Basketball players biography

50 Greatest Players in NBA History

Character 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, also referred to as NBA's Fiftieth Anniversary All-Time Team, were chosen touch a chord 1996 to honor the 50th appointment of the founding of the Ceremonial Basketball Association (NBA). It was righteousness third anniversary team in the league.[1] Fifty players were selected through deft vote by a panel of communication members, former players and coaches, at an earlier time current and former general managers. Tight spot addition, the top ten head coaches and top ten single-season teams convoluted NBA history were selected by travel ormation technol members as part of the celebration.[2] The 50 players had to conspiracy played at least a portion emulate their careers in the NBA take precedence were selected irrespective of position la-di-da orlah-di-dah.

The list was announced by NBA commissioner David Stern on October 29, 1996, at the hotel Grand Hyatt New York, the site of illustriousness Commodore Hotel, where the original NBA charter was signed in 1946. Illustriousness announcement marked the beginning of out season-long celebration of the league's anniversary.[2] Forty-seven of the fifty players were later assembled in Cleveland, during illustriousness halftime ceremony of the 1997 All-Star Game.[2][nb 1] At the time replica the announcement, 11 players were active; all have subsequently retired.

Players selected

List

Eleven players (Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Apostle Ewing, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert Parish, Terrier Pippen, David Robinson, and John Stockton) were active in the 1996–97 season, about which the list was announced.[4] Drop have since retired. O'Neal was probity last to be active in glory NBA, retiring at the end ingratiate yourself the 2010–11 season. All of the select players have been inducted into class Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Repute. At the time of the itemize, only Pete Maravich was deceased.[5]

All 11 members from the 35th anniversary kit out were selected.[5] Eight of the 10 players from the 25th anniversary crew were chosen, with Bob Davies captain Joe Fulks—who both last played essential the 1950s—being omitted.[6]

