The 10 most significant players in NBA history

[WillC]

Interpret 'significant' how you like.

1 - Michael Jordan
2 - Magic Johnson
3 - Julius Erving
4 - LeBron James
5 - Wilt Chamberlain
6 - Shaquille O

[pauk]

pretty much agree with your list

[goldenboy_smith]

how are u gonnna put AI over kobe, anyway u interpret

[WillC]

how are u gonnna put AI over kobe, anyway u interpret

Let's see...

1) Represented the late-1990s thug era better than anyone.
2) Best little-man in NBA history (or one of) and, therefore, hugely popular with your 'average' fan.
3) Played with his heart on his sleeve.
4) Streetballer style made him one of the most exciting players to watch.
5) Crossed-over MJ leading to the new era of NBA basketball.
6) Led a team of scrubs to the Finals and won MVP proving that anything is possible.
7) One of the coolest players of all-time.

I dunno, just throwing it out there.

[ukplayer4]

^^^^yep, i have to say when i read the thread title iverson was the first name that came to mind as someone that wouldnt be on 10 greatest players ever list- like kobe would be/is. but would be right there, just below mj interms of influence. if you went to a park between 98 and the early/mid 2000's no one people weren't shooting fadeaways and up and unders they were practising the big extension crossover.
not nba but id also throw hotsauce in there

[JMT]

Russell...the greatest winner in the history of team sports...doesn't make the list, but LeBron James does? I'd love to hear that argument.

[Doranku]

How exactly is LeBron more significant than guys like Wilt, Bird, and Kobe?

KAJ, the master of the skyhook only an honorable mention while a guy who has two of the worst finals performances of all time in his only two appearances is number 4?

I just don't get it. The crab dribble is more significant than arguably the most undefendable shot in NBA history?

[Sarcastic]

Many modern rules were changed due to Wilt. I think that makes him more "significant" than Lebron.

[coin24]

You have to add in popularity etc. Who doesn't know about lebron? Even non ball fans were talking bout him going to south beach..

Iverson is definitely up there.

Pretty much agree with the whole list. It doesn't say who's the goat or who won most titles etc:facepalm

[AngelEyes]

How exactly is LeBron more significant than guys like Wilt, Bird, and Kobe?

KAJ, the master of the skyhook only an honorable mention while a guy who has two of the worst finals performances of all time in his only two appearances is number 4?

I just don't get it. The crab dribble is more significant than arguably the most undefendable shot in NBA history?

I don't think that really helps your argument. It's probably the greatest shot in the history of basketball, but it's not like he influenced a ton of players to use the shot. The player in which it might have had the biggest influence is his own teammate, Magic Johnson.

[Doranku]

I don't think that really helps your argument. It's probably the greatest shot in the history of basketball, but it's not like he influenced a ton of players to use the shot. The player in which it might have had the biggest influence is his own teammate, Magic Johnson.

And what exactly is LeBron influencing players to do? Jump ship and join up with a better player to win a ring? :roll:

[RRR3]

And what exactly is LeBron influencing players to do? Jump ship and join up with a better player to win a ring? :roll:
Is it possible to have a thread where we don't bash LeBron? :facepalm

[Doranku]

Is it possible to have a thread where we don't bash LeBron? :facepalm

No.

[AngelEyes]

And what exactly is LeBron influencing players to do? Jump ship and join up with a better player to win a ring? :roll:

I don't think he's really influenced anyone either. The people since Jordan who I think have really influenced people are Iverson, Bryant, Carter and possibly Wade to a certain extent.

[Deuce Bigalow]

all the basketball players my mom can name:

Jordan
Kobe
Shaq
Magic
Bird

[Doranku]

I don't think he's really influenced anyone either. The people since Jordan who I think have really influenced people are Iverson, Bryant, Carter and possibly Wade to a certain extent.

Agree with that list. I don't think significance is just about influence though.

For example, Magic and Bird's rivalry brought NBA excitement and popularity to a whole new level during the 80's. Stuff like that, imo, should be factored in as well which is why I simply can't fathom why the OP has LeBron over a guy like Bird.

[AngelEyes]

Agree with that list. I don't think significance is just about influence though.

For example, Magic and Bird's rivalry brought NBA excitement and popularity to a whole new level during the 80's. Stuff like that, imo, should be factored in as well which is why I simply can't fathom why the OP has LeBron over a guy like Bird.

That's a good point.

[WillC]

Agree with that list. I don't think significance is just about influence though.

