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Tim Duncan and the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History

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Tim Duncan and the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History

NBA 50 Greatest Players
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At the 1997 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, the league announced the 50th Anniversary Team in which the league named their top 50 players in NBA history. As time has elapsed, however, some of the game's modern-era players have staked a claim as one of the top 50 of all-time. After Tim Duncan's fifth championship victory this past week, where does he and some of today's superstars rank among the top 50 players in NBA history?

50. Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman Bulls
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50. Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman Bulls
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Perhaps the biggest overachiever in NBA history, Dennis Rodman became one of the league's best defenders ever and one of its most colorful characters. He was a key cog for both the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" and Michael Jordan's Bulls, winning two championships with Detroit and three in Chicago. Rodman was a seven-time rebounding champion and a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year at just 6-foot-7, and was a two-time All-Star selection.

49. Willis Reed

Willis Reed Knicks
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49. Willis Reed

Willis Reed Knicks
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Willis Reed had one of the most dramatic entrances to any game in NBA history and his presence helped lift the Knicks to their first two NBA championships. Reed ranks as one of only a handful of players to win all three MVP awards in a single season, which he accomplished in 1970. Despite only playing in just 650 career games (roughly six full 82-game seasons), he was a two-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a seven-time All-Star.

48. Nate Archibald

Nate Archibald Kings
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48. Nate Archibald

Nate Archibald Kings
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Nate Archibald was one of the more underappreciated point guards in NBA history. After playing most of his career on losing teams with the Kings, Archibald helped the Boston Celtics post the best record in the East from 1979-82. He finally became a champion in 1981, which was the first of Boston's three titles in the decade. Archibald was a six-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA First Team selection.

47. Wes Unseld

Wes Unseld Bullets
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47. Wes Unseld

Wes Unseld Bullets
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At just 6-foot-7, Unseld became one of the best centers in NBA history and possibly the greatest Washington Bullet/Wizard of all time. Known for his rebounding, bone-jarring picks and ability to ignite a fast break as an great outlet passer, Unseld made up for his lack of size with brute strength and determination. He took the Bullets' franchise to four NBA Finals and won in 1978 where he was the Finals MVP. Unseld was also a five-time All-Star.

46. Robert Parish

Robert Parish Celtics
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46. Robert Parish

Robert Parish Celtics
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Teamed with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale in Boston, Robert Parish solidified the greatest frontcourt in NBA history. Parish was more than a member of Boston's "Big 3" as he became the NBA’s all-time leader in games played at 1,611. In fact, it was Parish who lasted the longest with the Celtics with 14 seasons in Boston. In his career, Parish was a four-time NBA champion and a nine-time All-Star.

45. Elvin Hayes

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45. Elvin Hayes

Elvin Hayes Rockets
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Elvin Hayes is a player that many modern fans seem to forget about. While most will remember his college days with Houston, Hayes was an incredible NBA player. Amazingly durable, he never played in fewer than 80 games in each of his 16 seasons. Teamed with Wes Unseld, Hayes and the Bullets reached three NBA Finals in the 70s, winning one in 1978. Hayes made 12 All-Star games as a member of the Rockets and Bullets.

44. Dennis Johnson

Dennis Johnson Celtics
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44. Dennis Johnson

Dennis Johnson Celtics
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Dennis Johnson is one of the game's greatest point guards of all-time, but his accomplishments have been forgotten. Before starring with the Boston Celtics, Johnson helped Seattle win their only NBA championship in 1979 and was the Finals MVP. In Boston. Johnson was a valuable player, helping the Celtics win two championships and making the Finals four times. D.J. was a five-time All-Star and a six-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection.

43. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson 76ers
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43. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson 76ers
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Allen Iverson is perhaps the greatest scorer among players who are 6-foot or under ever. Iverson used his speed and skill to score around bigger and taller players throughout his career. With not much of a supporting cast around him, Iverson took a beating trying to carry the 76ers by himself. He carried the team in 2001 as the NBA MVP and led the 76ers to the NBA Finals. Iverson was an 11-time All-Star and a four-time NBA scoring champion.

42. Earl Monroe

Earl Monroe Knicks
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42. Earl Monroe

Earl Monroe Knicks
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Earl "The Pearl" Monroe had a great beginning to his career and maintained that throughout his career. He joined the Bullets in 1967 and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Monroe eventually helped the Bullets reach the NBA Finals in 1971 before joining the Knicks in 1972. In his first full season with the Knicks, they won their second and last NBA championship. Monroe was a four-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1969.

