Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the NBA is undoubtedly its crowning jewel. Over the years, we’ve seen some incredible players step onto that court and leave us in awe with their skills and talent.
From dominating offenses to jaw-dropping dunks, these athletes have won our hearts both on and off the court. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most popular NBA players who have left an indelible mark on basketball history. So sit back, relax, and get ready to relive some of basketball’s greatest moments!
LeBron James
LeBron James, also known as “The King,” is one of the most popular NBA players of all time. Born in Akron, Ohio, LeBron has been playing professional basketball since he was just 18 years old when he was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Throughout his career, LeBron has won four NBA championships and is widely considered one of the greatest players to ever grace the court. He’s a versatile player with impeccable skills in scoring, passing and defending. His incredible athleticism and leadership have made him an inspiration for many young athletes around the world.
But it’s not just his impressive performance on-court that makes him so beloved among fans – it’s his off-court persona too. LeBron regularly uses his platform to advocate for social justice issues and promote equality in education through his “I Promise” school initiative.
As a father of three children and husband to wife Savannah Brinson James, family means everything to him – which shows us another side of this amazing athlete who inspires people both on and off court.
When he left college football he was the most hyped player from the NBA perspective. He proved his worth in the first season of his NBA when he went on to win the Rookie of the Year award. As of May 2023 he has been included in the 19 all star team out of which 13 are the first teams where both the numbers are record that has been created by him.
James and the MVP finals for four times which is the second highest record. Apart from that he also earned all the defensive honours every season between 2009 to 2014. James had reached the finals 10 times in his career but managed to win only 4 times where he was the MVP in all four of them. However, some of the braids have said that James is a flop when it comes to the finals. whereas some others have said that it is due to the other team being superior and better.
Because of the longevity of his career, he is frequently regarded as one of the best basketball players ever by different sports publications and has been named as the Associated Press male athlete of the decade for the 2010s. Whenever there is a topic about who is the greatest basketball player ever, there is a long debate between the great Michael Jordan and the other name that joins him is LeBron James who has been one of the best over the years and has a huge influence in the young rising stars of the NBA as during his free Agencies he use to change teams to promote them.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards during his career, but it was with the Bulls where he made history.
Jordan’s skills on the court were undeniable. He combined incredible athleticism with an unmatched work ethic, making him a dominant force in every game he played. His signature “Air Jordan” sneakers became iconic not just in basketball culture but in popular fashion as well.
Jordan won six NBA championships with the Bulls, earning five MVP awards along the way. He also has numerous other accolades to his name, including two Olympic gold medals.
Off the court, Jordan’s impact on pop culture went far beyond basketball fans. His influence could be seen in everything from fashion to music videos to movies.
Despite retiring from basketball over 20 years ago, Jordan remains an incredibly popular figure both within and outside of sports. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of athletes and fans alike.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was one of the most iconic NBA players not only for his talent on the court but also for his unique style and personality. He spent all 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to five championships and earning numerous individual awards along the way.
Bryant’s work ethic was unmatched, famously arriving at practice before anyone else and staying long after it ended. His “Mamba Mentality” inspired many young players to strive for greatness both on and off the court.
Off the court, Bryant pursued various business ventures including a production company, investment fund, and even won an Academy Award in 2018 for Best Animated Short Film.
Tragically, Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others in January 2020. However, his legacy continues to inspire generations of basketball players around the world.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is a name that every NBA fan recognizes. He was one of the most influential players in basketball history, and his impact on the game still resonates today.
Johnson played for the Los Angeles Lakers during his entire career and led them to five championships. He was known for being an incredible passer, with his ability to make pinpoint passes while driving to the basket or from behind-the-back leaving both fans and opponents in awe.
But what made Magic truly special was his versatility on the court. At 6’9″, he could play any position on the floor, from point guard to center if needed. This allowed him to create mismatches and exploit weaknesses in opposing teams’ lineups.
Off the court, Magic has continued to inspire people around the world through his philanthropic work. His foundation focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness and education, as well as providing resources for underserved communities.
Magic Johnson’s contributions both on and off-court have solidified him as a legend of not only basketball but also humanitarianism.
Larry Bird
Larry Bird is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. He played for the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992 and was a member of three championship teams during that time.
Bird was known for his exceptional shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc where he shot an incredible 37.6% over his career. His high basketball IQ also made him a great team player and leader on the court.
