Chicago Bulls All-Star forward # 23 Michael Jordan file photos. (Photo by Tom Berg/WireImage)
There have been many incredible players to play in the NBA since its inception, but who is the greatest player for each NBA franchise? DrRoto.com attempts to answer this question. Do you agree with our selections? Let us know in the comments.
Atlanta Hawks—Dominique Wilkins
Feb 10, 1987; Seattle, WA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Atlanta Hawks forward Dominique Wilkins (21) in action against the Seattle Supersonics at the Center Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
The Human Highlight Film
(Runner Up: Bob Pettit)
Boston Celtics—Bill Russell
Unknown date, 1968 & location, USA: FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics center Bill Russell in action against the Cincinnati Royals. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
The greatest defensive player in NBA history
(Runner Up: Larry Bird)
Brooklyn Nets—Julius Erving
Unknown date and unknown location; USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Nets forward Julius Erving (32) during an ABA game. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
Dr. J led the Nets to two ABA Championships
(Runner Up: Jason Kidd)
Charlotte Hornets—Kemba Walker
Mar 12, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker (1) brings the ball up the court in the second half of their game against the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena. The Bobcats won, 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Had the longest impact on the franchise
(Runner Up: Larry Johnson)
Chicago Bulls—Michael Jordan
Portrait of professional basketball player Michael Jordan, of the Chicago Bulls, dressed in a tuxedo with a basketball under one arm as he poses with Chevrolet Suburban automobile, Chicago, Illinois, 1986. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
The G.O.A.T.
(Runner Up: Scottie Pippen)
Cleveland Cavaliers—LeBron James
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 19 : LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on November 19, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LeBron brought the NBA Championship to Ohio
(Runner Up: Mark Price)
Dallas Mavericks—Dirk Nowitzki
German basketball player Dirk Nowitzki in action for Dallas Mavericks during a preseason game between the Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns, held at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, 30th January 1999. Also in frame in the background are American basketball player Todd Day and American basketball player Michael Finley. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images)
One of the most impactful European players in NBA history
(Runner Up: Luka Doncic)
Denver Nuggets—Nikola Jokic
DENVER, CO – APRIL 07: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena on April 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
Jokic could win his third straight MVP in 2025
(Runner Up: David Thompson)
Detroit Pistons—Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas #11, Point Guard for the Detroit Pistons adjust his protective eyeglasses during the NBA Midwest Division basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks on 14th January 1991 at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, United States. The Pistons won the game 89 – 81. (Photo by Joe Patronite/Allsport/Getty Images)
Was the leader of the “Bad Boys” that won back-to-back NBA titles
(Runner Up: Dave Bing)
Golden State Warriors—Stephen Curry
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on February 22, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The greatest pure shooter in NBA history
(Runner Up: Rick Barry)
Houston Rockets—Hakeem Olajuwon
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1984: Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1984 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Olajuwon played for the Rockets from 1984-2002. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
“The Dream” reshaped how big men played in the NBA
(Runner Up: Yao Ming)
Indiana Pacers—Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller#31, Shooting Guard for the Indiana Pacers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Central Division basketball game against the Houston Rockets on 9th November 1994 at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The Rockets won the game 109 – 104. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
One of the top clutch playoff performers
(Runner Up: George McGinnis)
Los Angeles Clippers—Blake Griffin
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 28: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 28, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Was the face of the franchise through good times and bad
(Runner Up: Bob McAdoo)
Los Angeles Lakers—Magic Johnson
(Original Caption) Magic Johnson (r) wipes the face of Lakers’ owner Dr. Jerry Buss after he poured champagne over him after the Lakers beat the Sixers 123-107 to win here, 5/16.
The leader of the Lakers “Showtime” Era
(Runner Up: Kobe Bryant)
Memphis Grizzlies—Marc Gasol
Nov 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol (33) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Zaza Pachulia (27) in the fourth quarter as forward Zach Randolph (50) watches at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Consistently one of the best at his position
(Runner Up: Zach Randolph)
Miami Heat—Dwayne Wade
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 17: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat reacts in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the 2012 NBA Finals on June 17, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Delivered Milwaukee its first championship and won three MVPs in six seasons
(Runner Up: Giannis Antetokounmpo)
Minnesota Timberwolves—Kevin Garnett
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 25: Kevin Garnett #21 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays against the Washington Wizards on January 25, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
One of the greatest defensive players in NBA history
(Runner Up: Anthony Edwards)
New Orleans Pelicans—Anthony Davis
Oct 7, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots a free throw during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Pelicans defeated the Mavericks 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“The Brow” was dominant in his time with New Orleans
(Runner Up: Chris Paul)
New York Knicks—Walt Frazier
Dec 1969; USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks point guard Walt Frazier (10). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
“Clyde” was a Madison Square Garden Legend
(Runner Up: Patrick Ewing)
Oklahoma City Thunder—Kevin Durant
Nov 10, 2009; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Arco Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
One of the greatest NBA scorers
(Runner Up: Russell Westbrook)
Orlando Magic—Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq was at his athletic best when he was with Orlando
(Runner Up: Dwight Howard)
Philadelphia 76ers—Wilt Chamberlain
Unknown date; Cincinnati, OH, USA: FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia 76ers center Wilt Chamberlain (13) in action against the Cincinnati Royals at Cincinnati Gardens. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Scored 100 points in a game
(Runner Up: Allen Iverson)
Phoenix Suns—Steve Nash
Took the Suns to three Western Conference Finals
(Runner Up: Charles Barkley)
Portland Trail Blazers—Bill Walton
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 21: The Portland Trail Blazers logo is pictured during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 21, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
“Big Red” led the Blazers to their first NBA Championship in 1977
(Runner Up: Clyde Drexler)
Sacramento Kings—Oscar Robertson
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; NBA legend Oscar Robertson waves to the crowd during the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The “Big O” averaged a triple-double for the 1961-62 season
(Runner Up: Chris Webber)
San Antonio Spurs—Tim Duncan
23 Apr 2001: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs during game two of round one of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 86-69. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Allsport
“The Big Fundamental” was the key to San Antonio’s multiple NBA titles
(Runner Up: David Robinson)
Toronto Raptors—Vince Carter
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 7: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors plays against the Washington Wizards on November 7, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
“Air Canada” excited crowds all throughout North America
(Runner Up: Kawhi Leonard)
Utah Jazz—Karl Malone
Karl Malone #32, Power Forward for the Utah Jazz looks at the basketball as he prepares to make a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers on 8th November 1999 at the STAPLES Center arena in Los Angeles, California, United States. The Utah Jazz won the game 94 – 79. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
No one delivered important buckets like “The Mailman”
(Runner Up: John Stockton)
Washington Wizards—Wes Unseld
Unknown date; Cincinnati, OH, USA: FILE PHOTO; Washington Bullets center Wes Unseld (41) in action against the Cincinnati Royals. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
