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

[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?

[RRR3]

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

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

[Doranku]

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

No.

[AngelEyes]

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

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