The Best Player in Each NBA Franchise's History

[RoboticWang]

Each NBA franchise has had several exceptionally talented basketball players pass through its locker room, though only one stands above the rest as the greatest player in the history of the franchise.

http://coverjunction.s3.amazonaws.com/2012/67/2a8e2d7a-55fd-4443-a082-518c39f92bef.jpg



Atlanta Hawks

[RoboticWang]

I guess everyone agrees..

[Rick Kamla]

Pretty much.

[AlphaWolf24]

only 3 wrong....good job good effort doe

[HardwoodLegend]

only 3 wrong....good job good effort doe

Which 3?

I would personally rank Charles Barkley over Steve Nash as a Phoenix Sun, but I'm sure OP is more knowledgable than I am overall.

[SpecialQue]

Come on...it's Kidd for the Nets. Also, Zack's gonna pose some serious competition to Pau if he stays on long enough and they continue to win playoff games with him.

[Rubio2Gasol]

Depends on what you mean. If you mean cumulatively the best basketball player for each Franchise I got some amendments. If you mean in terms of marketing and career legacy - then maybe you're about right.


Some notes-

-Ervings stint with the Nets was in the ABA.
-Walton over Drexler for prime play and legacy.
-Melo over English for Denver.
- Kobe over Magic if it's based on who is the better player and who has had the better cumulative career. Magic for legacy and impact on the Franchise.

[Legends66NBA7]

only 3 wrong....good job good effort doe

Which 3 aren't in place ?

[tmacattack33]

Orlando Shaq is definitely better than Orlando Dwight...and if it's about success and years of production on that specific team then Shaq still wins.

[RoboticWang]

Depends on what you mean. If you mean cumulatively the best basketball player for each Franchise I got some amendments. If you mean in terms of marketing and career legacy - then maybe you're about right.


Some notes-

-Ervings stint with the Nets was in the ABA.
-Walton over Drexler for prime play and legacy.
-Melo over English for Denver.
- Kobe over Magic if it's based on who is the better player and who has had the better cumulative career. Magic for legacy and impact on the Franchise.
Players' productivity based on the era they played in, as well as their longevity with the team. Also the players' contribution to the team's success, as well as their individual numbers and accolades.

[HardwoodLegend]

Shaq is definitely a better Laker than Kobe.

More rings as the alpha, more Finals MVP's, way better playoff stats, etc.

[RoboticWang]

Shaq is definitely a better Laker than Kobe.

More rings as the alpha, more Finals MVP's, way better playoff stats, etc.
No one is arguing this. At least.. no one should.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Depends on what you mean. If you mean cumulatively the best basketball player for each Franchise I got some amendments. If you mean in terms of marketing and career legacy - then maybe you're about right.


Some notes-

-Ervings stint with the Nets was in the ABA.
-Walton over Drexler for prime play and legacy.
-Melo over English for Denver.
- Kobe over Magic if it's based on who is the better player and who has had the better cumulative career. Magic for legacy and impact on the Franchise.

WTF are you talking about? I am not sure if Erving is indeed the Nets best franchise player though, but back in the 70s ABA = NBA.

[Clippersfan86]

Shaq is definitely a better Laker than Kobe.

More rings as the alpha, more Finals MVP's, way better playoff stats, etc.

No. Shaq won a ring elsewhere and played the last 6 seasons or w/e elsewhere. Kobe is a career Laker and has broken all of the Lakers records pretty much. Was Shaq better than Kobe? Yes. Was he a greater Laker? No.

[Purch]

I love Nash, but Barkley's a better player. Now comparing their sun stints side to side is intresting

[HardwoodLegend]

No one is arguing this. At least.. no one should.

I'm just putting it out there pre-emptively in case any ignorant Kobe stans try to say Kobe is the greatest Laker.

Oops, too late. Rubio2Gasol and Clippersfan86 already did :facepalm

[HardwoodLegend]

No. Shaq won a ring elsewhere and played the last 6 seasons or w/e elsewhere. Kobe is a career Laker and has broken all of the Lakers records pretty much. Was Shaq better than Kobe? Yes. Was he a greater Laker? No.

Yes Shaq was the greater Laker.

If you say Kobe is, you're just overrating longevity and team loyalty.

Being there for a number of years to sustain a level of play that's far below the Diesel in his prime doesn't make him more impactful.

Shaq's greatness is still unmatched. Re-read those 3 reasons I listed.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Yes Shaq was the greater Laker.

