Here's my take on the greatest players ever for each existing franchise. I took into account a number of factors: individual statistics, longevity, playoff success, and awards. Code: Hawks Bob Pettit Celtics Bill Russell Hornets Chris Paul Bulls Michael Jordan Cavaliers LeBron James Mvericks Dirk Nowitzki Nuggets Alex English Pistons Isiah Thomas Warriors Wilt Chamberlain Rockets Hakeem Olajuwon Pacers Reggie Miller Clippers Bob McAdoo Lakers Magic Johnson Heat Dwyane Wade Bucks Lew Alcindor Timberwolves Kevin Garnett Nets Jason Kidd Knicks Walt Frazier Magic Shaquille O'neal 76ers Julius Erving Suns Charles Barkley Trail Blazers Clyde Drexler Kings Oscar Roberston Spurs Tim Duncan SuperSonics Gary Payton Jazz Karl Malone Wizards Wes Unseld Raptors Vince Carter Grizzlies Pau Gasol Bobcats Gerald Wallace The hardest one for me was the Celtics. I initially had Larry Bird, because I think individually he's perhaps the most skilled basketball player ever. But Russell was just too successful -- he was the star of the greatest sports dynasty ever. Picking a player for the Wizards/Bullets was also tough. I guess it was between Unseld and Hayes, but I went with Unseld because he was a lifetime Bullet and he got that MVP with them. Phoenix could have gone to Barkley or Nash, I think. I think Barkley was the greater player, despite having one less MVP, and he at least got his team to the Finals. Some of the younger franchises just don't have enough of a history (Hornets, Heat, Bobcats) ... so I went with who I thought was the best player ever for those teams, even if haven't done a whole lot in their careers. Cleveland has been around for a while, but LeBron is just too good ... I think he has to leap frog over any other Cavalier.
I'd take Bill Walton over Drexler for the Blazers. You should have a player of the franchise for each location franchise was at. For instance when Warriors were in Philly, take Wilt, but when they were in Cali take Rick Barry. Kings would be the Big O in Cincinnati, perhaps Archibald in KC, and CWebb in SacTown. Hawks? Pettit in St Louie and Dominique in Atl. Lakers is a tough call. Hard to leave Kareem out of it.
I think you can make an argument to put Dr. J on the Nets also given that he basically brought the franchise into the NBA. I would also replace Malone with Stockton. Counter to what a lot of people might think I would also consider puting Ewing over Frazier/Reed etc. Chris Paul is a great player now but based on career I might put Larry Johnson there. just random thoughts, this isn't cut and dried by any means.
Excellent list. Walton and Drexler is a close call. I think I agree with Drexler though, simply from a longevity standpoint. I do agree with the Wade pick, though that has to be at least sorta close with Mourning and Tim Hardaway. I also like the CP3 pick... but man, LJ was very good for them for a while. Unseld vs. Hayes is also very close. Stockton vs. Malone... also close. I'd take Stockton, though.
Chris Paul is already the greatest player ever for the Hornets in his third year, but I can't argue with that.
I'd keep Malone over Stockton, though clearly both were all time greats. I'd probably take Lenny Wilkens over Payton give that the former was picked for the TOP 50 all time list (though Payton might make that list now too)...
Good list, I would take The Captain for the Lakers (he's probably the single greatest player ever, it's really between him and Jordan in most debates), Walton for the Blazers, and may be Dr. J for the Nets (didn't he play for the NYNets in the ABA?) Good list though, hard to argue with most of them...
I considered Kareem over Magic. I decided on Magic because (1) Kareem is already represented on the Bucks, and (2) Magic was the best player for most of the 80s when the Lakers were winning their championships. Very close, though.
I really like Reggie Miller, but he's the greatest player of all time for a forty year old franchise, that's a problem. and I would put mark aguirre over dirk although I could see how dirk's rebounding gives him the edge.
Great list. I agree with most of it. Magic was hands down the best player for the Lakers (and all-time, IMO). Clyde was the best Trailblazer ever, even if he didn't win a ring there, he did make it to the finals twice. If you're taking Wade for the Heat considering his future stats, you should do the same with a few other clubs, like the Raptors. Long-term, Bosh may be better than VC for them.
also, elgin baylor gets forgotten for the lakers, not arguing he should be their guy, but he definitely put up some great numbers
If Wade didn't play another game as a Heat, I think he still deserves that spot. He had one of the greatest Finals ever, and brought the team its first championship. I guess there's an argument for Mourning, but I think Wade had done enough to be called the franchise's greatest player. Bosh is pretty close to edging out Carter, in my view. If he does well in the playoffs this year, or he gets them to the playoffs next season and plays at his current level, he's the greatest Raptor.
