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4: Bill Russell
Boston Celtics (1956-1969)
Bill Russell is the greatest winner in American team sports history. The man was the anchor of a true dynasty, the likes of which the league will never see again. In his 13 years with Boston, the Celtics won the title 11 times, the last two coming with Russell as the player/coach. He is the greatest defensive player of all-time and could kick-start Boston’s trademark fast break with pinpoint outlet passes. He led the league in rebounding five times and most likely would still hold the blocks record had that stat been reliably kept during his era. Not only was he a remarkable player but also a hero in the African-American community who championed racial equality and was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. There will never be another Bill Russell.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Boston Celtics (1956-1969)
- 5-time NBA MVP (’58, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’65)
- 11-time NBA Champion (’57, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’68, ’69)
- Finals MVP first named in '69 (Jerry West); award is now named after him
- 3-time All-NBA 1st Team (’59, ’63, ’65)
- 8-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’58, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’64, ’66, ’68)
- 1969 NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (first year all-defensive teams were named)
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 1963 NBA All-Star Game MVP
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Bill Russell is the greatest winner in American team sports history. The man was the anchor of a true dynasty, the likes of which the league will never see again. In his 13 years with Boston, the Celtics won the title 11 times, the last two coming with Russell as the player/coach. He is the greatest defensive player of all-time and could kick-start Boston’s trademark fast break with pinpoint outlet passes. He led the league in rebounding five times and most likely would still hold the blocks record had that stat been reliably kept during his era. Not only was he a remarkable player but also a hero in the African-American community who championed racial equality and was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. There will never be another Bill Russell.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #6 is retired by the Boston Celtics
- 1956 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 2-time NCAA Champion (San Francisco)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’55, ’56)
- 2-time Helms Player of the Year (’55, ’56)
- His #6 is retired by the University of San Francisco
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7: Tim Duncan
By Adam Johnson
San Antonio Spurs (1997-2016)
The story of Tim Duncan and how he became one of the ten greatest players of all-time has been well documented. He grew up a swimmer in St. Croix, Virgin Islands and came to basketball late. Swimming’s loss was definitely basketball’s gain.
Drafted 1st overall in the 1997 draft by the San Antonio Spurs, after a stellar career at Wake Forest, Duncan immediately made a huge impact on his new team. He took home Rookie of the Year honors in his first season, as well as being named to the All-NBA 1st team. In just his second season, the 50-game, lockout shortened season, the Spurs would win their first NBA championship on the back of Duncan and fellow twin tower, David Robinson. Duncan was magnificent in the Finals, taking home the Finals MVP award and cementing his place among the game’s very elite.
The following year was a slight disappointment as a knee injury to Duncan limited him late in the season and forced him to miss the playoffs. In ’01 he led the Spurs to the best record in the league and the conference finals. However, the dominant Los Angeles Lakers, who were on their way to their second title of a three peat, swept the Spurs. It was obvious that the Spurs roster needed an injection of youth.
The 2001-02 season saw Duncan win his first MVP award, but the eventual champion, Lakers, again bounced the Spurs from the playoffs. That season did mark the debut of a young French point guard by the name of Tony Parker and the following season would see the debut of one Manu Ginobili. If 2002 were a high point for TD, the 2002-03 season would be his masterpiece. Duncan again won MVP, leading the league in win shares and putting up 23.3 point, 12.9 rebound, 3.9 assist and 2.9 block per game averages. This time in the playoffs the Spurs would defeat the Lakers in the second round and go on to win the title in a better-than-remembered Finals against Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets. Oh, Duncan won Finals MVP, capping off the series with a Game 6 line of 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks.
The next season Duncan again put together terrific numbers in the first year sans Robinson, but the Spurs would fall short to the Lakers in the second round. In ‘05 the Spurs won the title over the Detroit Pistons. In ’06 S.A. lost an absolutely epic series to the Dallas Mavericks in 7 games. In ’07 he won his fourth title by sweeping LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.