If you say Kobe is, you're just overrating longevity and team loyalty.

Being there for a number of years to sustain a level of play that's far below the Diesel in his prime doesn't make him more impactful.

Shaq's greatness is still unmatched. Re-read those 3 reasons I listed.


Players' productivity based on the era they played in, as well as their longevity with the team. Also the players' contribution to the team's success, as well as their individual numbers and accolades.

Please tell me how Shaq outweighs Kobe according to this criteria. If you're going to give Shaq the edge because of how dominant he was during the 3 peat then he should be ranked above Magic too on this list.

[HardwoodLegend]

Please tell me how Shaq outweighs Kobe according to this criteria. If you're going to give Shaq the edge because of how dominant he was during the 3 peat then he should be ranked above Magic too on this list.

Magic has 3 Finals MVP's, 3 MVP's, 4 assist titles, 2 steal titles, etc.

[MMM]

Was Paul Westphal the best Sun on some of those mid 70 teams, i would think he would deserve a mention over guys like marion and amare

[LikeABosh]

Kidd for the Nets

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Magic has 3 Finals MVP's, 3 MVP's, 4 assist titles, 2 steal titles, etc.

Ok if you want to go there the only thing Shaq has over Kobe is 1 FMVP. Kobe has more scoring titles (as a Laker), the same amount of MVPs, and holds almost every major record in Lakers' history. So again, if you're basing it on the fact that Shaq was so dominant as a player, he should be above Magic too.

[cotdt]

kobe over maguic

[SHAQisGOAT]

Russell or Bird
Ewing or Frazier
Walton or Drexler
Hayes or Unseld
Barkley or Nash
Julius or Wilt

Somewhat hard to decide there (some more than others).

[Legends66NBA7]

I'd consider having Shaq over Magic on an arbitrary all-time list, but maybe not this list.

[RoboticWang]

kobe over maguic
GREAT point! I rest my case. KOBE da GOAT EVER!































:facepalm

[SHAQisGOAT]

kobe over maguic


-Melo over English for Denver.
- Kobe over Magic if it's based on who is the better player and who has had the better cumulative career. Magic for legacy and impact on the Franchise.

Just :no:



Was Paul Westphal the best Sun on some of those mid 70 teams, i would think he would deserve a mention over guys like marion and amare

Yes

[rzp]

Shaq over Howard.

Orlando Magic with Shaq its classic;

[ihoopallday]

Great list :applause: Only change I'd make is Charles and Nash.

[mrbigshot1]

Maybe add Ben Wallace to the Pistons but overall good list.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Great list :applause: Only change I'd make is Charles and Nash.

Nash isnt even the best PG in Suns franchise history, Kevin Johnson is the man.
:rolleyes:

[jlip]

Is it too soon to rank Lebron over Wade as the best Heat player ever?

[secund2nun]

Good list but barkely was much better than nash. Also orlando shaq was way better than Dwight. Shaq was the best laker but magic is the greatest laker. Same for Miami....Lebron its their best player ever but wade is their greatest

[kNicKz]

Is it too soon to rank Lebron over Wade as the best Heat player ever?

Yes. Wade is a lifer there, been at every one of their finals appearances, holds quite a few records too i think

[RoboticWang]

Nash isnt even the best PG in Suns franchise history, Kevin Johnson is the man.
:rolleyes:
With all due respect to Kevin Johnson, Charles Barkley, Amare Stoudemire, Walter Davis etc., Nash is the gold standard among all Suns players, past and present.

He stacks up there in every single category outside of pure scoring and defending. He has been here for a long time and has taken this franchise to great heights. He is one of the best PGs in the history of the game and is IMO the best Suns player ever.

[rzp]

Good list but barkely was much better than nash. Also orlando shaq was way better than Dwight. Shaq was the best laker but magic is the greatest laker. Same for Miami....Lebron its their best player ever but wade is their greatest

this

[FatComputerNerd]

Does anyone think Kyrie has the potential to be > Lebron?

[L.Kizzle]

Arenas did more for Washington than Walt Bellamy. Add him to honorable mention.

You just can not separate Karl Malone and John Stockton.

[DatAsh]

Great list. Can't say I disagree with any of it based on this criteria.

[DatAsh]

this

Barkley and O'Neal only played 4 seasons for those organizations though.

[Legends66NBA7]

Does anyone think Kyrie has the potential to be > Lebron?

I doubt it.

[FKAri]

Nash over Barkley?
Wade over Lebron?
I dunno bout those if we're talking "best" player.