For example, Magic and Bird's rivalry brought NBA excitement and popularity to a whole new level during the 80's. Stuff like that, imo, should be factored in as well which is why I simply can't fathom why the OP has LeBron over a guy like Bird.

Fame, fortune, hype, cross-cultural appeal... LeBron has Bird beat.

This coming from Bird's biggest fan, by the way. Bird still made the top 10. Stop bitching.

[talkingconch]

:facepalm

[coin24]

It's pretty hard to base your opinion of how significant something was or the impact of it, if you were 2 years old at the time:facepalm

I know how big the nba was in the 90s, everyone knew mj and the bulls, after that most ppl lost interest...

Lebron/Kobe are easily the biggest names since mj..

Popularity wise, AI was huge though..

[WillC]

pretty much agree with your list

Thanks man. Shame others have got this confused with "top 10 players ever". This is something completely different.

[AngelEyes]

It's pretty hard to base your opinion of how significant something was or the impact of it, if you were 2 years old at the time:facepalm

I know how big the nba was in the 90s, everyone knew mj and the bulls, after that most ppl lost interest...

Lebron/Kobe are easily the biggest names since mj..

Popularity wise, AI was huge though..


I don't think you can forget just how massive Shaq was, especially in the early 2000's.

[PTB Fan]

Nice list.

First of all, what's the criteria about it?

And some people have misunderstood this thread and mixed it up with influence

[ThaRegul8r]

Russell...the greatest winner in the history of team sports...doesn't make the list, but LeBron James does? I'd love to hear that argument.

"Defense wins championships." The entire reason that saying exists in the NBA is because of Russell, who anchored the greatest defensive dynasty in NBA history, which also happened, coincidentally, to be the greatest dynasty in the history of professional sports.

[PTB Fan]

"Defense wins championships." The entire reason that saying exists in the NBA is because of Russell, who anchored the greatest defensive dynasty in NBA history, which also happened, coincidentally, to be the greatest dynasty in the history of professional sports.

:applause:

[28renyoy]

Bird should be #1. He made the white demographic, aka the largest/most powerful group, interested in the sport.

MJ made everyone huge fans due to his likability, but Bird got them interested in the sport which paved the way to the MJ mass following

[AngelEyes]

Bird should be #1. He made the white demographic, aka the largest/most powerful group, interested in the sport.

MJ made everyone huge fans due to his likability, but Bird got them interested in the sport which paved the way to the MJ mass following

I disagree with this. If it were just Bird coming into the league and not Bird and Magic together, the impact made would have been significantly less. Magic by himself I'm sure brought in a lot of white viewership. They're hadn't been a black superstar that likable and charismatic up until that point. Like it or not, Bird and Magic should always be grouped together.

[coin24]

I don't think you can forget just how massive Shaq was, especially in the early 2000's.


Good point..

Although Shaq was big in the 90s aswell, I was just basing it on the early 00s not being that popular. Even up to mid 00s when the spurs/pistons were winning. Not exactly exciting for the average fan..

[Locked_Up_Tonight]

Dirk. Right or wrong he has redefined the typical big man. And he is the reason for stretch 4s/5s.

When you become synonymous with a style of play and every draft prospect that has a certain quality is compared to you... you have had a significant impact on the league......

[MasterDurant24]

Russell has to be top 5, best player for one of the greatest dynasties ever and the first real black superstar in the NBA.

[StroShow4]

Came in here figuring I'd have to be the one to mention AI. Pleased to see that you already included him, and listed off all of the good reasons.

[Yung D-Will]

Dirk. Right or wrong he has redefined the typical big man. And he is the reason for stretch 4s/5s.
I think Kg really redefined it with his ball handling and versatility

[ThaRegul8r]

Russell has to be top 5, best player for one of the greatest dynasties ever and the first real black superstar in the NBA.

Not to mention the historical significance of being the first black coach

[lilgodfather1]

Can I get a Jerry West? The guy is the logo afterall.

[AngelEyes]

Can I get a Jerry West? The guy is the logo afterall.

So what that he's the logo? They could have easily made Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar robertson or some other player the logo. People didn't even know West was the logo for years.

[Beebo]

That 7'6 chinese guy

[AngelEyes]

That 7'6 chinese guy

That's definitely a good point. He's done a lot for the popularity of the NBA worldwide.