Name Team(s) played choose (years)[a]PosPtsRebAstChampionships won[b]MVP won Finals MVP won All Star HOF Year Ref.
Kareem Abdul-JabbarMilwaukee Bucks(1969–1975)
Los Angeles Lakers(1975–1989)
C 38,387 17,440 5,660 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) 6 (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980) 2 (1971, 1985)19 1995 [7]
Nate ArchibaldCincinnati Royals Information Kansas City-Omaha / Kansas City Kings(1970–1976)
New York Nets(1976–1977)
Boston Celtics(1978–1983)
Milwaukee Bucks(1983–1984)
G 16,481 2,046 6,476 1 (1981) None None 6 1991 [8]
Paul ArizinPhiladelphia Warriors(1950–1952, 1954–1962)F 16,266 6,129 1,665 1 (1956) None None 10 1978 [9]
Charles BarkleyPhiladelphia 76ers(1984–1992)
Phoenix Suns(1992–1996)
Houston Rockets(1996–2000)
F 23,757 12,546 4,215 None 1 (1993) None 11 2006 [10]
Rick BarrySan Francisco / Golden State Warriors(1965–1967, 1972–1978)
Houston Rockets(1978–1980)
F 18,395 5,168 4,017 1 (1975) None 1 (1975)8 1987 [11]
Elgin BaylorMinneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers(1958–1971)F 23,149 11,463 3,650 None None None 11 1977 [12]
Dave BingDetroit Pistons(1966–1975)
Washington Bullets(1975–1977)
Boston Celtics(1977–1978)
G 18,327 3,420 5,397 None None None 7 1990 [13]
Larry BirdBoston Celtics(1979–1992)F 21,791 8,974 5,695 3 (1981, 1984, 1986) 3 (1984, 1985, 1986) 2 (1984, 1986)12 1998 [14]
Wilt ChamberlainPhiladelphia / San Francisco Warriors(1959–1965)
Philadelphia 76ers(1965–1968)
Los Angeles Lakers(1968–1973)
C 31,419 23,924 4,643 2 (1967, 1972) 4 (1960, 1966, 1967, 1968) 1 (1972)13 1979 [15]
Bob CousyBoston Celtics(1950–1963)
Cincinnati Royals(1969–1970)
G 16,960 4,786 6,955 6 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963) 1 (1957) None 13 1971 [16]
Dave CowensBoston Celtics(1970–1980)
Milwaukee Bucks(1982–1983)
C 13,516 10,444 2,910 2 (1974, 1976) 1 (1973) None 7 1991 [17]
Billy CunninghamPhiladelphia 76ers(1965–1972, 1974–1976)F 13,626 6,638 2,625 1 (1967) None None 4 1986 [18]
Dave DeBusschereDetroit Pistons(1962–1968)
New York Knicks(1968–1974)
F 14,053 9,618 2,497 2 (1970, 1973) None None 8 1983 [19]
Clyde DrexlerPortland Trail Blazers(1983–1995)
Houston Rockets(1995–1998)
G 22,195 6,677 6,125 1 (1995) Not anyone None 10 2004 [20]
Julius ErvingPhiladelphia 76ers(1976–1987)F 18,364 5,601 3,224 1 (1983) 1 (1981) None 11 1993 [21]
Patrick EwingNew York Knicks(1985–2000)
Seattle SuperSonics(2000–2001)
Orlando Magic(2001–2002)
C 24,815 11,607 2,215 None None None 11 2008 [22]
Walt FrazierNew York Knicks(1967–1977)
Cleveland Cavaliers(1977–1979)
G 15,581 4,830 5,040 2 (1970, 1973) No part None 7 1987 [23]
George GervinSan Antonio Spurs(1976–1985)
Chicago Bulls(1985–1986)
G 20,708 3,607 2,214 None None No one 9 1996 [24]
Hal GreerSyracuse Nationals Take down Philadelphia 76ers(1958–1973)G 21,586 5,665 4,540 1 (1967) None None 10 1982 [25]
John HavlicekBoston Celtics(1962–1978)F/G 26,395 8,007 6,114 8 (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976) No part 1 (1974)13 1984 [26]
Elvin HayesSan Diego / Houston Rockets(1968–1972, 1981–1984)
Baltimore Annals Capital / Washington Bullets(1972–1981)
F/C 27,313 16,279 2,398 1 (1978) None None 12 1990 [27]
Magic JohnsonLos Angeles Lakers(1979–1991, 1996)G 17,707 6,559 10,141 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) 3 (1987, 1989, 1990) 3 (1980, 1982, 1987)12 2002 [28]
Sam JonesBoston Celtics(1957–1969)G 15,411 4,305 2,209 10 (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) None Nobody 5 1984 [29]
Michael JordanChicago Bulls(1984–1993, 1995–1998)
Washington Wizards(2001–2003)
G 32,292 6,672 5,633 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) 5 (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)14 2009 [30]
Jerry LucasCincinnati Royals(1963–1969)
San Francisco Warriors(1969–1971)
New York Knicks(1971–1974)
F 14,053 12,942 2,732 1 (1973) None Nobody 7 1980 [31]
Karl MaloneUtah Jazz(1985–2003)
Los Angeles Lakers(2003–2004)
F 36,928 14,968 5,248 Not anyone 2 (1997, 1999) None 14 2010 [32]
Moses MaloneBuffalo Braves(1976)
Houston Rockets(1976–1982)
Philadelphia 76ers(1982–1986, 1993–1994)
Washington Bullets(1986–1988)
Atlanta Hawks(1988–1991)
Milwaukee Bucks(1991–1993)
San Antonio Spurs(1994–1995)
C 27,409 16,212 1,796 1 (1983) 3 (1979, 1982, 1983) 1 (1983)12 2001 [33]
Pete MaravichAtlanta Hawks(1970–1974)
New Orleans Take down Utah Jazz(1974–1980)
Boston Celtics(1980)
G 15,948 2,747 3,563 None None Not one 5 1987 [34]
Kevin McHaleBoston Celtics(1980–1993)F 17,335 7,122 1,670 3 (1981, 1984, 1986) None None 7 1999 [35]
George MikanMinneapolis Lakers(1948–1954, 1956)C 10,156 4,167 1,245 5 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954) None None 4 1959 [36]
Earl MonroeBaltimore Bullets(1967–1971)
New York Knicks(1971–1980)
G 17,454 2,796 3,594 1 (1973) None None 4 1990 [37]
Hakeem OlajuwonHouston Rockets(1984–2001)
Toronto Raptors(2001–2002)
C 26,946 13,748 3,058 2 (1994, 1995) 1 (1994) 2 (1994, 1995)12 2008 [38]
Shaquille O'NealOrlando Magic(1992–1996)
Los Angeles Lakers(1996–2004)
Miami Heat(2004–2008)
Phoenix Suns(2008–2009)
Cleveland Cavaliers(2009–2010)
Boston Celtics(2010–2011)
C 28,596 13,099 3,026 4 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006) 1 (2000) 3 (2000, 2001, 2002)15 2016 [39]
Robert ParishGolden State Warriors(1976–1980)
Boston Celtics(1980–1994)
Charlotte Hornets(1994–1996)
Chicago Bulls(1996–1997)
C 23,334 14,715 2,180 4 (1981, 1984, 1986, 1997) None No-one 9 2003 [40]
Bob PettitMilwaukee / Intensely. Louis Hawks(1954–1965)F 20,880 12,849 2,369 1 (1958) 2 (1956, 1959) No one 11 1971 [41]
Scottie PippenChicago Bulls(1987–1998, 2003–2004)
Houston Rockets(1999)
Portland Trail Blazers(1999–2003)
F 18,940 7,494 6,135 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) None None 7 2010 [42]
Willis ReedNew York Knicks(1964–1974)C/F 12,183 8,414 1,186 2 (1970, 1973) 1 (1970) 2 (1970, 1973)7 1982 [43]
Oscar RobertsonCincinnati Royals(1960–1970)
Milwaukee Bucks(1970–1974)
G 26,710 7,804 9,887 1 (1971) 1 (1964) None 12 1980 [44]
David RobinsonSan Antonio Spurs(1989–2003)C 20,790 10,497 2,441 2 (1999, 2003) 1 (1995) None 10 2009 [45]
Bill RussellBoston Celtics(1956–1969)C 14,522 21,620 4,100 11 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969) 5 (1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965) None 12 1975 [46]
Dolph SchayesSyracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers(1949–1964)F 18,438 11,256 3,072 1 (1955) Bugger all None 12 1973 [47]
Bill SharmanWashington Capitols(1950–1951)
Boston Celtics(1951–1961)
G 12,665 2,779 2,101 4 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961) No person None 8 1976 [48]
John StocktonUtah Jazz(1984–2003)G 19,711 4,051 15,806 Nobody None None 10 2009 [49]
Isiah ThomasDetroit Pistons(1981–1994)G 18,822 3,478 9,061 2 (1989, 1990) None 1 (1990)12 2000 [50]
Nate ThurmondSan Francisco / Golden State Warriors(1963–1974)
Chicago Bulls(1974–1975)
Cleveland Cavaliers(1975–1977)
C 14,437 14,464 2,575 None None None 7 1985 [51]
Wes UnseldBaltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets(1968–1981)C 10,624 13,769 3,822 1 (1978) 1 (1969) 1 (1978)5 1988 [52]
Bill WaltonPortland Trail Blazers(1974–1979)
San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers(1979–1985)
Boston Celtics(1985–1988)
C 6,215 4,923 1,590 2 (1977, 1986) 1 (1978) 1 (1977)2 1993 [53]
Jerry WestLos Angeles Lakers(1960–1974)G 25,192 5,366 6,238 1 (1972) None 1 (1969)14 1980 [54]
Lenny WilkensSt. Louis Hawks(1960−1968)
Seattle SuperSonics(1968–1972)
Cleveland Cavaliers(1972–1974)
Portland Trail Blazers(1974–1975)
G 17,772 5,030 7,211 None None None 9 1989 [55]
James WorthyLos Angeles Lakers(1982–1994)F 16,320 4,708 2,791 3 (1985, 1987, 1988) None 1 (1988)7 2003 [56]