[paytonfan]

wow I would love to see this team to play together in their primes

Oklahoma City / Seattle

[SpecialQue]

Yes. Wade is a lifer there, been at every one of their finals appearances, holds quite a few records too i think

That's not going to matter if Lebron leads them to another couple of championships.

[Noyze]

Ben Wallace for Detroit has to get on there.

[CLTHornets4eva]

'Nique for sure for the Atlanta Hawks. Even through the whole franchise, Nique is the best player and the face of th organization.

Quality list though.

[Killbot]

I guess everyone agrees..

Nope. Seattle Supersonics - Gary Payton.
All Honorable mentions besides Durant should go under Sonics name.

Even he will agree to that.

[L.Kizzle]

'Nique for sure for the Atlanta Hawks. Even through the whole franchise, Nique is the best player and the face of th organization.

Quality list though.
Pettit won a title and 2 MVP, not to mention an All-star all 11 seasons in the league with the Hawks. Was All-NBA every season I believe also.

[La Frescobaldi]

Come on...it's Kidd for the Nets. Also, Zack's gonna pose some serious competition to Pau if he stays on long enough and they continue to win playoff games with him.
The Doc for the Nets. His ABA days were incredible

[La Frescobaldi]

Pettit won a title and 2 MVP, not to mention an All-star all 11 seasons in the league with the Hawks. Was All-NBA every season I believe also.
Bill Russell had Bob Pettit on his starting 5, this was about 1974 or '75 that he was talking about his all-time team.

[CLTHornets4eva]

Pettit won a title and 2 MVP, not to mention an All-star all 11 seasons in the league with the Hawks. Was All-NBA every season I believe also.

I'm sorry 9 all star games in the 80's and 90's far outweighs 11 in the 1950's and 60's.

Plus his dunks and the fact the "Highlight Factory" is named after Nique.

PETIT NEVER EVEN PLAYED IN ATLANTA. :hammerhead:

[La Frescobaldi]

Wilt has to be the guy for the Sixers. He was only there a couple of seasons, but they are still the greatest seasons of any player in the history of the NBA.

Complete domination.

[Smoke117]

Julius Erving for Sixers? No way. It has to be Wilt and then Moses I'd say.

[Papaya Petee]

Is it too soon to rank Lebron over Wade as the best Heat player ever?
LeBron James will never be the greatest Heat player ever. :roll:

Dwyane Wade is a career long Heat player, holds most of the records, led the team to their first Championship ever, almost to the second but LeBron choked the Finals away. Plus he's been a GIGANTIC part in both the franchises titles.

Too much accomplishments, plus he's been with the Heat his whole entire career, no matter what LeBron does, Wade is the GOAT Heat player.

[Papaya Petee]

Nash over Barkley?
Wade over Lebron?
I dunno bout those if we're talking "best" player.

Read my post above. Plus if were talking about at their best..

2008-2009 Wade >> Any Miami LeBron

[FKAri]

LeBron James will never be the greatest Heat player ever. :roll:

Dwyane Wade is a career long Heat player, holds most of the records, led the team to their first Championship ever, almost to the second but LeBron choked the Finals away. Plus he's been a GIGANTIC part in both the franchises titles.

Too much accomplishments, plus he's been with the Heat his whole entire career, no matter what LeBron does, Wade is the GOAT Heat player.

Lebron in 2012 > any version of Wade. Lebron should be on there for the Heat. This isn't about accomplishments. It's the best players that have played for a particular franchise.

[Papaya Petee]

Lebron in 2012 > any version of Wade. Lebron should be on there for the Heat. This isn't about accomplishments. It's the best players that have played for a particular franchise.

Individually as a basketball player, 2008-2009 Dwyane Wade is better then any version of LeBron James, period.

Edit: If it went by at their best, then Larry Bird is better then Bill Russell, Kevin Durant is better then Gary Payton, Charles Barkley is better than Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal is better than Magic Johnson, and so on and so fourth.

[IGotACoolStory]

Does anyone think Kyrie has the potential to be > Lebron?

Not unless he wins a championship there.

And for that very same reason, it's why I think Walton over Drexler for Portland.


Kidd a mention for Dallas? Not sure about that.

