40. Elvin Hayes:
“The Big E” Elvin Hayes was certainly a force on the basketball court. After an outstanding college career at the University of Houston, Hayes was drafted 1st overall in the 1968 NBA draft. Expectations were strong, and he did not disappoint. Elvin Hayes put the NBA on notice (’68-’69), as he led in scoring (28.4 ppg) and rebounding (17.1 RPG). Hayes was the second, and the last player to do so since Wilt Chamberlain (1959-60). To this day, I am still mind-boggled as to why the Big E did not win Rookie of the Year & MVP (both awards went to future teammate Wes Unseld).
In ’70-’71, Elvin’s scoring peaked at 28.7 ppg. After that season, the San Diego Rockets would move to Houston. This is the same place where Hayes first made his mark in college at UH.
However, the reunion only lasted one season, as Hayes was traded to the Baltimore Bullets in 1972. Elvin Hayes’ run from ’68-’72 was unbelievable. Every year, he averaged 25 ppg, and 3 years over 16 RPG. As a Bullet, Elvin sacrificed his numbers, because he was surrounded by a better overall team. In 1973-’74, Elvin Hayes led the league in rebounding again, as he averaged a career-high (18.1 RPG).
The front-court combo of Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld was deadly for other teams. Together, they led the Bullets to 3 Finals appearances (1975, ’78, ’79). The Bullets won in 1978, over the Seattle Supersonics. Elvin Hayes had 13 seasons where he averaged a double-double. The others to do that include Wilt, Russell, Moses Malone and Shaq. He would have had 16, had his streak not ended in ’81-’82.
However, Hayes did average a double-double every season in the playoffs. Elvin Hayes was a model of durability, as he has played over 80 games every season. He also has exactly 50,000 minutes. The biggest knock that I have for Elvin Hayes would be his field goal percentage. As a big man, he was surprisingly inaccurate as he only shot 45% for his career. He was also often known as a player that came up short under pressure in the playoffs & big games. Hayes also had a reputation for not being a great team player.
Elvin Hayes was a 12-time NBA All-Star, 3-time All-NBA 1st Team selection, 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team selection, 2-time All-Defensive 2nd Team selection, Scoring Champion, NBA champion (1978 Bullets), 1968 Sporting News & Associated Press Player of the Year. Elvin Hayes is a true Basketball Hall of Famer & legend.
Throughout the history of basketball, many big names have emerged, including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Stephen Curry. There are also stars in women’s basket ball that we should all look out for as well. As the season progresses, you’ll no doubt find out who they are. Being a fan of basketball, there’s no doubt that you will have a ncaa tournament bracket for womens chart plastered in your home somewhere before the games start. You need to make sure you keep an eye out for some of these upcoming stars in the world of basketball. Maybe they’ll be featured in a list like this one day.
39. Dominique Wilkins:
The Human Highlight Film was one of the NBA’s most dynamic scorers and high-flyers in his prime. Dominique Wilkins was truly a highlight, as he captured the imagination of fans everywhere with his powerful windmills, alley-oops, and tomahawk dunks.
In 1986, Dominique won the NBA scoring title, as he led the league with 30.3 ppg. That season, he also made his first All-Star Game, as well as his only All-NBA 1st Team appearance. From that point, Michael Jordan would soon take force as the scoring champ.
Unfortunately, Dominique’s legacy was overshadowed and swallowed up by the era of Magic/Bird/Jordan. Many fans simply remember the battles with Michael Jordan in the dunk contest but don’t go to further educate themselves. People rarely mention Dominique’s classic game 7 battle against Larry Bird in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals in 1988. That season, Dominique’s scoring average peaked at 30.7 ppg.
Wilkins carried above-average to good Atlanta Hawks teams. None of those teams were great & elite. As a result, his legacy was further squashed, because the Hawks had to fight the Juggernauts of the East (Mid-’80s Celtics, Late-’80s Pistons, Early-’90s Bulls).
Nique was amazing in the open court for the fast break. He also had a pretty decent post game, and soon became a better shooter. His rebounding also peaked at 9.0 RPG. Wilkins also had 10 straight seasons with 25 ppg.
However, one of the most surprising things that I have found about Dominique was that he was a volume scorer. His career average was 46%. This is pretty ironic, considering much of his game involved attacking the basket.
For me, that hole is not quite as large as the hole of not having the right supporting cast. I believe that if Dominique Wilkins and James Worthy switched places, Nique would be the one with multiple championships with Magic, Kareem & co. (no offense Worthy) Dominique’s career numbers prove that he is another great case study of someone’s legacy being hindered because of the team, not the player themselves.