By Adam Johnson
San Antonio Spurs (1997-2016)
- 2-time NBA MVP (’02, ’03)
- 5-time NBA Champion (’99, ’03, ’05, ’07, ’14)
- 3-time Finals MVP (’99, ’03, ’05)
- 10-time All-NBA 1st Team (’98, ’99, ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04, ’05, ’07, ’13)
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (‘06, ’08, ’09)
- 2-time All-NBA 3rd Team (‘10, ’15)
- 8-time All-Defensive 1st Team (’99, ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’05, ’07, ’08)
- 7-time All-Defensive 2nd Team (’98, ’04, ’06, ’09, ’10, ’13, ’15)
- 1998 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 15-time NBA All-Star
- 2000 NBA All-Star Game Co-MVP
- San Antonio Spurs all-time leader in games, minutes, points, rebounds and blocks
The story of Tim Duncan and how he became one of the ten greatest players of all-time has been well documented. He grew up a swimmer in St. Croix, Virgin Islands and came to basketball late. Swimming’s loss was definitely basketball’s gain.
Drafted 1st overall in the 1997 draft by the San Antonio Spurs, after a stellar career at Wake Forest, Duncan immediately made a huge impact on his new team. He took home Rookie of the Year honors in his first season, as well as being named to the All-NBA 1st team. In just his second season, the 50-game, lockout shortened season, the Spurs would win their first NBA championship on the back of Duncan and fellow twin tower, David Robinson. Duncan was magnificent in the Finals, taking home the Finals MVP award and cementing his place among the game’s very elite.
The following year was a slight disappointment as a knee injury to Duncan limited him late in the season and forced him to miss the playoffs. In ’01 he led the Spurs to the best record in the league and the conference finals. However, the dominant Los Angeles Lakers, who were on their way to their second title of a three peat, swept the Spurs. It was obvious that the Spurs roster needed an injection of youth.
The 2001-02 season saw Duncan win his first MVP award, but the eventual champion, Lakers, again bounced the Spurs from the playoffs. That season did mark the debut of a young French point guard by the name of Tony Parker and the following season would see the debut of one Manu Ginobili. If 2002 were a high point for TD, the 2002-03 season would be his masterpiece. Duncan again won MVP, leading the league in win shares and putting up 23.3 point, 12.9 rebound, 3.9 assist and 2.9 block per game averages. This time in the playoffs the Spurs would defeat the Lakers in the second round and go on to win the title in a better-than-remembered Finals against Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets. Oh, Duncan won Finals MVP, capping off the series with a Game 6 line of 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks.
The next season Duncan again put together terrific numbers in the first year sans Robinson, but the Spurs would fall short to the Lakers in the second round. In ‘05 the Spurs won the title over the Detroit Pistons. In ’06 S.A. lost an absolutely epic series to the Dallas Mavericks in 7 games. In ’07 he won his fourth title by sweeping LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.
This is the thing about Tim Duncan, you can keep going year after year and the trend is the same. He and his team played at an incredibly high level and competed for championships. The last third of his career only did more to increase his standing as the greatest player of his generation. Where others started to crumble, he changed his body and his game to remain the anchor of some great teams. In 2013 he was named All-NBA 1st Team for the 10th time in his career, he put together a great playoff run and Finals and came agonizingly close to his 5th ring. The following season he put the pain of 2013 behind him and helped lead the Spurs to a 4-1 Finals win over the team that had beaten them in the championship round the season before, the Miami Heat.
As his career wound down it was obvious that TD couldn’t carry the same load he once did for San Antonio. But Duncan knew that, which is another strength of his. His ability (probably learned from David Robinson) to let other, younger players take the reigns of the team is a huge reason why he was still competing for titles as he approached 40 years old. Make no mistake that is a skill. Even in his last (statistically his worst) season he was able to be the backbone of one of the greatest defensive teams of all-time.
