81.
82: Chris Webber
Golden State Warriors (1993-1994, 2008)
Washington Bullets/Wizards (1994-1998)
Sacramento Kings (1999-2005)
Philadelphia 76ers (2005-2007)
Detroit Pistons (2007)
Webber’s career is almost a strange one, as the Michigan man hopped around to multiple franchises, aside from spending his prime in Sacramento. Webber was named rookie of the year with the Warriors in 1994, then was traded to Washington in November of that year. He spent four seasons in the capital, being named an All-Star in 1997. Just after the 1998 season, Webber was traded to Sacramento for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe. As a King, Webber was named All-NBA five times and an All-Star four times, leading the Kings during their glory years. In 2002, the Kings probably should’ve won the title, but they lost in a controversial seven game series to the juggernaut Lakers team of Kobe and Shaq. Webber injured his knee shortly after that and was never truly the same player, although he did put together a great season in Philly in ’06. If he‘d been a little luckier with his health, then Webber would certainly find himself higher on this list.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Golden State Warriors (1993-1994, 2008)
Washington Bullets/Wizards (1994-1998)
Sacramento Kings (1999-2005)
Philadelphia 76ers (2005-2007)
Detroit Pistons (2007)
- 2001 All-NBA 1st Team
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’99, ’02, ’03)
- 2000 All-NBA 3rd Team
- 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 5-time NBA All-Star
Webber’s career is almost a strange one, as the Michigan man hopped around to multiple franchises, aside from spending his prime in Sacramento. Webber was named rookie of the year with the Warriors in 1994, then was traded to Washington in November of that year. He spent four seasons in the capital, being named an All-Star in 1997. Just after the 1998 season, Webber was traded to Sacramento for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe. As a King, Webber was named All-NBA five times and an All-Star four times, leading the Kings during their glory years. In 2002, the Kings probably should’ve won the title, but they lost in a controversial seven game series to the juggernaut Lakers team of Kobe and Shaq. Webber injured his knee shortly after that and was never truly the same player, although he did put together a great season in Philly in ’06. If he‘d been a little luckier with his health, then Webber would certainly find himself higher on this list.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #4 is retired by the Sacramento Kings
- 1993 Consensus 1st Team All-American (Michigan)
83: Chris Mullin
Golden State Warriors (1985-1997, 2000-2001)
Indiana Pacers (1997-2000)
Mully ended his phenomenal career at St. John’s in 1985, and then had a wonderful 15-year NBA career, landing him in the Hall of Fame. Mullin made his first All-Star team in ’89, when he averaged better than 26 points per game. He then made the next four All-Star Game’s, while also landing a spot on the ’92 USA Dream Team that won gold in Barcelona. Mullin was one of the first players to use the three point shot as a real weapon, although he could score from anywhere. After 12 fantastic seasons in the Bay Area, Mullin was traded to the Indiana Pacers where he became a valuable role player for the eastern conference contenders. In 2000, Mullin made his only Finals appearance, as his Pacers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Mullin finished his career with one final season in Golden State in ’00-’01.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Golden State Warriors (1985-1997, 2000-2001)
Indiana Pacers (1997-2000)
- 1992 All-NBA 1st Team
- 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’89, ’91)
- 1990 All-NBA 3rd Team
- 5-time NBA All-Star
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Mully ended his phenomenal career at St. John’s in 1985, and then had a wonderful 15-year NBA career, landing him in the Hall of Fame. Mullin made his first All-Star team in ’89, when he averaged better than 26 points per game. He then made the next four All-Star Game’s, while also landing a spot on the ’92 USA Dream Team that won gold in Barcelona. Mullin was one of the first players to use the three point shot as a real weapon, although he could score from anywhere. After 12 fantastic seasons in the Bay Area, Mullin was traded to the Indiana Pacers where he became a valuable role player for the eastern conference contenders. In 2000, Mullin made his only Finals appearance, as his Pacers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Mullin finished his career with one final season in Golden State in ’00-’01.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #17 is retired by the Golden State Warriors
