Basketball is one of the most widely viewed sports in the world and this is mainly due to the fast nature of the game. The other main reason for the game been admired and accepted by most fans is because of the high-performing basketball players, who help make the game so much more interesting. This article is aimed at describing the greatest players in the history of basketball.
Wilt Chamberlain (1936-1999)
Wilt Norman Chamberlain is believed to be the greatest basketball player of all time. Standing over 7 feet tall, he was a former NBA Center and was regarded as basketball’s unstoppable force due to his breathtaking offensive play. He played for Philadelphia Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers and he holds outstanding records such as being the only NBA player to score 4000 points in one season, scoring 100 points in a single game, most rebounds – 55, most consecutive field goals – 18 and so many other achievements which makes him such a great basketball legend.
Earl “Goat” Manigault (1941-1998)
Earl, also known as “the Goat”, a renowned New York City street basketball player, standing 6.2 feet tall, was famous for his street basketball abilities such as the unique double dunk, where he would dunk it and grab it with the other hand while still airborne and dunk it again. He was well known for his marvelous jumping ability. He was one of the greatest basketball players of the past.
George Mikan (1924 – 2005)
George Mikan, also known as Mr.Basketball, was one of the greatest basketball players of all times. Standing 6 ft 10 inches tall, he was one player who could use both hands as effectively as the other, during a game. He played for the Chicago American Gears and the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL and earned several awards such as winning seven NBL, NBA and BAA championships, an All-Star MVP trophy and was also named the Greatest Player of the First Half Century (1950).
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
He is known as one of the greatest basketball athletes of all time who set records at all levels of the game, earning increased reputation. Standing over 7 feet tall, KJ has won the NBA MVP award six times, with 6 NBA championship wins, and has scored 38.387 points (the highest total of any player in league history). Also known as the “Scoring Champion”, he was very famous for his “Skyhook” shot. He was a valuable team member of the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Magic Johnson
“Making things happen” was the infamous tag placed on this valuable player and that was because of his great performances that changed the game itself. Standing at 6 ft 9 inches tall, he was a highly prolific player earning 3 NBA MVP awards, 5 NBA Championships and 3 Finals MVP awards. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers and was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and was also inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Michael Jordan
This is another great basketball player of all times, also known as “His Airness” or “Air Jordan” for his great leaping ability. Standing at 6 ½ feet tall, he was one of the most successfully marketed basketball athletes in his era and that was due to his tremendous performances in pro matches. Representing the teams of Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, he has won 6 NBA Championships, and is a five-time NBA MVP, 14-time NBA All-Star, in addition to been awarded as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1988. He was also named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN. He is considered “the greatest ever” by all.
Other great basketball players include John Stockton, Chris Webber, Shaquille O’Neil, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird and Oscar Robertson.
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