Famous 21st Century Basketball Players

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 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 
LeBron James
(One of the Greatest Players in NBA History)
LeBron James
84
Birthdate: December 30, 1984
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio, United States

A basketball prodigy, Lebron James began playing since his school days and was later selected by Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA draft. His career progressed at a rapid rate and he is considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. During his stint with Miami Heat, he helped them win two NBA Championships. Currently, he plays for Los Angeles Lakers 

 3 
Kobe Bryant
(One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time)
Kobe Bryant
64
Birthdate: August 23, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: January 26, 2020

The former professional basketball player, Kobe Bryant, was drafted into NBA immediately after his school and went on to become one of the most successful basketball players of his generation. During his career of two decades, the Los Angeles Lakers player created numerous new records. He authored a book and one of his poems even inspired an animated short film.

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 4 
Stephen Curry
(Professional Basketball Player Who is Regarded as the Greatest Shooter in NBA History)
Stephen Curry
71
Birthdate: March 14, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio, United States

American professional basketball player, Stephen Curry, plays for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association and is considered to be one of the greatest shooter in NBA history. His three-point shot is said to have revolutionised the basketball game. He has many records to his credit and his team has won couple of NBA championships.

 5 
Shaquille O’ Neal
(Basketball player)
Shaquille O’ Neal
43
Birthdate: March 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States

Shaquille O'Neal is an American former basketball player who currently works as a sports analyst. Considered one of the greatest basketballers ever, O'Neal was also one of the heaviest and tallest players of all time. One of the most important players in the history of LA Lakers, O'Neal helped the team win three consecutive NBA championships between 2000 and 2002.

 6 
Giannis Antetokounmpo
(Greek-Nigerian Professional Basketball Player Who Plays As a Power Forward)
Giannis Antetokounmpo
57
Birthdate: December 6, 1994
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Athens, Greece

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a professional basketball player and plays for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association. He’s called ‘Greek Freak’ as he hails from Greece and also due to his size, speed and ball-handling skills. He was named NBA’s Most Valuable Player twice and NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. He represents Greece at the international level.

 7 
Kevin Durant
(Basketball Player)
Kevin Durant
66
Birthdate: September 29, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States

Kevin Durant is regarded as one of the best basketball players of his generation. He is known for his phenomenal scoring ability and is hailed as an excellent playmaker. He currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets of National Basketball Association (NBA). He was part of the US men’s national team which won the Olympic gold medal in 2012 and 2016.

 8 
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.

 9 
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.

 10 
Kawhi Leonard
(American Professional Basketball Player and 5-Time NBA All-Star Winner)
Kawhi Leonard
62
Birthdate: June 29, 1991
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

A four-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team member, Kawhi Leonard has helped two teams win NBA championships while earning the Finals Most Valuable Player award on both THE occasions. In 2015 and 2016, he was named Defensive Player of the Year. Nicknamed the Claw for his amazing ball-hawking skills, Leonard is known for his quiet demeanor off-court.

 11 
Dwyane Wade
(Former Professional Basketball Player Who Played as a Shooting Guard)
Dwyane Wade
26
Birthdate: January 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States

With an Olympic gold medal and three NBA championships, Dwyane Wade is one of the most decorated former American basketball players of the 21st century. Also a well-known philanthropist, Dwyane Wade founded The Wade's World Foundation in 2003; the foundation helps community-based organizations promote education and social skills for children. He also supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

 12 
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.

 13 
Kyrie Irving
(American Professional Basketball Player)
Kyrie Irving
27
Birthdate: March 3, 1992
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia

A six-time NBA All-Star, Kylie Irving has played for the Nets, Celtics, and Cavaliers. He won the gold in the Rio Olympics and the FIBA World Cup, as part of the U.S. national basketball team. He starred in the Pepsi series Uncle Drew and the movie of the same name.

 14 
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.

 15 
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.