Dominique Wilkins was a 9-time NBA All-Star, 1-time All-NBA 1st Team selection, a member of 4 All-NBA 2nd Teams, and 2 All-NBA 3rd teams. Dominique Wilkins is a Basketball Hall of Famer and a very overlooked legend.
38. Allen Iverson- Allen Iverson’s relentless playing style and “never say die” mentality is what has garnered him a wide-range of basketball fans. Iverson was “The Answer” in Philadelphia, as their franchise player in the 2000s. Allen Iverson is tied with George Gervin in third place for most scoring titles in NBA history (4).
In 2001, he led a less than stellar Philadelphia 76ers squad to a Finals appearance. That season, Iverson won the NBA MVP Award while leading the league in scoring (31.1 ppg). He also led the league in steals for the first of three straight seasons (2.5 SPG). The Sixers would eventually run into the brick wall of Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers in five games that year.
The following season, Iverson averaged a career-high 2.8 SPG. Iverson’s passing peaked at 7.9 APG in 2004-2005. His scoring peaked in 2006, with 33.0 ppg. In spite of getting knocked around the court, Allen Iverson also led the league in Minutes per game seven times! Iverson was an extremely fearless player that fans could truly sympathize with and can relate to.
Even in the very comedic “practice” soundbite, Iverson showed his love & passion for the game of basketball. The true knock on Allen Iverson’s legacy is his inconsistent sub-par shooting percentage. He has led the league in missed shots 11 times. Inefficient scoring aside, there is no denying the mark that Allen Iverson has left in the game, both on and off the court.
Allen Iverson was an NBA MVP, 4x Scoring Champion, 3x Steals Champion, 11-time NBA All-Star, 2x All-Star Game MVP, 3x All-NBA 1st Team, 3x All-NBA 2nd Team, and 1x All-NBA 3rd Team. Allen Iverson is a bonafide 1st Ballot Hall of Famer and an all-time great in NBA history.
37. Steve Nash:
Steve Nash is one of the most precisely accurate shooters in NBA history. Nash is one of the greatest offensive point guards that we have ever seen. He has had five straight seasons of 50/40/90. (50% FG/40% 3PT/90% FT). His career field goal % is 49 percent, his 3 point % is 42 percent, and free throw % is 90 percent. That is what you call absolute precision.
Nash is a fantastic playmaker, great three point shooter, who can also attack the rim and can certainly dish out to a teammate with no problem. The highest honors of Steve Nash’s career have been his 2 MVP Awards. During those seasons, he set himself far apart as the best point guard in the NBA. In his 2nd straight MVP season (’05-’06), Nash’s scoring peaked at 18.8 ppg. The following season, his passing peaked at 11.6 APG. That year, he also led the league in free throw percentage (92%) Steve Nash led the NBA in assists 5 times (he won three straight from ’05-’07).
This production ranks among the all-time great point guards. The biggest knocks on Steve Nash’s game are his lack of defense, and never making a finals appearance. Steve Nash is John Stockton, but without the defensive abilities.
He is also a modern Bob Cousy, but with better shooting percentages. However, Nash’s story ends without the greatest prize of them all, an NBA title. Steve Nash’s impact is an inspiration for younger NBA fans. Steve Nash is a 2x NBA MVP, 5x Assists Leader, 8x NBA All-Star, 3-time All-NBA 1st Team, 2x All-NBA 2nd Team, and 2x All-NBA 3rd Team. In the end, Steve Nash is without question a 1st Ballot Basketball Hall of Famer, and an NBA great.
36. Jason Kidd:
Jason Kidd is a tremendously versatile point guard, as a playmaker and defender. His ability to run the fast break is among the greatest ever, along with his excellent vision. Out of all of those attributes, his biggest knock would be his shooting. For his career, he shoots 40% (including many seasons in the 30s).
Jason’s defense is above-average at best. In 2002, Jason Kidd led the New Jersey Nets to their first of 2 straight Finals appearances. Unfortunately, they were swept under by the Lakers in four games.
That season, Kidd finished 2nd place to Tim Duncan for the NBA MVP Award. The following season, Kidd and Duncan would meet in the NBA Finals. Duncan’s Spurs would ultimately prevail. Kidd would finally taste victory, as the starting point guard for the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks.