- Multiple 1985 National College Player of the Year (St. John’s)
- 1985 Consensus 1st Team All-American (St. John’s)
- 1984 Consensus 2nd Team All-American (St. John’s)
- 1983 UPI 3rd Team All-American (St. John’s)
- 3-time Big East Player of the Year (’83, ’84, ’85, St. John’s)
- 1984 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 1992 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
84: Dave Bing
Detroit Pistons (1966-1975)
Washington Bullets (1975-1977)
Boston Celtics (1977-1978)
Dave Bing was a scoring machine in his prime with the Pistons, earning him a number of accolades and awards. His teams were never title contenders but that didn’t stop this classy guard from ballin’ out. Bing made his first All-Star team in 1968, in what was also his highest scoring season. He was named an All-Star five more times with Detroit and All-NBA in ’68, ’71 and ’74. In 1975 he was traded to the Washington Bullets, where he played for two seasons and made his last All-Star team. The final season of Bing’s Hall of Fame career was played in 1978 with the Boston Celtics. Bing has remained a fixture in Detroit after his playing days, even serving as the city’s mayor from 2009-2013.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Detroit Pistons (1966-1975)
Washington Bullets (1975-1977)
Boston Celtics (1977-1978)
- 2-time All-NBA 1st Team (’68, ’71)
- 1974 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 1967 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 7-time NBA All-Star
- 1976 NBA All-Star Game MVP
- 1968 NBA Scoring Champ
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Dave Bing was a scoring machine in his prime with the Pistons, earning him a number of accolades and awards. His teams were never title contenders but that didn’t stop this classy guard from ballin’ out. Bing made his first All-Star team in 1968, in what was also his highest scoring season. He was named an All-Star five more times with Detroit and All-NBA in ’68, ’71 and ’74. In 1975 he was traded to the Washington Bullets, where he played for two seasons and made his last All-Star team. The final season of Bing’s Hall of Fame career was played in 1978 with the Boston Celtics. Bing has remained a fixture in Detroit after his playing days, even serving as the city’s mayor from 2009-2013.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #21 is retired by the Detroit Pistons
- 1977 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
- 1966 Consensus 1st Team All-American (Syracuse)
- His #22 is retired by Syracuse
85: Carmelo Anthony
Denver Nuggets (2003-2011)
New York Knicks (2011-2013)
Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-present)
After one phenomenal season at Syracuse, Carmelo Anthony became the 3rd pick of the 2003 draft and the face of the Denver Nuggets. Melo lasted the better part of eight seasons in Denver, averaging nearly 25 points per game as a Nugget. The Nuggets, and Carmelo, had a fantastic 2009 season, reaching the conference finals but falling short to the eventual champion Lakers. In 2011 he “forced” a trade to the New York Knicks, wanting to play in a bigger market. The Carmelo Anthony era did not yield very much success for New York, aside from 2013, Carmelo’s best season and a legitimately good Knicks team. New York missed the playoffs the next four seasons and in the summer of 2017 Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony’s season in OKC was the worst statistically of his career and the Thunder lost in the first round to the Utah Jazz in six games. Melo should be commended for his commitment to USA Basketball, where he has earned four Olympic Medals.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Denver Nuggets (2003-2011)
New York Knicks (2011-2013)
Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-present)
- 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’10, ’13)
- 4-time All-NBA 3rd Team (’06, ’07, ’09, ’12)
- 2004 NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- 2013 NBA scoring champion
