
50. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson revolutionized the NBA by incorporating the “streets” with NBA marketing. The NBA instituted a dress-code primarily due to Iversons doo-rags and urban wear. Ranked 16th in scoring and third in scoring average behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain are the two stand-out stats for the 6 foot point guard or should I say shooting guard. Allen Iverson has never met a shot he didn’t like on route to the sixth fastest player to 20,000 points. MVP in 2000 and 4-time scoring champ. He also ranks 12th in All-Time steals.
49. Connie Hawkins
Known more for his street-ball career and the ABA he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992, Connie Hawkins is commonly known as the predecessor skill-wise to Dr. J, Elgin Baylor , and Michael Jordan. He played in four NBA All-Star Games and was named to the All-NBA First Team in the 1969-70 season. After winning the ABA MVP, and ABA Finals MVP at age 27 he was picked up by the Phoenix Suns. He played only 7 seasons. His No. 42 jersey was retired by the Suns.
48. Jason Kidd
Jason is currently third on the Assists All-Time list with 10,199. His recent contract renewal with the Dallas Mavericks figures he will past Mark Jackson for second. He has been the captain of each team from his early days in Dallas, to Phoenix, New Jersey, and then back to Dallas. He was Co-Rookie of the year (Grant Hill)in 94′, He ranks 3rd in Triple-Doubles and 2nd in Playoff Triple-Doubles. Jason Kidd is the only player in NBA history to have a 700+ assist 500+ rebound season 7 times. The only player in NBA history to record at least 15,000 points, 7,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists in his playing career. He has yet to win in the Finals but he can find some solace in his two Olympic Gold medals
47. Dwayne Wade
“Flash” or as we refer to him ‘Basketball Robot #3″ is relentless and determined with or without the ball. Demanding double teams and playing tenacious defense for the full 48 minutes of a game. After entering the league as the fifth pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Wade was named to the All-Rookie team and the All-Star team the following five seasons. In his third season, Wade led the Miami Heat to their first NBA Championship in franchise history. He was named the 2006 NBA Finals MVP. At the 2008 Summer Olympics Wade led the United States Mens basketball team, commonly known as the Redeem Team, in scoring, as they captured gold medal. In the 2008-09′ season, Wade led the league in scoring and earned his first NBA Scoring Title. 5-Time All-Star, 4-Time All-NBA.
46. Earl Monroe
The “Pearl”, ”Black Jesus”, “Black Magic” , all nicknames of one of the smoothest players ever to play. Known for his jazz-like smoothness on the court, Earl turned the NBA into an exhilarating art form that fans loved. He was Rookie of the Year in 68′ and a 4-time All-Star. He teamed up with Walt Frazier to form the “Rolls Royce” backcourt for the NY Knicks and won the Finals in 73′. Earl Monroe was unlike any other and despite a shorten career due to knee injuries he will always be remembered as a player unlike any other. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame(1990); NBA champion (1973); All-NBA First Team (1969); NBA Rookie of the Year (1968); NBA All-Rookie Team (1968); Four-time NBA All-Star (1969, ‘71, ‘75, ‘77); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
45. Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman is the strangest and one of the most skillful players to ever play in the NBA. From his dating of Madonna to his tye-dye hair, he had many reasons to be a distraction, but on the court he was master at his position. Dennis led the NBA in rebounding from 91′-98′. He earned 5 rings during his career, two with the Bad Boys of Detroit and 3 with the Chicago Bulls. Dennis was Defensive Player of the year in 90′ and 91′. He had a knack for being right where the ball went. He also had a knack of creeping out the usual NBA fan.
44. Walt Frazier
Nicknamed “Clyde” from Bonnie and Clyde fame. A certified hero in New York, Frazier became as well known for his stylish attire and after-hours partying as for his ball handling and peerless defense. He finished his career as the NY Knicks leader in points, games played, and assists. He was a 7 time All-Star and made the All-Defensive team from 69′-75′. He led the Knicks to two championships in 70′ and 73′. Walt Frazier was to the NBA what Joe Namath was to football, a flamboyant figure that was flashy on and off the court. Frazier was one of the first pro athletes with a shoe deal-the Puma Clyde! Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1987); NBA champion (1970, ‘73); All-NBA First Team (1970, ‘72, ‘74, ‘75); All-NBA Second Team (1971, ‘73); All-Defensive First Team (1969-75); Seven-time NBA All-Star; All-Star MVP (1975); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
43. Patrick Ewing
Ranked #15 in All-Time points Patrick Ewing was one of the best shooting centers to ever play the game. He ended his career as #1 in every statistical category for the NY Knicks(cept’ assists). He was the first Knicks player to earn Rookie of the Year honors since Willis Reed in 1965. Ranked #15 in All-Time Scoring, #6 in Blocks and #23 in Rebounds. Patrick carried the Knicks for nearly 15 seasons leading to two finals appearances but was unable to come away with the rings. He was an 11-time All-Star and two time Gold medalist. Rookie of Year (1985); All-NBA First Team (1990); All-NBA Second Team (1988, ‘89, ‘91, ‘92, ‘93, ‘97); All-Defensive Second Team (1988, ‘89, ‘92); 11-time NBA All-Star; One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984, ‘92); Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame (2008).
