Every organization has their own rich history, their own pantheon of basketball heroes. Here’s a look at the Mt. Rushmore for every NBA franchise.
Heroes are subjective and when it comes to an NBA franchise, greats are measured against all those who have come before them. As the offseason crawls toward it’s inexorable conclusion, I’ve taken a stab at trying to select the four most memorable players in each NBA franchise’s history — their own personal Mt. Rushmore.
I tried to avoid a straight search for the four greatest players in each franchise’s history and tried to spread things out as much as possible to capture the full history of an organization. I used NBA stats only and used official team histories as they are recognized in Basketball-Reference, which combines the Thunder and Sonics and leads to some weird mental gymnastics around the Hornets Bobcats, and Pelicans.
Of course, I also got plenty of things wrong so feel free to tell me what they are. Otherwise, grab your chisel and hammer and get to work on those blocks of granite.
Atlanta Hawks
Bob Petit was the original face of the (then Milwaukee and St. Louis) Hawks and one of the NBA’s earliest stars. He played 11 seasons for the Hawks, from 1954-1965, and led the franchise to their one and only NBA title, in the 1957-58 season. Petit was the first player to win an MVP Award, the first player to hit 20,000 career points, and is still the only player in NBA history to have averaged at least 20 points and 12 rebounds in every season they played.
Dominique Wilkins was famous for his highlight dunks but he was also one of the NBA’s best all-around scorers during his era. From a span of 11 full seasons with Atlanta, he averaged less than 20 points per game just once, and the led the Hawks to the playoffs eight times. Wilkins waged some memorable playoff battles with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and is still the team’s all-time leader in minutes played, games played, and points scored.
Zelmo Beaty was a stout yet mobile center who helped lead the Hawks after the end of the Bob Petit era. Beaty, who was inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 averaged 17.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across seven seasons with the St. Louis Hawks. The team won .563 percent of their games with Beatty and made five trips to the Western Division Finals.
Al Horford was often part of the backdrop with Atlanta Hawks’ teams that featured Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Paul Millsap. His numbers were never eye-popping — 14.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game across nine seasons in Atlanta. Still his versatile offensive and defensive ability were the back bone of many solid teams, including the 2014-15 team that won a franchise-high 60 regular season games. It’s no wonder that Horford is fifth in franchise history in Win Shares.
Boston Celtics
Bill Russell played 13 seasons and was named an All-Star 12 times. He won 11 titles with the Boston Celtics, including an incredible eight in a row from 1959 to 1966, and took home five MVP awards. He’s is perhaps the greatest defensive player in league history but is also famous for his leadership with the Celtics. Russell belongs on the Celtics’ Mt. Rushmore, and the NBA’s as well.
Bob Cousy was one of the NBA’s first great point guards. Already a terrific scorer and facilitator, once Bill Russell joined the team he helped key the early part of Boston’s dominant dynasty. Over the course of his career he led the NBA in assists eight years in a row and won six titles in Boston. Cousy helped build the Celtics’ legacy from the ground up.
Larry Bird is the face of the Celtics for an entire generation. Although he often presented a stoic exterior, Bird was famous for his trash-talking on the court and his flashy game — no-look passes and incredible shot-making. Along with Magic Johnson, Bird helped grow the NBA for a national audience and bring the league out of the darker and financially unstable 1970s. Bird’s career was cut short by injury but he brought three additional titles to Boston.
Paul Pierce carried the Celtics to their most recent championship. For nine seasons he led Boston with his aggressive defense and clutch shot-making. For the 2007-08 season, he was joined by Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett and finally had enough firepower around him to win it all. Boston took the 2008 championship from their hated rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, with Pierce winning Finals MVP. Pierce left Boston after the 2012-13 season, second on the franchise’s all-time scoring list, and first in team history in steals and 3-pointers.
Brooklyn Nets
Jason Kidd played six-and-a-half season for the then New Jersey Nets. When he arrived they had just one winning season in their previous seven. Kidd promptly took them to two consecutive Finals. While he wasn’t able to get them over the hump, he led the brightest NBA era for the franchise. Nearly a decade after he left the team, Kidd is still the organization’s all-time leader in 3-pointers, steals, and assists.
Buck Williams joined the Nets after their first five, mostly discouraging, seasons in the NBA. He won Rookie of the Year in 1981-82 and made three All-Star Games during his eight seasons with the team. Williams left the team in 1989 but is still the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, minutes played, free throws, and both offensive and defensive rebounds.
Richard Jefferson was never the best player on the Nets as his seven seasons with the team overlapped with the tenures of Kidd, Vince Carter and Kenyon Martin. However, Jefferson was a steady complementary piece during the NBA peak of this organization. Only Brook Lopez, Kidd, and Buck Williams have played more NBA games for the Nets, and only Lopez, Carter, and Williams have scored more points for the team than Jefferson.
