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Most Influential NBA Players of All Time

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Guess which professional basketball stars are the most influential NBA players in the history of the league. It seems pretty obvious. Names that come to mind include Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

While Jordan is clearly the greatest basketball player of all time, LeBron James is the wealthiest active player. Back in June, James became the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status. The four-time MVP also led the league in jersey sales last season. So, enough said.

Michael Jordan (1984–1993, 1995–1998, 2001–2003)

Michael Jordan is to basketball as Babe Ruth is to baseball, and Tom Brady is to football. Jordan’s net worth in 2022 is $2.1 billion. He played 15 seasons in the NBA. The 6’6″ guard was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft.

Through 1,072 career games, MJ averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game. The legend went on to complete two three-peats with the Bulls, winning a total of six NBA championships and Finals MVPs.

If not for the 10-time scoring champion, how many people would love basketball and support the NBA today? Does Air Jordan ring any bells? The shoe line is iconic. To add to that, Jordan’s dunk from the free throw line will always be remembered throughout course of history. Hands down, Jordan is at the top of our “Most Influential NBA Players of All Time” list.

Plus, his Game 1 jersey of the 1998 NBA Finals is expected to sell for $5 million at the Sotheby’s Auction House in September. The fact his memorabilia is still selling for seven figures in 2022 speaks volumes.

Bill Russell (1956–1969)

Bill Russell won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics. Not only did Russell help the NBA break race barriers in the fifties and sixties, but he also dominated opposing players on the court. In 963 career games, the 6’10” center averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

Also, he led the league in rebounds four times: 1958, 1959, 1964 and 1965. He went on to coach the Celtics from 1966–69. Under Russell, Boston won two NBA championships: one in ’68 and another in ’69. It should go without saying that the Monroe, Louisiana, native is one of the most influential NBA players of all time.

Additionally, if not for Russell’s mark on the NBA, would MJ still have played? It’s just something to think about. Both Jordan and Russell were named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Team. When Russell passed away on July 31, Jordan was asked about the player’s significance to the game of basketball.

The six-time NBA champion left this comment: “Bill Russell was a pioneer – as a player, as a champion, as the NBA’s first Black head coach and as an activist. He paved the way and set an example for every Black player who came into the league after him, including me. The world had lost a legend. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.”

Kobe Bryant (1996–2016)

Most Influential NBA Players of All Time in NBA History

Next, Kobe Bryant was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft. However, he was then immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. At 18, Bryant was drafted out of Lower Merion High School. He was one of the youngest players ever to get drafted into the NBA, alongside Andrew Bynum, Jermaine O’Neal and LeBron James.

The memes on social media also made Bryant an icon. Throughout the 2000’s, kids would shout “Kobe” before tossing balled up paper into the trash can.

Moreover, Kobe won five NBA championships with the Lakers, two NBA Finals MVPs, four All-Star Game MVPs and one league MVP. He was also selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

In 1,346 career games, Black Mamba averaged 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He retired from basketball in 2016 at the age of 38. And the Lakers retired his Nos. 8 and 24 jerseys.

Before the 1996-97 NBA season, Bryant signed a six-year deal with Adidas worth $48 million. Of course, his first signature shoe was the Equipment KB 8. His endorsement deals with Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Spalding, Upper Deck and other companies only increased his popularity. And he was the cover athlete for nine different video games. Rest in peace to this legend.

LeBron James (2003–Present)

Most Influential NBA Players of All Time

Lastly, LeBron James has to complete this particular list. In the minds of millions of fans, King James will retire a couple of seasons from now owning most records. His impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. In 2013, he led the league in shoe sales.

James was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. He was drafted out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. As a rookie, James signed a seven-year, $87 million deal with shoe deal with Nike.

The 19-year veteran has won four NBA championships, four Finals MVPs, four MVPs and three All-Star Game MVP awards.