The best way to describe Tim Duncan’s career is subtle, consistent greatness. Other greats of the game may have been better marketed or had a game more tailor made to fit the wants of the masses, but Duncan quietly passed them by. His place in history is unquestioned and both his franchise and the game will greatly miss him.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Personal Anecdote
My family was lucky enough to have season tickets for the Spurs my entire childhood and early adulthood. I saw Tim Duncan play live way too many times to count. His retirement hit hard, which is why we at the Pantheon decided to go into greater detail in another piece.
As his career wound down it was obvious that TD couldn’t carry the same load he once did for San Antonio. But Duncan knew that, which is another strength of his. His ability (probably learned from David Robinson) to let other, younger players take the reigns of the team is a huge reason why he was still competing for titles as he approached 40 years old. Make no mistake that is a skill. Even in his last (statistically his worst) season he was able to be the backbone of one of the greatest defensive teams of all-time.
The best way to describe Tim Duncan’s career is subtle, consistent greatness. Other greats of the game may have been better marketed or had a game more tailor made to fit the wants of the masses, but Duncan quietly passed them by. His place in history is unquestioned and both his franchise and the game will greatly miss him.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2015 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award
- His #21 is retired by the San Antonio Spurs
- 2-time ACC Player of the Year (Wake Forest, ’96, ’97)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (Wake Forest, ’96, ’97)
- His #21 is retired by Wake Forest University
- 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal (USA)
Personal Anecdote
My family was lucky enough to have season tickets for the Spurs my entire childhood and early adulthood. I saw Tim Duncan play live way too many times to count. His retirement hit hard, which is why we at the Pantheon decided to go into greater detail in another piece.
8: Larry Bird
By Adam Johnson
Boston Celtics (1979-1992)
It is probably impossible to overstate Larry Bird’s contributions to the game of basketball. From his storied career at Indiana State, to his legendary run in Boston and final statement on the Dream Team, Bird left behind a basketball legacy almost unrivaled. By the way, he also is the only man to be named NBA MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. Not bad for a “Hick from French Lick”.
Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird decided to play his final season at Indiana State before actually signing with the pro club. The college basketball world greatly benefited from this decision as the 1979 title game between Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores and Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans remains the highest rated college basketball game of all-time. There is plenty more on that game as well as Bird and Magic’s college careers in Seth Davis’ excellent, “When March Went Mad”. We are mostly here to talk about Bird’s NBA career, though, so off we go.
Larry’s Boston tenure started with a bang, with him winning rookie of the year and the Celtics improving their record by 32 wins from the season before. The Celtics would make the eastern conference finals where they began an underrated rivalry with the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston lost in five games to the Sixers that year but got revenge and more in 1981. Down 3-1 in the series, Boston rallied to win three straight to win the east and earn their first finals berth since 1976. Bird was brilliant in the Philly series, averaging nearly 27 points per game and hitting the de facto game winner in game seven. The Celtics would go on to win the title, beating the Houston Rockets in six games.
In 1982, Bird averaged nearly 23, 11 and 6, but the Celtics would fall to Philly in another classic seven game series in the eastern conference finals. In 1983 the Milwaukee Bucks (with Bird missing a game due to injury and not playing up to his lofty standards all series) swept the Celtics in the second round. 1984 would be different, however, as Bird shined in the year that truly changed the league forever.
The NBA in 1984 was in a great spot after a mixed decade and a half filled with a merger, drug controversy and bogus “race issues”. The league was filled with loads of stars and its marquee franchises were at the peak of their powers as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics were on a collision course for the NBA Finals. During the regular season, the Celtics compiled a 62-20 record before beating the Bullets, Knicks and Bucks on the way to the Finals. The Lakers held up their end of the bargain, setting up Bird v. Magic, five years on from their epic NCAA title game clash.