 16 
James Harden
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays at the Point Guard / Shooting Guard Position)
James Harden
39
Birthdate: August 26, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

James Harden is a basketball player, widely regarded as the best shooting guard in the history of the NBA. His prolific ability to score from difficult situations and positions has helped his team win many games. He was part of the United States national team that won the gold medal at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

 17 
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.

 18 
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.

 19 
Klay Thompson
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays at the ‘Shooting Guard' Position)
Klay Thompson
18
Birthdate: February 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson has won three NBA championships with the team. The five-time NBA All-Star is the son of former basketball player Mychal Thompson. He and Stephen Curry were known as “the Splash Brothers” for setting an NBA record of combined three-pointers, in 2014.

 20 
Russell Westbrook
(American professional Basketball Player Who Plays at the 'Point Guard' Position)
Russell Westbrook
53
Birthdate: November 12, 1988
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States

Russell Westbrook is a professional basketball player. A nine-time NBA All-Star, Russell is only one of two players in the history of the NBA to average a triple-double for an entire season. An eight-time All-NBA Team member, Russell is one of the most athletic NBA players of all time. He also frequently appears in commercials for brands like Air Jordan.

 21 
Chris Paul
(One of the Greatest Point Guards of All Time)
Chris Paul
33
Birthdate: May 6, 1985
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

Chris Paul is a professional basketball player and one of the highest-paid sportspersons in the world. Apart from earning from his career as a basketball player, he also earns by signing endorsement deals with companies like State Farm and Air Jordan. A religious person, Chris Paul attends church whenever possible.

 22 
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.

 23 
Carmelo Anthony
(American Basketball Player and One of the Greatest Scorers in NBA History)
Carmelo Anthony
19
Birthdate: May 29, 1984
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

A star basketball player currently with Los Angeles Lakers, Carmelo Anthony was first drafted by Denver Nuggets and played eight seasons with them. Amongst the most prolific scorers in the NBA history, he played another seven season with New York Knicks. At the Olympics, Anthony was part of the teams that won  a bronze medal in 2004 and a goldmedal in 2008, 2012, and 2016.

 24 
Vince Carter
(American Former Professional Basketball Player Who Played as the Shooting Guard / Small Forward )
Vince Carter
20
Birthdate: January 26, 1977
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Daytona Beach, Florida, United States

Widely regarded as the greatest dunker ever in basketball history, Vince Carter is an American former basketball player. His leaping ability during his playing career often entertained crowds, earning him nicknames like Half Man, Half Amazing and Vinsanity. Also a philanthropist, Carter set up the Embassy of Hope Foundation, which helps children in places like New Jersey, Florida, and Ontario.

 25 
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.

 26 
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.
 27 
Dwight Howard
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays at the Center Position)
Dwight Howard
12
Birthdate: December 8, 1985
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

American professional basketball player, Dwight Howard, is known for his athleticism and his powerful physique. He is in the Los Angeles Lakers team of the National Basketball Association. He has also played for NBA’s Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards. He was part of the US men’s national basketball team which won the 2008 Olympics gold medal.

 28 
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.

 29 
Yao Ming
(6th President of the Chinese Basketball Association and Former Professional Player)
Yao Ming
15
Birthdate: September 12, 1980
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Shanghai, China

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Chinese basketball players ever, Yao Ming represented the Houston Rockets of the NBA. Known as the Ming Dynasty in the US, Ming's popularity and success in the NBA made him a symbol of China. One of China's most popular sportsmen, Ming is also credited with introducing the Chinese Basketball Association to the world.

 30 
Damian Lillard
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a Point Guard)
Damian Lillard
16
Birthdate: July 15, 1990
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States

Stunning his fans with his precise shooting abilities, 33 points per game average and five NBA All-Star selections, Damian Lillard has only kept rising in his career as a professional basketball player. In addition to playing for Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA, Lillard is devoted to music and has been creating life-inspired songs under his rap persona, Dame D.O.L.L.A.

 31 
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.