To add to those accomplishments, James has been selected All-NBA First Team a total of 13 times in his playing career. Through 1,366 career games, the forward has averaged 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Besides on-court achievements, his impact off the court is duly noted. He helped establish the LeBron James Family Foundation. This organization helps impoverished kids overcome challenges in Akron, Ohio, Bron’s hometown.

Equally important, James also participated in his “King for Kids” charity bike-a-thon in 2009. Chris Paul was one of the riders as well.

How about business investments? Five of his most notable business investments include owning Blaze Pizza, Uninterrupted, SpringHill Entertainment, Fenway Sports Group and Ladder.

Nonetheless, being a co-owner has to count for something. In 2011, James bought a 2% stake in Liverpool FC. Needless to say, LeBron James is one of the most influential NBA Players of all time.



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Celtics’ Sam Hauser 1st NBA player with 10 3s in under 23 minutes

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Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser became the first player in NBA history to make at least 10 3-pointers in less than 23 minutes, in Sunday night’s 130-104 win over the Washington Wizards.

It was only his 16th career start. The third-year wing recorded a career-high 30 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 22 minutes of action. He finished 10-of-13 (76.9%) shooting from 3-point range.

“I loved his confidence, I loved his aggressiveness,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said of Hauser. “I loved how guys looked for him. He got his shots within the flow of our execution. And that’s the weapon that he is.”

Per multiple NBA betting sites, the Celtics remain the front-runner to win the championship. Sportsbooks are still showing great odds for the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks.

Hauser, 26, exited midway through the third quarter after spraining his left ankle. He waved to the applauding crowd at Capital One Arena as he limped to the locker room and was later ruled out.

He was not available postgame. The University of Virginia product has only missed one game this season.

“I haven’t heard anything,” Mazzulla said about the forward’s injury. “And I know he was getting an X-ray after the game, so we’ll find out. I think it was cautionary X-rays.”

Sam Hauser fell one 3-pointer shy of tying Marcus Smart’s record for most 3s made in Boston Celtics history

Hauser made three more 3s to open the second half — his last improved Boston’s lead to 92-56 with 9:27 remaining in the third period. The 6-foot-8 forward was on pace to make Celtics history.

Boston’s all-time record for most 3-pointers made in a single game is owned by Marcus Smart (11 3s against Phoenix Suns on Jan. 18, 2020). His record is safe for now.

Smart past Isaiah Thomas and Antoine Walker, who had previously shared the record with nine 3-pointers. Thomas made nine against the Miami Heat on December 30, 2016, while Walker did it at Sacramento on Jan. 17, 2001.

The NBA’s single-game record of 14 made 3s was set by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson at Chicago on October 29, 2018. He shot 14-of-24 (58.3%) from deep.

“I know Klay did it and it was pretty impressive,” said Celtics center Al Horford. “Us shooters, we know those records. … We’re very aware of it and were pulling for Sam.”

Through 66 games (eight starts) this season, Hauser is averaging career highs of 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 21.2 minutes per game while shooting 45.9% from the floor, 43.2% beyond the arc, and a career-best 88.2% at the foul line.





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Paul George says Clippers can’t find their ‘identity’ after losing four out of past five games – Basketball Insiders

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Despite sitting fourth in the Western Conference, the Clippers have endured an unstable NBA season so far. It seems like they are a completely different team than the squad that produced one of the most successful road trips of the campaign early in February, they’ve posted 8-10 ever since and have now lost four out of their last five matches. 

This Sunday evening, the LA squad confirmed they’ve lost their mojo as they fell 110 to 93 at the Crypto.com Arena against a Trae Young-less Hawks. At one point during the game, they even were behind by as much as 29 points.

“It’s between the ears with us,” star Kawhi Leonard said about the Clippers’ current 42-25 mark. “We got to go out and do it.”

The morale around the Los Angeles camp has been so low lately that forward Paul George is convinced they lack their own identity when they stand together on the court. The athlete explained why they are starting to look like a veteran-led roster, which is not ideal.

“I mean that’s what we’re appearing to look like, which is not good,” George said. “We want to be a team that’s consistent and we want to establish an identity. I’ve always spoken about having an identity and I think it’s extremely important. Right now, I don’t think we have an identity.”