Brook Lopez spent much of his Nets tenure on struggling teams and hearing his name floated in trade rumors. He was finally sent to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, after nine seasons with the team. Despite missing almost the entire 2011-12 and 2013-14 seasons, he leaves the organization as its all-time leading scorer. Only Williams and Kidd have played more minutes in a Nets uniform.
Charlotte Hornets
Muggsy Bogues is perhaps the most easily identifiable player in Hornets’ history. At just 5-foot-3, Bogues was one of the smallest players to suit up in the modern era. Bogues began his career with the Washington Bullets before being selected by the Hornets in the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft (he was the team’s No. 3 pick) and playing nearly ten seasons in Charlotte. Bogues is still the franchise’s all-time leader in minutes played, assists and steals.
Larry Johnson played just five seasons for the Hornets and you won’t find his name splashed across their record books. However, Johnson was the team’s first star. Taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, Johnson went on to win Rookie of the Year and then lead the Hornets to their first ever playoff appearance in his second season. Johnson helped shape the first successful era of Hornets basketball.
Dell Curry might be best known for his talented children, be he was also a huge part of the Hornets franchise. Curry was taken with the Hornets’ first pick in the 1988 Expansion Draft and his outside shooting was one of the most consistent features of their early teams. Curry played 10 seasons for Charlotte and is still the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, points, and 3-pointers.
Gerald Wallace never actually played for the Hornets, his entire tenure with the franchise came when they where the Charlotte Bobcats. (The franchise that had been the Hornets became the Pelicans and the Bobcats absorbed the team’s history and records). Wallace was far-and-away the best player of the Bobcats era, an energetic and athletic presence in the frontcourt. He also helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance as the Bobcats.
Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan may be the greatest player in NBA history so he certainly merits inclusion among the greatest Bulls ever. Jordan’s athleticism, skill and competitive fire defined an entire era of Bulls basketball. He was selected as Rookie of the Year in 1984-85 and followed that up with 14 All-Star selections, five MVP awards and the only six championships in franchise history (earned in two separate dominating three-peats).
Scottie Pippen was more than just Jordan’s sidekick, finishing his career as one of the best players in NBA history. Pippen was one of the best perimeter defenders of his era but also a capable scorer and shooter, who could even function as the team’s point guard. There is no Pippen without Jordan, but there is probably no Jordan without Pippen either.
Artis Gilmore joined the Bulls after the ABA merger at age 27. The team didn’t have much success with him manning the middle but his toughness, scoring touch and distinctive hair carried the team for six seasons. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in blocks and field goal percentage.
Joakim Noah and the teams he played on will be remembered in large part for the things they didn’t accomplish. But for all the injuries that derailed them, his defensive intensity still defined the Bulls and their success during the Tom Thibodeau era. Noah played nine seasons in Chicago, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2013-14, and finishing fourth in the MVP voting that same season. He ranks in the team’s all-time top ten for games, minutes, rebounds, steals, and blocks.
Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James means everything to the Cleveland Cavaliers. One of the greatest players in league history, LeBron redeemed himself for his four years with the Miami Heat by coming home and leading Cleveland to their first title in franchise history. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in minutes, points, assists, steals and free throws, and ranks second in rebounds, and has spent a decade as arguably the best player in the entire league.
Mark Price spent nine season with Cavaliers, leading them to the playoffs seven times. Prior to his arrival, the Cavaliers had made just four playoff appearances in 16 seasons. Price was a facilitator and dead-eye shooter averaging 16.4 points and 7.2 assists per game in Cleveland, shooting 40.9 percent on 3-pointers and 90.4 percent from the free throw line.
Brad Daugherty paired with Price for a devastating inside-outside combination. The 7-footer played his entire eight-year career with Cavaliers, averaging 19.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game and making five All-Star games. Injuries cut his career short but he helped lead the team during their best pre-LeBron stretch.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas may not have the statistical resume of the rest of this group, but perhaps no player is more beloved in Cavaliers’ history. The 7-foot-3 Big-Z played 12 seasons and a franchise-high 771 games for Cleveland. He was LeBron’s sidekick through his first stint with the team and Ilgauskas’ soft hook shots were a legitimate offensive weapon. Big-Z’s No. 11 is one of just seven jersey numbers the franchise has retired.
Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki effectively is Dallas Mavericks’ basketball. Set to begin his 20th season in Dallas, Dirk is a former MVP, a 13-time All-Star and the franchise’s all-time leader in numerous statistical categories. However, none of that really matters as much as him leading the Mavericks to their only title and the willingness he has shown to make financial sacrifices to help the team climb that mountain again.
Rolando Blackman joined the Mavericks as a rookie in 1981-82 and spent 11 seasons piling up points for the Mavericks. Blackman averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for Dallas, helping lead the team to six playoff appearances in a span of seven seasons from 1983-1990.