[fpliii]

Hawks - Pettit
Celtics - Russell
Nets - Erving (assuming we're counting ABA years, otherwise Kidd)
Bobcats - N/A
Bulls - Jordan
Cavaliers - LeBron
Mavericks - Dirk
Nuggets - very tough call; I'd say Thompson is the best talent, but his career being compromised by drugs makes him a tough pick...probably Melo
Pistons - Zeke
Warriors - Wilt
Rockets - Hakeem
Pacers - I want to say McGinnis, but it likely has to go to Reggie
Clippers - I think Walton played at a higher level than McAdoo, but he played too small a percentage of his games to qualify due to that whole saga; CP3 needs to log more time
Lakers - 'best' makes this tough...if that equates peak, it has to go to Shaq...Magic/Kobe/West are likely what we're looking for though
Grizzlies - N/A
Heat - Wade
Bucks - Kareem
Timberwolves - Garnett
Hornets - Paul
Knicks - another tough call...if this was GOAT Knick I'd go with Clyde, but best adds some wiggle room, so I'm going with Ewing (top 10 defender all-time IMO)
Thunder - Payton
Magic - Shaq
76ers - Wilt (Erving played at an incredibly high level in the 77 Finals, but his best years were in the ABA...I'd blame sharing the floor with McGinnis, but w/e)
Suns - Barkley
Blazers - Walton (again if we're going with peak; otherwise Drexler)
Kings - Robertson
Spurs - Duncan
Raptors - N/A (probably Carter)
Jazz - Malone
Wizards - Unseld

[Papaya Petee]

Am I really the only one who thinks Larry Bird is the GOAT Celtic?

[La Frescobaldi]

Hawks - Pettit
Celtics - Russell
Nets - Erving (assuming we're counting ABA years, otherwise Kidd)
Bobcats - N/A
Bulls - Jordan
Cavaliers - LeBron
Mavericks - Dirk
Nuggets - very tough call; I'd say Thompson is the best talent, but his career being compromised by drugs makes him a tough pick...probably Melo
Pistons - Zeke
Warriors - Wilt
Rockets - Hakeem
Pacers - I want to say McGinnis, but it likely has to go to Reggie
Clippers - I think Walton played at a higher level than McAdoo, but he played too small a percentage of his games to qualify due to that whole saga; CP3 needs to log more time
Lakers - 'best' makes this tough...if that equates peak, it has to go to Shaq...Magic/Kobe/West are likely what we're looking for though
Grizzlies - N/A
Heat - Wade
Bucks - Kareem
Timberwolves - Garnett
Hornets - Paul
Knicks - another tough call...if this was GOAT Knick I'd go with Clyde, but best adds some wiggle room, so I'm going with Ewing (top 10 defender all-time IMO)
Thunder - Payton
Magic - Shaq
76ers - Wilt (Erving played at an incredibly high level in the 77 Finals, but his best years were in the ABA...I'd blame sharing the floor with McGinnis, but w/e)
Suns - Barkley
Blazers - Walton (again if we're going with peak; otherwise Drexler)
Kings - Robertson
Spurs - Duncan
Raptors - N/A (probably Carter)
Jazz - Malone
Wizards - Unseld

no. OP is correct Alex English. Followed actually by Dan Issel and that is closer than people will be giving credit. Big Dan was completely incredible in his days

[fpliii]

no. OP is correct Alex English. Followed actually by Dan Issel and that is closer than people will be giving credit. Big Dan was completely incredible in his days

The Melo comment was probably incorrect, but would you say English at his best outplayed Thompson at his best (both including and excluding his ABA seasons)?

I meant no disrespect to English though, legendary scorer.

[L.Kizzle]

I'm sorry 9 all star games in the 80's and 90's far outweighs 11 in the 1950's and 60's.

Plus his dunks and the fact the "Highlight Factory" is named after Nique.

PETIT NEVER EVEN PLAYED IN ATLANTA. :hammerhead:
You must be 8 years old.

I guess his ten straight All-NBA 1st teams aren't equal to Wilkins one from 1986 either right?

[La Frescobaldi]

The Melo comment was probably incorrect, but would you say English at his best outplayed Thompson at his best (both including and excluding his ABA seasons)?

I meant no disrespect to English though, legendary scorer.

I would, yes. DT was an incredible physical specimen but a lot of times to me his bb IQ wasn't real high and his defense was pretty consistent.... low or none.

Not to say David could NOT play D, because he could but he just... didn't.

I mean Connie Hawkins has the same knock on the defense, so do a lot of guys. Even today Carmelo Anthony fans will admit his defense is kinda sadsack at times/ a lot. Or Amar'e I mean really who lets a guy go for 30 30 on you? He just wasn't anything but failure.