42. LeBron James
One of the most hyped players to come out of high school, LeBron James has more than lived up to the hype. In his 6 NBA seasons he has tallied 24 Triple-Doubles and is 7 points from 13,000. James is the youngest player to 10,000 points. James was crowned the MVP of the 08′-09′ season. He is known as the King, but hasn’t fully claimed the throne. He has a long career ahead of him, and is sure to topple many records along the way
41. Clyde Drexler
When Clyde took off nothing could get in the way. He ended his illustrious NBA career joining Oscar Robertson and John Havlicek as the only players in NBA history to top 20,000 points, 6,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists. He finished his career ranked #22 on the All-Time scoring list. Midway through the 94-95 season Clyde was traded from the Portland Trailblazers to the Houston Rockets. In Houston he was reunited with college teammate Hakeem Olajuwon. The two led the Rockets to the second of back-to-back titles. Clyde left Portland as the team’s all-time leader in scoring, games, minutes, field goals, free throws, rebounds and steals. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame(2004); NBA champ (1995); All-NBA First Team (1992); All-NBA Second Team (1988, ‘91); All-NBA Third Team (1990, ‘95); 10-time All-Star; One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medalist (1992).
40. George Gervin
Better known as the “Iceman”, George Gervin is credited with the invention of the “finger roll”. His style of play seemed effortless to not only fans but players alike. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan have won more league scoring championships than Gervin’s four, and he was the first guard ever to win three titles in a row. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball hall of Fame (1996); All-NBA First Team (1978, ‘79, ‘80, ‘81, ‘82); All-NBA Second Team (1977, ‘83); Nine-time NBA All-Star (1977-85); All-Star MVP (1980); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
39. Isiah Thomas
One of the greatest point guards to play the game. “Zeke” barely stood 6-feet tall, but was one of the grittiest players of his time. Led the Detroit Pistons to the 87-88 NBA Finals for the first time since moving from Ft. Wayne in 1958. They followed up that championship with a repeat championship. Thomas was named Finals MVP. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2000); NBA champion (1989, ‘90); NBA Finals MVP (1990); All-NBA First Team (1984, ‘85, ‘86); All-NBA Second Team (1983, ‘87); NBA All-Rookie Team (1982); 12-time NBA All-Star (1982-93); NBA All-Star Game MVP (1984, ‘86); J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1987); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
38. Hal Greer
Over the course of the 15 NBA seasons turned in by the soft-spoken game, consistency was indeed the thing. He turned in quality performances almost every night, scoring 19.2 points per game during his career, playing in 1,122 games, and racking up 21,586 points. He remained with the same franchise throughout his career, starting with Syracuse in 1958 and then moving with the Nationals when they became the 76ers in 1963. He was an All-Star for ten straight seasons and a seven-time member of the All-NBA Second Team. He was also the second-leading scorer on Philadelphia’s vaunted championship team of 66-67′(Wilt Chamberlain). Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1982); NBA champion (1967); Seven-time All-NBA Second Team (1963-69); 10-time NBA All-Star (1961-70); All-Star MVP (1968); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
37. Dominique Wilkins
The “Human Highlight Film”, known for thunderous dunks and an intensity the was unmatched. His trademark dunk was a powerful one- or two-handed windmill, dunks he used to capture the Slam Dunk titles in 1985 and 1990. As a basketball player he was known as an acrobatic scorer, somewhat of a gunner, though an outstanding finisher and one of the greatest game dunkers in NBA History. 1983 NBA All-Rookie Team, 2 NBA Slam Dunk championship (1985, 1990)9 NBA All-Star Game (1986-94)1 Scoring Champ 1986, 1 All NBA First Team selections 4 All NBA Second Team 13th highest (24.8) career pts/game 10th highest career points. Record holder of most free-throws made in an NBA regular season game without a miss – 23. Wilkins was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on April 3, 2006.
