Which player in NBA history is/was the most competitive?

[Wardell Curry]

I am not asking who the best player was or who won the most.

I am simply asking, out of what we know, who wanted it the most? Who tried the hardest? Who cared the most about winning?

The three names that pop into my mind are Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell. I don't think anyone ever wanted it more than these guys, and no they are not my top three players of all time. As I said, this is about competitiveness and desire to win only.

It's really difficult for me to pick between the three.

[BallsOut]

Kobe

[Im Still Ballin]

You forgot Bird.

[SouBeachTalents]

Jordan, Russell & Bird. Kobe was hyper competitive, but he sabotaged a Finals for selfish reasons, quit on his team in a Game 7 and demanded to be traded, so that takes him a notch below the other 3.

[iamgine]

https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA16S90T.img

No one has ever cared enough to bring a video camera.

[jayfan]

I'd put Isiah on the list.


.

[AlternativeAcc.]

Overall LeBron has put more money and time into his craft than anybody.

He's out there at 38 carrying a team like he's 23.


It's lebron.

[getting_old]

Since 1973, Jordan easily

wouldn't turn down any dare or challenge or comment or raised eyebrow

[getting_old]

Overall LeBron has put more money and time into his craft than anybody.

He's out there at 38 carrying a team like he's 23.


It's lebron.


like Wilt there is too much drama and public "oddness" for a hard pro athlete...

[AlternativeAcc.]

like Wilt there is too much drama and public "oddness" for a hard pro athlete...

Drama has nothing to do with personal competitive fire. He's been making deep playoff runs for almost 20 years. It's unprecedented. His entire life is dedicated to winning basketball games.

Only casuals would think otherwise.

[AlternativeAcc.]

Since 1973, Jordan easily

wouldn't turn down any dare or challenge or comment or raised eyebrow

Except when he quit in the middle of his prime.

[Axe]

Bill russell it is.

[FKAri]

Someone who wasn't a superstar.

[AlternativeAcc.]

Someone who wasn't a superstar.

True, but these questions are pretty much always mean "which superstar player is..."

Nobody wants to talk about Beverly or Derek Fisher.

[John8204]

https://s22928.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/kobe-bryant-jerry-west.jpg
real recognizes real

[Round Mound]

Bird