Derek Harper joined the Mavericks as a rookie for the 1983-84 season and helped them kick off that run of six playoff appearances in seven seasons. A steady, defensive-minded point guard, Harper is still the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and steals, and trails only Nowitzki and Blackman in minutes played.
Jason Terry was Nowitzki’s wingman for eight seasons in Dallas and his clutch shooting and swagger (championship tattoo, anyone?) were huge factors in the Mavericks’ run to the 2011 NBA Championship. Terry made more playoff 3-pointer than anyone else in team history, and only Nowitzki scored more playoff points for the Mavericks.
Denver Nuggets
Alex English was a slithery 6-foot-7 small forward and, for ten-and-a-half seasons with the Denver Nuggets, one of the most prolific scorers in the league. English averaged 25.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in Denver, leading the league in scoring during the 1982-83 season. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in games, minutes, points and assists. The Nuggets made nine consecutive playoff appearances with English on the team.
Dan Issel came with the Nuggets when the ABA merged with the NBA and manned the middle for the team as they found their footing in a new league. A mobile big who could run the floor in Denver’s uptempo attack, Issel averaged 20.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in nine NBA seasons for the Nuggets. Only English has played more games and minutes in a Nuggets uniform and Issel is still the franchise’s all-time leader in free throws and rebounds.
Dikembe Mutombo played just five seasons for the Nuggets but he was there for the team’s most iconic moment. In the 1994 playoffs, he helped Denver overcome an 0-2 deficit on their way to an upset victory over the top-seeded Seattle Supersonics in a best-of-five first round series. It was the first time in NBA history that a No. 8 seed defeated a No. 1 seed. Mutombo also led the league in block three times in his five seasons with the Nuggets, winning Defensive Player of the Year for the 1994-95 season.
Carmelo Anthony didn’t leave Denver on the best of terms but for seven-and-a-half seasons he led the team to considerable success. Anthony led the Nuggets to the playoffs every season he was in Denver, including as a rookie in 2003-04 — the team’s first playoff appearance in eight years. Anthony averaged 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game for Denver, and only Issel and English have played more more minutes or scored more points in the organization’s history.
Detroit Pistons
Isiah Thomas was the leader of the Bad Boys Pistons of the 1980s who brought two championships home to Detroit. His passing, shooting and dribble penetration where the counterpoint to the team’s bruising frontcourt physicality. Thomas played his entire 13-season career in Detroit and is still the team’s all-time leader in points, assists and steals.
Joe Dumars was the perfect complement to Isiah in the Pistons backcourt, incredibly durable with stout perimeter defense and a very reliable 3-point shot. Dumars was the Most Valuable Player in the 1989 NBA Finals, helping Detroit sweep the Lakers for their first title.
Bob Lanier was the heart and soul of the Pistons for 10 seasons before the Bad Boys came together. Lanier made seven All-Star Games as a Piston and averaged an intimidating 22.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. He wasn’t part of either championship era in Detroit but was still an incredible important figure in the team’s history.
Ben Wallace never averaged double-digit points per game for the Pistons (or anywhere else in his career) but was one of the best defensive players in the league. Wallace was the backbone of the team that upset the Lakers in 2004 Finals, and had a run of six seasons where they at least reached the Conference Finals. Wallace won four Defensive Player of the Year Awards during his time in Detroit.
Golden State Warriors
Wilt Chamberlain played five-and-a-half seasons for the Warriors, then based in Philadelphia and San Francisco, putting together some of his most dominating performances. His famous 100-point game was played for the Warriors, during the 1961-62 season where he averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game. Altogether, Wilt averaged 41.5 points and 25.1 rebounds per game for the franchise, establishing himself as one of the league’s early stars.
Rick Barry was a dominating scorer for the Warriors during the 1970s, leading the team to the 1974 NBA Championship. Barry averaged 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game and only Chamberlain has scored more points in the history of the franchise.
Chris Mullin was not the flashiest member of the Run-TMC Warriors but he spent far longer with the organization than Mitch Richmond or Tim Hardaway. Mullin spent 13 seasons with the Warriors, averaging more than 20 points per game on shooting percentages that approached the vaunted 50/40/90 plateau — 51.3 percent from the field, 36.6 percent on 3-pointers, 86.2 percent from the line. Mullin made five All-Star Games and represented the team on the famous 1992 Olympic Dream Team.
Stephen Curry hasn’t quite finished his re-working of the Warriors’ record books (or the NBA’s) but he has already made an indelible impact. Within the next few seasons Curry will likely become the NBA’s all-time leading 3-point shooter and he has already set the league’s single season mark. On the way he became the NBA’s first unanimous MVP, helped lead the Warriors to an NBA-record 73 regular season wins and brought home two titles.