[triangleoffense]

When I think of significant I think of players who literally changed the rules of the game or how the game was played. Players like Jordan, Shaq, Mikan, Wilt are undoubtedly on top of the list. The reason these players should be counted 1 tier above players like Dr. J and Iverson is that they primarily did through the greatness of their game and less because they were a type of cultural icon or caricature. (although many of them became so after the fact)

[SCdac]

Dirk. Right or wrong he has redefined the typical big man. And he is the reason for stretch 4s/5s.

When you become synonymous with a style of play and every draft prospect that has a certain quality is compared to you... you have had a significant impact on the league......

I'm not saying he isn't the best at it or hasn't inspired some bigs, but guys like Barkley and Horry were taking plenty of three's at the 4 spot years before Dirk was even an adult. Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison and Van Horn came into the league around the same time as Dirk and were also shooting alot of three's from the PF position. "he is the reason for the stretch 4's/5's" is maybe pushing it a bit. Also, his reduction in 3 point attempts and makes has kind of coincided with more success. He used to bomb away more often, and his back to the basket game in stronger and better now.

[Beebo]

That's definitely a good point. He's done a lot for the popularity of the NBA worldwide.

Definitely, yao was a good player not an all-time great but he's got to up there in terms of importance for the NBA and the game of basketball on a global scale.

[Hondo]

The OP is a troll. KAJ not being one of the ten most significant players is a joke. He revolutionized a position and dominated other centers for 20 years. The guy was still beasting as a 39 year old!

[WillyJakk]

I don't see why peeps are complainin', he clearly said in the OP (and I quote):

"Who you got."

As in what is your 10?

1: Jordan
2: Magic
3: Dr. J
4: Larry Bird
5: Bill Russell
6: Shaq
7: Maravich
8: Iverson
9: Yao
10: Chamberlain

[JMT]

Chamberlain
Russell
Jordan
Magic
Bird
Erving
Haywood
Yao
Mikan
Maravich

In no particular order.

Haywood is to basketball what Curt Flood was to baseball. That he hasn't made a list in this thread and LeBron Freaking James has says volumes about Ish posters.

Yao gave the game global attention that it had never seen. Mikan was the first great big, the first many had seen a man that size do anything remotely athletic. Maravich commanded the first million dollar contract and brought white fans back to a game that had become increasingly dominated by black players. Magic/Bird saved the game when fan interest was at an all time low. Doc brought street rhythms to the organized game and legitimized the ABA.

I know KAJ fans will balk, but he's #11 on my list. Only so many spots.

[Locked_Up_Tonight]

'm not saying he isn't the best at it or hasn't inspired some bigs, but guys like Barkley and Horry were taking plenty of three's at the 4 spot years before Dirk was even an adult. Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison and Van Horn came into the league around the same time as Dirk and were also shooting alot of three's from the PF position. "he is the reason for the stretch 4's/5's" is maybe pushing it a bit. Also, his reduction in 3 point attempts and makes has kind of coincided with more success. He used to bomb away more often, and his back to the basket game in stronger and better now.

The only ones you mentioned that have the same "skillset" as Dirk was Van Horn. And Dirk was conwsidered "at best" Van Horn by Sports Illustrated when he was drafted by the Bucks/traded to the Mavs.

But yes, the reason why you you see tall stretch 4s/5s is because of Dirk.

Barkley/WalkerJamison ay have shot 3s, but that didn't inspire other 7 footers to have a face up game and shoot from deep. Horry did it as a spot up shooter, the same way Perkins did in his later career..... but other 7 footers weren't p[atterning their game as a "spot up shooter."

But Dirk inspired the revolution of having guys start out on the perimeter while still trying to take guys off the dribble.

The skillset from bigs is going more European style... and Dirk is the reason for that revolution.

[L.Kizzle]

How is LeBron here and not Baylor? Why is Pete here and not Cousy?

[SCdac]

The only ones you mentioned that have the same "skillset" as Dirk was Van Horn. And Dirk was conwsidered "at best" Van Horn by Sports Illustrated when he was drafted by the Bucks/traded to the Mavs.

But yes, the reason why you you see tall stretch 4s/5s is because of Dirk.

Barkley/WalkerJamison ay have shot 3s, but that didn't inspire other 7 footers to have a face up game and shoot from deep. Horry did it as a spot up shooter, the same way Perkins did in his later career..... but other 7 footers weren't p[atterning their game as a "spot up shooter."

But Dirk inspired the revolution of having guys start out on the perimeter while still trying to take guys off the dribble.

The skillset from bigs is going more European style...

