Every NBA team has its own set of players that they want to keep. Some teams even target top players and make a trade for them, while others will be more interested in acquiring draft picks. The best players in the history of the NBA have been a source of inspiration for many players coming through today.
Some of these players have set high benchmarks so nearly impossible to surpass. However, there are still plenty of excellent current players who, to a certain extent, we can bet on to join the group of leading players in history.
Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks or Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors – are among the leading players in the league. Some say they may be considered historical players. On sites such as www.betting-az.com, which explains different betting markets and future predictions, you can also learn about the players’ chances of winning the MVP title this year or even being included in the Hall of Fame alongside the greatest players in history.
Here's a look at some of them who have already done it:
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan's name is synonymous with basketball. His career with the Chicago Bulls was legendary, winning six NBA championships and six NBA MVP awards. He was also part of the NBA All-Star team an astounding 14 times.
Bill Russell
Bill Russell was one of the top players for the Boston Celtics. He played for them between 1956 and 1969 and even began coaching the team in 1966 but left them in 1969. When with the Celtics, he won the NBA championship 11 times. He was also awarded NBA MVP five times and was part of the NBA All-Star team 12 times.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is another one of the legendary players worth mentioning. Although he didn't win as many NBA championships as the others on this list, he was part of the NBA All-Star team 13 times and won the NBA MVP four times. He was also the NBA rebounding champion 11 times. Chamberlain was also awarded for scoring the most points in a single game (100 points). This record is still unbeaten.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was part of the legendary Milwaukee Bucks between 1969 and 1975 and went on to play for the LA Lakers between 1975 and 1989. Kareem has been part of the NBA All-Star team a record 19 times and won six NBA championships. He was so legendary that the Bucks and the Lakers retired his jersey number (33).
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson (born Earvin Johnson) made his name when he was part of the LA Lakers. He has been part of the NBA All-Star team 12 times and won the NBA championship five times. He received the lifetime achievement award in 2019. His jersey number 32 was retired by the LA Lakers.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was considered one of the best basketball players before his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2020. He won the NBA championship five times and was part of the NBA All-Star team 18 times. He was so good that the LA Lakers retired his jersey numbers (8 and 24).
Wrap Up
The NBA is arguably the world's largest and most successful professional sporting league. These athletes are among the greatest in the history of basketball. Fans love them and have been part of teams that have created history. Only time will tell if younger players will emulate their success and break their long-standing records.
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