Houston Rockets
Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the most skilled big men to ever play in the NBA. A true two-way force, Olajuwon won an MVP and two Defensive Player of the Year Awards for Houston. He led the team to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, winning Finals MVP both times. He is still the Rockets all-time leader in a slew of statistical categories, including games, minutes, points, rebounds, steals and blocks.
Moses Malone was a physical force, one of the most dominant rebounders in NBA history. He only played five full seasons in Houston but it was one of the longer and more productive stops in his lengthy career. Malone won two MVP awards with the Rockets and only Olajuwon has more rebounds in franchise history.
Calvin Murphy made the most of his 5-foot-9 frame and became one of the most accomplished little guys in NBA history during his Hall-of-Fame career. He played 12 seasons in Houston and only Olajuwon has scored more points in franchise history.
Yao Ming had his career cut short by injury, which is why you won’t find his name splashed across the team’s record books. Still, his giant frame and warm personality helped bring millions of Chinese fans to the NBA and make the Rockets an international brand.
Indiana Pacers
Reggie Miller was one of the greatest shooters and clutch scorers in NBA history. The face of the Pacers for nearly two decades, Miller helped lead the organization to their only NBA Finals appearance, and delivered signature playoffs moments like his eight points in nine seconds against the Knicks in 1995. Miller is still the franchise’s all-time leader in nearly every statistical category, including points, games, minutes, 3-pointers, steals and assists.
Rik Smits was the interior complement to Miller’s outside brilliance. The 7-foot-4 center played his entire 12-year career in Indiana, dominating around the basket with his soft touch and feathery turnaround jumper. Smits finished his career having averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 50.7 percent from the field.
Dale Davis was the brawn that wrapped around the skills of Smits and Miller. Davis played his first nine seasons in Indiana (and part of another season later in his career) averaging 9.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Those numbers aren’t eye-popping but his defense and physicality was a huge part of one of the Pacers most successful eras of NBA basketball, setting screens to free Miller and reducing the wear and tear on Smits.
Jeff Foster averaged an unremarkable 4.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game over the course of his 13-year career with the Pacers. However, he was a fan favorite and a fixture in the team’s rotation, bridging the gap from the iterations of the team built around Reggie Miller to those built around Danny Granger. Only Vern Fleming, Smits and Miller have played more games in a Pacers’ uniform.
Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul only played six seasons and just over 400 games with the Clippers but his arrival sparked the most dominant (really, only dominant) stretch of basketball since the team moved to California for the 1979-80 season. The Clippers never won less than .600 of their games in any of Paul’s six seasons, something they had never accomplished in any season before he arrived. He left the franchise as their all-time leader in assists.
Randy Smith played nine seasons for the Clippers, beginning his career with the franchise when they were still the Buffalo Braves. The lanky guard averaged 17.8 points, 4.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game with the team, and is still the organization’s all-time leader in games, minutes, points and steals.
Bob McAdoo was the organization’s first real star, leading them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 1974 to 1976, when they were still the Braves. He led the lead in scoring all three of those years and averaged 28.2 points and 12.6 rebounds per game with organization. He was traded away during the 1976-77 season and it would be 15 years before the team would make the playoffs again.
Blake Griffin, along with Paul, helped return the Clippers to relevance and lead them to their best stretch in franchise history. Consideration could be given to Elton Brand or Loy Vaught for this spot, but Griffin has put up incredible numbers and drawn in fans and national attention with his highlight dunks.
Los Angeles Lakers
Magic Johnson is an easy decision for a team filled with historical greats. One of the games most prolific passers and most easily identifiable faces, Johnson averaged 19.5 points and 11.2 assists per game across his Hall-of-Fame career with the Lakers. Magic won five titles with the Lakers and three league MVP Awards, as well as three NBA Finals MVP awards.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and was a dominant force for the Lakers for 13 seasons. Ultimately, it is his longevity that gives him the edge over some of the franchises’ other famous centers. Kareem won three MVP Awards with the Lakers and five titles — the final coming in a season where he played in 80 games and averaged 14.6 points per game at the age of 40.
Jerry West is the model for the NBA’s logo and one of the most beloved players in Lakers history. He played 14 seasons for the franchise, averaging an eye-popping 27.0 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. West was an All-Star in every one of his 14 seasons and was the last player to win NBA Finals MVP for the losing team — in 1969. He finally won a title with the Lakers in 1972.
Kobe Bryant is a divisive figure around the league because of his intense and ball-dominating style of play. However, he is nearly universally adored by the Lakers’ faithful. Kobe was an 18-time All-Star and won five titles in Los Angeles. He is third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Kareem and Karl Malone.
Memphis Grizzlies
Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen all belong on the Grizzlies Mt. Rushmore. To this point, I’ve been careful to select different players from different eras to try and represent the totality of a franchise’s history. However, that’s not an entirely appropriate approach with Memphis.