36. Charles Barkley
One four players in NBA history who have compiled at least 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists, “Sir Charles” or the “Round Mound of Rebound” help to redefine the power forward position. Listed at 6′,6″ he dominated players sometimes a foot taller. “Barkley is like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in that they don’t really play a position,” Bill Walton said in a SLAM magazine issue ranking NBA greats. “He plays everything; he plays basketball. There is nobody who does what Barkley does. He’s a dominant rebounder, a dominant defensive player, a three-point shooter, a dribbler, a playmaker.” Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2006); NBA MVP (1993); All-NBA First Team (1988, ‘89, ‘90, ‘91, ‘93); All-NBA Second Team (1986, ‘97, ‘92, ‘94, ‘95); All-NBA Third Team (1996); 11-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (1991); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medalist (1992,96).
35. Bob McAdoo
One of the best-shooting big men of all time, Robert Allen McAdoo Jr. won the first of his three scoring championships in only his second year in the NBA, 73-74′, the same year he led the league with a .547 field-goal percentage. Over 14 seasons McAdoo scored 18,787 points and averaged 22.1 points. A five-time NBA All-Star, he shot .503 from the field and .754 from the line, scoring in double figures in all but one season. Yet, had McAdoo not found a second wind as a reserve for the Los Angeles Lakers in the early 1980s, history might have remembered him only fleetingly as a brilliant young scorer who couldn’t connect with a winner. Instead, McAdoo played a crucial supporting role in four straight NBA Finals, twice emerging with a championship ring. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame(2000); NBA champion (1982, ‘85); NBA MVP (1975); All-NBA First Team (1975) All-NBA Second Team (1974); NBA Rookie of the Year (1973); Five-time All-Star (1974-78).
34. Pete Maravich
“Pistol Pete”Maravich wasn’t the first player to dribble behind his back or make a deft between-the-legs pass. But his playground moves, circus shots, and hotdog passes were considered outrageous during his era and, perhaps because he cultivated a freewheeling image, some basketball purists felt he was more style than substance. But Maravich produced huge numbers. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of fame (1987); All-NBA First Team (1976, ‘77); All-NBA Second Team (1973, ‘78); All-Rookie Team (1971); Five-time NBA All-Star; One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
33. Kevin Garnett
“The Big Ticket” came into the NBA straight from high school to the highest paid player in NBA history. Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves who relied on Kevin for everything, which he was able to provide. Holds Timberwolves franchise career records for points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, steals, and games played. Before the 2008 he was traded to the Boston Celtics joining Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The “Big Three” made good on their commitment for a championship, bring the Celtics their 17th championship. NBA MVP (2004), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008), USA Olympics Gold Medal(2000), NBA All-Star MVP (2003), 12-time NBA All-Star: 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 9-time All NBA selection: 9-time All-Defensive:
32. Robert Parish
“The Chief” played in more games than any other player in NBA history. A 7-1 center who combined strength, agility and remarkable endurance, Parish won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s and teamed with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale to form one of the greatest front lines in NBA history. He capped his career by winning yet another championship ring as a member of the 96-97′ Chicago Bulls. Parish, whose signature shot was a high trajectory jumper that seemed to kiss the banners at Boston Garden before finding its way to the basket, announced his retirement at age 43 following the 1996-97 season, his 21st in the NBA, and after playing in 1,611 games. Upon his retirement, Parish ranked 13th in the NBA in scoring with 23,334 points, sixth in rebounds with 14,715, sixth in blocked shots with 2,361 and eighth in field goals made with 9,614. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball hall of Fame(2003); NBA champion (1981, ‘84, ‘86, ‘97); All-NBA Second Team (1982); All-NBA Third Team (1989); Nine-time All-Star; One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
31. Dolph Schayes
In the NBA, Schayes did not miss a single game from February 17, 1952 until December 26, 1961 (a streak of 706 games). Schayes led the NBA in rebounding (16.4 rpg) during 1950-51 season, and led the NBA in free throw percentage three times. Dolph Schayes was a six time All-NBA First-Team honoree and was also selected to the All-NBA Second-Team six times. Upon retirement in 1964, Schayes held the NBA records for career scoring (19,249 points) and games played (1,059), and in 1961 became the first in NBA history to 30,000 career total PRA (Points + Rebounds + Assists).Elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame(1973); NBA Champion (1955); All-NBA First Team (1952, ‘53, ‘54, ‘55, ‘57, ‘58); 12-time NBA All-Star(1951-62); NBA 25th Anniversary Team (1970); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
30. Elvin Hayes
One of the most talented power forwards ever to play the game, Elvin Hayes used his trademark turnaround jumper and aggressive defense to win a secure place in the NBA record books. Fifth on the all-time list in games (1,303) and third in minutes played (50,000), he missed only nine contests in his 16 years in the league, a tribute to his durability and conditioning. He finished his career ranked 6th All-Time in scoring. Hayes rode the momentum of his college years into the NBA. The expansion San Diego Rockets, preparing for their second season, made him the first overall pick of the 68′ NBA Draft. As a rookie for the Rockets in 1968-69′ he led the league in scoring with 28.4 ppg, ranked fourth in rebounding with 17.1 rpg, and started at center for the West in the NBA All-Star Game. He also set an NBA rookie record for minutes played in a season (3,695), averaging 45.1. The Rockets, who had floundered through a 15-67 season the year before, posted a 37-45 record and reached the playoffs. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1990); NBA champion (1978); All-NBA First Team (1975, ‘77, ‘79); All-NBA Second Team (1973, ‘74, ‘76); All-Defensive Second Team (1974, ‘75); All-Rookie Team (1969); 12-time All-Star (1969-80); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (‘96).