But a lot of old Nuggets fans and I do mean from waaay back, would rather have Dan Issel than DT and I would be in that school as well. DT was all blowed up and living in some other fantasy realm at times. A lot of times. His eyes were just like bleeding on the court. Whereas Dan Issel was one of the all-time greats but there's like zero footage of the guy.
The game has changed so much since then.

[TheNaturalWR]

Lebron in 2012 > any version of Wade. Lebron should be on there for the Heat. This isn't about accomplishments. It's the best players that have played for a particular franchise.

You're an idiot. Wade 08-09 was better than any form of Miami LeBron and arguably any form of Cavs LeBron.

[Lebron23]

Memphis Grizzlies

http://roundballdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Pau_Gasol.jpg

Toronto Raptors


http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0yypn4Zu81rnncpco1_500.jpg

Charlotte Bobcats

http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/52/5281/HW5IG00Z/posters/layne-murdoch-charlotte-bobcats-v-new-orleans-hornets-gerald-wallace-and-trevor-ariza.jpg

[tazb]

Nice list. Wade is the best player for the Heat right now. If LeBron stays there the rest of his career, he'll be the best Heat player.

[Kyle_korver]

Individually as a basketball player, 2008-2009 Dwyane Wade is better then any version of LeBron James, period.

Edit: If it went by at their best, then Larry Bird is better then Bill Russell, Kevin Durant is better then Gary Payton, Charles Barkley is better than Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal is better than Magic Johnson, and so on and so fourth.
NO... LEBRON has a mvp n finals mvp as a heat player.. 08-09 wade wasnt even sniffing the finals.. just a good player on a bad team.. plus who is the alpha right now? ask wade.. he will tell you lebron

[wagexslave]

Steve Nash vs Charles Barkley:

More dominant player: Charles Barkley

Most impressive prime, with defense and valuable physical attributes taken into account: Charles Barkley

More iconic of franchise: Steve Nash at the moment but it's really close... almost too close to call, especially with Steve leaving the team and joining one their closest rivals(and by far the most intense Suns rivalry within the city of Phoenix and it's suburbs with all of the thousands upon thousands of LA transplants that live here)... Steve really lost some serious points for choosing the Lakers. While on the other hand, Charles still lives in the Phoenix area to this day and still is a local icon always publicized by the local media and will likely have a future job within the franchise for as long as he lives.

Accolades: Steve Nash.... can't really argue with back-to-back MVPs and consistently leading the team to the playoffs, even with all kinds of different line-up changes. Nobody thought the Suns in 2010 had a chance to get as close to making the WCF and getting so close to upsetting the Lakers, which likely would have led them to their first ever championship if they could've just got to the Finals against the Celtics who the Suns had their number that year. And the lineup that year wasn't anything amazing filled with superstar players, it was mostly Steve Nash who made that team great. Barkley did lead the Suns to their 2nd NBA Finals and put up an amazing fight against Jordan's dynasty Bulls though...

Sense of humor: Tied. These are 2 of the funniest, most likable/hilarious to watch personalities in NBA history. Period. Probably top 10 All-Time funny players.

Makes players around them better: Steve Nash. While it's no doubt that Barkley's defense and drawing double/triple teams did do a lot to open up space for other players on the court, Steve Nash was just an offensive guru. His baketball IQ is through the roof. He is the definition of a "player coach". He was a legit leader on the court, conducting plays up with precision to get players the open ball that wouldn't otherwise for the life of them know how to create their own shot. There's a reason he was recognized as being so valuable to win back to back MVP's(and nearly back-to-back-to-back). HE was the biggest reason those teams had some of the greatest and most exciting offenses the NBA had ever seen.

Overall.... it's hard to call, but I think Charles Barkley was the better overall single player. The fact that his underrated Suns team pushed the "unbeatable" Jordan Bulls so hard in the Finals at the time is almost as impressive as having won a championship. What's more impressive? Losing to Jordan's bulls in 6 games or the Spurs sweeping a young, immature LeBron's Cavs who honestly had no business being in the NBA Finals coming out of that pathetically weak Eastern Conference? I do think people put a little too much value on the championship itself, rather than what happened in the games and who was playing them.

[Jolokia]

NO... LEBRON has a mvp n finals mvp as a heat player.. 08-09 wade wasnt even sniffing the finals.. just a good player on a bad team.. plus who is the alpha right now? ask wade.. he will tell you lebron
2 championships > 1

Wade holds the majority of the Heat records including games, points, assists, steals, etc that LeBron really cannot touch as long as Wade stays with the Heat.