Not too long ago, the California squad was playing some of their best basketball. During December and January they went 26-5, proving the NBA world they were right on trading for James Harden. However, Ty Lue’s roster has been banged up lately, as player’s like Russell Westbrook have been out due to a broken left hand for over a month now.

Against Atlanta, Leonard also felt their lack of identity despite him scoring 28 points. “Just seeing what we want to do,” he expressed postgame. “That’s it. What type of team we want to be. If everybody’s saying they want to be one of the last teams standing, then we got to go out and do it.”

Coach Tyronn Lue is well aware that the team isn’t playing well and need more than talent to win

After the squad played their sixth match in nine days, tactician Ty Lue noticed the Clippers lacked energy and inspiration throughout their discouraging loss to the Hawks on Sunday. The coach believes his team can’t solely depend on their talent to earn more victories, it’s more about establishing a playing culture.

“When they do it, it works,” Lue shared. “When you have so much talent and you have guys that can do it so easily, they don’t understand that your talent is great, but the talent’s got to be for the team as well.”

The Los Angeles trainer named a list of departments in which they need to improve, including transitioning to defense, their offensive rebounding and taking care of the basketball. Tyronn even considered himself being the problem behind the squad’s unsuccessful stretch.

“Maybe it’s me. Maybe I got to do something a little different to make sure that we’re doing what we’re supposed to do. … [But] I’ll never really overreact because I know we’re a good team … If you want to win, I know what it looks like. I’ve been there, I’ve seen it,” he concluded.





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Victor Wembanyama can’t wait to play potential NBA game in Paris with the Spurs – Basketball Insiders

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The Spurs played this Sunday night’s NBA contest in one of their homes away from home in Austin. They competed at an inspiring Moody Center, which encouraged them to storm back from a 10-point deficit and somehow come out victorious with a 122-115 win against the Nets

Victor Wembanyama was on fire after posting 33 points, 15 rebounds, 7 blocks, 7 assists in many clutch moments throughout the match vs. Brooklyn. His coach Gregg Popovich couldn’t contain his excitement to announce that the superstar will take his talents back to Paris for an NBA contest with the Spurs.

Although the league is yet to confirm which teams will be playing in the French capital next season, sources have suggested for a while now that San Antonio will travel across the Atlantic Ocean to match up against the Indiana Pacers.

Since 2020, the NBA has played three regular-season contests in France, where Wembanyama was born in LeChesnay, of suburb of Paris. “I’m looking forward to it very much,” said the young center. “Obviously it’s going to be probably the game or the games that are going to be very important for me because of course it’s me coming back from where I come from, especially might be in my city or around the city.”

The 19-year-old can’t wait for his home-coming game. “So it’s going to be very special. Also, it is going to allow me to see maybe my family in the middle of the season, which doesn’t happen often. So it’s great,” he expressed.

After his historic stat line against the Nets this weekend, Victor admitted that even though he’s developing quickly, he still has a lot to learn in the league. “It’s a day-by-day thing, but what’s for sure is that I’m not even close to being at my best,” he said in Austin. “I don’t see my progression stopping anytime soon, so it’s good for confidence, and there’s a lot to correct,” he added.

The French sensation wrote a new page in the NBA history books with display against Brooklyn

Wembanyama became just the fourth player in NBA history to finish a game with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, joining Joel Embiid, Charles Barkley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

During the match, the big man showed lots of chemistry with his teammates. “It’s just that moment it finally paid off, our efforts of the game,” Victor said. “I mean, the efforts, hitting guys on screens, rolling hard and being aggressive and making shots for Dev.

There was one play when he had the chance to dunk in overtime. “They had to make a choice. Dev made the perfect read, and it just shows all progress,” he shared, after another play which involved a crucial block against rival Dennis Schroder with 25.4 left to the final buzzer.

“I was pretty sure I had it,” Wembanyama said. “I just asked the ref casually what he thought was wrong. He said backboard first, but I knew it was going to be good.”





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