The Grizzlies have been in existence for 22 seasons and this quartet has been together for seven of them. Memphis was above .500 in all seven of those seasons, for a franchise that only has 10 winning seasons in their entire history. The names of this foursome are sprinkled liberally throughout the organization’s record books and they, collectively, represent the identity of the most significant era of Grizzlies basketball.
This is the mountain, folks.
Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade had a Mt. Rushmore-worthy career for the Miami Heat before LeBron James ever arrived. Wade’s epic performance in the 2006 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks established him as an all-time franchise great no matter what was to come. In the end, Wade was a key figure on all three Miami title teams and left the organization as its all-time leader in minutes, games, points, assists, and steals.
LeBron James played just four seasons in Miami but helped the team reach the Finals all four seasons, bringing home two championships. The Value Over Replacement Players he accumulated in those four seasons ranks second in franchise history, only trailing Wade. It was a brief partnership but LeBron helped lift the Heat to heights they hadn’t seen before or since.
Alonzo Mourning was the interior force for the earliest era of Heat success, and he came back to win a ring with the team as a veteran role player in 2006. Mourning was a five-time All-Star with the Heat in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning Defensive Player of the Year for the 1998-99 and 1999-00 seasons. He is still the organization’s all-time leader in blocked shots.
Tim Hardaway played just five-and-a-half seasons with the Heat, but teamed with Mourning to help lead the team to six straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997. Hardaway averaged 17.3 points and 7.8 assists per game for the Heat, making two All-Star games and three All-NBA teams. He is still the organization’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made.
Milwaukee Bucks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played the first six seasons of his career with the Bucks, bringing the franchise its only NBA title in just his second season. Over that six-year span, he played in six All-Star games, won Rookie of the Year and three MVP Awards, leading the league in scoring twice. By strength-of-schedule-adjusted point differential, the 1971 and 1972 Bucks’ teams led by Abdul-Jabbar are among the greatest in NBA history. He may be remembered primarily as a Laker, but Abdul-Jabbar was the first and one of the brightest stars in Bucks’ history.
Sidney Moncrief, a 6-foot-3 combo guard, played 10 seasons in Milwaukee, leading the team to the playoffs every single year. The five-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 16.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game during his time in Milwaukee. Over his 10 seasons with the team, the Bucks finished with a win percentage over .600 seven different times.
Marques Johnson helped bridge the era between Abdul-Jabbar and Moncrief, playing seven seasons with Milwaukee, from 1977 to 1984. He was a versatile forward who averaged 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game, making four different All-Star teams with the Bucks. His versatility also shows up across Milwaukee’s all-time franchise record books — he ranks sixth in scoring, third in rebounds, ninth in assists, eighth in blocks and sixth in steals.
Bob Dandridge was another versatile wing player and a key contributor on Milwaukee’s elite teams in the early 1970s. Dandridge played eight full seasons for the Bucks (and part of a ninth at the end of his career), averaging 18.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He made three All-Star games as a member of the Bucks and still stands as one of the most obvious Hall-of-Fame omissions.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Garnett played the first 12 seasons of his career with the Timberwolves, coming back before retirement for a final season-and-a-half. Postseason success largely eluded Garnett and the Timberwolves, but that initial 12-year stretch established him as one of the greatest and most unique big men in NBA history. Garnett averaged 20.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks per game over that span. He won the 2003-04 MVP Award and made 10 All-Star games as a member of the Timberwolves.
Kevin Love may be remembered more for what he didn’t do (get Minnesota to the playoffs) than what he accomplished, but his production for the Timberwolves was enormous. Love was the 2010-11 Most Improved Player and a three-time All-Star, averaging 19.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for Minnesota, while shooting 36.2 percent on 3-pointers. He was a dynamic offensive threat and undoubtedly one of the best player to ever suit up for the Timberwolves.
Sam Mitchell never put up eye-popping statlines but his 10 seasons in Minnesota (across two different stints) helped establish and anchor the young franchise. Mitchell helped mentor Kevin Garnett and was a strong veteran presence for the team, returning to work for the franchise as an assistant and head coach after his retirement. Only Garnett has played more games or minutes in a Timberwolves uniform.
Ricky Rubio may have never lived up to his potential as one of the most exciting prospects in the 2009 NBA Draft, but he had an extremely productive career in Minnesota. Before being traded to the Utah Jazz, Rubio played six seasons in Minnesota, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Only Garnett has more steals or assists in franchise history.
New Orleans Pelicans
David West joined the then New Orleans Hornets as a rookie in 2003-04, one season after their franchise history is separated from the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA’s official record books. Played eight seasons with the franchise, twice making the All-Star team and averaging a robust 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in games, minutes, points and rebounds.
Anthony Davis represents the present and future for the Pelicans. Although he is just 24-years-old, Davis is regarded as one of the best big men in the league and has already made four All-Star teams. His career averages of 22.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.4 blocks per game should have him holding all sorts of franchise records over the next few seasons.