Offensively, Bird had an impressive arsenal of moves in his repertoire that made him difficult to guard. He could shoot from anywhere on the floor and had great court vision which allowed him to find open teammates with ease.
Defensively, Bird wasn’t afraid to get physical with opponents and was a tenacious rebounder despite not being blessed with overwhelming athleticism.
Larry Bird’s impact on basketball goes far beyond just his individual statistics or accolades. He helped revive interest in the sport during a period when it was struggling financially, and inspired generations of young athletes who wanted to emulate his hard work ethic and dedication to excellence.
Bill Russell
Bill Russell is a former NBA player who played for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969. He is one of the most successful players in NBA history, having won 11 championships during his career. Russell was known for his defensive skills and rebounding ability, as well as his leadership on and off the court.
Russell was born in Louisiana in 1934 and grew up in Oakland, California. He attended the University of San Francisco where he led his team to two NCAA championships. After college, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics where he would spend his entire professional career.
During his time with the Celtics, Russell became known for his dominant defensive play, winning five MVP awards throughout his career. He also became an important figure off the court, using his platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice issues.
Despite being one of the greatest players of all time, Russell’s legacy goes beyond just basketball statistics. His impact on both sports and society will be felt for generations to come.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain, often referred to as “The Big Dipper”, is one of the most dominant players in NBA history. Standing at 7’1″ tall, he used his size and athleticism to revolutionize the game of basketball.
Chamberlain’s career was filled with numerous accolades including four MVP awards, two NBA championships, and seven scoring titles. He even holds several records that still stand today such as scoring 100 points in a single game and averaging over 50 points per game for an entire season.
Despite his impressive career statistics, Chamberlain was often criticized for not winning more championships. However, it is important to note that during his era there were only eight teams in the league which made competition much tougher.
In addition to his on-court success, Chamberlain also paved the way for future generations by breaking down racial barriers within professional sports. He was one of the first African American athletes to gain widespread recognition and respect from both fans and teammates alike.
Wilt Chamberlain’s impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. His dominance on the court coupled with his contributions off-court make him truly one of a kind.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor, is one of the most recognizable names in NBA history. Standing tall at 7’2″, he was a dominating force on the court for over two decades.
Abdul-Jabbar’s career started in college when he played for UCLA and won multiple championships. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the first overall pick and quickly made a name for himself as an unstoppable center.
With six MVP awards under his belt, Abdul-Jabbar is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game. His signature skyhook shot was nearly impossible to defend against and helped him become the all-time leading scorer in NBA history with 38,387 points.
But Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy extends beyond just basketball. He has been an advocate for social justice issues throughout his life and has written numerous books on topics ranging from race relations to Islam.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on both basketball and society as a whole can’t be overstated. He truly deserves his place among the top 10 most popular NBA players of all time.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “Shaq,” is a retired NBA player who has left an indelible mark on the league. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, he was one of the most dominant players in his prime.
Drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992, Shaq quickly became one of the league’s top centers. He led the Magic to their first NBA Finals appearance in just his third season with the team.
In 1996, Shaq signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and formed a dynamic duo with a young Kobe Bryant. Together they won three consecutive championships from 2000-2002.
Despite being known for his size and strength, Shaq was surprisingly agile on the court. He had impressive footwork that allowed him to maneuver around defenders and score at will.
Off the court, Shaq has been involved in various business ventures including acting, music production, and even law enforcement. His larger-than-life personality has made him a beloved figure among fans worldwide.
There’s no denying that Shaquille O’Neal is one of basketball’s all-time greats. His impact on both basketball and pop culture will be felt for generations to come.
Tim Duncan
The NBA has seen some of the greatest players to ever grace a basketball court. These athletes have inspired millions with their incredible skills and dedication to the sport. While opinions on who is the best may differ, there is no doubt that these top 10 most popular NBA players have left an indelible mark on the league.
Last but not least, Tim Duncan should not be overlooked when discussing popular NBA players. The “Big Fundamental” spent his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs and was known for his quiet demeanor and dominant play style.
He won five championships, three finals MVP awards, two regular season MVPs, and made 15 All-Star appearances during his illustrious career. Despite being one of the quieter superstars in NBA history, Duncan’s impressive accomplishments make him deserving of a spot among the most popular NBA players of all time.
Also check out the Most Dunks in NBA History.
