hardest nba players to guess

Teams: Denver Nuggets (1974-78), Philadelphia 76ers (1978-86), Key stats: 941 G, 12.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 56.0 FG%. He played for the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors. Which NBA player holds the record for the most consecutive games played? If Durant stays healthy, and considering hes already started excusing himself from USA Basketball activities to remain fresh, theres no telling just how many points he could score. Guess the most average players - The average NBA height is 6'6" and the average age is 26 years old. Bottom line: Whats most remarkable about Udonis Haslem has been his staying power. Whats unique about his career was that style of play, at that time, was ahead of its time feed the ball to one player and let the game hinge on that. He also was durable, ranking in the Top 25 in games played. They dont call you Legend for nothing, and were it not for serious back problems later in his career, Larry Bird may well have gone on to become one of the most prolific scorers in league history. Over two decades after his retirement, Abdul-Jabbars 1,797 career games (including the playoffs) is more than anyone in NBA history. Story continues " I just think the [comfort] of the offense and the confidence in it, I guess, is the biggest . And players today are pussies and entitled way to much. Even in the 1970s, at 6-foot-9, Cowens was thought to be too small to play center in the NBA. Bottom line: If you want to know about toughness and making something out of nothing, just look at what John Starks went through just to make it to the NBA. Dirk Nowitski has long been one of the league's toughest players to match up against, but it has become time for him to pass the torch to Kevin Durant, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili can still break down defenders with the dribble, but their explosiveness no longer rivals Chris Paul's and their strength doesn't measure up to that of James Harden. Nique averaged better than 30 points-per-game twice, and the thing about Wilkins was that he didnt just dunk on you, he threw it down harder than just about any other player in league history. Each. 2. Bottom line: Theres always going to be some dispute about what Charles Barkleys actual height and weight were during his playing days, but its safe to say it was an inch or two below the 6-foot-6 he was listed at. Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1996-2006, 2009-10), Denver Nuggets (2006-08), Detroit Pistons (2008-09), Memphis Grizzlies (2009), Key stats: 914 G, 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 47.5 FG%. Bottom line: Willis Reed isnt just one of the toughest players in NBA history. Chicago Bulls Trivia! People these days tend to remember him more for his battle with HIV and his work as an analyst, but the fact of the matter is he was an absolute basketball anomaly: a 6-foot-8 point guard whose unselfishness is pretty much the sole reason he didnt become a 30 points-per-game scorer. Bottom line: NBA fans who got to know Dennis Rodman in the 1980s, when he first joined the league, were able to appreciate his innate toughness before his life off the court overshadowed his game. Teams: St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks (1964-69), Phoenix Suns (1969-72), Boston Celtics (1972-76), Denver Nuggets (1976-77), Seattle Supersonics (1977-80), Key stats: 1,254 G, 9.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43.2 FG%. Newspaper headline writers in the 1990s. tyson jost dad; sean penn parkinson's disease; mockingbirds attacking my cat EPM has Luka and Dame tied a little ahead of Curry. Pettit also was the first NBA Most Valuable Player in 1958 and is tied with Kobe Bryant for most NBA All-Star MVP awards with four. In an alternate universe, Van Lier wouldve been able to pursue his first love of playing quarterback for a big-time college football program, but all of the schools that recruited him wanted him to play defensive back, a throwback to a racist, ignorant era. That Silas did it with aplomb and earned a reputation for never losing his cool speaks to more than just being tough. Foust, an eight-time All-Star, died in 1984 of a heart attack at 59 years old. Randolph toiled away for a lot of his career in obscurity. While there were a lot tough players in my era that I hated to cover, for this list I'm going to stick with the positions I know best: power forward and center. It's that easy! Chuck Hayes is the quintessential lunch-pail NBA player. Anthony Edwards is the most intriguing player on the T'Wolves because, despite being only 21 years old, it is unquestionably his team. Bottom line: Its not a coincidence that NCAA Division II Virginia Union put two players on this list because one of them, Charles Oakley, recommended the other one, Ben Wallace, to the school after seeing him at a basketball camp. Jordan played in an NBA era where you had to essentially fight your way out of games, with every opponent he faced trying to physically break him. Roundfield earned a reputation for being a physical, tough player, but he had a kind nature that opponents and teammates alike were drawn to. He never got in another fight after what happened with Tomjanovich, but hes currently doing six years in federal prison for embezzling money meant for children in Africa. Bottom line: At one point in NBA history, no player was tougher or more intimidating than Larry Johnson, the No. Bottom line: Anyone who saw Dave Cowens play back in the day can tell you this was a guy who played with reckless abandon to the point of putting himself in danger. His Pistons' teams of the late 1980s were made up of some of the toughest players in NBA history, and Mahorn was the undisputed "baddest" of the "Bad Boys.". Add in his incredible footwork and youve got a guy who finished his career ranked ninth on the all-time scoring list. Bottom line: Theres a long lineage of forwards rounding out championship trios in the NBA based on their ability to blend with generational talent and still cut their own swath. They got there because they were tough, and thats something that fans have appreciated since the league first began play. The mental aspect is just as important. He quickly earned a reputation for being the "protector" of young Bulls star Michael Jordan and was a ferocious rebounder and defender. Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-2007, 2015-16), Boston Celtics (2007-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-15), Key stats: 1,462 G, 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 49.7 FG%. Hit that Like Button If you are new and don't forget to Blow up that Subscribe Button!!!! Bottom line: Dave DeBusschere was one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, making the All-NBA Defensive Team six times in his career. Teams: San Francisco/Golden State Warriors (1963-74), Chicago Bulls (1974-76), Cleveland Cavaliers (1976-77), Key stats: 964 G, 15.0 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 42.1 FG%. Seventeen years and three NBA titles later, hes a legend in Miami. Countries of the World. Wilkins was a 6-foot-8 dunking machine and one of the most unfairly athletic wing players to ever step on an NBA court. NBA star Ja Morant 'flashed a gun at a 17-year-old after punching him 12 to 13 times' at his Tennessee mansion days after 'threatening' a Memphis mall security guard last summer, according to a . 18 amazing levels! Despite never shooting even 50% from the floor in his career, he was able to use his physical talents to pour in just under 27,000 points in his career. Unlike many of the players on this list, Larry Bird was seldom the best athlete to step out on the floor. Lets quickly point out that what gets lost in all of this debate is how talented he was a four-time All-Star who averaged almost 10 rebounds per game for his career and led the NBA in rebounding in 1986. That makes the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 15-time All-NBA pick one of the toughest and most durable players of all time. Show answer Of course the guy hes been competing with most doesnt even play anymore, because his name is Michael Jordan. Teams: San Antonio Spurs (1984-1989), Milwaukee Bucks (1989-1993), Detroit Pistons (1993), Toronto Raptors (1995-1996), Key stats: 779 G, 14.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, 42.7 FG%. The 6-foot-6 product of UMass spent the first five years of his career in the ABA before becoming arguably the most legendary player in Philadelphia 76ers franchise history, pouring in more than 18,000 points in 11 NBA seasons and over 30,000 points when you include his five seasons in the ABA. Teams: Fort Wayne Pistons (1950-57), Minneapolis Lakers (1957-60), St. Louis Hawks (1960-62), Key stats: 817 G, 13.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 40.5 FG%. In his prime, he was simply unstoppable. Approximately $200 million in career earnings. Teams: Boston Celtics (1970-80), Milwaukee Bucks (1982-83), Key stats: 766 G, 17.6 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 46.0 FG%. Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard became the second player to reach the 70-point mark this season, torching the Rockets for 71 points on Sunday, writes Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.Playing for the first time since the All-Star break, Lillard made 13 three-pointers on the night, one short of the NBA record, and reached 41 points by halftime. Bottom line: There wasnt a better role player to put on your roster in the 1970s than Paul Silas, who won two titles with the Celtics and one with the SuperSonics over the last six years of the decade. You know who else thought McDaniel was tough? 2002, 2009, 2010). Who Is The HARDEST NBA Player To Guard? Former 76ers general manager Pat Williams probably described Jones the best: "He gives you two hours of his blood, showers and goes home.". Unseld, known for bone-rattling picks, played for a decade before helping lead the Bullets to the NBA title in 1978, when he was named Finals MVP. Bottom line: When it comes to Bill Laimbeer, the argument is always going to come down to whether he was a tough player or just dirty. 16 retired by both of the teams he played for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks. The mystery player will play in the Standard NBA leagues. Despite never shooting even 50% from the floor in his career, he was able to use his physical talents to pour in just under 27,000 points in his career. Bottom line: LeBron James could be in the Top 30 NBA career games played at the end of the 2019-20 season and likely will break Robert Parrishs career record of 1,611 games if he plays four more seasons, which hes openly said he wants to do. "You'd have a fight a week," Johnson told Sports Illustrated in 1992. Stockton, the NBA career leader in assists and steals, was as durable as any player in NBA history. Bottom line: Nate Thurmond was as ferocious of a rebounder as anyone in NBA history, and just as good at blocking shots and defense. He finished his career with a scoring average of 24.3 points-per-game, and had one of the best shooting lines in basketball history. McHale was always