29. Sam Jones
Called “Mr. Clutch” by many of his peers, Sam Jones was one of the linchpins of the fabulous Boston juggernaut of the 1950s and 1960s. His uncannily accurate bank shots, lightning quickness, and cool demeanor helped the Celtics win 10 NBA Championships in the 12 years he played with the team. During his career Jones racked up 15,411 points at a 17.7 points per game clip, and shot .803 from the free-throw line. More than any other offensive move, Jones owned the bank shot. He was deadly with it from either side or anywhere around the key. Jones had developed it while he was in high school because he couldn’t make a layup. He had spent hours perfecting the shot by aiming at the strips on the backboard until it became instinctive. In the latter part of his career, while most of the top players preferred to hit only net with their shots, Jones continued to use the backboard, drawing smiles from fans but not from opponents. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1984); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Member of NBA championship team (1959-66, 1968-69)
28. Karl Malone
More of a football player than basketball player, ‘The Mailman” attempted more free throws and grabbed more defensive rebounds than any player in NBA history. Malone will forever be linked to fellow Utah Jazz teammate John Stockton. The two combined for the most dynamic guard and forward duo in the history of the NBA. Although Malone never won a championship he played in the playoffs every season and his post-season production were equal to his phenomenal regular season stats. He had career regular season averages of 25.0 ppg and 10.1 rpg while his playoff averages were 24.7 and 10.7 rpg. In 1996-97, Malone became only the fifth player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 points and 10,000 rebounds. NBA MVP (1997, ‘99); 11-time All-NBA First Team (1988-1999); All-NBA Second Team (1988, 2000); All-Defensive First Team (1997-99); All-Defensive Second Team (1988); 14-time All-Star (1988-98, 2000-02); NBA All-Rookie Team (1985); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1992, ‘96).
27. John Stockton
The Master of the pick-n-roll, John Stockton was a durable player who saw the floor as well as anyone who ever played the game, he left the NBA after 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz, holding a mass of assists records, including the career mark (15,806). He led the league in steals twice and, with a career total of 3,265, he retired as the NBA’s all-time leader. He also played all 82 games in 17 of his 19 seasons and his career shooting percentage was .515, a remarkable statistic for a guard. He also refused to fall in line with the status quo and wear bigger shorts, electing to wear the “short-shorts” of decades earlier. Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame(2009); All-NBA First Team (1994, ‘95); All-NBA Second Team (1988, ‘89, ‘90, ‘92, ‘93, ‘96); All-NBA Third Team (1991, ‘97, ‘99); NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1989, ‘91, ‘92, ‘95, ‘97); 10-time NBA All-Star; Olympic gold medalist (1992, ‘96); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996)
26. Willis Reed
Willis Reed is famously known for his return from injury in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. With the series on the line the Knicks captain was questionable, but right before tipoff Willis limped out the locker room onto the court to a thunderous applause from the Garden faithful. His four points were all the Knicks needed to get them pass the Lakers and win the championship. The words that describe Reed’s playing career may sound like a quaint cliche, but they are appropriate: endurance, pride, dignity, obligation, hard work and courage. For a decade he applied those qualities day in and day out on the basketball court, but they were distilled into a couple of dramatic minutes at the start of Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. Two decades after that legendary night Reed recalled, “There isn’t a day in my life that people don’t remind me of that game.” Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1982); NBA champion (1970, ‘73); NBA MVP (1970); All-NBA First Team (1970); All-NBA Second Team (1967, ‘68, ‘69, ‘71); NBA All-Defensive Team (1970); Rookie of the Year (1965); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).