Jason Kidd is also a 10-time NBA all-star, 5x All-NBA 1st Team, 4x All-Defensive 1st Team, 5x All-Defensive 2nd Team, 5x assists leader, and the 2012 NBA Sportsmanship Award. His great open court passing, playmaking, vision, and defensive abilities are what cement him among the greatest point guards of all-time. Jason Kidd will soon be a 1st Ballot Hall of Famer, and an is an NBA great.
35. Scottie Pippen:
The quintessential sidekick, Scottie Pippen is in the space between being underrated & overrated. There are those who underrate how great he was next to Michael Jordan. However, there are those who overrate his impact to take a shot at the legacy of Air Jordan.
Either way, Pippen’s legacy was enhanced by playing next to His Airness. The dynamic backcourt duo of Jordan-Pippen is widely regarded as the greatest in NBA history, as they led the Bulls to 6 NBA Championships. Jordan-Pippen was a deadly combination as perimeter defenders, with their great athleticism and an on-ball defense that caused nightmares for the opponents. Both MJ & Scottie have led the league in steals.
In 1989-’90, Scottie Pippen became the third player in NBA history to have 200 steals/100 blocks (211 steals/101 blocks). The other two players are Michael Jordan (twice-’87, ’88) and Hakeem Olajuwon (’89). This would lead to Pippen’s first All-Star appearance.
MJ & Pippen’s defensive tag team on Magic Johnson in the 1991 Finals has become a synonymous moment in Scottie Pippen’s career.
In 1992, Pippen’s passing peaked at 7.0 APG. This was also his first season of 20 ppg (21.0). Pippen’s scoring peaked at 22.0 ppg in 1993-94 while his rebounding also peaked at 8.7 RPG. In 1994-95, Pippen led the league in steals with 2.9 SPG.
Scottie’s defensive mayhem earned him 8 All-Defensive 1st Team Selections. Only Michael Jordan, Gary Payton, and Kobe Bryant have had more selections.
Pippen was also a 7-time All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, a member of 3 All-NBA 1st teams, 2-time All-NBA 2nd team selection, 2-time All-NBA 3rd team selection, and 2-time All-Defensive 2nd team selection.
There is no question that Scottie Pippen was a vital member of those two Bulls three-peats, as the sidekick. Scottie Pippen is truly a basketball Hall of Famer.
33. George Gervin-
A smooth operator. A terrific scorer with amazing finesse. Master of the finger roll. George Gervin was the definition of “cool”. His finger roll was his greatest weapon to become an all-time elite NBA scorer. That, along with his incredible shooting touch and versatility earned him 4 NBA scoring titles. Only Michael Jordan & Wilt Chamberlain have won more scoring titles (Jordan-10, Wilt-7).
Gervin knew how to put up 40 point games in a very quiet and effortless fashion. George Gervin won three straight from ’78-’80, and again in ’82. That, along with his cool demeanor earned him the nickname “The Iceman”. Like Dr. J, Gervin was an import from the ABA. When Iceman joined the NBA in 1976, he turned his game up to a higher level. He also had great battles against the great Doctor J.
His scoring peaked in 1980, with 33.1 PPG, his rebounding peaked at 8.3 RPG and passing at 3.5 APG. Gervin played 14 total seasons when you include ABA/NBA. 12 of those seasons were with the Spurs (3-ABA, 9-NBA).
His accuracy was incredible for a perimeter player. Gervin shot 50% from the field while shooting 84% from the free throw line. Out of today’s players, Kevin Durant draws the most comparisons to George Gervin. Gervin has garnered respect from players and fans, both past and present (myself included). T
he Iceman’s style of play was certainly influential because it was smooth and over the top. The main holes in Gervin’s game were his lack of defense, and never leading his team to a championship.
Nonetheless, Gervin’s body of work was still impressive. Gervin was a 4-time NBA scoring champion, 9-time NBA All-Star, 3-time ABA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 5-time All-NBA 1st Team selection, 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team selection, Two-time All-ABA 2nd Team selection, and a member of the All-time ABA team.
When you include his ABA numbers, Gervin scored over 25,000 points (26,595 points). George Gervin is a Basketball Hall of Famer and a true legend.
32. Patrick Ewing:
A warrior. The face of the New York Knicks franchise. Great jump shot. Patrick Ewing was the embodiment of the Knicks. Even Michael Jordan said, “When you think about New York, you think about Patrick Ewing”. Strong words.