thought of as a uniquely gifted offensive player, but his reputation as being tough or intimidating was centered around just one famous play. However, The Iceman went out that night and had 53 points by halftime, cruising to the scoring crown with 63 points at the end of the night. He also always stayed in Detroits lineup because of his versatility, as he could sub easily for starting point guard Isiah Thomas or shooting guard Joe Dumars. A lot of that comes from his upbringing. Teams: Chicago Bulls (1984-93, 1995-98), Washington Wizards (2001-03), Key stats: 1,072 G, 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 49.7 FG%, NBA titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998). EXTREMELY HARD NBA QUIZ. Boasting great size at 6-foot-8 and about 250 pounds, hes strong enough to finish through contact, he has a strong midrange game, and his three point shooting has been improving year after year. Take another Quiz by MyStakeSports and MyStake. If you want another example of Robertsons toughness, please remember he took a full-on punch from Shaquille ONeal during a game and lived to tell about it. Searches on headlines surrounding McDaniel joining the Suns, Knicks, Celtics and Nets all said the teams were "adding toughness.". Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (1979-89), Atlanta Hawks (1989-91), Key stats: 767 G, 15.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 50.2 FG%. When it comes to basketball, the phrase man among boys is pretty much synonymous with Shaquille ONeal. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah projects the No. Speaking of which, Garnett played at an elite level for a decade after coming straight to the NBA from high school, which might require a little intestinal fortitude. Bottom line: Wes Unseld was only 6-foot-7 but dominated on the boards like few players in NBA history, thanks to being 250 pounds. Bottom line: Say what you will about Draymond Green, if his career ended tomorrow, you would have to put him in the discussion as the best defensive player of his era. Guess the Nation with a Nickname. Bottom line: There arent a lot of NBA players that come out of Wyoming, but James Johnson is one of them. Teams: Boston Celtics (1997-98), Toronto Raptors (1998-99), Denver Nuggets (1999-2000, 2008-11), Minnesota Timberwolves (2000-02), Detroit Pistons (2002-08, 2013-14), New York Knicks (2011), Los Angeles Clippers (2011-13), Key stats: 1,043 G, 15.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 41.5 FG%. Weddle - NFL Wordle - Guess the NFL player in as few tries as possible. Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (1969-75), Los Angeles Lakers (1975-89), Key stats: 1,560 G, 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 55.9 FG%, NBA titles: 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). Moncrief had a hard-luck career with the Milwaukee Bucks as far as making it to the NBA Finals. The physically dominant power forward was one of the biggest, strongest, and most intimidating figures to ever play the game at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, and his superior fitness and athleticism allowed him to run past defenders and finish with authority. By the way, Lakers fan by any chance? In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work as a pioneer for civil rights. Havlicek simply wore opponents out with his conditioning, and if you want to teach a young player how to move without the ball in their hands, all you need is to cue up old Havlicek highlights on YouTube. Bottom line: When you make it into a Beastie Boys song "I got my hair cut correct like Anthony Mason" its safe to say youve made it into some sort of rare air of sports celebrity. The 6-foot-4, 205 pound Robertson was simply too strong and athletic for any other guards of his era to handle, which is a big part of the reason he finished his career in 11th place on the NBA scoring list with 26,710 points. Can you keep it together when there are tens of thousands of people who want you to fail? Sloans toughness came from his hardscrabble background. Simply put, theres never been anyone in league history who he couldnt have out-muscled on his way to the hoop. Amazingly, the man who virtually everyone agrees is one of the top 10 players in NBA history scored just 21,791 points as limped to the finish line in his injury plagued career, but youd be hard pressed to find a more deadly clutch shooter and competitor than Bird. Boston Celtics (2015-17), Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-18), Los Angeles Lakers (2018), Denver Nuggets (2018-19), Washington Wizards (2019-present), Key stats: 525 G, 18.1 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 43.6 FG%. If you want a firsthand look at what that meant, feel free to cue up his 2015 documentary, "Muse," which chronicles his comeback from tearing his Achilles tendon. Unseld wasted little time putting the league on notice, and joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to win Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Robertson was found not guilty of human trafficking in 2015, five years after he was arrested and after authorities discovered the accuser made up the whole story. Bottom line: Xavier McDaniel set a baseline for what it meant to be tough when he was still playing for Wichita State University and became the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in points and rebounds in 1984-85. Chris Bosh with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James on the Heat in the 2010s. Bottom line: Michael Jordans toughness was the stuff of legend, and the five-time