The 25 greatest NBA players of the 20th century

The NBA was founded in the 20th century, and from its inception in the 1940s until 1999, the game grew tremendously from state to state to become a global game. Here are the players who helped basketball become what it is today.

The winner of six NBA Championships, six Finals MVPS, and five MVPs, Michael Jordan is the NBA GOAT. He averaged 30.1 points for his career and struck fear into his opponents.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar possessed the skyhook, the most unstoppable shot in basketball, and was the anchor for the 'Showtime' LA Lakers in the 1980s. He was a six-time champion and six-time MVP and scored 38,387 points.

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Magic Johnson is the greatest point guard in NBA history. He created mesmerizing passes and was the catalyst for the Lakers' success in the 1980s. He won five NBA titles and three Finals MVP awards.

Larry Bird is one of the smoothest players in NBA history. He had an unstoppable jump shot and was slick in his play. Bird won three NBA Championships and three MVPs with Boston.

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell is the greatest winner the NBA has ever seen. He won 11 NBA titles as a player and five MVP awards. He averaged 22.5 rebounds for his career.

Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most dominant forces the NBA has ever seen. He scored 100 points in a single game. In 1962, the two-time NBA champion averaged over 50 points per game. 'The Stilt' also won four MVPs.

Behind Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas is the most influential point guard in the 20^th century. Thomas was part of the 'Bad Boy' Detroit Pistons that took down Jordan, Johnson, and Bird. He won two NBA titles and was a 12-time All-Star.

Scottie Pippen was by Michael Jordan's side throughout all his success in Chicago, securing six NBA titles in six finals appearances. He made ten All-Defensive teams and was a seven-time All-Star.

'The Worm' Dennis Rodman was a maverick on and off the court. He won five NBA titles with the Detroit Pistons (2) and Chicago Bulls (3). His extreme rebounding and defensive ability were the cornerstones of each team's success.

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Despite never winning a championship, Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. He scored 36,928 points in his career and is a two-time MVP and 14-time All-Star.

Jazz legend John Stockton holds the NBA records for most career assists (15,806) and career steals (3,265). He was also the NBA leader in assists for nine consecutive years (1988-1996).

Bill Walton was one of the most dominant centers during the 1970s, but consistent foot injuries hampered his playing career. He won two NBA titles, one Finals MVP, and one MVP award.

In the 1950s, Bob Cousy was the original in fancy ball handling and dazzling passes. He is regarded as the first great point guard in the NBA and was the NBA assists leader for eight consecutive seasons. He won six NBA titles.

'The Logo' Jerry West was one of the most clutch players in the NBA during the 1960s and averaged 27 points during his career. He won one NBA title and is the only player to win Finals MVP and lose.

Lakers legend Elgin Baylor was known for his do-it-all ability on the floor. He was a gifted shooter, strong rebounder, and accomplished passer, best known for his trademark hanging jump shot. He was an 11-time All-Star.

NBA champion and MVP winner Oscar Robertson was the first player to average a triple-double in a season in 1962. The 'Big O' averaged 25.7 points in his career and was a 12-time All-Star.

Wes Unseld spent his whole career with the Washington Bullets. In his maiden campaign, he won the Rookie of the Year and MVP award. He also won the NBA Championship and Finals MVP in 1978.

A center, Moses Malone was named the MVP three times, a 12-time All-Star, and had eight All-NBA Team selections. In 1983, he won the Finals MVP and NBA title with the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Pete Maravich averaged 44.2 points per game in college and took his pure scoring touch into the NBA. Maravich was the NBA scoring leader in 1977 and was a five-time All-Star.

George Gervin, a four-time NBA scoring champion, is one of the purest scorers in NBA history, with the most incredible touch around the basket. He averaged 25.1 points in his career and was a nine-time All-Star.

New York Knicks legend Walt Frazier led the Knicks to their only two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973. He is a seven-time All-Star and former All-Star MVP in 1975.

Shaquille O'Neal started his winning run in the 21st century, but critics would argue that his scariest spell in the NBA was during his time with the Orlando Magic and early run with the Lakers. He was a six-time All-Star and NBA scoring champion in the 1990s.

'Dr J' was among the first players to showcase an unworldly dunking ability in the NBA, and the most recognizable name when the ABA and NBA merged. He is an NBA champion, 11-time NBA All-Star, and NBA MVP.

6ft6 Charles Barkley was undersized for a power forward, but that didn't show on the court due to his physical presence and aggressive style. Barkley was the MVP in 1993 and was an 11-time All-Star. He is one of the best rebounders in history.

Hakeem Olajuwon has the best footwork in the game's history for a center and the most blocks of any player in NBA history (3,830). He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, securing two Finals MVPs and an MVP award in 1994.

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