The 1984 Finals is perhaps the most important playoff series in league history. Television audiences grew immensely for CBS and the hype around the matchup was more akin to what we are used to now. Each game was like an event with its own story line. LA takes the first game in Boston, the Celtics then respond with a classic victory in game two. The Lakers rout the Celtics in game three in the Forum, Bird then calls his teammates “a bunch of sissies” before the Celtics respond with another classic win in game four. Boston wins game five, the Lakers take game six and the series fittingly goes seven games. The Celtics won the decider, 111-102, as Bird was named Finals MVP. Weeks later, the 1984 draft brought in some decent players, you might have even heard of a few of them.
The next two seasons Bird was named league MVP for the second and third time, a three-peat if you will, a feat no one has accomplished since then. In 1985, the Lakers got revenge, beating the Celtics in six games in the Finals. In 1986, Boston would win their third title of the decade with one of the best teams in the history of the league. Bill Walton was added to the team before the season, a risk that paid off and only added to the Celtics already ridiculous collection of passing brilliance. Boston went 67-15 that season then rolled through the playoffs, going 15-3, beating Houston in the Finals. Bird was outstanding in game six, scoring 29 points, with 11 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals, taking his perch atop the game.
In 1987, Magic Johnson put together his own MVP campaign, then symbolically grabbed the torch from Bird as the league’s best player with his iconic “baby skyhook” in game four of the ’87 Finals. That is not to say Bird had some sort of off year though. He finished the season with 50-40-90 shooting percentages and averaged better than 28 points per game with 15.2 win shares and a 26.4 PER. Outrageous season, really. His 1988 campaign was probably even better; 29.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 52.7, 41.4, 91.6 shooting percentages, 15 win shares and 27.8 PER.
The first nine years of Larry Bird’s career really are remarkable. His teams won three titles, made two Finals and three conference finals appearances. He was an All-Star and All-NBA 1st team in every season from ’80-‘88, a wild accomplishment. The man was a shooting assassin of the highest level, a clutch performer unrivaled and a legendary trash talker. His defense was underrated, rebounding better than people realize and passing brilliant. Larry Bird was truly a complete player.
By Adam Johnson
Boston Celtics (1979-1992)
- 3-time NBA MVP (’84, ’85, ’86)
- 3-time NBA Champion (’81, ’84, ’86)
- 2-time NBA Finals MVP (’84, ’86)
- 9-time All-NBA 1st Team (’80, ’81, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’85, ’86, ’87, ’88)
- 1990 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 3-time All-Defensive 2nd Team (’82, ’83, ’84)
- 1980 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 1982 All-Star Game MVP
- 2-time Member of the 50-40-90 club
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
It is probably impossible to overstate Larry Bird’s contributions to the game of basketball. From his storied career at Indiana State, to his legendary run in Boston and final statement on the Dream Team, Bird left behind a basketball legacy almost unrivaled. By the way, he also is the only man to be named NBA MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. Not bad for a “Hick from French Lick”.
Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird decided to play his final season at Indiana State before actually signing with the pro club. The college basketball world greatly benefited from this decision as the 1979 title game between Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores and Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans remains the highest rated college basketball game of all-time. There is plenty more on that game as well as Bird and Magic’s college careers in Seth Davis’ excellent, “When March Went Mad”. We are mostly here to talk about Bird’s NBA career, though, so off we go.
Larry’s Boston tenure started with a bang, with him winning rookie of the year and the Celtics improving their record by 32 wins from the season before. The Celtics would make the eastern conference finals where they began an underrated rivalry with the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston lost in five games to the Sixers that year but got revenge and more in 1981. Down 3-1 in the series, Boston rallied to win three straight to win the east and earn their first finals berth since 1976. Bird was brilliant in the Philly series, averaging nearly 27 points per game and hitting the de facto game winner in game seven. The Celtics would go on to win the title, beating the Houston Rockets in six games.
In 1982, Bird averaged nearly 23, 11 and 6, but the Celtics would fall to Philly in another classic seven game series in the eastern conference finals. In 1983 the Milwaukee Bucks (with Bird missing a game due to injury and not playing up to his lofty standards all series) swept the Celtics in the second round. 1984 would be different, however, as Bird shined in the year that truly changed the league forever.
