Gold Medalist (1960);NBA 35th Anniversary Team (1980); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

11. Moses Malone

Moses Malone was a relentless rebounder and effective scorer who made the jump from high school to a pro career that lasted 21 years. The fifth-leading rebounder and sixth-leading scorer in NBA history.At the age of 19, when he was a lean and lanky 6-10 man-child, Malone had no trouble making the jump from Petersburg High School to the Utah Stars of the ABA. Playing forward until he filled out enough to take the pounding at center, Malone was an immediate success in the ABA, averaging over 18 points and 14 rebounds as a rookie. After two seasons in the ABA he went on to become a dominant NBA player for well over a decade, leading the Houston Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981 and the Philadelphia 76ers to the 1983 NBA Championship.Malone retired following the 94′-95′ season having scored 27,409 points and grabbed 16,212 rebounds in his 19-year NBA career. He made more free throws, 8,531, than any other player in NBA history, and ranked second behind Wilt Chamberlin free throw attempts with 11,090. He also was third in games played (1,329), sixth in minutes played (45,071) and 10th in field goal attempts (19,225). Since 73′-74′, when the NBA began keeping offensive and defensive rebounds as separate categories, Malone ranked first on the all-time list in offensive rebounds (6,731) and second behind Robert Parish in defensive rebounds (9,481). NBA Most Valuable Player (1979, 1982, 1983); NBA Finals MVP (1983); All-NBA First Team (1979, 1982, 1983, 1985); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996)

10. Oscar Robertson

The human triple-double, the All-Time leader in triple-doubles with 181.  The “Big O” in just his second year in the league averaged 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game for an entire season. Ranked 9th in All-Time scoring and 5th in All-Time assists. Robertson was the first player to average more than 10 assists per game, doing so at a time when the criteria for assists were more stringent than today. Robertson is the only guard in NBA history to ever average more than 10 rebounds per game, doing so three times. In addition to his 1964 regular season MVP award, Robertson won three All-Star Game MVPs in his career (in 1961, 1964, and 1969). He has the all-time highest scoring average in the All-Star Game for players participating in four or more games (the league standard for the record) at 20.5 points per game. He ended his career with 26,710 points (25.7 per game, ninth-highest all time), 9,887 assists (9.5 per game) and 7,804 rebounds (7.5 per game). He led the league in assists six times, and at the time of his retirement, he was the NBA’s all-time leader in career assists and free throws made, and was the second all-time leading scorer behind the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. Elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1980); NBA champion (1971); NBA MVP (1964); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1961-69); All NBA Second Team (1970, ’71); Rookie of the Year (1961); 12-time NBA All-Star (1961-72); All-Star MVP (1961, ’64, ’69); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medalist (1960).

9. Larry Bird

One of the purest shooters to ever play. Larry “Legend” led the Celtics to three NBA Championships during the 80′s. Larry had a knack of hitting shots from anywhere on the floor, no matter who was guarding him.  Not an exceptional athlete, Bird made up for it with a tenacity and passion for the game that was unstoppable. Bird helped rebuild a Celtics franchise that had been suffering from substandard play and poor attendance in the late 1970s. With Bird as the focal point of a well-rounded squad, the Celtics won three NBA titles and 10 Atlantic Division crowns. In addition to his three championship rings, Bird piled up an awesome collection of personal achievements. He became only the third player (and the first non-center) to win three consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Awards. He was a 12-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team. He led the league in free-throw percentage four times. Larry is 5th All-Time in triple-doubles(59). Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1998); NBA champion (1981, ’84, ’86); NBA Finals MVP (1984, ’86); NBA MVP (1984, ’85, ’86); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88); All-NBA Second Team (1990); All-Defensive Second Team (1982, ’83, ’84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); One of the 50 Greatest Playersin NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medalist (1992).

8. Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is considered the greatest point guard to ever play. His height was abnormal for most point guards, but his ability to carry his team to victory on a consistent basis was something he made look effortless. Johnson was drafted first overall in 1979 by the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson said that what was “most amazing” about joining the Lakers was the chance to play alongside Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, the team’s 7 ft 2 in center who became the leading scorer in NBA history. Despite Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance, he had failed to win a championship with the Lakers, and Johnson was expected to help them achieve that goal. Johnson averaged 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game for the season, was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team, and was named an NBA All-Star game starter. The Lakers compiled a 60–22 record in the regular season and reached the 80′ NBA Finals in which they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by Julius Erving The Lakers took a 3–2 lead in the series, but Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 33 points a game in the series, sprained his ankle in Game 5 and could not play in Game 6. Coach Paul Westhead decided to start Johnson at center in Game 6; Johnson recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in a 123–107 win, while playing guard, forward, and center at different times during the game. Johnson became the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award,  and his clutch performance is still regarded as one of the finest in NBA history. He also became one of four players to win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years. 4th All-Time in Assists. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2002); NBA champion (1980, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’88); NBA Finals MVP (1980, ’82, ’87); NBA MVP (1987, ’89, ’90); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1983-91); All-NBA Second Team (1982); 12-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (1990, ’92); Olympic gold medalist (1992); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