 32 
Dirk Nowitzki
(Former German Basketball Player and One of the Greatest Power Forwards of All Time)
Dirk Nowitzki
12
Birthdate: June 19, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Würzburg, Germany
The 7-foot-tall former Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki led his team to 15 NBA play-offs, including their only NBA championship, in 2011. He is the only player to continue with a single NBA team for 21 seasons and first European-born to be the NBA Finals MVP.
 33 
Anthony Davis
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as the Power Forward and Centre Positions)
Anthony Davis
24
Birthdate: March 11, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States

American professional basketball player, Anthony Davis plays, for the National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Lakers. He is the youngest player to score at least 59 points in a NBA game. He was a member of the US men’s national basketball team which participated in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The team was undefeated in London and won the gold medal.

 34 
Isaiah Thomas
(Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a Point Guard)
Isaiah Thomas
13
Birthdate: February 7, 1989
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
Isaiah Thomas, also known as “The Pizza Boy,” plays for the Washington Wizards. He has previously played for teams such as the Sacramento Kings, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and a two-time First-team All-Pac-10, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
 35 
Pau Gasol
(One of the Greatest Basketball Power Forwards of All Time)
Pau Gasol
11
Birthdate: July 6, 1980
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
Four-time All-Star NBA power-forward/center Pau Gasol left medical school to join FC Barcelona. He won two NBA championships with the LA Lakers. The Spanish footballer and the 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year is an all-time EuroBasket top-scorer, reads historical novels, is a polyglot, and loves concerts and operas. 
 36 
Paul George
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays at the 'Small Forward' Position)
Paul George
14
Birthdate: May 2, 1990
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Palmdale, California, United States

A six-time NBA All-Star, Paul George has been an important player in the NBA for the last decade or so. Apart from making his presence felt in the NBA, Paul George also played a key role in helping the United States men's national basketball team win Olympic gold in the 2016 Summer Olympics held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 37 
Tony Parker
(French-American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a Point Guard)
Tony Parker
12
Birthdate: May 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bruges, Belgium

Tony Parker is a French-American former basketball player. During his playing career, he helped the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA win four NBA championships. He currently plays a major role in France's professional basketball league 'LNB Pro A' where he owns one of the league's team, ASVEL Basket. Also a philanthropist, Parker serves as the ambassador for Make-A-Wish France.

 38 
Ray Allen
(Basketball player)
Ray Allen
17
Birthdate: July 20, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Merced, California, United States
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 39 
Tracy McGrady
(7-Time NBA All-Star)
Tracy McGrady
12
Birthdate: May 24, 1979
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bartow, Florida, United States
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
 40 
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.

 41 
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)
 42 
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.”

 43 
Reggie Miller
(Basketball player)
Reggie Miller
9
Birthdate: August 24, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Riverside, California, United States
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 44 
John Stockton
(Basketball player)
John Stockton
7
Birthdate: March 26, 1962
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Spokane, Washington, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 45 
Sue Bird
(One of the Greatest Basketball Players in WNBA History)
Sue Bird
19
Birthdate: October 16, 1980
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Syosset, New York, United States
Sue Bird has won four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm, four Olympic gold medals, two NCAA Championships with UConn, and four FIBA World Cups, thus becoming one of 11 women to win all four honors. Sue was voted one of the Top 15 Players of All Time by WNBA.
 46 
Manu Ginóbili
(Argentine Former Professional Basketball Player Who Played at the ‘Shooting Guard' Position)
Manu Ginóbili
10
Birthdate: July 28, 1977
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bahía Blanca, Argentina
Argentine-Italian former basketball player Manu Ginóbili became one of two players in history to have won the EuroLeague title, the NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal. The four-time NBA champion has had a 23-season stint with the NBA team San Antonio Spurs. He is also an Italian League champion.
 47 
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. 

 48 
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)
 49 
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)
 50 
Grant Hill
(Basketball player)
Grant Hill
6
Birthdate: October 5, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)