You're turning this into a size thing, whereas I think "stretch 4's" have been around longer than Dirk and some inspired HIM. Dirk has said he grew up watching Jordan, Barkley, etc, and said he used to "wear #14 because of Barkley" early in his career. So, you have to give credit to the versatile bigs that inspired Dirk, a player who entered the league in basically the 2000's. Not only that, but i think you're exaggerating his influence on the direction bigs are going in. Im not really seeing it. Out of the 100 or so bigs in the league, how many have really patterned their game after Dirk. I can think of a handful, if that. The league has been around for 50+ years, so his "significance" in the grand scheme is relatively small. Wouldn't crack the top-10 in the history of significant players to change the scope of the league in one way or another.

[JMT]

How is LeBron here and not Baylor? Why is Pete here and not Cousy?

To me, Maravich is there because of his impact on the economics of the game as the first player to sign a million dollar contract and the first NBA player with significant national endorsements. His name and face were everywhere, and the dollars were staggering given the economics of the day.

LeBron has no business here, but I don't think Baylor does either.

[jlauber]

I'm no historian, but how about players like Sweetwater Clifton, and then Mikan, Russell, Wilt, Oscar, Kareem, Dr. J, Moses, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Shaq, Kobe, and perhaps Lebron.

I'm sure I am missing some, but in terms of significance and dominance...

BTW, I am sure there were other's before the NBA (G.O.A.T had a good thread on this topic BTW.)

[jlip]

Retired players only:

Mikan
Russell
Magic/ Bird
MJ
Wilt
Dr. J
Big O

I know that's just 8, but that's where I choose to stop.

Edit: Jlauber just reminded me of Sweetwater Clifton and Earl Lloyd. So that's 10.

[D-Wade316]

Paul Arizin
George Mikan
Bob Cousy
Bill Russell
Wilt Chamberlain
Oscar Robertson
Elgin Baylor
Julius Erving
Magic Johnson
Larry Bird
Michael Jordan

[WillC]

That 7'6 chinese guy

Good point. He deserves to be on my opening post, at least honorable mention.

[Pushxx]

Russell is by far #1. Approached racial issues that affected the future of sports.

Bird/Magic/Jordan/AI/Shaq added more popularity than anybody else.

Cousy, Yao, KAJ, Reggie, Miller, Kobe, Wilt, etc. all did many things for the game as a whole.

[WillC]

Russell is one of the most important players in NBA history, but is he as significant as someone like Jordan or Magic? No, not in my opinion.

There is a difference between importance and significance. Read up on your history textbooks :cheers: My girlfriend is a history teacher.

[L.Kizzle]

To me, Maravich is there because of his impact on the economics of the game as the first player to sign a million dollar contract and the first NBA player with significant national endorsements. His name and face were everywhere, and the dollars were staggering given the economics of the day.

LeBron has no business here, but I don't think Baylor does either.
Ok I see ur case for Pete but Baylor also. He wad the first dominant wing player. Also the first high flyer in the league. All those revese layups, up and unders, finger rolls, floaters and of course dunks we se on a regular, that was Baylor.

[goldenboy_smith]

^goood point, as if ur mom knows bird :P

[JMT]

Russell is one of the most important players in NBA history, but is he as significant as someone like Jordan or Magic? No, not in my opinion.

There is a difference between importance and significance. .

Main Entry: significant  [sig-nif-i-kuhnt] Show IPA/sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt/ Show Spelled
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: telling, meaningful
Synonyms: cogent, compelling, convincing, denoting, eloquent, expressing, expressive, facund, forceful, heavy, important, indicative, knowing, meaning, momentous, powerful, pregnant, representative, rich, sententious, serious, sound, suggestive, symbolic, valid, weighty

Antonyms: insignificant, meaningless, unimportant

Maybe you should start dating an English teacher.

Better yet, learn something about Bill Russell's impact on the racial makeup of pro sports in this country, including becoming the first black superstar and coach in NBA history.

[Jimbo_Celtics]

chamberlain
bird
erving
cousy
west
jordan
johnson

[Pointguard]

The only ones you mentioned that have the same "skillset" as Dirk was Van Horn. And Dirk was conwsidered "at best" Van Horn by Sports Illustrated when he was drafted by the Bucks/traded to the Mavs.

But yes, the reason why you you see tall stretch 4s/5s is because of Dirk.