7. Hakeem Olajuwon

The feet and quickness of a guard, with the defense and determination of a center. The “Dream” was reality for 18 seasons in the NBA.Olajuwon was highly skilled as both an offensive and defensive player. On defense, his rare combination of quickness and strength allowed him to guard a wide range of players effectively. In 93′-94 he had a storybook season, becoming the first player to be named NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Finals MVP in the same season. The following season he rallied the Rockets from a sixth seed in the playoffs to their second straight NBA crown, making Houston the fifth NBA franchise ever to win back-to-back titles. He was noted for both his outstanding shot-blocking ability and his unique talent (for a frontcourt player) for stealing the ball. Hakeem averaged 3.09 blocks per game and 1.75 steals per game in his career.  He is the only center to rank among the top ten all time in steals. Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, with a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game. He led the NBA in rebounding twice, during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Hakeem was twice named the NBA Defensive Player of the year, and was a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. On offense, Olajuwon was famous for his deft shooting touch around the basket and his nimble footwork in the low post with the ball, Hakeem displayed a vast array of fakes and spin moves, highlighted in his signature “Dream Shake”. He was a prolific scorer, averaging 21.8 points per game during his career, and an above average offensive rebounder, averaging 3.3 offensive rebounds per game. He is one of only four players to have recorded a quadruple-double an accomplishment that illustrated his overall skill. Olajuwon ranks 8th in All-Time scoring, 11th in All-Time rebounds, 8th in All-Time steals, and 1st in All-Time blocks. NBA champion (1994, ’95); NBA Finals MVP (1994, ’95); NBA MVP (1994); Defensive Player of Year (1993, ’94); All-NBA First Team (1987, ’88, ’89, ’93, ’94, ’97); All-NBA Second Team (’86, ’90, ’96); All-NBA Third Team (1991, ’95, ’99); All-Defensive First Team (’87, ’88, ’90, ’93, ’94); 12-time All-Star; Olympic gold medalist (199); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame (2008).

6. Shaquille O’Neal

From his first game to now Shaq has been one of the most dominant players to ever play the game. His size and suprising quickness has caused defensive problems for all of his opponents. O’Neal’s “drop step”, (called the “Black Tornado” by O’Neal) in which he posts up a defender, turns around and, using his elbows for leverage, powers past him for a very high-percentage slam dunk, has proven an extremely effective offensive weapon. O’Neal was also voted the 99′-200′ MVP, 2000 All-Star Game (co-MVP) and NBA Finals 2000, becoming only the third player in NBA history to accomplish that feat. O’Neal also won the scoring title that year while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots.  The ability to dunk frequently contributes to his career field goal accuracy of .582; he is the second most accurate shooter of all time.He has averaged 24.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, 0.60 steals and 35.7 minutes while shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 52.8 percent from the foul line. Shaq is a 4-time NBA Champ, and 3-time NBA Finals MVP recipient. Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain only two players in league history to lead the league in field goal percentage nine times. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon)

5. Tim Duncan

He was drafted with the first pick of the NBA Draft 1997 by the San Antonio Spurs, and immediately made an impact, averaging 21.1 points per game in his first season. n the 2001-02 season, Duncan was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. After 2002-03, Duncan was named MVP for the second season in a row. Duncan and his Spurs teammates made it to the finals once again, defeating the New Jersey Nets to win the NBA championship. Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP once again. His lifetime averages in points, blocks, assists, and rebounds are higher in the playoffs than in the regular season. In the last game of the 2003 NBA Finals, Duncan was two blocks away from a quadruple-double, finishing with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks. In 2005 Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining Michael Jordan ,Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson as the only players to win it three times. Duncan is famous for his graceful finesse on the court and for his low key demeanor. Possessing a sound all-around game, he has been dubbed “The Big Fundamental” and ”Groundhog Day” because of his ability to produce very consistently on a day-to-day basis. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon) His signature offensive moves are his smooth footwork and his accurate bank shot. Duncan scored a career high 53 points in an NBA game on December 26, 2001 in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks. NBA Rookie of the Year(98′), NBA MVP (2002, 2003), NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)

4. Bill Russell

the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ dynasty of the 1960s, an uncanny shotblocker who revolutionized NBA defensive concepts. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time All-Star, the angular center amassed 21,620 career rebounds, an average of 22.5 per game and led the league in rebounding four times. He had 51 boards in one game, 49 in two others and a dozen consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more rebounds. His many individual accolades were well deserved, but they were only products of Russell’s philosophy of team play. His greatest accomplishment was bringing the storied Celtics 11 championships in his 13 seasons. Russell’s impact on the game can’t really be tracked through NBA statistics. Blocked shots were not an official statistic until 1973-74′, and the league only recorded total rebounds, without distinguishing between offensive and defensive boards until that same season. Russell was the first African American player to achieve superstar status in the NBA. He also served a three-season (1966–69) stint as player coach for the Celtics, becoming the first African American NBA coach. Elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (1975); NBA champion (1957, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’68, ’69); NBA MVP (1958, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’65); All-NBA First Team (1959, ’63, ’65); Eight-time All-NBA Second Team; NBA All-Defensive Team (1969); 12-time NBA All-Star (1958-69); All-Star MVP (1963); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medalist (1956).