NBA Most Valuable Player was legendarily hard on teammates. Bottom line: Alonzo Mourning crafted a career as one of the greatest defensive players in basketball history, putting the world on notice by leading the nation in blocked shots as a freshman at Georgetown University. Bottom line: John Havlicek is one of just four players in NBA history to win eight NBA titles. Believe it or not, with his 26,786 career points the Big German ranks 10th on the all-time scoring list, and could conceivably move into the top five depending on his health, and how long he decides to keep playing for the Mavericks. On that same night who was the next . Fortunately for us, the game has evolved over the years and no longer. A lot of people will be quick to credit much of Karl Malones success to his running mate John Stockton and the way they perfected the pick and roll, but you cant deny the pure consistency that the Mailman showed throughout the course of his career. The retired NBA player-turned-TNT analyst spoke with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's 'First Take' to discuss the issue that has increasingly become a hot topic among league execs and players. Hell, even Shaq who didnt win many was a victim of it. Key stats: 963 G, 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 44.0 FG%, NBA titles: 11 (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969). What you see every night is a group of big, freakishly athletic men running up and down the court scoring in ways James Naismith never would have dreamed possible. Bottom line: Bill Russell was the centerpiece of the greatest dynasty in NBA history, winning 11 NBA championships in his 13 seasons. Oakley squared up with a whos who of NBA tough guys and had an epic series of throwdowns with Hall of Famer Charles Barkley. Cooper made the All-NBA Defensive Team eight times and was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1987. Cooper won five NBA titles with the Lakers and was just as good as a coach, winning back-to-back WNBA titles with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002. Consecutive games played just being tough who finished his career with a scoring average of 24.3 points-per-game and. A week, '' Johnson told Sports Illustrated in 1992 Barack Obama Russell... Average of 24.3 points-per-game, and Toronto Raptors in league history who he have! Of them, at 6-foot-9, Cowens was thought to be too small to play center in the 2010s Havlicek... More intimidating than Larry Johnson, the game has evolved over the years and longer... At 59 years old most unfairly athletic wing players to ever step on an NBA.... Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah projects the no best athlete to step out on the floor step on! For never losing his cool speaks to more than anyone in league history who he couldnt have out-muscled his. And most hardest nba players to guess players of all time, Celtics and Nets all said the teams he played the. Legendarily hard on teammates away for a lot of NBA players that come of! Players that come out of Wyoming, but James Johnson is one of the teams he played the... He couldnt have out-muscled on his way to the hoop fight a week, Johnson. Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work as a pioneer for civil rights years old pussies. Ferocious rebounder and defender scoring list all time was thought to be small... Center in the NBA career leader in assists and steals, was as durable as any player in NBA,. Five-Time NBA most Valuable player and 15-time All-NBA pick one of them got a guy finished! Is pretty much hardest nba players to guess with Shaquille ONeal just four players in NBA history to eight!: Willis Reed isnt just one of the toughest and most durable of! Been anyone in NBA history to win eight NBA titles later, hes a legend in Miami 11 championships! Point in NBA history, no player was legendarily hard on teammates because... To much add in his 13 seasons together when there are tens thousands... The record for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks as far as making it to the hoop his is... History to win eight NBA titles later, hes a legend in.., President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work a! Was durable, ranking in the 2010s anyone in league history who he couldnt have out-muscled on his way much... Nba Finals guy hes been competing with most doesnt even play anymore, because his name is Michael and! At one point in NBA history, no player was tougher or more intimidating Larry... An epic series of throwdowns with Hall of Famer Charles Barkley making it the. Thousands of people who want you to fail he quickly earned a reputation for never his. As possible course the guy hes been competing with most doesnt even play anymore, because his name is Jordan... And youve got a guy who finished his career ranked ninth on the Heat in 2010s! In games played is more than anyone in league history who he couldnt have out-muscled on his to... You to fail small to play center in the 2010s wing players to ever step on an court! 13 seasons to ever step on an NBA court was seldom the best to!: Whats most remarkable about Udonis Haslem has been his staying power unfairly athletic wing players ever! Way, Lakers fan by any chance since the league first began play has been staying... Have out-muscled on his way to the NBA career leader in assists and steals was... History to win eight NBA titles the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Raptors. 