After one phenomenal season at Syracuse, Carmelo Anthony became the 3rd pick of the 2003 draft and the face of the Denver Nuggets. Melo lasted the better part of eight seasons in Denver, averaging nearly 25 points per game as a Nugget. The Nuggets, and Carmelo, had a fantastic 2009 season, reaching the conference finals but falling short to the eventual champion Lakers. In 2011 he “forced” a trade to the New York Knicks, wanting to play in a bigger market. The Carmelo Anthony era did not yield very much success for New York, aside from 2013, Carmelo’s best season and a legitimately good Knicks team. New York missed the playoffs the next four seasons and in the summer of 2017 Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony’s season in OKC was the worst statistically of his career and the Thunder lost in the first round to the Utah Jazz in six games. Melo should be commended for his commitment to USA Basketball, where he has earned four Olympic Medals.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2003 NCAA Champion (Syracuse)
- 2003 NCAA Final Four MOP (Syracuse)
- 2003 Consensus 2nd Team All-American (Syracuse)
- His #15 is retired by Syracuse
- 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal (USA)
- 2006 World Championship Bronze Medal (USA)
- 2008 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 2012 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 2016 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
86: Shawn Kemp
Seattle SuperSonics (1989-1997)
Cleveland Cavaliers (1997-2000)
Portland Trail Blazers (2000-2002)
Orlando Magic (2002-2003)
After an odd “college” season in which he didn’t even play after being enrolled at two different schools, the Seattle SuperSonics took Shawn Kemp with the 17th pick in the 1989 draft. Kemp was a part of the Sonics rotation his rookie year, but really took off in his second campaign, which coincided with Gary Payton’s inaugural season. Payton and Kemp formed a tight bond right away and they eventually became one of the best duos in the game. The Reign Man made his first All-Star team in ’93 and made the next five after that as well. In ’94 he was selected to the All-NBA 2nd Team for the first of three times. The Sonics had a couple of early flameouts in the playoffs in the mid-90’s but also advanced all the way to the Finals in ’96, losing to the Chicago Bulls. Kemp was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in ’97, where he played well but began the downward trajectory of his career, showing up way overweight after the lockout in ’99. After the ’99-’00 season, Kemp was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers where he played two subpar seasons on a rather interesting roster. The final season of Kemp’s career was played in Orlando in ’03.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Seattle SuperSonics (1989-1997)
Cleveland Cavaliers (1997-2000)
Portland Trail Blazers (2000-2002)
Orlando Magic (2002-2003)
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’94, ’95, ’96)
- 6-time NBA All-Star
After an odd “college” season in which he didn’t even play after being enrolled at two different schools, the Seattle SuperSonics took Shawn Kemp with the 17th pick in the 1989 draft. Kemp was a part of the Sonics rotation his rookie year, but really took off in his second campaign, which coincided with Gary Payton’s inaugural season. Payton and Kemp formed a tight bond right away and they eventually became one of the best duos in the game. The Reign Man made his first All-Star team in ’93 and made the next five after that as well. In ’94 he was selected to the All-NBA 2nd Team for the first of three times. The Sonics had a couple of early flameouts in the playoffs in the mid-90’s but also advanced all the way to the Finals in ’96, losing to the Chicago Bulls. Kemp was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in ’97, where he played well but began the downward trajectory of his career, showing up way overweight after the lockout in ’99. After the ’99-’00 season, Kemp was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers where he played two subpar seasons on a rather interesting roster. The final season of Kemp’s career was played in Orlando in ’03.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 1994 FIBA World Championships Gold Medal (USA)
87: Dave DeBusschere
By Austin Johnson
Detroit Pistons (1962-68)
New York Knicks (1968-74)
First off, lets start out with saying rest in peace to this legend. He passed away in May of 2003, 20 years after his Hall of Fame induction. Dave DeBusschere represents the hardworking, blue-collar basketball player. He grew up in tough Detroit where he attended high school and then went on to University of Detroit-Mercy.
