71: Dan Issel
Kentucky Colonels (1970-1975)
Denver Nuggets (1975-1985)
Dan Issel played 15 impressive years in pro basketball, scoring over 27,000 points and pulling down more than 11,000 rebounds. He played the first five years of his career in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels. Issel was a part of an excellent team in Kentucky, one that won the ABA title in ’75. Following that season, Issel moved on to Denver, where he played their final ABA season with them, and then made the jump with the club to the NBA. Issel was a durable scorer for the Nuggets all the way up to his final season in ’85. The Kentucky product never missed more than 6 games in a season, racking up nearly 42,000 minutes played between the two leagues, a huge number. Issel’s overall career has become underrated; the man could score with the best of them.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Kentucky Colonels (1970-1975)
Denver Nuggets (1975-1985)
- 1975 ABA Champion
- 1972 All-ABA 1st Team
- 4-time All-ABA 2nd Team (’71, ’73, ’74, ’75)
- 1971 ABA Rookie of the Year
- 6-time ABA All-Star
- 1972 ABA All-Star Game MVP
- 1977 NBA All-Star
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Dan Issel played 15 impressive years in pro basketball, scoring over 27,000 points and pulling down more than 11,000 rebounds. He played the first five years of his career in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels. Issel was a part of an excellent team in Kentucky, one that won the ABA title in ’75. Following that season, Issel moved on to Denver, where he played their final ABA season with them, and then made the jump with the club to the NBA. Issel was a durable scorer for the Nuggets all the way up to his final season in ’85. The Kentucky product never missed more than 6 games in a season, racking up nearly 42,000 minutes played between the two leagues, a huge number. Issel’s overall career has become underrated; the man could score with the best of them.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #44 is retired by the Denver Nuggets
- 1985 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
- 1970 Consensus 1st Team All-American (Kentucky)
- 1969 Consensus 2nd Team All-American (Kentucky)
72: Manu Ginobili
San Antonio Spurs (2002-2018)
In the summer of 2018, Manu Ginobili decided to retire from the game of basketball. Ginobili began his pro career in his native Argentina before moving overseas and becoming a star in the Italian league. The crafty lefty was drafted 57th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, but did not come over to the NBA until the 2002-2003 season. In his rookie year, Ginobili was named All-Rookie 2nd Team and helped lead the Spurs to the NBA title. Two years later, Ginobili was named an All-Star for the first time. That same year he very nearly won Finals MVP by helping the Spurs win another championship in seven tough games over the Detroit Pistons.
By that point the entire league realized that Manu Ginobili was going to be someone they had to game plan for. The Argentinian legend won another title in ’07, was named 6th Man of the Year and All-NBA 3rd Team in 2008, and was named an All-Star again in 2011. As he entered the final phase of his career, the Spurs rested Ginobili more often and lightened his workload to keep him effective even at the age of 40. In 2014, Manu won his 4th title, as a key player on a team of unselfish playmakers.
Ginobili played with a passion and style that drew in both novices and basketball purists. He leaves the game with the admiration of his peers, including high praise from some of the best players of his generation. He popularized the Eurostep and played with a reckless abandon that was impossible not to respect. The NBA accolades are impressive, but what he did for Argentina at the international level is quite literally unprecedented. Manu Ginobili is a total original, the likes of which we may never see again.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
San Antonio Spurs (2002-2018)
- 4-time NBA Champion (’03, ’05, ’07, ’14)
- 2008 NBA 6th Man of the Year
- 2-time All-NBA 3rd Team (’08, ’11)
- 2003 NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team
- 2-time NBA All-Star
In the summer of 2018, Manu Ginobili decided to retire from the game of basketball. Ginobili began his pro career in his native Argentina before moving overseas and becoming a star in the Italian league. The crafty lefty was drafted 57th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, but did not come over to the NBA until the 2002-2003 season. In his rookie year, Ginobili was named All-Rookie 2nd Team and helped lead the Spurs to the NBA title. Two years later, Ginobili was named an All-Star for the first time. That same year he very nearly won Finals MVP by helping the Spurs win another championship in seven tough games over the Detroit Pistons.
By that point the entire league realized that Manu Ginobili was going to be someone they had to game plan for. The Argentinian legend won another title in ’07, was named 6th Man of the Year and All-NBA 3rd Team in 2008, and was named an All-Star again in 2011. As he entered the final phase of his career, the Spurs rested Ginobili more often and lightened his workload to keep him effective even at the age of 40. In 2014, Manu won his 4th title, as a key player on a team of unselfish playmakers.