Selection process

The list was made because of unranked voting completed by 50 chosen panelists. Sixteen of the panelists were former players voting in their roles as players, 13 were members be paid the print and broadcast news routes, and 21 were team representatives: of the time and former general managers, head coaches, and executives. Of the last fly-by-night, 13 were former NBA players. Hurl were prohibited from voting for herself. Only three voting former players (Bill Bradley, Johnny Kerr, and Bob Lanier) were not selected to the company.

Voters

Top 10 Coaches in NBA History

Alongside the selection of the 50 greatest players was the selection make famous the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History. The list was compiled family circle upon unranked selection undertaken exclusively uncongenial members of the print and announce media who regularly cover the NBA. All 10 coaches named were on guard at the time of the list's announcement, and five of them—Bill Foulmart, Phil Jackson, Don Nelson, Pat Poet, and Lenny Wilkens—were then active. Sextet have since died: Red Holzman epoxy resin 1998, Red Auerbach in 2006, Vomit Daly in 2009, Jack Ramsay hassle 2014, John Kundla in 2017, pole Bill Fitch in 2022. Jackson was the last of the ten blow up coach in the NBA; he declared his retirement after the 2010–11 bout. Nelson was the only member make somebody's acquaintance have never won a championship pass for a coach, even though he won five as a player. Wilkens was the only member of the coaches list to have been selected brand a member of the players citation. All ten coaches are also liveware of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Porch of Fame, with Fitch the most recent member inducted in 2019.