LeBron won't be the Heat's best player unless he stays there until he retires in like 8-10 years with great stats/MVPs with playoff success or just another championship without Wade as FMVP. Another possibility is if Wade retires early like at age 34 but I doubt it barring major injury.

[secund2nun]

Read my post above. Plus if were talking about at their best..

2008-2009 Wade >> Any Miami LeBron

2012 and 2013 Lebron > Prime Wade and it's not even close.

[RoseCity07]

I wasn't around to see it but I feel like Bill Walton should be above Clyde. He won a championship. He probably would have led them to at least one other title.

[28renyoy]

Uh current Durant is definitely better than any version of Payton and it's not even remotely close.

As a matter of fact, Durant is more beloved in OKC right now than Payton ever was in Seattle.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Does anyone think Kyrie has the potential to be > Lebron?

Only if he leads them to a title.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Individually as a basketball player, 2008-2009 Dwyane Wade is better then any version of LeBron James, period.

Edit: If it went by at their best, then Larry Bird is better then Bill Russell, Kevin Durant is better then Gary Payton, Charles Barkley is better than Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal is better than Magic Johnson, and so on and so fourth.


I think you should just be happy both LeBron/Wade are on your team :confusedshrug:

[TheNaturalWR]

2012 and 2013 Lebron > Prime Wade and it's not even close.

As a guy who has seen both, no. It's the other way around.

[talkingconch]

Kobe will surpass Magic soon

[SilkkTheShocker]

I would still take 2012 LeBron over any version of Wade/Lebron. I mean the guy went ice cold after game 6 in the ECF and he willed his team to a Finals win with no working jumper.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Kobe will surpass Magic soon


The thing is, he was never a better player than Magic, Kareem, or Shaq. If we are talking about longevity and playing there since 96, sure, I can see his case as best Laker.

[Walker]

I don't see people can debate Phoenix.
CB was freakin awesome, was not only my favourite player growing up but was a huge role model for me too.

However, Nash WAS the Phoenix Suns and will go down as one of the greatest leaders of all time, greatest point guards of all time and one of the greatest shooters of all time.

Nash in a landslide.

[SacJB Shady]

The team that has the player that scored 100 points belongs to the Warriors!!! :cheers:

[bigt]

Hard to argue most of OP's list. Only thing I'd really change is Shaq as Orlando's and Wilt as the Sixer's, but none of these stick out as way off, I can understand the choices, at the end of the day these are mostly opinion based

[Toizumi]

These have all been mentioned before.. bur for Portland, I would take Walton over Drexler (and of course give an honourable mention to Sheed :D :D ) and Orlando Shaq over Orlando Howard. I'm ok with the rest, eventhough I think LeBron will overtake Wade as the greatest Heatle of all time.

[Odinn]

I think there is a considerable between best and greatest. 'The best' puts way more weight to the level of play.

As for teams, the comparisons I'll write down should be discussed imo.

76ers; 1966-67 Wilt vs. 1976-77 Dr.J vs. 1982-83 Moses
Blazers; 1976-77 Walton vs. 1991-92 Drexler
Celtics; 1985-86 Bird vs. 1961-62 Russell
Heat; 2005-06 or 2008-09 Wade vs. 2011-12 LeBron
Lakers; 1999-2000 Shaq vs. 1979-80 KAJ vs. 1986-87 Magic vs. 2005-06 Kobe
Magic; 1994-95 Shaq vs. 2010-11 Dwight
Rockets; 1993-94 Olajuwon vs. 1981-82 Moses

[Nash]

Bosh ahead of Carter? Bosh is the leader in points and rebounds im Toronto history

[Mamba]

Kobe will surpass Magic soon
for you to turn around and try and force it down my throat to make me believe he will simply makes it untrue. Magic built his legacy. People believe his legacy. there are no haters.

Kobe's so called 'Legacy' has been shoved down our throats since he fluked 81 points.

[LeBird]

Am I really the only one who thinks Larry Bird is the GOAT Celtic?

No, I'd agree with you. :cheers:

[Money 23]

Look at that Lakers club. Dios mio, I don't feel comfortable picking 3 best franchise players for them, without feeling like I've slighted some absolute legends. That's not even right. That fan base is beyond spoiled. The lineage of the game's greats for that team span every decade. Every decade they have been relevant.

[ThaRegul8r]

Depends on what you mean. If you mean cumulatively the best basketball player for each Franchise I got some amendments. If you mean in terms of marketing and career legacy - then maybe you're about right.