Ginobili played with a passion and style that drew in both novices and basketball purists. He leaves the game with the admiration of his peers, including high praise from some of the best players of his generation. He popularized the Eurostep and played with a reckless abandon that was impossible not to respect. The NBA accolades are impressive, but what he did for Argentina at the international level is quite literally unprecedented. Manu Ginobili is a total original, the likes of which we may never see again.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2004 Olympic Gold Medal (Argentina)
- 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal (Argentina)
- 2001 EuroLeague champion
- 2001 EuroLeague Finals MVP
- 2-time EuroLeague Finals top scorer (’01, ’02)
- 2002 All-EuroLeague 1st Team
- 2001 Italian League champion
- 2002 Italian Cup MVP
- 2-time Italian League MVP (’01, ’02)
73: Hal Greer
Syracuse Nationals (1958-1963)
Philadelphia 76ers (1963-1973)
Greer played his entire career with the Syracuse/Philadelphia franchise and is one of the best in their history. The 10-time All-Star was an outstanding two-way player who was a rock for a franchise that relocated after his fifth season with the club. Greer won a title in 1967 on that loaded Sixers team led by Wilt Chamberlain and finished his career with better than 21,000 points and a place in the Hall of Fame.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Syracuse Nationals (1958-1963)
Philadelphia 76ers (1963-1973)
- 1967 NBA Champion
- 7-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’63, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’67, ’68, ’69)
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- 1968 All-Star Game MVP
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Greer played his entire career with the Syracuse/Philadelphia franchise and is one of the best in their history. The 10-time All-Star was an outstanding two-way player who was a rock for a franchise that relocated after his fifth season with the club. Greer won a title in 1967 on that loaded Sixers team led by Wilt Chamberlain and finished his career with better than 21,000 points and a place in the Hall of Fame.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #15 is retired by the Philadelphia 76ers
- 1958 1st Team All-MAC (Marshall)
74: Tony Parker
San Antonio Spurs (2001-2018)
Charlotte Hornets (2018-present)
In 2001, Tony Parker was a little known prospect out of France, and 17 years later he is a no doubt Hall of Famer and a Spurs legend. Parker became the Spurs’ starter just five games into his rookie season, taking over from the steady, but aging, Avery Johnson. Parker blossomed in his second season, ’02-’03, the same year that the Spurs won the franchise’s second title. San Antonio again won the title in 2005, and then Parker made his first All-Star team in 2006. The following year, Parker was named an All-Star again and was also named Finals MVP in the Spurs’ sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2007 Finals. From 2008-2014, Parker was named an All-Star and All-NBA four times each. He also helped lead the Spurs to the 2014 NBA championship, his fourth and the franchise’s fifth. The following year his production began to dip, a trend that has continued since. In 2017, he handed over the starting point guard duties to Dejounte Murray, the same way Johnson had done for him so many years earlier. In 2018, Parker’s time with the Spurs came to an end, as he signed with the Charlotte Hornets.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
San Antonio Spurs (2001-2018)
Charlotte Hornets (2018-present)
- 4-time NBA Champion (’03, ’05, ’07, ’14)
- 2007 NBA Finals MVP
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’12, ’13, ’14)
- 2009 All-NBA 3rd Team
- 2002 NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
- 6-time NBA All-Star
In 2001, Tony Parker was a little known prospect out of France, and 17 years later he is a no doubt Hall of Famer and a Spurs legend. Parker became the Spurs’ starter just five games into his rookie season, taking over from the steady, but aging, Avery Johnson. Parker blossomed in his second season, ’02-’03, the same year that the Spurs won the franchise’s second title. San Antonio again won the title in 2005, and then Parker made his first All-Star team in 2006. The following year, Parker was named an All-Star again and was also named Finals MVP in the Spurs’ sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2007 Finals. From 2008-2014, Parker was named an All-Star and All-NBA four times each. He also helped lead the Spurs to the 2014 NBA championship, his fourth and the franchise’s fifth. The following year his production began to dip, a trend that has continued since. In 2017, he handed over the starting point guard duties to Dejounte Murray, the same way Johnson had done for him so many years earlier. In 2018, Parker’s time with the Spurs came to an end, as he signed with the Charlotte Hornets.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2-time FIBA Europe Player of the Year (’13, ’14)
- 2-time Euroscar Award (’07, ’13)
75: Vince Carter
Toronto Raptors (1999-2004)
New Jersey Nets (2004-2009)
Orlando Magic (2009-2010)