The Detroit Pistons used their territorial pick in the 1962 draft to select DeBusschere, who stood at 6 foot 6 with his thick brown hair. He played seven seasons with the Pistons, averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in his time there. Dave got two years of playoff experience under his belt with Detroit, including his rookie year and his last year with the Pistons. In 10 playoff games, Dave really showed what he had averaging about 20 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists per game. DeBusschere even gave player-coaching a whirl in the 1964-65 season, becoming the youngest ever to do so. He always wanted to lead, and playing for his hometown team, he learned how to do that.
In the 1968-69 season, the Pistons traded DeBusschere to the New York Knicks for Walt Bellamy and Howard Komives. He finally became a piece of something that looked promising. The new Knick kept his solid reputation as he played six seasons with the club and averaged 16, 11, and 3 with them as well. But, this tenure would be more than just those numbers. DeBusschere was a part of 86 playoff games in that time and played an absolutely vital role on two memorable championship teams in ‘70 and ‘73. DeBusschere averaged a solid 16, 12, and 3 throughout those playoff games. Those Knicks teams were a force in the league during that often romanticized early 70’s period, and DeBusschere was a big part of that. The Knicks needed his grit and toughness to balance out and complete the stylish play of guys like Earl Monroe and Walt Frazier. DeBusschere was always physically ready to play and racked up about 70 games in almost every season. Time and time again, players and coaches would praise Dave for his work ethic. Needless to say, DeBusschere worked hard on the defensive end as well and kind of reminds you of the old dude at the gym who is just annoyingly good. He is a timeless player because of his determination and will to out work his opponent. Dave DeBusschere may be dead, but I believe his soul remains a part of this game, as you can't talk about 60's and 70's NBA basketball without mentioning him.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
By Austin Johnson
Detroit Pistons (1962-68)
New York Knicks (1968-74)
- 2-time NBA champion (’70 and ’73)
- All-NBA 2nd team (’69)
- 6-time All-defensive 1st team (’69-’74)
- 8-time NBA All-Star
- All-Rookie 1st team (’63)
- One of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players (named in '96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
First off, lets start out with saying rest in peace to this legend. He passed away in May of 2003, 20 years after his Hall of Fame induction. Dave DeBusschere represents the hardworking, blue-collar basketball player. He grew up in tough Detroit where he attended high school and then went on to University of Detroit-Mercy.
The Detroit Pistons used their territorial pick in the 1962 draft to select DeBusschere, who stood at 6 foot 6 with his thick brown hair. He played seven seasons with the Pistons, averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in his time there. Dave got two years of playoff experience under his belt with Detroit, including his rookie year and his last year with the Pistons. In 10 playoff games, Dave really showed what he had averaging about 20 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists per game. DeBusschere even gave player-coaching a whirl in the 1964-65 season, becoming the youngest ever to do so. He always wanted to lead, and playing for his hometown team, he learned how to do that.
In the 1968-69 season, the Pistons traded DeBusschere to the New York Knicks for Walt Bellamy and Howard Komives. He finally became a piece of something that looked promising. The new Knick kept his solid reputation as he played six seasons with the club and averaged 16, 11, and 3 with them as well. But, this tenure would be more than just those numbers. DeBusschere was a part of 86 playoff games in that time and played an absolutely vital role on two memorable championship teams in ‘70 and ‘73. DeBusschere averaged a solid 16, 12, and 3 throughout those playoff games. Those Knicks teams were a force in the league during that often romanticized early 70’s period, and DeBusschere was a big part of that. The Knicks needed his grit and toughness to balance out and complete the stylish play of guys like Earl Monroe and Walt Frazier. DeBusschere was always physically ready to play and racked up about 70 games in almost every season. Time and time again, players and coaches would praise Dave for his work ethic. Needless to say, DeBusschere worked hard on the defensive end as well and kind of reminds you of the old dude at the gym who is just annoyingly good. He is a timeless player because of his determination and will to out work his opponent. Dave DeBusschere may be dead, but I believe his soul remains a part of this game, as you can't talk about 60's and 70's NBA basketball without mentioning him.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- Was a Major League pitcher for the Chicago White Sox in ’62 and ‘63
