Top 10 All Time biggest names in the sport?

Question

Who in your opinion are the top 10 biggest names (players only) in the sport.

They don't necessarily have to be the best ever but the top names that you HAVE to mention when talking about the history of the sport.

1.Nat Holman - 1st Superstar before the mainstream days

2.George Mikan - 1st Superstar after Holman in the more modern era. 1st real big man forced rule changes

3.Magic Johnson - revived of basketball in the 80's after dead late 70's ball.

4.Larry Bird - see Magic

5.Michael Jordan - Best Ever. Made the US game a worldwide game

6.Jerry West - the NBA logo.

7.Wilt Chamberlain - Records that will Never Ever be caught.100pt game man.

8.Bill Russell - 11 rings (Greatest Champion)

9.Kareem Abdul Jabbar - All time point leader. Skyhook. Most MVP's

10.Julius Erving - The ABA's (very important league as they eventually merged with the NBA) biggest superstar.

No particular order. I know I "missed a lot" but who to leave off??...tough.

Reasons to your selections would be much appreciated when picking best answer.

Answer 1

The Guy who KILLED LeShame in HORSE is #1!!

Answer 2

1. Michael Jordan- GOAT

2.Red Aeurbach - Created the greatest basketball franchise ever

3.Bill Russell- 1st great center in the game

4.Wilt Chamberlain- 100 points

5.Dr J- Greatest ever ABA star. First flashy dunker

6.Magic Johnson and Larry Bird- Greatest basketball rivalry ever

7.Hakeem Olajuwon- Greatest ever International player

8.Allen Iverson- Greatest small guy ever

9.Phill Jackson- Greatest coach of this era

10.LeBron James- Player of the future

11. KOBE- Everyone knows Kobe

Answer 3

how can u call sum1 overrated wen dey won 6 rings in a 10 year span its only acouple ppl wit moe rinngs den him

Answer 4

Wilt Chamberlain - nobody more dominating ever in the NBA

Red Aeurbach - Architect of the greatest team ever assembled...celtics of the 50's-60's

Kareem - Sky hook says it all

Mikan - the orignator

Bill Russell - should thank Aeurbach, but he was the greatest winner ever.

Bird Magic and Jordan - They revived the league

Vlade Divac - the MJ of Europe.  First player that gained popularity and success in the NBA and paved the way for all europeans.

David Stern - all the bad things that have gone down in the NBA.

Answer 5

I think Michael Jordan belongs as number one

Answer 6

1. Magic and Larry(pretty much saved the game and made it what it is today).....nuff said.

ok I'll play along..........

#2.Kobe Bryant..most popular player today(just look at the Olympics for *** sakes)...and skillwise the greatest player ever.

#3.Bill Russell - The greatest Champion, Leader,and person the game has ever seen.

#4. Jordan...revulutionized the way athletes sold shoes.greatest SG in the watered down 90's.

#5.Dr.J..he was Michael Jordan /Kobe etc. before they were..if only BSPN was around to cover him....he would have been even "greater"

#6.Wilt...50ppg and 22rebs....say's it all

#7.The logo.....he's the logo for cryin out loud

#8 Big O.....he averaged a triple double...like I said, if only BSPN was around.

#9.Kareem....6 Titles and 6 MVP's.....and he did this in the 70's and 80's...not! the watered down 90's!!!!

#10 Chuck taylor...he sold MORE shoes then Jordan!...and has the most popular shoe ever!...

______________________________________...

Devin 6 rings in 15 years!....typical Jordan Jocker!

Answer 7

I vote Jordan as one.