Chris Paul six seasons for the franchise, winning Rookie of the Year, and making four All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams and two All-Defensive teams with the organization. His masterful performance in the 2007-08 playoffs gave the organization their only playoff series win before pushing the San Antonio Spurs to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
P.J. Brown was another glue guy with modest stats who nevertheless helped his team play to their full potential. Brown was known for his versatile defense and averaged 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game over four seasons with the team. Only Paul, Davis and West have played more games or minutes for the organization.
New York Knicks
Patrick Ewing was an athletic and dominating big man who led the Knicks for 15 seasons. The Hall-of-Famer won Rookie of the Year, made 11 All-Star teams, seven All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive Teams. Although he never brought a title to New York, Ewing led the Knicks to the playoffs 13 teams, including two appearances in the NBA Finals.
Walt Frazier played 10 seasons in New York and helped the Knicks to their only two championships in franchise history. Frazier is remembered for his style on and off the court, and his prodigious vocabulary as an announcer. He made seven All-Star teams and seven All-Defensive teams. Frazier is the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, and only Ewing has scored more points for the Knicks.
Willis Reed played his entire 10-year career with the Knicks, and was a key member of both the 1970 and 1973 title-winning teams. Reed averaged 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game for New York. His dramatic insertion into the starting lineup for Game 7 of the 1970 Finals helped swing the emotional momentum for New York and is one of the most memorable moments in league history.
Charles Oakley helped define the Knicks of the late 1990s with his rugged defense and physical play around the basket. He never posted the most eye-popping statlines but his presence allowed Ewing and the other Knicks to thrive. Only Frazier and Ewing have played more minutes in a Knicks uniform and Oakley’s mean mug may as well be the team’s logo.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Gary Payton was a force of nature for the then Seattle Supersonics, one of the best backcourt defenders in NBA history. Payton won the 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year Award and made nine All-Defensive teams in his 13 seasons in Seattle. He was a potent offensive player too, averaging 18.2 points and 7.4 assists per game during his time with the team as well. Payton is still the organization’s all-time leader in games, minutes, points, assists, and steals.
Kevin Durant’s departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder may have left a bad taste in the mouths of many fans, but what he accomplished in his nine seasons with the organization is considerable. Durant won both Rookie of the Year and an MVP Award with the franchise, making seven All-Star games and leading the league in scoring four different times. He also led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals, their first Finals appearance since the 1995-96 Sonics team that lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Russell Westbrook spent a good chunk of his career in the shadow of Durant, but he’s stepped out of that in an enormous way. Westbrook is already third in the franchise’s all-time scoring list, second in assists and, incredibly, sixth in rebounds. In addition, his MVP campaign in 2016-17 — averaging a triple-double for the entire season and setting the single-season mark for triple-doubles — stands as one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history.
Jack Sikma played nine impactful seasons for the then Seattle Supersonics and was a key figure on their 1979 title-winning team. Sikma averaged 16.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists during his time in Seattle. Gus Williams and Dennis Johnson may have been more memorable contributors on those late 1970s Sonics teams, but Sikma played far longer for the franchise — still ranking second all-time in minutes played.
Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard may not have been much liked by the time he left Orlando, but he helped carry the organization to some of its highest moments. Howard was a six-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year in Orlando. He helped anchor the 2008-09 team that lost in the NBA Finals to the Lakers and is still the franchise’s all-time leader in minutes, points, rebounds and blocked shots.
Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway were the Magic’s first stars but O’Neal’s burned brighter and thus he gets the nod here. O’Neal played just four seasons with the Magic but he won Rookie of the Year, made four All-Star teams, led the league in scoring, took the team to the NBA Finals and helped put the Orlando Magic on the NBA map.
Nick Anderson was the first draft pick in Orlando Magic history and is still the franchise’s all-time leader in games played. Anderson spent ten season with the Magic, averaging 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Shaq and Penny may have been the stars of those early Orlando teams, but Anderson’s quiet versatility was the glue that held them together.
Tracy McGrady also played just four seasons with Magic but gets credit for the absurd peaks he reached during that time. McGrady was a four-time All-Star with the Magic, won Most Improved Plays in 2001, and led the league in scoring twice. In the 2002-03 season, McGrady averaged 32.1 points (tops in the league), 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He carried that team, whose second-best player was either Pat Garrity or a 34-year-old Darrell Armstrong, to a .500 record and a seven-game first round series loss against the Detroit Pistons.
Philadelphia 76ers
Allen Iverson has divided modern fans with his relative inefficiency but there is no denying the quantity of his achievements. The diminutive guard led the league in scoring four times, steals three times, and minutes played six times during his original 10-and-a-half seasons with the Sixers. He won both Rookie of the Year and MVP during his time in Philly, and in 2001 helped the franchise reach their first NBA Finals since their title-winning season in 1983.
