Famous 20th Century Basketball Players

Vote for Your Favourite 20th Century Basketball Players

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Michael Jordan
( The Greatest Basketball Player of All Time)
Michael Jordan
82
Birthdate: February 17, 1963
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

A superstar, a legend and the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan is all this and much more. Very few athletes can match up with his level of popularity and impact. And if that is not enough, he is also the richest former professional athlete in the world.

 2 
Magic Johnson
(The Greatest Point Guard of All Time)
Magic Johnson
37
Birthdate: August 14, 1959
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan, United States

Magic Johnson, the now retired American basketball player was one of the most powerful players of the 1980s and led NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers to five championships during his thirteen years career. His real name is Earvin Johnson and he earned his nickname Magic during his high school days. He retired after testing positive for HIV and currently heads Magic Johnson Enterprises.

 3 
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
(One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
24
Birthdate: April 16, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States

Retired basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a legendary NBA champion and its all-time leading scorer. Known for his trademark skyhook shot, he achieved remarkable feats during his career. Later, he pursued a successful writing and acting career and was even selected U.S. global cultural ambassador. The NBA star is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Recommended Lists:
 4 
Wilt Chamberlain
(One of the Greatest Basketball Players Who Played as a Center)
Wilt Chamberlain
29
Birthdate: August 21, 1936
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: October 12, 1999
One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Wilt Chamberlain created numerous records and won two championships during his fourteen years career. The legendary player, first drafted by Philadelphia Warriors, later played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers. After retirement, he ventured into business, played volleyball, appeared in commercials and movie and even published his autobiography.
 5 
Larry Bird
(One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time)
Larry Bird
20
Birthdate: December 7, 1956
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: West Baden Springs, Indiana, United States

Considered one of the greatest basketball players ever, Larry Bird was part of the Dream Team that won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics. A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Bird helped his team Boston Celtics win three NBA championships. In 2018, MSN Sports named him the greatest Boston Celtics player ever.

 6 
Scottie Pippen
(American Former Professional Basketball Player Who is Considered One of the Greatest Small Forwards of All Time)
Scottie Pippen
25
Birthdate: September 25, 1965
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hamburg, Arkansas, United States

Former professional basketball player, Scottie Pippen, is best known for his stint with the Chicago Bulls with who he won six NBA championships. Considered one of the greatest small forwards of all time, he played a key role in transforming the Bulls into one of the most formidable forces in NBA in the 1990s.

 7 
Allen Iverson
(One of the Greatest Scorers in Basketball)
Allen Iverson
29
Birthdate: June 7, 1975
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Hampton, Virginia, United States

Former professional basketball player, Allen Iverson, is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential basketball players of all time. He retired after playing 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for various teams. At the time of his retirement, he was an 11-time NBA All-Star. A popular star, he has made a few cameo appearances in films.

 8 
Dennis Rodman
(Former Professional Basketball Player Who was Arguably the Best Rebounding Forward in NBA History)
Dennis Rodman
33
Birthdate: May 13, 1961
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Trenton, New Jersey, United States

Former professional basketball player, Dennis Rodman came to prominence in the 1980s as a power forward known for his defensive and rebounding abilities. Hailed as "arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history," he earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times. He has a media presence as well and has appeared in many TV shows.

 9 
Charles Barkley
(American Former Professional Basketball Player and TV Analyst)
Charles Barkley
26
Birthdate: February 20, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Leeds, Alabama, United States

American professional basketball player Charles Barkley was a prolific scorer and played for Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rocket teams of the National Basketball Association. He was part of the US men’s team that won the gold medal in 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympic Games. He was also controversial and was known for his confrontational attitude and physical aggression.

 10 
Bill Russell
(One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time)
Bill Russell
20
Birthdate: February 12, 1934
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Monroe, Louisiana, United States
Died: July 31, 2022

Bill Russell was an American retired professional basketball player. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever, Russell led the US national basketball team to victory and helped his team win an Olympic gold at the 1956 Summer Olympics. Also known for his accomplishments in the civil rights movement, Russell was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

 11 
Tim Duncan
(American Former Professional Basketball Player Regarded as the Greatest Power Forward of All Time)
Tim Duncan
14
Birthdate: April 25, 1976
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tim Duncan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the NBA and the best power forward of all time. A five-time NBA champion, Duncan also helped his national team win Olympic bronze medal in 2004. Also a humanitarian, Duncan established the Tim Duncan Foundation to fund youth sports programs and education.