The NBA in 1984 was in a great spot after a mixed decade and a half filled with a merger, drug controversy and bogus “race issues”. The league was filled with loads of stars and its marquee franchises were at the peak of their powers as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics were on a collision course for the NBA Finals. During the regular season, the Celtics compiled a 62-20 record before beating the Bullets, Knicks and Bucks on the way to the Finals. The Lakers held up their end of the bargain, setting up Bird v. Magic, five years on from their epic NCAA title game clash.
The 1984 Finals is perhaps the most important playoff series in league history. Television audiences grew immensely for CBS and the hype around the matchup was more akin to what we are used to now. Each game was like an event with its own story line. LA takes the first game in Boston, the Celtics then respond with a classic victory in game two. The Lakers rout the Celtics in game three in the Forum, Bird then calls his teammates “a bunch of sissies” before the Celtics respond with another classic win in game four. Boston wins game five, the Lakers take game six and the series fittingly goes seven games. The Celtics won the decider, 111-102, as Bird was named Finals MVP. Weeks later, the 1984 draft brought in some decent players, you might have even heard of a few of them.
The next two seasons Bird was named league MVP for the second and third time, a three-peat if you will, a feat no one has accomplished since then. In 1985, the Lakers got revenge, beating the Celtics in six games in the Finals. In 1986, Boston would win their third title of the decade with one of the best teams in the history of the league. Bill Walton was added to the team before the season, a risk that paid off and only added to the Celtics already ridiculous collection of passing brilliance. Boston went 67-15 that season then rolled through the playoffs, going 15-3, beating Houston in the Finals. Bird was outstanding in game six, scoring 29 points, with 11 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals, taking his perch atop the game.
In 1987, Magic Johnson put together his own MVP campaign, then symbolically grabbed the torch from Bird as the league’s best player with his iconic “baby skyhook” in game four of the ’87 Finals. That is not to say Bird had some sort of off year though. He finished the season with 50-40-90 shooting percentages and averaged better than 28 points per game with 15.2 win shares and a 26.4 PER. Outrageous season, really. His 1988 campaign was probably even better; 29.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 52.7, 41.4, 91.6 shooting percentages, 15 win shares and 27.8 PER.
The first nine years of Larry Bird’s career really are remarkable. His teams won three titles, made two Finals and three conference finals appearances. He was an All-Star and All-NBA 1st team in every season from ’80-‘88, a wild accomplishment. The man was a shooting assassin of the highest level, a clutch performer unrivaled and a legendary trash talker. His defense was underrated, rebounding better than people realize and passing brilliant. Larry Bird was truly a complete player.
Unfortunately, it is the last four years of his career, hampered by almost constant injuries that keep him from climbing even higher on this list. In 1989 he only played six games and missed the playoffs. He responded with a great season in ’90, playing 75 games and leading the league in free throw percentage at 93%. In ’91 Bird missed 22 games but helped lead the Celtics to the second round with a throwback performance, scoring 32 points in game five of the first round against Indiana. The ’92 season would end up Bird’s last, as he averaged just over 20 points per game in 45 games.
Larry Bird’s basketball career wasn’t over quite yet, though. In the summer of ’92 Larry Legend played for The Dream Team and won a gold medal in Barcelona. It was the perfect way to cap off a one of a kind career.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Larry Bird’s basketball career wasn’t over quite yet, though. In the summer of ’92 Larry Legend played for The Dream Team and won a gold medal in Barcelona. It was the perfect way to cap off a one of a kind career.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 1998 NBA Coach of the Year (Indiana Pacers)
- 2012 NBA Executive of the Year (Indiana Pacers)
- His #33 is retired by the Boston Celtics
- 3-time NBA 3-point shootout champion (’86, ’87, ’88)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (Indiana State, ’78, ’79)
- 1979 National Player of the Year (Indiana State)
- 1992 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
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