41. Rick Barry

Rick Barry Warriors
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41. Rick Barry

Rick Barry Warriors
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Rick Barry had one of the best careers for a small forward in NBA history. He remains as the only player to lead the NCAA, ABA and NBA in scoring for a single season. While his offensive game gets all the attention, Barry was an effective defender, leading the league in steals in the 1974-75 season. He was named Finals MVP after upsetting the Washington Bullets in 1975. Barry was an eight-time NBA All-Star, and was an ABA champion in 1969.

40. Walt Frazier

Walt Frazier Knicks
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40. Walt Frazier

Walt Frazier Knicks
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Walt “Clyde” Frazier is one of the few point guards in NBA history that could control the game on both ends of the floor. It was Frazier who led the New York Knicks to the team's only two championships. In Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, Frazier should have been the MVP after having 36 points and 19 assists. He also helped the Knicks win in 1973. Frazier was a seven-time All-Star and a four-time All-NBA First Team selection.

39. James Worthy

James Worthy Lakers
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39. James Worthy

James Worthy Lakers
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James Worthy is one of the NBA's most underrated players of all time. While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson got all the attention with the Lakers, Worthy was a key piece to the Lakers' success. He earned the nickname “Big Game James” by performing well in playoff games, averaging 21.1 points per game and shooting a .544 field-goal percentage. Worthy was the 1988 NBA Finals MVP, a three-time champion and a seven-time All-Star.

38. Kevin Durant

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38. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant Thunder
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Kevin Durant has already established himself as one of the best offensive players in NBA history, and at just 25, he can climb way up this list when all is said and done. After Seattle relocated to Oklahoma City after his rookie season, Durant has helped establish the Oklahoma City Thunder as one of the top teams in the NBA. In his seven seasons, Durant has been a four-time NBA scoring champion and a five-time All-Star selection.

37. Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins Hawks
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37. Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins Hawks
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Dominique Wilkins was not just a dunking machine, he was one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Wilkins (aka “The Human Highlight Film”) put together 10-consecutive seasons averaging at least 25.9 PPG. Known for his high-flying act and windmill dunks, Wilkins was a two-time Slam Dunk champion. During his career, Wilkins was a one-time All-NBA First Team selection, a four-time All-NBA Second Team selection and a nine-time All-Star.

36. Clyde Drexler

Clyde Drexler Trail Blazers
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36. Clyde Drexler

Clyde Drexler Trail Blazers
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Regarded by many as the greatest player in Portland Trail Blazers’ history, Clyde Drexler was one of the best all-around shooting guards in NBA history. While being a proficient scorer and dunker, Drexler was an excellent defender. He helped Portland make two NBA Finals appearances, and after being traded to Houston, he won a title in 1995 alongside Hakeem Olajuwon. Drexler was a 10-time All-Star and is Portland's all-time leading scorer.

35. Gary Payton

Gary Payton SuperSonics
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35. Gary Payton

Gary Payton SuperSonics
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Nicknamed "The Glove," Gary Payton was simply one of the best point guards of all time. Payton was best known for his defense, being the only guard since Michael Jordan to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, which he did in 1996. Along with Jordan, he has the most selections on the All-Defensive First Team with nine. During his career, Payton made three NBA Finals appearances with three different teams. He won a title with Miami in 2006.

34. Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing Knicks
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34. Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing Knicks
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Patrick Ewing was the prize of the highly controversial 1985 NBA draft lottery and had a legendary career with the New York Knicks. He was a premier defender in the middle while possessing one of the best mid-range jumpers of any big man in league history. Ewing was able to get the Knicks to two Finals appearances in the 90s. He was an 11-time All-Star, a six-time All-NBA Second Team selection and the 1986 NBA Rookie of the Year.

33. John Havlicek

John Havlicek Celtics
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33. John Havlicek

John Havlieck Celtics
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During his career, John Havlicek revolutionized the role of the NBA’s sixth man. Known for his hustle, Havlicek (or “Hondo”) helped energize the great Boston Celtics teams of the 60s and 70s. He was an all-around player who was effective on both the offensive and defensive sides of the floor. During his career, Havlicek was an eight-time champion, a 13-time All-Star and a four-time All-NBA First Team selection.

32. David Robinson

David Robinson Spurs
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32. David Robinson

David Robinson Spurs
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David Robinson is widely regarded as one of the best centers in NBA history and proved to be a winner while dominating both ends of the floor. Over the first five years of his career, Robinson won a rebounding, blocks and scoring title while earning the Defensive Player of the Year award in just his third season. Some of Robinson's accomplishments include a 71-point game, two NBA championships and 10 All-Star Game appearances.

31. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki Mavericks
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31. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki Mavericks
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Dirk Nowitzki is the best shooting big man of all time. Never before has the NBA seen a seven-footer able who can make threes with tremendous ease. Nowitzki has had a memorable career, breaking many Dallas Mavericks records while becoming the first European player to win the NBA MVP award and score 20,000 points. Nowitzki has been to two NBA Finals, winning his first in 2011. He is a 12-time All-Star and a four-time All-NBA First Team selection.

30. George Gervin

George Gervin Spurs
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30. George Gervin

George Gervin Spurs
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George Gervin turned a successful ABA career into a dominant one in the NBA. Known as “The Iceman,” Gervin was known for his finger-roll shot, which is one of the greatest shots in NBA history. In the fast-paced nature of the ABA, Gervin was a scoring machine. He was a four-time scoring champion, including three straight from 1978-80. In addition, Gervin was a 12-time All-Star in the NBA and ABA and made the All-NBA First Team five times.

29. Steve Nash

Steve Nash Suns
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29. Steve Nash

Steve Nash Suns
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Steve Nash is simply one of the best of all time at playmaking, passing and shooting at the point guard position. He is currently ranked third in career assists with 10,335. In five seasons, Nash has hit the 50-40-90 club. Nash's leadership helped both the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns make deep postseason runs. Nash is a two-time NBA MVP, a three-time All-NBA First team selection, and an eight-time All-Star.

28. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd Mavericks
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28. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd Mavericks
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Jason Kidd is one of the most complete guards in the history of the game. As one of the best rebounding point guards in history, his versatility has led to a career total of 105 triple-doubles, which is third-most in NBA history. Kidd has also helped four different teams make the postseason, winning his only title in 2011 with Dallas. He is a 10-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Team selection and a five-time NBA assists leader.

27. Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale Celtics
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27. Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale Celtics
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Kevin McHale was one of the best power forwards of all time and nearly unstoppable in the low post. McHale led the league in field-goal percentage twice in 1987 and 1988. In 1987, he became the first player in NBA history to shoot over 60 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line in the same season. McHale was a three-time champion, a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection and a seven-time All-Star.

26. Moses Malone

Moses Malone 76ers
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26. Moses Malone

Moses Malone 76ers
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Moses Malone was the first prep player to make the jump to the NBA and led the way for more in the future. He became one of the best centers of all time, and was the first player to lead the NBA in rebounding for five-consecutive years. Malone took both the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals, winning a title with the 76ers in 1983. Malone was a three-time NBA MVP, a one-time Finals MVP and a 12-time All-Star.

25. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley Suns
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25. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley Suns
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Pound-for-pound and inch-for-inch, Charles Barkley may be the most dominant power forward in NBA history. Listed at 6-foot-6, Barkley found a way to lead the league in rebounding in 1987 and led the NBA in offensive rebounds for three-consecutive years. Barkley helped take three different teams to the playoffs, and led the Suns to the Finals in 1993. He was a 10-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Team selection and was the 1993 NBA MVP.

24. Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen Bulls
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24. Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen Bulls
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Scottie Pippen may not have been the most talented Bulls player in the 90s, but he was the most valuable. Pippen revolutionized the role of point-forward and was one of the greatest all-around players in NBA history. Pippen usually guarded the opposing teams' best perimeter players. He also led Chicago to 55 wins when Jordan retired the first time. Pippen was a seven-time All-Star and an eight-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection.

23. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett Celtics
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23. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett Celtics
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Kevin Garnett changed the game when he entered the NBA. Jumping straight out of high school, he paved the way for other prep players who made the jump to the NBA. Garnett is currently tied with the most selections to the All-Defensive First Team with nine. After starting in Minnesota and unable to find considerable playoff success, Garnett helped the Celtics win a title in 2008 and reach the Finals in 2010. Garnett is a 15-time All-Star.

22. Elgin Baylor

Elgin Baylor Lakers
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22. Elgin Baylor

Elgin Baylor Lakers
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Elgin Baylor was one of the NBA's first superstars and one of its more creative players too. While being a dominant shooter and rebounder, Baylor became known for his athleticism in the air. Baylor dominated the NBA for over a decade. His 61 points in Game 5 of the 1962 NBA Finals is still a record for most points scored in a finals game. Baylor was an 11-time All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection and the 1959 NBA Rookie of the Year.

21. Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy Celtics
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21. Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy Celtics
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Bob Cousy was the first great point guard in NBA history. Throughout his illustrious career, the “Houdini of the Hardwood” was a spectacular showman whose passing skills were never seen before. Cousy led the NBA in assists for eight-straight seasons from 1953-60, was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection and 13-time All-Star.

20. John Stockton

John Stockton Jazz
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20. John Stockton

John Stockton Jazz
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When it comes to pure point guards, John Stockton may be the best in NBA history. He leads all players in total assists and steals by a considerable margin and was the consummate pass-first point guard. Stockton led the league in assists for nine-consecutive seasons, including setting the record for most assists in a season in 1991. Stockton was a 10-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA First Team selection and a two-time NBA steals leader.

19. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade Heat
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19. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade Heat
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Dwyane Wade has already built himself quite the legacy with the Miami Heat. He has proven to be one of the premier scorers and clutch players in league history. Wade spearheaded Miami's first NBA title in 2006 by averaging 34.7 PPG against the Dallas Mavericks. It was Wade who convinced LeBron James and Chris Bosh to form the "Big 3" in 2011. Wade has appeared in five NBA Finals, winning three. He has also been a 10-time All-Star.

18. George Mikan

George Mikan Lakers
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18. George Mikan

George Mikan Lakers
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George Mikan was the NBA’s first great big man, towering above all others during his era. Mikan was so dominant that numerous rules were changed by the NBA to slow him down, such as establishing goaltending from the rim and widening the foul lane. His popularity helped the fledgling young league survive, leading to the NBA that we have today. Mikan was a four-time All-Star, a five-time champion and a six-time First Team All-NBA selection.

17. Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas Pistons
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17. Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas Pistons
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Isiah Thomas was the leader of the toughest team in NBA history in the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" and was perhaps the greatest 6-foot or under player of all time. Thomas, or "Zeke," helped the Pistons reach the NBA Finals in three-consecutive years with back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990. Thomas was the Finals MVP in 1990, made the All-Star game 12 times and was a three-time All-NBA First Team selection.

16. Pete Maravich

Pete Maravich Hawks
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16. Pete Maravich

Pete Maravich Hawks
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“Pistol Pete” Maravich was a player who was well ahead of his time. He possessed creativity that led to awe-inspiring skills worthy of the Harlem Globetrotters. While Maravich played for very few good teams during his career, he helped make the league more popular during the 1970s, as fans would packed the arenas to watch him play. Maravich was a five-time All-Star, a two-time First Team All-NBA selection and the 1977 NBA scoring champion.

15. Karl Malone

Karl Malone Jazz
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15. Karl Malone

Karl Malone Jazz
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Karl Malone ranks as the greatest player in NBA history to never win an NBA Championship. He teamed with John Stockton to form one of the best duos in league history. Malone's team made three NBA Finals appearances, but lost all three, two with Utah and one with the Lakers. Malone ranks as the second-leading scorer in NBA history. He was also a two-time NBA MVP, an 11-time First Team All-NBA selection and a 14-time All-Star.

14. Julius Erving

Julius Erving 76ers
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14. Julius Erving

Julius Erving 76ers
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Even after almost 30 years, Julius "Dr. J" Erving remains as one of the NBA's most popular players ever. With his amazing leaping ability and creative offensive game, Erving put on a show each and every time he stepped on the floor. After losing his first three NBA Finals series, Erving finally became a champ in 1983 by sweeping the Lakers. In his ABA and NBA career, Erving was a four-time NBA MVP, three-time champion and 16-time All-Star.

13. LeBron James

LeBron James Heat
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13. LeBron James

LeBron James Heat
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As perhaps the most talked about and hated player in NBA history, LeBron James continues to prove his critics wrong. James is the best player in the game today and has helped both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals, winning two with Miami. In Cleveland, James took arguably the worst supporting cast of any superstar to the Finals. He is a two-time Finals MVP, four-time NBA MVP and 10-time All-Star.

12. Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon Rockets
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12. Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon Rockets
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While Hakeem Olajuwon may not be the most dominant center of all time, he may be the most talented all-around center of all time. Olajuwon remains as the only player in NBA history to average at least 200 steals and blocks in the same season, and the only player to win the NBA MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same year. Hakeem was a 12-time All-Star, two-time champion and two-time Finals MVP.

11. Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal Lakers
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11. Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal Lakers
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If not for Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal would hold the title of most dominant player ever. He proved to be nearly unstoppable in the low post, averaged at least 26 points per game for 10-consecutive years. O’Neal led the league in field-goal percentage 10 times and is still just one of only three players to earn all three MVP awards in a single season. O'Neal was a four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP and 15-time All-Star.

10. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant Lakers
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10. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant Lakers
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When it comes to NBA greats, few have accomplished more than Kobe Bryant. Kobe ranks as one of just four players with at least five championships and two Finals MVP awards. Bryant has had many standout moments throughout his career, scoring 81 points against the Raptors and becoming the only player in NBA history to outscore an entire team through three quarters (62-61). Bryant is a 16-time All-Star and an 11-time All-NBA First Team selection.

9. Tim Duncan

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9. Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan Spurs
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Tim Duncan has been one of the most consistent players in NBA history. He became the first player to make the All-NBA and All-Defensive Team in each of his first 13 seasons in the league. Besides being the focal point for all five championships in San Antonio’s history, his playoff averages exceed his regular-season stats. Duncan is a three-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time NBA MVP and 14-time All-Star selection.

8. Jerry West

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8. Jerry West

Jerry West Lakers
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Jerry West (aka “Mr. Clutch”) was one of the best all-around players in NBA history. Possessing one of the best jump shots ever, West became one of the most dominant scorers in league history. His 29.1 playoff scoring average currently ranks third all-time, and his greatness in the postseason leads to the label of Mr. Clutch. West made the Finals nine times, winning once, was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection and a 14-time All-Star.

7. Oscar Robertson

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7. Oscar Robertson

Oscar Robertson Royals
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In his NBA career, Oscar Robertson went on to accomplish things in the NBA that no player has come close to. Robertson holds the record for most triple-doubles in a career with 181 and is the last player to average a triple-double throughout an entire season, which he did in the 1961-62 season. He also led the league in assists seven times. Robertson was a 12-time All-Star, one-time champion and nine-time All-NBA First Team selection.

6. Bill Russell

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6. Bill Russell

Bill Russell Celtics
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Bill Russell is the greatest winner in NBA history and has the most titles of any player to ever play in the NBA. Although the Boston Celtics had plenty of star power during his career, it was Russell who put them over the top. With his rebounding and defensive dominance, he formed the foundation for the greatest winning dynasty in NBA history. Russell was an 11-time champion, a five-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star.

5. Larry Bird

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5. Larry Bird

Larry Bird Celtics
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Larry Bird is by far the greatest small forward in NBA history. Bird was the first player to make the 50-40-90 club, a feat which he accomplished twice. He won three championships with the Boston Celtics, was a two-time NBA Finals MVP winner, made 12 All-Star Games and was a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection. He is also the only person in NBA history to be named NBA MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year.

4. Magic Johnson

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4. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson Lakers
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Magic Johnson is unquestionably the greatest point guard in NBA history. He had a great all-around game, as evidenced by his career 138 triple-doubles, which ranks second in NBA history. Like most of the top players in NBA history, Johnson elevated his game during the postseason. Johnson's teams made nine NBA Finals appearances with five victories. He was a three-time NBA Finals MVP winner, three-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star.

3. Wilt Chamberlain

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3. Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain Lakers
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Open up any NBA record book and Wilt Chamberlain’s name will appear everywhere. As the most dominant player in NBA history, Chamberlain is the only player to score 100 points in a single game and is the only player to average over 40 and 50 points per game throughout an entire season. Of the 64 60-point games in league history, he had 32 of them. He was a two-time NBA champion, four-time NBA MVP and 13-time All-Star.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Lakers
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2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Lakers
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When it comes to the greatest center in NBA history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest. There have been a lot of players in league history, but none have scored more points in a career than Abdul-Jabbar. He also had the most unstoppable shot in league history with his patented sky hook. In his 20 seasons in the NBA, he made 19 All-Star teams, which is an NBA record. Kareem was a six-time champion, six-time NBA MVP and two-time Finals MVP.

1. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Bulls
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1. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Bulls
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Michael Jordan’s place as the greatest player in NBA history shouldn't surprise anyone. On offense, Jordan was unstoppable, as he still ranks as the NBA’s all-time leader in scoring average for both the regular season and playoffs. Jordan was clutch in the postseason, going 6-for-6 in the NBA Finals with six Finals MVP awards. Jordan was also a 14-time All-Star, five-time NBA MVP and nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection.

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