Barkley/WalkerJamison ay have shot 3s, but that didn't inspire other 7 footers to have a face up game and shoot from deep. Horry did it as a spot up shooter, the same way Perkins did in his later career..... but other 7 footers weren't p[atterning their game as a "spot up shooter."

But Dirk inspired the revolution of having guys start out on the perimeter while still trying to take guys off the dribble.

The skillset from bigs is going more European style... and Dirk is the reason for that revolution.

Naaah, Bob McAdoo preceded Dirk by 20 years and he lead the league in scoring for a few years. His range might have been deeper as well.

[Pointguard]

[QUOTE=WillC]Interpret 'significant' how you like.

1 - Michael Jordan
2 - Magic Johnson
3 - Julius Erving
4 - LeBron James
5 - Wilt Chamberlain
6 - Shaquille O

[StarJordan]

1. Jordan (first player to become the owner)
2. Bird (legit white superstar in majority black league)
3. Russell (first player coach)
4. Chamberlain (100 points)
5. Magic (for showtime basketball)
6. Mikan (first big marque big man)
7. Shaq
8. Barkley (muhammad ali type wit, mvp game)
9. Dr. J (pre-jordan jordan)
10. Kareem (prototypical center)

[bagelred]

You can't separate Magic and Bird. They were both equally significant.

That being said, we need to join their names together:

Either Larry Johnson or Magic Bird. Either way....hilarity ensues......

[L.Kizzle]

You can't separate Magic and Bird. They were both equally significant.

That being said, we need to join their names together:

Either Larry Johnson or Magic Bird. Either way....hilarity ensues......
Larry Johnson is just a regular nae, Magic Bird sounds like a mid 70s pimp.

[FF1]

No one has had more effect on the last decade of drafts than Dirk.

[calvin671996]

Dirk
big man shooter was being popular in NBA just becoz of Dirk:rockon:

[RobertdeMeijer]

Would Earl Manigault (a.k.a. The Goat) be indirectly significant to the NBA?

[WillC]

Yeah I suppose he would. There are probably quite a few non-NBA players who had a significant impact on the NBA, i.e. European players, barnstormers, etc.

[Locked_Up_Tonight]

Naaah, Bob McAdoo preceded Dirk by 20 years and he lead the league in scoring for a few years. His range might have been deeper as well.

Not according to Pat Riley...... he said he never had 3 point range.

[JMT]

Not according to Pat Riley...... he said he never had 3 point range.

McAdoo didn't have Dirk's range. Better around the hoop and a bit more athletic in his prime, but nowhere near the long range shooter.

[ZaaaaaH]

all the basketball players my mom can name:

Jordan
Kobe
Shaq
Magic
Bird


Bingo !

[sprainedankle]

Throw out AI and Pistol and replace them with Kareem and Russell and I think it's better.

AI's popularity here is overstated. He and the Pistol were novelty acts compared to what Russell brought to the table in the Celtics run and the Captain to the Laker showtime era. Probably the best defensive presence and the best offensive presence for big men.

[JMT]

Throw out AI and Pistol and replace them with Kareem and Russell and I think it's better.

AI's popularity here is overstated. He and the Pistol were novelty acts compared to what Russell brought to the table in the Celtics run and the Captain to the Laker showtime era. Probably the best defensive presence and the best offensive presence for big men.

Won't disagree, but a lot comes down to what you consider "significance". On the floor, there's no question Russell and Kareem were more influential. But societally, AI and Pistol Pete had tremendous impact on the way the general public...non-fans in many cases...were influenced by the game.

There's a whole league full of players now that were influenced by Iverson and the way he introduced the culture...rap, thug, whatever you want to call it...to the NBA. Players to that point really toed the line, afraid to be "too radical". The league was 80% black and the fan base was 80% white. He really picked up the mantle from dr J in regards to generating interest from young, African American males.

Maravich was the first million dollar player, lending credibility to a sport that was largely seen as the Celtics and a bunch of other guys. He was the first NBA player to garner national endorsements, which was huge at the time. His college reputation put the NBA on national TV back in the days when the Finals were seen...maybe...on tape delay by most of the country.

Just a matter of how you want to interpret "significant".

[WillC]

More info here: http://basketballjournalist.blogspot.com/2011/11/mount-rushmore-most-significant-players.html

We should use the 5Rs to determine if a player is 'significant':

Remarkable - It was remarked upon by people at the time
Remembered - It was important at some stage in history
Resulted in change - It had consequences for the future
Resonant - People like to make analogies with it
Representative - ...of some other aspect of historical significance.