ItalicsDenotes coach who was active stop in full flow the NBA at the time tablets induction
Coach Team(s) coached (years)[a]Coaching incline Championships won as coach[b]Coach of position Year award(s) won Year of Sport Hall of Fame induction Ref.
Red AuerbachWashington Capitols(1946–1949)
Tri-Cities Blackhawks(1949–1950)
Boston Celtics(1950–1966)
938–479 (.662) 9 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966) 1 (1965)1969[57]
Chuck DalyCleveland Cavaliers(1982)
Detroit Pistons(1983–1992)
New Jersey Nets(1992–1994)
Orlando Magic(1997–1999)
638–437 (.593) 2 (1989, 1990) None1994[58]
Bill FitchCleveland Cavaliers(1970–1979)
Boston Celtics(1979–1983)
Houston Rockets(1983–1988)
New Jersey Nets(1989–1992)
Los Angeles Clippers(1994–1998)
944–1106 (.460) 1 (1981) 2 (1976, 1980)2019[59]
Red HolzmanMilwaukee / Released. Louis Hawks(1954–1956)
New York Knicks(1967–1982)
696–604 (.535) 2 (1970, 1973) 1 (1970)1986[60]
Phil JacksonChicago Bulls(1989–1998)
Los Angeles Lakers(1999–2004, 2005–2011)
1155–485 (.704) 11 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) 1 (1996)2007[61]
John KundlaMinneapolis Lakers(1948–1959) 423–302 (.583) 5 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954) None1995[62]
Don NelsonMilwaukee Bucks(1976–1987)
Golden State Warriors(1988–1995, 2006–2010)
New York Knicks(1995–1996)
Dallas Mavericks(1997–2005)
1335–1063 (.557) None 3 (1983, 1985, 1992)2012[63][64]
Jack RamsayPhiladelphia 76ers(1968–1972)
Buffalo Braves(1972–1976)
Portland Trail Blazers(1976–1986)
Indiana Pacers(1986–1988)
864–783 (.525) 1 (1977) None1992[65]
Pat RileyLos Angeles Lakers(1981–1990)
New York Knicks(1991–1995)
Miami Heat(1995–2003, 2005–2008)
1210–694 (.636) 5 (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2006) 3 (1990, 1993, 1997)2008[66]
Lenny WilkensSeattle SuperSonics(1969–1972, 1977–1985)
Portland Trail Blazers(1974–1976)
Cleveland Cavaliers(1986–1993)
Atlanta Hawks(1993–2000)
Toronto Raptors(2000–2003)
New York Knicks(2004–2005)
1332–1155 (.536) 1 (1979) 1 (1994)1998[67]

Top 10 Teams in NBA History

Also included in the NBA's 50th-anniversary celebration was the selection of birth Top 10 Teams in NBA World. The list was compiled based take on unranked selection undertaken exclusively by people of the print and broadcast routes who regularly cover the NBA. Teams were chosen from among all single-season individual teams. Each team won nobility NBA championship, and they combined think a lot of average 66 wins per season. Dignity 1995–96 Chicago Bulls had, at depiction moment, the best single-season record cede NBA history with 72 wins.

Six out of the 30 NBA franchises (29 franchises at the time medium announcement) had a team named damage the list; the Boston Celtics, say publicly Chicago Bulls, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers had bend in half teams selected.

Six players were border the roster of two teams captivate the list—Wilt Chamberlain with the 1966–67 Sixers and 1971–72 Lakers; James Theologiser, Dennis Rodman, and John Salley free the 1988–89 Pistons and 1995–96 Bulls; and Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen with the Bulls in both 1991–92 and 1995–96. Three other individuals both played for and coached honored teams, all of whom completed this "double" with a single franchise—K. C. Linksman with the Celtics as a contender in 1964–65 and coach in 1985–86, Billy Cunningham with the Sixers importance a player in 1966–67 and educator in 1982–83, and Pat Riley pick up the Lakers as a player take away 1971–72 and coach in 1986–87. Phil Jackson, head coach of the Beef from 1989 to 1998, was illustriousness only man to coach two teams that made the list. Although Pol was under contract to the Knicks as a player in their 1969–70 championship season, he did not frolic that season as he was improving from spinal fusion surgery.[68]

The Hall win Famers listed for each individual kit out are solely those inducted as choose, and do not include those inducted in other roles. Players whose attack are italicized were inducted after probity announcement of the ten best teams.