- His #22 is retired by the New York Knicks
88:
89: Bill Walton
Portland Trail Blazers (1974-1978)
San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1980, 1982-1985)
Boston Celtics (1985-1987)
Bill Walton is one of the hardest players to rank in league history. The highs were so high and the lows were so low. Walton won a title and an MVP in two fantastic seasons in ’77 and ’78, but it was during that ’78 season that he would hurt his foot and start a career trend of missing time due to injuries. His time with the Clippers franchise is ultimately a disaster. Walton did, however, bounce back enough to have a solid season off the bench for the ’86 Celtics, one of the greatest teams of all-time. Walton certainly has one the most “What If?” careers of all-time.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Portland Trail Blazers (1974-1978)
San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1980, 1982-1985)
Boston Celtics (1985-1987)
- 1978 NBA MVP
- 2-time NBA Champion (’77, ’86)
- 1977 NBA Finals MVP
- 1978 All-NBA 1st Team
- 1977 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 2-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’77, ’78)
- 1986 NBA 6th Man of the Year
- 2-time NBA All-Star
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Bill Walton is one of the hardest players to rank in league history. The highs were so high and the lows were so low. Walton won a title and an MVP in two fantastic seasons in ’77 and ’78, but it was during that ’78 season that he would hurt his foot and start a career trend of missing time due to injuries. His time with the Clippers franchise is ultimately a disaster. Walton did, however, bounce back enough to have a solid season off the bench for the ’86 Celtics, one of the greatest teams of all-time. Walton certainly has one the most “What If?” careers of all-time.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #32 is retired by the Portland Trail Blazers
- 2-time NCAA Champion (’72, ’73 UCLA)
- 2-time NCAA Final Four MOP (’72, ’73)
- 3-time National College Player of the Year (’72, ’73, ’74)
- 3-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’72, ’73, ’74)
- His #32 is retired by UCLA
90: David Thompson
Denver Nuggets (1975-1982)
Seattle SuperSonics (1982-1984)
The spectacular David Thompson would find himself higher on this list if not for the personal problems that affected him later in his career. Thompson was a high flier who Michael Jordan credits as his biggest influence. After an incredible career at N.C. State, Thompson made his way to the Denver Nuggets of the ABA, where he was a sensation in his first season, earning Rookie of the Year and All-ABA 1st Team. Thompson went with the Nuggets to the NBA after the merger and he remained a force for the rest of the 70’s. In 1982 Thompson was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he was named an All-Star in 1983, but the ’84 season proved to be his last, as injuries and drugs issues plagued the man.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Denver Nuggets (1975-1982)
Seattle SuperSonics (1982-1984)
- 1976 All-ABA 2nd Team
- 1976 ABA Rookie of the Year
- 1976 ABA All-Star
- 1976 ABA All-Star Game MVP
- 2-time All-NBA 1st Team (’77, ’78)
- 4-time NBA All-Star
- 1979 NBA All-Star Game MVP
The spectacular David Thompson would find himself higher on this list if not for the personal problems that affected him later in his career. Thompson was a high flier who Michael Jordan credits as his biggest influence. After an incredible career at N.C. State, Thompson made his way to the Denver Nuggets of the ABA, where he was a sensation in his first season, earning Rookie of the Year and All-ABA 1st Team. Thompson went with the Nuggets to the NBA after the merger and he remained a force for the rest of the 70’s. In 1982 Thompson was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he was named an All-Star in 1983, but the ’84 season proved to be his last, as injuries and drugs issues plagued the man.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #33 is retired by the Denver Nuggets
- 1974 NCAA Champion (N.C. State)
- 1974 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (N.C. State)
- 1975 NCAA College Player of the Year (N.C. State)
- 3-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’73, ’74, ’75)
- 3-time ACC Player of the Year (’73, ’74, ’75)
- His #44 is retired by N.C. State