Julius Erving lived a basketball lifetime in the ABA before joining the Sixers in 1977. Still, he played another 11 seasons for the Sixers, making the All-Star team every single year. Erving helped shape the modern NBA with his dunking and athleticism but he played a versatile and skilled game, averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game with the Sixers. Erving was also a key played on the Sixers 1983 championship team.
Hal Greer spent his entire 15-year career with the organization, moving with the team to Philadelphia as the Syracuse Nationals become the 76ers for the 1963-64 season. Greer, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He won a title with the team in 1967 and made10 All-Star teams. Greer is still the franchises’s all-time leader in games, minutes, and points.
Dolph Schayes also spent his entire 15-year career with the franchise, all but one when they were still known as the Syracuse Nationals. He helped lead his team to the 1955 NBA championship and, despite retiring in 1964, is still second in the organization’s history in games played, and third in both minutes and points scored.
Phoenix Suns
Steve Nash was a lottery pick of Phoenix in the 1996 NBA Draft, but it wasn’t until he returned to the team after a six-year stint with the Mavericks that he really cemented himself as an all-time great Sun. Nash led the Seven Seconds or Less Suns in assembling some of the most efficient offenses in league history. Those teams helped change how the game is played, ushering in the modern era. Over that second , eight-year stint with Phoenix, Nash averaged 16.3 points and 10.9 assists per game, leading the league in assists five different times and taking home two MVP Awards.
Shawn Marion was one of Nash’s running mates in Phoenix and although he didn’t hit the career peaks of Amare Stoudemire, Marion was much more consistent. Over eight-and-a-half seasons in Phoenix, Marion averaged 18.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. He was a four-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA player and widely considered one of the better defensive players in the league.
Kevin Johnson was the face of the Suns for most of the 1990s, averaging 17.9 points and 9.1 assists per game over 12 seasons in Phoenix. Johnson won Most Improved Player in his first season in Phoenix. He eventually was selected for three All-Star games and made an All-NBA team five times with the Suns.
Alvan Adams won Rookie of the Year in 1976 and then proceeded to play 13 productive seasons for the Phoenix Suns. He was a versatile big man who averaged 14.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Adams made just one All-Star Game (as a rookie) but helped carry the Suns to the Finals in 1976 and helped the team make the playoffs in nine of his 13 seasons. Adams is still first in franchise history in games, minutes, steals and rebounds; second in points scored.
Portland Trail Blazers
Clyde Drexler, his smooth transition game and high-flying dunks, were the face of the Trail Blazers for most of the 1990s. Drexler played 12 seasons in Portland, averaging 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. He made eight All-Star Games and four All-NBA teams as a member of the Trail Blazers, helping lead the team to the playoffs every single year of his Portland career, including a run to the 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals. Drexler is still Portland’s all-time leader in minutes, games, points, steals and offensive rebounds.
Bill Walton played just 209 games over the span of four seasons with the Trail Blazers, limited by injuries. However, his mark on the organization was enormous. Walton was the leader of their 1977 title-winning team, widely regarded as one of the greatest teams of all time. His passing was considered revolutionary for a big man at the time, and his commitment to team defense is what helped make those late 1970s Blazers’ teams so difficult to beat.
Terry Porter played 10 seasons for Portland, helping solidify both of their 1990s NBA Finals teams with his shooting, aggressive defense and steady hand at the point. Porter averaged 14.9 points, 7.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game with the Blazers. He also shot 38.5 percent on 3-pointers, an early adopter of the shot that has come to define the modern game.
Rasheed Wallace was fiery and emotional in ways that often complicated things for his teams. However, his talent and skill was undeniable and helped carry the Blazers through a difficult stretch. Wallace could score inside and out and was a disruptive defensive presence as well. He averaged 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game over eight seasons in Portland.
Sacramento Kings
Oscar Robertson was the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double over the course of a full season, a record that stood from 1962, when Robertson accomplished it with the then Cincinnati Royals, to last season when Russell Westbrook broke it. Robertson played 10 seasons with the Royals, averaging 29.3 points, 10.3 assists and 8.5 rebounds per game. He won Rookie of the Year, was an MVP, and made the All-Star Game in all 10 of his seasons with the franchise.
Vlade Divac played just six seasons with the Kings, averaging 11.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. While his numbers were never eye-popping, his vision, unselfishness and exuberance helped drive the culture of the run-and-gun Kings of the early 2000s. Divac still holds a place of honor in the organization, serving as General Manager.
Peja Stojakovic played the first eight years of his career with the Kings, establishing himself as one of the best shooters in the league. His 3-point shot helped open the floor for the brilliant passing of Divac, Chris Webber, Jason Williams and Mike Bibby. Stojakovic was a three-time All-Star with the Kings, averaging 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 39.8 percent on 3-pointers.