Phoenix Suns (2010-2011)
Dallas Mavericks (2011-2014)
Memphis Grizzlies (2014-2017)
Sacramento Kings (2017-2018)
Atlanta Hawks (2018-present)
Vince Carter’s rookie year, the lockout shortened ’99 campaign, was an endless highlight reel of ferocious dunks from the UNC product. Carter burst onto the scene, winning Rookie of the Year and wowing fans across the globe, putting the Raptors franchise on the map. In his second season, Carter was named to the All-NBA 3rd Team and helped lead the Raptors to the playoffs. His most lasting moment from the ’00 season, though, was the absolute show he put on in Oakland at the Dunk Contest. In 2001, Carter was named second team All-NBA and he led his team to the second round, where they lost to Allen Iverson’s Sixers in game 7, a controversial day for Carter. In 2004, Carter was traded to New Jersey amid rumors of his growing discontent in Toronto. Many believed that he “quit” on the team in a way, and the fans were somewhat happy to see him go. In New Jersey he teamed up with Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson to form some fun teams that ultimately didn’t do a whole lot in the playoffs. The Orlando Magic traded for Carter before the ‘09-’10 season and he helped them to the conference finals where they fell short against the Boston Celtics. After a brief stop in Phoenix, Carter signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, remaking himself as a valuable role player and veteran leader. He had a big moment in the 2014 playoffs as his three at the buzzer beat the Spurs and gave the Mavs a temporary 2-1 series lead against the team that would go on to win the title. After his Dallas tenure, V.C. signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent three seasons. In the summer of 2017, he signed with the Sacramento Kings, where he is looking to continue his role as a veteran presence. Carter only lasted one year in Sacramento, and in the summer of 2018, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Toronto Raptors (1999-2004)
New Jersey Nets (2004-2009)
Orlando Magic (2009-2010)
Phoenix Suns (2010-2011)
Dallas Mavericks (2011-2014)
Memphis Grizzlies (2014-2017)
Sacramento Kings (2017-2018)
Atlanta Hawks (2018-present)
- 2001 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 2000 All-NBA 3rd Team
- 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 8-time NBA All-Star
Vince Carter’s rookie year, the lockout shortened ’99 campaign, was an endless highlight reel of ferocious dunks from the UNC product. Carter burst onto the scene, winning Rookie of the Year and wowing fans across the globe, putting the Raptors franchise on the map. In his second season, Carter was named to the All-NBA 3rd Team and helped lead the Raptors to the playoffs. His most lasting moment from the ’00 season, though, was the absolute show he put on in Oakland at the Dunk Contest. In 2001, Carter was named second team All-NBA and he led his team to the second round, where they lost to Allen Iverson’s Sixers in game 7, a controversial day for Carter. In 2004, Carter was traded to New Jersey amid rumors of his growing discontent in Toronto. Many believed that he “quit” on the team in a way, and the fans were somewhat happy to see him go. In New Jersey he teamed up with Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson to form some fun teams that ultimately didn’t do a whole lot in the playoffs. The Orlando Magic traded for Carter before the ‘09-’10 season and he helped them to the conference finals where they fell short against the Boston Celtics. After a brief stop in Phoenix, Carter signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, remaking himself as a valuable role player and veteran leader. He had a big moment in the 2014 playoffs as his three at the buzzer beat the Spurs and gave the Mavs a temporary 2-1 series lead against the team that would go on to win the title. After his Dallas tenure, V.C. signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent three seasons. In the summer of 2017, he signed with the Sacramento Kings, where he is looking to continue his role as a veteran presence. Carter only lasted one year in Sacramento, and in the summer of 2018, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2000 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
- 2016 NBA Teammate of the Year
- 1998 Consensus 2nd Team All-American (North Carolina)
76: Bill Sharman
Washington Capitols (1950-1951)
Boston Celtics (1951-1961)
After a so-so rookie season in Washington, Bill Sharman moved on to the Boston Celtics, where he spent a very successful decade with the league’s first dynasty. Sharman was a sharp shooting guard that won four titles alongside Bill Russell and company and also made eight straight All-Star appearances from ’53-’60. In 1956 Sharman was named to his first All-NBA 1st Team, a feat he would repeat three more times. After winning the 1961 title, Sharman walked away from the game and began his coaching career. Sharman would eventually win back-to-back titles, first in the ABA with the Utah Stars and then in the NBA with the ’72 Lakers, one of the greatest teams of all-time. Sharman is one of the rare basketball figures to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Washington Capitols (1950-1951)