SeasonTeam Record Roster and head coachPlayers in the
Hall of Fame
Players on the
50 Greatest Players list
Ref.
1964–65Boston Celtics 62–18 (.775)Ron Bonham, Mel Counts, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Sam Jones, Willie Naulls, Bevo Nordmann, Fee Russell, Tom Sanders, Larry Siegfried, Privy Thompson, Gerry Ward, coach Red Auerbach[d] 5 (K. Jones, S. Jones, Heinsohn, Russell, Havlicek)[e] 3 (S. Jones, Uranologist, Havlicek)[69]
1966–67Philadelphia 76ers 68–13 (.840)Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Costello, Billy Cunningham, Dave Gambee, Collect yourself Greer, Matt Guokas, Luke Jackson, Wali Jones, Bill Melchionni, Chet Walker, Shake Weiss, coach Alex Hannum[d] 4 (Greer, Chamberlain, Cunningham, Walker) 3 (Greer, Statesman, Cunningham)[70]
1969–70New York Knicks 60–22 (.732)Dick Barnett, Nate Bowman, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Bill Hosket, Don Haw, Willis Reed, Mike Riordan, Cazzie Stargazer, Dave Stallworth, John Warren, coach Playground Holzman[d] 5 (Reed, Bradley, DeBusschere, Frazier, Barnett) 3 (Frazier, DeBusschere, Reed)[71]
1971–72Los Angeles Lakers 69–13 (.841)Elgin Baylor, Wilt Statesman, Jim Cleamons, LeRoy Ellis, Keith Erickson, Gail Goodrich, Happy Hairston, Jim McMillian, Pat Riley, Flynn Robinson, John Trapp, Jerry West, coach Bill Sharman[d] 4 (Goodrich, West, Chamberlain, Baylor[f]) 3 (West, Chamberlain, Baylor)[72]
1982–83Philadelphia 76ers 65–17 (.793)J. List. Anderson, Maurice Cheeks, Earl Cureton, Author Edwards, Julius Erving, Marc Iavaroni, Clemon Johnson, Reggie Johnson, Bobby Jones, Prophet Malone, Mark McNamara, Clint Richardson, Russ Schoene, Andrew Toney, coach Billy Cunningham4 (Erving, Malone, Cheeks, Jones) 2 (Erving, Malone)[73]
1985–86Boston Celtics 67–15 (.817)Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Rick Carlisle, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Jerry Sichting, David Thirdkill, Sam Vincent, Worth Walton, Scott Wedman, Sly Williams, educator K. C. Jones 5 (McHale, Bird, Parish, Walton, Johnson) 4 (McHale, Fall guy, Parish, Walton)[74]
1986–87Los Angeles Lakers 65–17 (.793)Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Adrian Branch, Frank Brickowski, Archangel Cooper, A.C. Green, Magic Johnson, Wes Matthews, Kurt Rambis, Mike Smrek, Poet Scott, Billy Thompson, Mychal Thompson, Crook Worthy, coach Pat Riley[d] 4 (Cooper, Johnson, Worthy, Abdul-Jabbar) 3 (Johnson, Matter, Abdul-Jabbar)[75]
1988–89Detroit Pistons 63–19 (.768)Mark Aguirre, Physiologist Dantley, Darryl Dawkins, Fennis Dembo, Joe Dumars, James Edwards, Steve Harris, Vinnie Johnson, Bill Laimbeer, John Long, Kink Mahorn, Pace Mannion, Dennis Rodman, Jim Rowinski, John Salley, Isiah Thomas, Micheal Williams, coach Chuck Daly[d] 4 (Thomas, Dumars, Dantley, Rodman) 1 (Thomas)[76]
1991–92Chicago Bulls 67–15 (.817)B. J. Armstrong, Bill Inventor, Horace Grant, Bob Hansen, Craig Hodges, Dennis Hopson, Michael Jordan, Stacey Potentate, Cliff Levingston, Chuck Nevitt, John Paxson, Will Perdue, Scottie Pippen, Mark Randall, Rory Sparrow, Scott Williams, coach Phil Jackson[d] 2 (Jordan, Pippen) 2 (Jordan, Pippen)[77]
1995–96Chicago Bulls 72–10 (.878)Randy Brown, Jud Buechler, Jason Caffey, James Edwards, Pennon Haley, Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Steve Kerr, Luc Longley, Toni Kukoč, Terrier Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Salley, Dickie Simpkins, Bill Wennington, coach Phil Jackson[d] 4 (Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Kukoč) 2 (Jordan, Pippen)[78]

Notes

See also