Jerry Lucas played seven seasons for the then Cincinnati Royals, averaging an eye-popping 19.6 points and 19.1 rebounds per game. He also won Rookie of the year and was a six-time All-Star with the Royals.
San Antonio Spurs
Tim Duncan is one of the greatest Spurs of all time, and arguably one of the greatest players in NBA history. Duncan joined the Spurs for the 1997-98 season and over the rest of his 19-year NBA career, San Antonio never won fewer than 60 percent of their games (the equivalent of a 50-win season). Needless to say they made the playoffs every year of his career, and Duncan helped bring five titles to the Spurs. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in games, minutes, points, rebounds and blocks.
David Robinson averaged 21.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.1 blocks per game over a 14-year career with the Spurs. He brought home two titles, a Rookie of the Year Award, a Defensive Player of the Year Award and an MVP Award. Robinson was an athletic, mobile center who dominated on both ends of the floor. Over the course of his career he led the league in scoring, rebounds, and blocked shots (in three different seasons).
Tony Parker has been right by Duncan’s side for most of the modern era of Spurs’ dominance. His crafty point guard play has helped drive San Antonio’s offense and he’s been here for the 50-win steak and four of the Spurs’ championships. Parker is second in franchise history in games and minutes played, and is the team’s all-time leader in assists.
George Gervin is a difficult pick over Manu Ginobili, but Parker, Duncan and Robinson do a good job of representing the modern era of Spurs basketball. Gervin joined the NBA, along with the Spurs, as they transitioned over after the ABA merger. For nine seasons in San Antonio, he was one of the most potent scorers in the NBA. Gervin led the league in scoring four different times and only Duncan has scored more points for San Antonio.
Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh hit the peak of his career with the Miami Heat but what he did at the beginning for the Raptors definitely deserves recognition. Bosh played seven seasons with the Raptors, averaging 20.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He made five All-Star games over that span and was consistently one of the most productive big men in the league.
Vince Carter didn’t leave Toronto on the greatest of terms but he is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in franchise history. Carter was the Raptors’ first star and his eye-popping dunks helped bring them national attention. Carter played seven seasons in Toronto, averaging 23.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game and leading the team to their first playoff series win.
Kyle Lowry has only been in Toronto for five seasons but has already established himself as a franchise great. Lowry has averaged 18.2 points, 6.8 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Raptors. Although their playoff struggles have been a point of frustration, he has led the team to the playoffs four straight seasons and has three playoff series wins under his belt. Before Lowry arrived the franchise had one just one playoff series and made just five playoff appearances in 18 seasons.
Antonio Davis played just 310 games for the Raptors but his brawn and veteran experience helped stabilize the franchise during their first real run of success. The Raptors had just four winning campaigns in the organization’s first 18 seasons and Davis was manning the middle for three of those years.
Utah Jazz
Karl Malone and John Stockton were essentially inseparable on the court, and their brilliance in the pick-and-roll helped fuel the peak of Utah Jazz basketball. Malone played 18 seasons in Utah, averaging 25.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He won MVP in both 1997 and 1999. Stockton averaged 13.1 points and 10.5 assists per game over 19 seasons with Jazz, leading the league in assists an incredible nine consecutive seasons. Together, Stockton and Malone led the Jazz to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.
Pete Maravich’s career ended early but he was a brilliant passer and shot creator who played a brand of basketball well ahead of his time. Maravich played six seasons for the New Orleans and Utah Jazz, making three All-Star teams and averaging 25.2 points, 5.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Adrian Dantley was a potent wing scorer, twice leading the NBA in scoring during his seven seasons with the Jazz. In all, he averaged 29.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the team, making six All-Star appearances. Only Stockton and Malone have scored more points in a Jazz uniform.
Washington Wizards
Wes Unseld undersized for the center position but made up for it with his skilled passing and aggressive physicality. He averaged 10.8 points, 14.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game over this 13 seasons with the organization. Unseld was also a key figure on the franchise’s 1978 title-winning team and is still their all-time leader in minutes, games and rebounds.
Elvin Hayes was a force of nature on the interior, averaging 21.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game during his nine seasons with the organization. Hayes was a six-time All-NBA player and two-time All-Defensive played during his time with the team and was a dominant force during their 1978 title-run.
Next: Every NBA team's greatest draft pick of all time
Gus Johnson was the man in the middle for the then Baltimore Bullets during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He averaged 17.5 points and 12.9 rebounds per game for the franchise, making five All-Star teams, two All-Defensive teams and four All-NBA teams. Only Hayes and Unseld have played more minutes in the organization’s history.
John Wall is the standard-bearer for the modern era of Wizards basketball. He’s played his entire seven-year career for the organization and led them to their best record since 1979 last year. Wall has averaged 18.8 points, 9.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Wizards and is already the organization’s all-time leader in steals and assists.