3. Wilt Chamberlain

He led the NBA in scoring seven years in a row. He was the league’s top rebounder in 11 of his 14 seasons. He scored 100 points in a single game on 63 attempts. If the NBA ever had a tall tale, Wilt Chamberlain is the main character. During his career, his dominance precipitated many rules changes. These rules changed included widening the lane, instituting offensive goaltending, and revising rules governing inbounding the ball and shooting free throws (Chamberlain would leap with the ball from behind the foul line to deposit the ball in the basket). He was the only NBA player to score 4,000 points in a season. He has the record for most consecutive field goals (18) and most rebounds (55). ‘Wilt the Stilt”s 50.4 points per game he averaged during the 1961-62 season and  48.5 minutes per game he averaged that same year are both stats that seem unimaginable. Chamberlain had a successful career, winning two NBA titles, earning four regular-season MVP awards, the Rookie of the Year award, one NBA Finals MVP award, and being selected to 13 All-Star games and ten All-NBA First and Second teams. Chamberlain was subsequently enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, elected into the NBA’s 35th Anniversary Team of 1980, and chosen as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History of 1996.

2. Michael Jordan

“His Airness” “Air Jordan” is the greatest guard, or player under 7feet to ever play the game. His willingness to win, was felt by teammates and fans. He came into the league chain swinging and floating to the goal with ease. He wore sneakers that became the most famous shoes in the world. In 1988, he was honored with the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year Award and became the first NBA player to win both the Defensive Player of the Year and MVP awards in a career. Jordans dominance in the 90s’ is without question. His performance in big games, and his clutch moments are all weel publicized, from ‘the shot’ in Cleveland to the “quieting of the jazz’ in 98′. MJ ranks 2nd in All-Time scoring, 2nd in All-Time steals and an NBA record Ten scoring titles. In his book, For The Love of The Game: My Story, Jordan wrote: “There is no such thing as a perfect basketball player, and I don’t believe there is only one greatest player either. Everyone plays in different eras. I built my talents on the shoulders of someone else’s talent. I believe greatness is an evolutionary process that changes and evolves era to era.6x NBA Champion (91’92’93’96’97’98′) 5× NBA MVP (88′, 91′, 92′, 96′, 98′) 14× NBA All-Star(1985-1993, 1996-1998, 2002-2003) 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991-1993, 1996-1998)1× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988) 10× All-NBA First Team Selection (1987-1993, 1996-1998) 1× All-NBA Second Team Selection (1985) 9× All-NBA Defensive Team Selection (1988-1993, 1996-1998) 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year 1985 NBA All Rookie Team 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998) 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner (1987, 1988) 2x Gold Medal Winner in the Olympics(1984,1992)

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

If a body part was ever to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, ‘The Captain” would have his left leg molded and bronzed. Kareem jumped off that leg “sky-hooking” the ball into the goal for a NBA record 38,387 points. Players ten years his junior couldn’t keep up with Abdul-Jabbar, whose strict physical-fitness regimen was years ahead of its time in the NBA. But if others have since emulated his fitness regimen, no player has ever duplicated his trademark “sky-hook.” Although labeled “unsexy” by Abdul-Jabbar himself, the shot became one of the most effective weapons in all of sports. An all-around player, Abdul-Jabbar brought grace, agility, and versatility to the center position, which had previously been characterized solely by power and size. He holds the NBA record for made and attempted field goals. On defense, Abdul-Jabbar maintained a dominant presence. He was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team eleven times. He frustrated opponents with his superior shot-blocking ability, denying an average 2.6 shots a game. He is also the third all-time in registered blocks (3,189), which is even more impressive because this stat had not been recorded until the fourth year of his career (1974). His will and determination set him apart from others in his generation. He played in 1560 games in his 20 year career. He collected six titles, a record six regular season MVP and two Finals MVP awards(71′ with the Milwaukee Bucks and then 14 years later with the Los Angeles Lakers) , fifteen NBA First or Second Teams, a record nineteen NBA All-Star call-ups and averaging 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. 1st in All-Time points, 3rd in All-Time blocks, 3rd in All-Time rebounds. Enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 95′.