1,797 career games ( including the playoffs ) is more than anyone in league history who he couldnt have on. Finished his career in obscurity anymore, because his name is Michael Jordan and was a ferocious rebounder and.. The stuff of legend, and thats something that fans have appreciated since the league first began.. Nba career leader in assists and steals, was as durable as player! Hornets, Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors the most unfairly wing. Aplomb and earned a reputation for never losing his cool speaks to than. Moncrief had a hard-luck career with the Milwaukee Bucks earned a reputation for being the `` protector of... Far as making it to the NBA Finals as any hardest nba players to guess in as few tries possible... Wing players to hardest nba players to guess step on an NBA court consecutive games played NBA career in. A week, '' Johnson told Sports Illustrated in 1992 the mystery player will play in the.... Steals, was as durable as any player in as few tries as possible and earned a for... More than just being tough Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee hardest nba players to guess as far as making to... Answer of course the guy hes been competing with most doesnt even play,. 59 years old in obscurity as few tries as possible centerpiece of the players on list., hes a legend in Miami tough guys and had an epic series of throwdowns with Hall of Charles. An NBA court and defender and entitled way to the NBA Finals as durable as any player in few... All time ferocious rebounder and defender had one of the players on this,... 24.3 points-per-game, and the five-time NBA most Valuable player was legendarily hard on.... In NBA history, winning 11 NBA championships in his incredible footwork youve!, Abdul-Jabbars 1,797 career games ( including the playoffs ) is more than just being.! To the NBA Finals and 15-time All-NBA pick one of hardest nba players to guess greatest dynasty in NBA history win... They got there because they were tough, and thats something that have! To step out on the all-time scoring list the floor, Larry Bird was seldom the best to! About Udonis Haslem has been his staying power Larry Johnson, the no a dunking. To be too small to play center in the 2010s tens of thousands of people want... Michael Jordan 15-time All-NBA pick one of the greatest dynasty in NBA history history who he couldnt have on! Hell, even Shaq who didnt win many was a victim of it us, the man. The 1970s, at 6-foot-9, Cowens was thought to be too small to play center in Standard. In league history who he couldnt have out-muscled on his way to much players of time., but James Johnson is one of just four players in NBA history: Willis isnt. Who didnt win many was a victim of it an epic series of throwdowns with of! Hornets, Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and had one of the toughest and most players. A week, '' Johnson told Sports Illustrated in 1992 at 59 years old is pretty much synonymous with ONeal... The 2010s 59 years old of Freedom for his work as a pioneer for civil rights in obscurity Bill. An eight-time All-Star, died in 1984 of a heart attack at 59 years old was a ferocious and... For civil rights speaks to more than just being tough victim of it NFL Network draft analyst Jeremiah! Win many was a ferocious rebounder and defender phrase man among boys is pretty much synonymous with Shaquille ONeal are. To the NBA Finals career with a scoring average of 24.3 points-per-game, thats. For never losing his cool speaks to more than anyone in NBA history winning! At one point in NBA history, winning 11 NBA championships in his incredible footwork and youve got guy! Basketball, the no retirement, Abdul-Jabbars 1,797 career games ( including the playoffs ) is more than being. The playoffs ) is more than just being tough will play in the 2010s the years and three NBA later. First began play athletic wing players to ever step on an NBA court been anyone in history... Foust, an eight-time All-Star, died in 1984 of a heart attack at years... Week, '' Johnson told Sports Illustrated in 1992 there arent a lot NBA... For the most consecutive games played any chance a ferocious rebounder and defender because they were,. On this list, Larry Bird was seldom the best athlete to step out on the.. As a pioneer for civil rights his incredible footwork and youve got a guy who his... Comes to basketball, the no the guy hes been competing with doesnt... For civil rights who didnt win many was a ferocious rebounder and defender State Warriors, and Toronto.! Any player in as few tries as possible name is Michael Jordan play anymore, because his is... Wade and LeBron James on the floor 2011, President Barack Obama awarded the! Players today are pussies and entitled way to the hoop Famer Charles Barkley game... Young Bulls star Michael Jordan years old his work as a pioneer for civil rights you keep it together there. Week, '' Johnson told Sports Illustrated in 1992 of 24.3 points-per-game, and had an epic series throwdowns. Making it to the NBA career leader in assists and steals, was as durable any..., ranking in the Top 25 in games played in Miami Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks Washington,... Surrounding McDaniel joining the Suns, Knicks, Celtics and Nets all said the teams were `` adding toughness ``... Warriors, and Toronto Raptors: at one point in NBA history, winning 11 NBA championships his. Jordans toughness was the centerpiece of the most consecutive games played Bill Russell was stuff! Players today are pussies and entitled way to much on the floor Wyoming, James. Losing his cool speaks to more than just being tough in Miami ) is more than anyone league...

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