However, even some of the today’s younger Knicks fans want to penalize a player like Ewing for not delivering a championship to the Big Apple. People look at his 0 Finals MVPs, 0 League MVPs, and 0 DPOYs, and want to dismiss him. Patrick Ewing was among the best of the best. He was a threat on offense, dangerous on the glass, and a great presence under the rim.
It is hard to fault Ewing when he played in an extremely stacked era. When you run into the Chicago Bulls juggernaut year in and out, you can’t completely hold it against him. Patrick only made one All-NBA 1st Team, because when you play against the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Shaq, you have a mountain to climb. That is how you put Patrick’s legacy in perspective.
These scenarios make Patrick Ewing’s career another one of the great “what if” legacies in NBA history. “What if the Michael Jordan machine never came into the NBA to squash Ewing’s hopes of NBA Titles?” “How would Patrick Ewing’s career look if he never played in the same era with Olajuwon, Shaq, and Robinson?” “How far would the Knicks go if Patrick did not go down with an injury during the 1992 Playoffs?” “What if Ewing played Game 7 of the ’93 ECF vs. the Bulls?”
That ’92 Terminator Knicks squad was a Defensive monster. If they won against the Blazers & Suns, Ewing would have reshaped his legacy.
When Jordan was gone, Patrick’s greatest chance to do so came as he led the Knicks to the 1994 NBA Finals. Unfortunately, the Knicks fell to the Rockets in 7 games, because of archrival Hakeem Olajuwon’s outstanding play. The other downfall in that series was the way John Starks blatantly shot them out of winning that elusive title.
You could also say, “What if Patrick Ewing played in today’s watered down era of a poor competition of Centers?” Still, in spite of that, Ewing’s career was still Hall of Fame worthy by any means. Ewing’s scoring peaked at 28.6 ppg in 1990. That year, he averaged a career high in blocks with 4.0 BPG. In 1993, his rebounding peaked at 12.1 RPG.
Ewing’s resiliency and longevity through injuries in a large market are admirable. If Patrick’s knees were stronger, who knows what else he could have done? Patrick Ewing left an unforgettable mark on the Knicks franchise?
He is the club’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks and games played. Ewing won Rookie of the Year and was an 11-time All-Star. Patrick Ewing was named to the All-NBA 1st Team once, All-NBA 2nd Team six times, and All-Defensive 2nd Team three times.
Obviously, when you play in the same era with the likes of Michael Jordan, Hakeem the Dream, Karl Malone, and Charles Barkley to name a few, it is hard to win the MVP. Patrick Ewing is a bonafide Hall of Famer and a legend.
31. Gary Payton-
Gary Payton was one of the most intense, hands-on, lockdown defenders of all-time. “The Glove” was a perfect nickname for his defensive style because he was constantly ready to pick an opposing player’s pocket for a steal. Payton was one of the most dangerous perimeter defenders of all-time, along with the likes of Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen. Not only was he a supreme defender, but he was a good offensive player.
Gary Payton was the face of the Seattle Supersonics franchise, as the team’s all-time leader in points, assists, and steals. Even though he never won an MVP Award, Gary Payton’s greatness cannot be denied. Unfortunately, Gary was in the gigantic shadow of the “Michael Jordan Era”, which crippled the legacies of many great players. Not only was Payton overshadowed by Air Jordan himself, but also by other players such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Karl Malone, David Robinson and others.
Still, GP found a way to stand out. Gary Payton was one of, if not the best two-way Point Guard in NBA history as it pertains to offense and defense. During his prime, Payton was a 20 ppg, 8 APG, guy. In 1996, The Glove enjoyed his defining season. That season, he won Defensive Player of the Year, leading the league in steals with a career-high 2.9 SPG. Payton also led the Sonics to the NBA Finals, where they fell to Jordan’s 72-win Bulls in a tough, hard-fought defensive series.
In 1999-2000, GP’s scoring peaked at 24.2 ppg, while his rebounding peaked at 6.5 RPG. Payton’s passing peaked at 9.0 APG in 2001-2002. In 2006, Gary Payton finally enjoyed the championship success that he desired for years when he won as a member of the Miami Heat. Gary Payton is tied with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant for most All-Defensive 1st Team Selections in NBA history with 9.
Payton and Jordan are the only players to win DPOY, with those 9 selections. GP was also named to 2 All-NBA 1st teams, All-NBA 2nd Team 5 times, All-NBA 3rd Team three times, and 9 All-Star selections. Gary Payton will soon be a Hall of Famer and is already a legend.