Some notes-

-Ervings stint with the Nets was in the ABA.

The Nets are the Nets. The question is best player in franchise history. The Nets are the same franchise that was in the ABA, as are the Spurs, as are the Nuggets, as are the Pacers.

[ThaRegul8r]

PETIT NEVER EVEN PLAYED IN ATLANTA. :hammerhead:

:facepalm

Pettit played for the Hawks franchise. I don't understand what's so difficult to understand about that. Not every team is still in its city of origin (see Thunder). If people are going to arbitrarily discount a franchise's history, then people need to discount some of the Lakers' championships then, since the ones they won with Mikan in Minneapolis are included in that (which I'm betting many people aren't aware of. And one of those is from the BAA (Basketball Association of America), not the NBA. So if only what happened in the National Basketball Association counts, then people need to subtract one of the Lakers' titles anyway, since it wasn't an NBA title). If only L.A. counts, that means '72 with Wilt, the five with Showtime, the Shaq and Kobe threepeat, and the Kobe/Gasol repeat, which makes 11, which would leave them six behind the Celtics, as Russell alone won as many titles as the entire Lakers franchise since moving to the West Coast. But since no one's going to do that, then all of the other franchises' histories count as well. Use the same standard across the board for everyone, not this selective crap.

[Ne 1]

The thing is, he was never a better player than Magic, Kareem, or Shaq. If we are talking about longevity and playing there since 96, sure, I can see his case as best Laker.

If we're talking about the best player that ever wore a Laker uniform period then it's Kareem or Wilt. But strictly in that case then you would say that Jordan is the greatest player in Wizards/Bullets history.

Anyway when it's all said and done I think Kobe will be remembered as the greatest Laker. Right now he's right there with Magic. Another championship before he retires would put him on top by himself IMO.

When he retires he'll be the Lakers all-time leading scorer, the longest tenured player in Lakers history, most games played in a Lakers uniform, spent his entire career with the Lakers etc. And most importantly if he wins another ring he won more championships with the Lakers than Magic. As far as Kobe never being better than Magic, it's actually a really close comparison, so close that I couldn't decide who I'd take without looking at what the team needs. I like Magic but dude is clearly remembered to be better than he actually was if people think he is untouchable.

[ThaRegul8r]

If we're talking about the best player that ever wore a Laker uniform period then it's Kareem or Wilt. But strictly in that case then you would say that Jordan is the greatest player in Wizards/Bullets history.

I've heard this rationale before, and it's a bunch of crap. When you're talking about best player in a franchise's history, only each player as they were while wearing that team's uniform counts. The Wizards don't get Bulls' Jordan, that's completely ridiculous. The Bulls get Bulls Jordan. Each franchise only gets every player as they actually were at that point in time that they were actually a member of the team. E.g., the Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics don't get Lakers threepeat Shaq, only the Lakers do. The Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics get the Shaq that actually played for them, which is end-of-his-career Shaq. This is common sense, and I can't believe this would even need to be explained.

[Jolokia]

OP needs to make things clearer here. I think some people here are posting peak play vs peak play or players based on overall player ranking that just appeared on one team for not too long. Like picking Barkley's 4 seasons > Nash's 10 putting a couple 60+ win seasons losing only to the Championship Spurs both times. The only thing Barkley did that Nash didn't was getting to the finals for 1 year and lost against the Bulls. And no, Irving should not be over Kidd (but debatable)...or Jordan > Wes Unseld for that matter. Pretty common sense as ThaRegul8r said.

I believe as a franchise player, you should take consider the entire body of work and not just the best season from a player.

Some choosing Lebron > Wade? Really?
Wade was a vital part of 2 of the Heat's 2 only championships. Lebron, 1 and stunk it up in 1. You're comparing 16,000 points to 5,000. Maybe Lebron can compete on this spot if he plays 3-4 successful seasons after Wade retires as a Heat. Right now, there's no question who will be remembered more as a Heat. Wade County and Cleveland Lebrons

[LeBird]

Wade stunk up in the 2nd championship, he just had Lebron to apply the Febreeze.

[NumberSix]

Larry Bird > Bill Russell
LeBron James > Dwyane Wade
Kareem is at least equal to Magic if not better

[Rysio]

lakers- kobe. case closed.

[secund2nun]

As a guy who has seen both, no. It's the other way around.

Only a Wade stan would think that. Wade was not even good enough in that season to lead his team past the first round. He shot 43% against Atlanta in a first round loss.