Boston Celtics (1951-1961)
- 4-time NBA Champion (’57, ’59, ’60, ’61)
- 4-time All-NBA 1st Team (’56, ’57, ’58, ’59)
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’53, ’55, ’60)
- 8-time NBA All-Star
- 1955 NBA All-Star Game MVP
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
After a so-so rookie season in Washington, Bill Sharman moved on to the Boston Celtics, where he spent a very successful decade with the league’s first dynasty. Sharman was a sharp shooting guard that won four titles alongside Bill Russell and company and also made eight straight All-Star appearances from ’53-’60. In 1956 Sharman was named to his first All-NBA 1st Team, a feat he would repeat three more times. After winning the 1961 title, Sharman walked away from the game and began his coaching career. Sharman would eventually win back-to-back titles, first in the ABA with the Utah Stars and then in the NBA with the ’72 Lakers, one of the greatest teams of all-time. Sharman is one of the rare basketball figures to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #21 is retired by the Boston Celtics
- 1950 Consensus 1st Team All-American (USC)
- 2-time 1st Team All-PCC (’49, ’50, USC)
- His #11 is retired by USC
- 1971 ABA Champion as coach (Utah Stars)
- 1972 NBA Champion as coach (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 1970 ABA Coach of the Year
- 1972 NBA Coach of the Year
77: Joe Dumars
Detroit Pistons (1985-1999)
Joe Dumars played his entire career in Detroit and left as one of the most respected players of his generation. The tough shooting guard from McNeese State was a lockdown perimeter defender and teamed up with Isiah Thomas to form one of the greatest backcourts in league history. Dumars won two titles with the Bad Boy Pistons and was named an All-Star six times in his career. He also had a long stint as general manager of the Pistons, earning a ring in that role in 2004.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Detroit Pistons (1985-1999)
- 2-time NBA Champion (’89, ’90)
- 1989 Finals MVP
- 1993 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 2-time All-NBA 3rd Team (’90, ’91)
- 4-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’89, ’90, ’92, ’93)
- 1991 NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team
- 1986 NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
- 6-time NBA All-Star
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Joe Dumars played his entire career in Detroit and left as one of the most respected players of his generation. The tough shooting guard from McNeese State was a lockdown perimeter defender and teamed up with Isiah Thomas to form one of the greatest backcourts in league history. Dumars won two titles with the Bad Boy Pistons and was named an All-Star six times in his career. He also had a long stint as general manager of the Pistons, earning a ring in that role in 2004.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #4 is retired by the Detroit Pistons
- 1994 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
- 1996 NBA Sportsmanship Award
- 2003 NBA Executive of the Year
- 1994 World Championship Gold Medal (USA)
78: Chris Bosh
Toronto Raptors (2003-2010)
Miami Heat (2010-2016)
The Toronto Raptors made Chris Bosh the 4th overall pick in the loaded draft of 2003. He played his first seven seasons with Toronto and was outstanding. He was named an All-Star for the first time in 2006 and All-NBA 2nd Team in ’07. In 2010, Bosh made waves in free agency by joining with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Bosh’s time with the Heat is how he will be remembered. The Georgia Tech product was a key part of Miami’s four straight Finals runs as his versatility on both ends allowed the Heat to play a frenetic style of defense. Unfortunately, Bosh was forced to miss the back half of the ’15 season with blood clot issues. The injury would flare up again in the ’16 season, essentially ending his career this time. Despite his career ending prematurely, Bosh will no doubt end up in the Hall of Fame.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Toronto Raptors (2003-2010)
Miami Heat (2010-2016)
- 2-time NBA Champion
- 2007 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 2004 NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
- 11-time NBA All-Star
The Toronto Raptors made Chris Bosh the 4th overall pick in the loaded draft of 2003. He played his first seven seasons with Toronto and was outstanding. He was named an All-Star for the first time in 2006 and All-NBA 2nd Team in ’07. In 2010, Bosh made waves in free agency by joining with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Bosh’s time with the Heat is how he will be remembered. The Georgia Tech product was a key part of Miami’s four straight Finals runs as his versatility on both ends allowed the Heat to play a frenetic style of defense. Unfortunately, Bosh was forced to miss the back half of the ’15 season with blood clot issues. The injury would flare up again in the ’16 season, essentially ending his career this time. Despite his career ending prematurely, Bosh will no doubt end up in the Hall of Fame.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2003 ACC Rookie of the Year (Georgia Tech)
