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Top NBA Players Who Define an Era of Basketball
When you think of basketball, the NBA is likely the first thing that comes to mind. As the premier basketball league, it’s a global icon despite being based in the USA and Canada. Founded in 1949, it has been home to hundreds of basketball players over its nearly 80-year history, but some of them are more famous, successful, and talented than others — some might even be said to have defined entire eras in basketball. Here, we’ll share a list of legends who earned their status and highlight their most remarkable achievements.
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LeBron James
LeBron was born in 1984 in Akron, Ohio. In the 2003 NBA Draft, he was selected first pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played for three teams (Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers) during his career and had numerous successful seasons in his career.
- He won a total of four NBA championships.
- LeBron became one of the most awarded players in basketball history, being named an All-Star 20 times and winning the regular season MVP title four times.
- In 2023, he broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record by becoming the highest scorer in the history of the NBA.
His style of play is characterised by being both a scorer and a passer, showing a versatility that makes him effective at every position. His trade to the Miami Heat was one of the most controversial moments of his career. LeBron’s leadership spirit and contributions to basketball have made him a player and a cultural icon.
Kobe Bryant
Bryant is a legendary basketball player known as ‘Black Mamba’. Born in 1978 in Philadelphia, he went straight from high school to the NBA and was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996. However, he was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and spent his entire career with the Lakers.
- Kobe won five NBA championships and two Finals MVPs.
- In the 2007-2008 season, Bryant was named regular season MVP and became one of the best players in the league’s history, with 18 All-Star selections.
- One of his most notable achievements is the 81 points he scored against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. This performance is recorded as the second-highest point total in NBA history.
Kobe’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ philosophy became a source of inspiration for young basketball players. Unfortunately, he died in a helicopter crash in 2020. However, Bryant’s legacy lives on in the basketball world.
Michael Jordan
Discussing the most influential players in NBA history is impossible without mentioning Michael Jordan. Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan was born in 1963 in Brooklyn, New York. His journey to greatness began when he was selected as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft.
- During his career, he won six NBA championships and six Finals MVPs. He became one of the most iconic figures in the league (and basketball).
- With his ‘Air Jordan’ brand, he also revolutionised the world of sportswear and increased the popularity of basketball. He became a global icon in his own right.
- Selected 14 times as an All-Star, Jordan won the league’s top scorer title 10 times.
Thanks to his exceptional shooting accuracy, defensive prowess, and relentless competitive spirit, Jordan became a basketball legend. His career reached its peak with two historic three-peats: winning three consecutive championships with the Chicago Bulls from 1991 to 1993 and again from 1996 to 1998. These achievements solidified his status as an icon in the sport. After retiring from the NBA, he explored other professional sports, showcasing his versatility and passion for competition beyond basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Abdul-Jabbar is the highest scorer in NBA history and one of the basketball legends. He was born in 1947 in New York City. After completing his college career at UCLA, he was drafted first pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969. He was later transferred to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- He won six NBA championships and six times regular season MVP.
- Abdul-Jabbar’s signature move, the ‘skyhook’, was an almost impossible shot for the defence to stop.
- Kareem scored 38,387 points in his basketball career, and he was a 19-time All-Star, proving to be one of the league’s most influential pivots.
Known for his social activism as well as his professional career, Abdul-Jabbar made an impact beyond basketball, becoming a cultural icon. In his retirement, he coached many basketball teams and starred in some Hollywood films. If you don’t recognise him, Abdul-Jabbar is the black man who fought Bruce Lee in the movie ‘Game of Death’.
Bill Russell
Bill Russell is celebrated as the most successful player in NBA history, boasting an unparalleled 11 championships. Born in 1934 in Louisiana, he began his basketball journey at the University of San Francisco, where he showcased his exceptional skills. In 1956, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics, marking the start of a legendary career that would redefine the game and its standards for success.
- Russell’s leadership and defensive skills led the Celtics to great success. During this period, he won the MVP award five times.
- He also made history as the first African American head coach in NBA history and became an essential figure in the sports world.
- His #6 jersey is retired league wide in 2022 – he became the only NBA player to receive this honour.
Russell’s play style was based on defence and was noted for his excellent rebounding and blocks. Actively involved in the struggle for social justice throughout his life, Russell’s legacy has been influential in basketball and social change.
Larry Bird
Bird’s name is synonymous with the Boston Celtics. Born in 1956 in Indiana, he started his basketball career at Indiana State University, where he made it to the 1979 NCAA finals. In 1979, the Celtics drafted him.
- Bird won three NBA championships during his career (1981, 1984, 1986) and was named regular season MVP three times.
- A 12-time All-Star, Bird also succeeded internationally, winning the gold medal with the ‘Dream Team’ at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
- Following his retirement in 1992, he served as an assistant coach with the Celtics and later became the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, winning the Coach of the Year Award.
Bird was mainly known for his success at the last-second shots and his excellent shooting ability, hence his nickname ‘The Great White Hope’. In addition to basketball, Bird became recognised worldwide for his leadership qualities.