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)
Dallas Mavericks—Dirk Nowitzki: One of the most impactful European players in NBA history
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Phoenix Suns—Steve Nash
Took the Suns to three Western Conference Finals
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
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
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
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”
