Shoot-wait-pass-take a layup-rebound-rebound!! Oh yes! And that is a basket. Just the screams from the crowd are enough to make blood gush down anyone’s veins and when we are talking about basketball- there is no limit to anticipation and the adrenaline rich blood. Every move of the guys in jerseys is watched upon with people shouting to pass or shoot. Some cursing while some cheering but as we say it, its all a part of the game. But as any American would know it, it’s not just a game. NBA or National Basketball Association is to America what cricket is to India and what Football is to Brazil and to rest of the world. The fast paced game has been winning hearts of millions of people with more and more people getting involved in the game such as street style and more. The game requires both stamina and speed and yes timing. Hence no wonder people even forget to blink when the game is in progression. The game has given us many stars and the top 10 among them are:
1. Michael Jordan
No prize for guessing! The man is a legend and there can be none at par with him. He has played for Chicago Bulls and then Washington Wizards till 2003. The legend needs no introductions and descriptions and is physically and mentally the greatest player ever. He is ubiquitously known in NBA history. He has earned himself nicknames such as “Air Jordan” for his unique ability of performing slam dunks from free throws lines. He also has the reputation of being the best defensive player in his matches. He is also a known face in the endorsement world. In fact he’s noted for fuelling the popularity of Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers. Some of his career accomplishments are-
– Included in basketball hall of fame (obviously)
– A part of NBA championship teams (3 times)
– NBA Finals MVP six times
– Part of an All Rookie Team
In short, there can never be another MJ.
2. Magic Johnson
He is one of the best passers in NBA history along with versatility and skill accompanied with a childish enthusiasm and excitement. During the time he played with Los Angeles Lakers, the team was known to be at its peak. Even though he played as point guard, he knew how to keep everyone involved and manage his team. Some of his career accomplishments include-
– Included in Basketball hall of Fame
– Part of 5 time NBA championship team
– Part of All Rookie team
– NBA MVP thrice
3. Bill Russell
He is known for his passion for winning and a strong determination for defence. He is also known to be the best team player- a player who brought out the best in everyone around him. He has been a part of Boston Celtics throughout his entire career from 1956 to 1969. He is a twelve time All star and 5 time MVP. During his 13 year long career with Boston Celtics, he has won 11 NBA championships. Some of his career accomplishments are-
– Included in Basketball hall of fame
– Stands 2nd in NBA rebounds history
– Member of NBA championship teams- 11 times
– Part of all defensive team-once
4. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
He has been a part of NBA for 20 and yet known more for his durability than longevity. Currently a retired basketball player, he has been NBA’s all time leading scorer. In his career span of 1969 to 1989 he has won 6 NBA championships while playing for Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. In 2012, he was selected a Cultural Ambassador by US. His career accomplishments include;
– Inclusion in Basketball Hall of Fame
– First place in all time points in NBA
– Member of NBA All Rookie team
– Part of 6 time NBA championship team
5. Larry Bird
He is an American NBA player and a coach and team president. Throughout his entire career he played for Boston Celtics and has also won three NBA Championships. He was also a member of “Dream Team” that won a gold medal at Summer Olympics in 1992. He is known to be a fierce competitor and an equally fierce determination to earn a point on the court. Due to his chronic back problems he retired in 1992 as a player. Some of his career accomplishments include.
– Included in Basketball Hall of Fame
– NBA Rookie of the year
– A member of 3 time NBA championship teams
– NBA MVP – 3 times
6. Wilt Chamberlain
He is still known to be one of the greatest and most dominant players in NBA history. Chamberlain has played for Philadelphia/ San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers in his career spanning from 1959 to 1973. He has various records on his name in scoring and rebounding categories. He is also the only player to score 100 points in a single game. He has also won 2 NBA championships and Rookie of the year Award. Some of his accomplishments include-
– NBA finals MVP once and NBA MVP twice
– Included in Basketball Hall of Fame
– Two NBA championships team member
7. Shaquille O’Neal
He is currently the analyst on TV program Inside the NBA. he is also one of the heaviest basketball players in NBA who stands 7 ft 1. And his size and height have gained him advantages in his entire career in the NBA. He would have been at a higher slot on the list only if he had left his ego at the door and focused upon his free throws. He has also won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. He has been associated with various clubs such as Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. The only place he lacked was his drive or else. He definitely would have made it big. Some of his accomplishments include-
– NBA All Star- 15 times
– A Member of 4 NBA championships
8. Kobe Bryant
Even his haters love him! “Black Mamba” or our favorite professional basketball player comes 8th on the list. Brumbygg describes him the as someone closest to Jordan in terms f skills and games. He has been playing for Los Angeles Lakers ever since he entered NBA i.e. from high school. During his school days, he was recognized as the top high school basketball player in USA. Since then, he has won 5 NBA Championships and has been a 12 time member of All Defensive team. His critics advice people to forget that they hate him; just watch and enjoy the game. He’s a winner in all domains. Some of his career accomplishments include:
– Part of NBA All Rookie Team
– One time NBA MVP and two time NBA Finals MVP
9. Tim Duncan
This American basketball player currently plays for San Antonio Spurs in NBA. Jeff Fox further says that in future if robots ever play basketball. They’ll all be programmed to ape his moves. Standing 6 feet and 10 inches tall he is known for being an excellent point guard. He is said to combine the ability to pass the ball with brute force which makes him one of the best players in the league. Some of his accomplishments are-
-he has been a member of 4 NBA championships
– 2 time NBA MVP and three times in finals MVP
– 13 time NBA all star as well as All- NBA selection
– NBA Rookie of the year and part of All Rookie team
10. Oscar Robertson
“The Big O” or the original Magic Johnson aka Oscar Robertson gains 10th position in the list f Top 10 Basketball players. This NBA player has been playing for Cincinnati royals and Milwaukee Bucks from 1960 to 1974. His numbers are said to precede him and his triple double season is still legendary. He is known to be one of the best distributors and passers in league history. Some of his career accomplishments include-
-He has been NBA Rookie of the year
– 12 time NBA all star
-Included in NBA hall of fame
– Has been NBA MVP once
Apart from them he has been third in free throws made and sixth in all time free throws ever attempted in NBA history.
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