 12 
Kevin Garnett
(American Former Professional Basketball Player Who Was Known for His Defensive Ability and Versatility)
Kevin Garnett
18
Birthdate: May 19, 1976
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Former NBA power forward/center Kevin Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves out of high school. After a 12-year term with the Timberwolves, he joined the Boston Celtics. His accolades include the MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year award, and 15 All-Star games. He also starred in Uncut Gems.
 13 
Steve Nash
(Former Canadian Basketball Player, Coach and 8-Time NBA All-Star Winner)
Steve Nash
17
Birthdate: February 7, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa

Canadian national Steve Nash is a basketball coach and a former player. Known for his playmaking skills, he played for Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers in America’s coveted National Basketball Association. He also played for the Canadian national men’s team from 1991 to 2003. He became the head coach of Brooklyn Nets of NBA in September 2020.

 14 
Hakeem Olajuwon
(One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time)
Hakeem Olajuwon
12
Birthdate: January 21, 1963
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria

Hakeem Olajuwon is a former basketball player. Nicknamed The Dream, because of his dream-like ability to dunk effortlessly, Olajuwon is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketballers of all time. Apart from leading the Houston Rockets to two back-to-back NBA championships, Hakeem Olajuwon also helped the US national team win the Olympic gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics.

 15 
Jerry West
(American Basketball Executive and Former Player)
Jerry West
14
Birthdate: May 28, 1938
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Chelyan, West Virginia, United States

Basketball player Jerry West, also known as Mr. Clutch, for his ability to snatch games in clutch situations, is known for his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA. He was part of the US squads that won an Olympic gold in 1960 and a Pan American Games gold in 1959.

 16 
Ray Allen
(Basketball player)
Ray Allen
17
Birthdate: July 20, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Merced, California, United States
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 17 
Julius Erving
(Basketball player)
Julius Erving
11
Birthdate: February 22, 1950
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: East Meadow, New York, United States
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 18 
Patrick Ewing
(Jamaican-American Basketball Coach and Former Basketball Player)
Patrick Ewing
11
Birthdate: August 5, 1962
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica

Patrick Ewing is a Jamaican-American former basketball player who played for popular NBA teams like New York Knicks and Seattle SuperSonics. He also won gold medals at the 1984 and 1992 Olympic Games as part of the US men's national basketball teams. In 2008, Patrick Ewing was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career.

 19 
Jason Kidd
(Former Basketball player at point guard position)
Jason Kidd
12
Birthdate: March 23, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 20 
Paul Pierce
(American Former Basketball Player Who Played at the 'Small Forward' Position)
Paul Pierce
8
Birthdate: October 13, 1977
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States

Former Boston Celtics basketball player Paul Pierce led his team to two NBA Finals and won one NBA championship. He later also played for teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers. The 10-time NBA All-Star was also named the NBA Finals MVP in 2008. Shaquille O'Neal named him “The Truth.”

 21 
Reggie Miller
(Basketball player)
Reggie Miller
9
Birthdate: August 24, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Riverside, California, United States
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 22 
John Stockton
(Basketball player)
John Stockton
7
Birthdate: March 26, 1962
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Spokane, Washington, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 23 
Pete Maravich
(American Professional Basketball Player and One of the Best Ball Handlers of All Time)
Pete Maravich
8
Birthdate: June 22, 1947
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: January 5, 1988
Pete Maravich, or Pistol Pete, played for three NBA teams till injuries ended his career. He initially played under his father, head coach Press Maravich, for the LSU Tigers. He also became the NCAA Division I top scorer of all time, with 3,667 points and 44.2 points per game.
 24 
Penny Hardaway
(American College Basketball Coach and Former Professional Player)
Penny Hardaway
14
Birthdate: July 18, 1971
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Penny Hardaway is a college basketball coach who is currently serving as the head coach for the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team. A former player, Hardaway played for teams like Miami Heat and New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association where he was a two-time All-NBA First Team member and a four-time NBA All-Star. 

 25 
Chris Webber
(Basketball player Power Forward, Businessperson)
Chris Webber
6
Birthdate: March 1, 1973
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)
 26 
Dikembe Mutombo
(Basketball player)
Dikembe Mutombo
18
Birthdate: June 25, 1966
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 7'2" (218 cm)
 27 
Grant Hill
(Basketball player)
Grant Hill
6
Birthdate: October 5, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
 28 
Oscar Robertson
(Former Basketball player who played point guard and was a 12-time All-Star)
Oscar Robertson
10
Birthdate: November 24, 1938
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Charlotte, Tennessee, United States
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 29 
Karl Malone
(Basketball player Power Forward)
Karl Malone
20
Birthdate: July 24, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Summerfield, Louisiana, United States
Height: 6'9" (206 cm)
 30 
Clyde Drexler
(Basketball player)
Clyde Drexler
9
Birthdate: June 22, 1962
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 31 
Moses Malone
(Basketball player)
Moses Malone
16
Birthdate: March 23, 1955
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Petersburg, Virginia, United States
Died: September 13, 2015
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)
 32 
Gary Payton
(Former Basketball player who played the point guard position)
Gary Payton
18
Birthdate: July 23, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 33 
Shawn Kemp
(Basketball player)
Shawn Kemp
6
Birthdate: November 26, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Elkhart, Indiana, United States
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)
 34 
Phil Jackson
(American Former Professional Basketball Player Who Played As a 'Power Forward')
Phil Jackson
5
Birthdate: September 17, 1945
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Deer Lodge, Montana, United States