- 2006 FIBA World Championship Bronze Medal (USA)
- 2008 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
79: Sidney Moncrief
Milwaukee Bucks (1979-1989)
Atlanta Hawks (1990-1991)
Sidney Moncrief spent the entire decade of the 80’s with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming a legend for the club and one of the best players of the decade. Moncrief made his first All-Star Game in 1982, his first of five straight. The Bucks were a real contender during Moncrief’s time with the team, but dynasties like the Sixers and Celtics stood in the way of the Bucks ever making the Finals. Moncrief stayed with Milwaukee through the ’89 season, then missed the entire ’90 season through injury. The Arkansas man came back for one season with the Atlanta Hawks in ’90-’91, before retiring.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Milwaukee Bucks (1979-1989)
Atlanta Hawks (1990-1991)
- 1983 All-NBA 1st Team
- 4-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’82, ’84, ’85, ’86)
- 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (’83, ’84)
- 4-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’83, ’84, ’85, ’86)
- 1982 NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team
- 5-time NBA All-Star
Sidney Moncrief spent the entire decade of the 80’s with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming a legend for the club and one of the best players of the decade. Moncrief made his first All-Star Game in 1982, his first of five straight. The Bucks were a real contender during Moncrief’s time with the team, but dynasties like the Sixers and Celtics stood in the way of the Bucks ever making the Finals. Moncrief stayed with Milwaukee through the ’89 season, then missed the entire ’90 season through injury. The Arkansas man came back for one season with the Atlanta Hawks in ’90-’91, before retiring.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #4 is retired by the Milwaukee Bucks
- 1979 Consensus 1st Team All-American (Arkansas)
- 1978 UPI 2nd Team All-American (Arkansas)
- 1979 SWC Player of the Year (Arkansas)
80: Dennis Johnson
Seattle SuperSonics (1976-1980)
Phoenix Suns (1980-1983)
Boston Celtics (1983-1990)
Dennis Johnson was a brilliant defensive guard who was fortunate enough to play a big role on some excellent basketball teams. DJ played his high school and college ball in L.A. before being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2nd round of the 1976 draft. Johnson was a contributor right away for Seattle and in his third campaign he was named to the All-Star team during the regular season before helping his team take home the ’79 NBA title, while being named Finals MVP in the process. Johnson played another All-Star campaign in Seattle before getting traded to the Phoenix Suns for Paul Westphal in June of 1980. DJ put together three very good seasons in Phoenix, twice being named to the All-Star team before he was moved to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics needed a guard like Johnson and he fit in with the loaded squad right away. In 1984, Johnson’s first season in Boston, the Celtics knocked off the Lakers in a classic, seven game Finals series. Jonson added another title to his resume in 1987 and played three more seasons with the Celtics after that. He was enshrined into the Hall of Fame posthumously in 2012.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Seattle SuperSonics (1976-1980)
Phoenix Suns (1980-1983)
Boston Celtics (1983-1990)
- 3-time NBA Champion
- 1979 NBA Finals MVP
- 1981 All-NBA 1st Team
- 1980 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 6-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’79, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83, ’87)
- 3-time NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (’84, ’85, ’86)
- 5-time NBA All-Star
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Dennis Johnson was a brilliant defensive guard who was fortunate enough to play a big role on some excellent basketball teams. DJ played his high school and college ball in L.A. before being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2nd round of the 1976 draft. Johnson was a contributor right away for Seattle and in his third campaign he was named to the All-Star team during the regular season before helping his team take home the ’79 NBA title, while being named Finals MVP in the process. Johnson played another All-Star campaign in Seattle before getting traded to the Phoenix Suns for Paul Westphal in June of 1980. DJ put together three very good seasons in Phoenix, twice being named to the All-Star team before he was moved to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics needed a guard like Johnson and he fit in with the loaded squad right away. In 1984, Johnson’s first season in Boston, the Celtics knocked off the Lakers in a classic, seven game Finals series. Jonson added another title to his resume in 1987 and played three more seasons with the Celtics after that. He was enshrined into the Hall of Fame posthumously in 2012.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #3 is retired by the Boston Celtics