[red1]

miami heat = mario chalmers

[Odinn]

I've heard this rationale before, and it's a bunch of crap. When you're talking about best player in a franchise's history, only each player as they were while wearing that team's uniform counts.


I think there is a considerable between best and greatest. 'The best' puts way more weight to the level of play.

As for teams, the comparisons I'll write down should be discussed imo.

76ers; 1966-67 Wilt vs. 1976-77 Dr.J vs. 1982-83 Moses
Blazers; 1976-77 Walton vs. 1991-92 Drexler
Celtics; 1985-86 Bird vs. 1961-62 Russell
Heat; 2005-06 or 2008-09 Wade vs. 2011-12 LeBron
Lakers; 1999-2000 Shaq vs. 1979-80 KAJ vs. 1986-87 Magic vs. 2005-06 Kobe
Magic; 1994-95 Shaq vs. 2010-11 Dwight
Rockets; 1993-94 Olajuwon vs. 1981-82 Moses

I wanted to start a debate about these comparisons. But I guess no one wanted to.

[Flash31]

76ers,wariors,lakers-WILT
Bulls-Jordan
Magic-SHAQ
SUNS-Barkley
Pistons-I Thomas
Pacers-R Miller
NY-Ewing
Boston-Russell
ATL-D Wilkins
Hou-Olajuwon
Spurs-Duncan
DAL-Dirk
TOR-Carter
CLE-LeBron
MIA-WADE
Hornets-Mourning
BKN-Kidd
MIL-Kareem
POR-Drexler
MIN-Garnett
LAC-CP3
SCA-M Bibby
OKC-Durant
Supersonics-Payton
MEM-ZBO

[selrahc]

lakers- kobe. case closed.

this

[TheMan]

Dennis Rodman should at least get a mention on the Pistons or Bulls I think.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

i'm a little surprised that no one is GOAT for 2 teams. Lebron has a shot to catch d-wade though.

[clayton]

Shaq is the best player, the Lakers has ever gotten.

[The Choken One]

No. Shaq won a ring elsewhere and played the last 6 seasons or w/e elsewhere. Kobe is a career Laker and has broken all of the Lakers records pretty much. Was Shaq better than Kobe? Yes. Was he a greater Laker? No.
Glad some people on this site aren't fhcking idiots.

Shaq a better Laker...is this real fhcking life? If any of you believe this, I think it's time to stop posting.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Magic is the best Laker. Kobe > shaq as a laker imo.

[HardwoodLegend]

Glad some people on this site aren't fhcking idiots.

Shaq a better Laker...is this real fhcking life? If any of you believe this, I think it's time to stop posting.

More rings as the alpha, better playoff stats, better regular season stats.

You act like it's out of the question.

:oldlol: @ more years of mediocrity in comparison, to help pile on 'all-time stats'

[TheNaturalWR]

Only a Wade stan would think that. Wade was not even good enough in that season to lead his team past the first round. He shot 43% against Atlanta in a first round loss.

Oh you mean Wade lost to a superior team? Woah how could that possibly happen???? LeBron averaged 2 points in the 4th quarter in the NBA FINALS, don't even start. If LeBron didn't disappear in 2011 this isn't even a debate. Wade >>>> LeBron

[lilgodfather1]

LeBron's the best player two franchises have ever seen. That is assuming you mean best as in best, not who has accumulated the most stats for a team. Shaq would also qualify for this because as everyone knows Shaq's Lakers peak is at worst top 3 in NBA history.

[HardwoodLegend]

And, let's not forget that Kobe sabotaged Shaq's chance at a 4th ring as the alpha in the 2004 Finals by shooting the Lakers out of the series trying to play hero ball.

[Bigsmoke]

Chris Paul and LeBron will both go down as the best in 2 different teams :rockon:

[Bigsmoke]

LeBron's the best player two franchises have ever seen. That is assuming you mean best as in best, not who has accumulated the most stats for a team. Shaq would also qualify for this because as everyone knows Shaq's Lakers peak is at worst top 3 in NBA history.

him and Chris Paul.

[HardwoodLegend]

That hissy fit Bryant threw in the 2004 Finals should be a huge mark against him.

He put himself before the Lakers franchise.

He was coming off one of his weakest regular seasons efficiency-wise and decided to take more shot attempts than Shaq because of a personal agenda and childish anger over Shaq getting ready to collect his 4th Finals MVP.

[alleykat]

Shaq was better than Dwight on Orlando....