Phil Jackson is a former professional basketball player who played 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association and won the NBA championships in 1970 and 1973 when he was with New York Knicks. Later, he coached the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers and led them both to numerous championships and league titles and is considered one of the greatest basketball coaches ever.

 35 
Elena Delle Donne
(Basketball player)
Elena Delle Donne
8
Birthdate: September 5, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Wilmington, Delaware
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 36 
Rick Barry
(Basketball Player and Radio Personalities)
Rick Barry
9
Birthdate: March 28, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 37 
Kevin McHale
(Basketball player Power Forward)
Kevin McHale
6
Birthdate: December 19, 1957
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Hibbing, Minnesota, United States
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)
 38 
Manute Bol
(Former Professional Basketball Player and the Tallest Player in the History of the NBA)
Manute Bol
15
Birthdate: October 16, 1962
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Turalei, South Sudan
Died: June 19, 2010

Known for his 7’ 7” frame, Manute Bol made headlines as one of the tallest NBA players ever. Born in Sudan, he was initially a soccer player but quit it because of his height. He later moved to the US to represent basketball teams such as the Golden State Warriors.

 39 
Ralph Sampson
(Basketball Player)
Ralph Sampson
5
Birthdate: July 7, 1960
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
Height: 7'4" (224 cm)
 40 
Muggsy Bogues
(Basketball player)
Muggsy Bogues
10
Birthdate: January 9, 1965
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Muggsy Bogues is a former basketball player. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, Bogues is the shortest player in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). When his 14-season NBA career came to an end, Bogues served as the head coach for Charlotte Sting, which participated in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 1997 to 2007. 

 41 
David Robinson
(Basketball player)
David Robinson
5
Birthdate: August 6, 1965
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Key West, Florida, United States
Height: 7'1" (216 cm)
 42 
Karl-Anthony Towns
(Basketball player)
Karl-Anthony Towns
11
Birthdate: November 15, 1995
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Edison, New Jersey
Height: 6'11" (211 cm)
 43 
D'Angelo Russell
(Basketball player)
D'Angelo Russell
5
Birthdate: February 23, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Louisville, Kentucky
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 44 
Maya Moore
(Basketball player)
Maya Moore
4
Birthdate: June 11, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Jefferson City, Missouri, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 45 
Pat Riley
(American Professional Basketball Executive, Former Coach, and Former Player)
Pat Riley
6
Birthdate: March 20, 1945
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rome, New York, United States

Pat Riley is a former coach and player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Currently, he is a professional basketball executive and has been the team president of the Miami Heat since 1995. He is considered one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time and is a recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. 

 46 
Jalen Rose
(Basketball player)
Jalen Rose
7
Birthdate: January 30, 1973
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
 47 
Gregg Popovich
(One of the Greatest Coaches in NBA History)
Gregg Popovich
5
Birthdate: January 28, 1949
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: East Chicago, Indiana, United States

Basketball coach Gregg Popovich currently serves as the head coach and president of the NBA team San Antonio Spurs. Known as Coach Pop, the three-time NBA Coach of the Year has scored the most wins NBA wins, leading the Spurs to 22 season wins, including five NBA titles.

 48 
Dell Curry
(American Former Professional Basketball Player and Father of NBA Players Stephen & Seth Curry)
Dell Curry
11
Birthdate: June 25, 1964
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
Former basketball player Dell Curry, father of NBA players Stephen and Seth Curry, is mostly known for his 10-year stint with the NBA team Charlotte Hornets and became their all-time leader in points and three-point field goals. Curry is now a color commentator for the Hornets’ broadcasts. 
 49 
Doc Rivers
(Former Professional Basketball Player and Head Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers')
Doc Rivers
14
Birthdate: October 13, 1961
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Doc Rivers is a former American basketball player, who in his thirteen seasons played primarily for Atlanta Hawks and was known for his defence. After retirement, he picked up coaching responsibilities for Orlando Magic and in his first year was awarded NBA Coach of the Year. Later, he led Boston Celtics to NBA championship. He is currently the coach of Philadelphia 76ers.

 50 
George Mikan
(Basketball Player - Center )
George Mikan
8
Birthdate: June 18, 1924
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Joliet, Illinois, United States
Died: June 1, 2005
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)