The image will become slightly less blurred after each guess. Key stats: 1,018 G, 16.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 46.0 FG%. In an alternate universe, Van Lier wouldve been able to pursue his first love of playing quarterback for a big-time college football program, but all of the schools that recruited him wanted him to play defensive back, a throwback to a racist, ignorant era. They got there because they were tough, and thats something that fans have appreciated since the league first began play. The five-time NBA Most Valuable Player needed to define toughness to succeed in his era, with his direct counterpart none other than Wilt Chamberlain, the only other player besides Russell to grab 50 rebounds in a single game. Maravich wasnt the most conventional star to ever play the game, but his flashy play and outstanding skill level made him one of the most exciting scorers to ever step on a basketball court. Chris Bosh with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James on the Heat in the 2010s. Joe Dumars. Bottom line: Kevin Love might not be the first player that comes to mind when we talk about the toughest in NBA history, but he most certainly is. HARDEST GUESS THE NBA PLAYER BY PHOTO Quiz - By Abishakes_08 Popular Quizzes Today 1 Find the US States - No Outlines Minefield 2 Sort the Flags II 3 Find the 'Story' Movie 4 Countries of the World Sports NBA QUIZ LAB SUBMISSION Random Sports or NBA Quiz HARDEST GUESS THE NBA PLAYER BY PHOTO Can you name the HARDEST GUESS THE NBA PLAYER BY PHOTO? Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (2001-07), New York Knicks (2007-08), Los Angeles Clippers (2008-09), Memphis Grizzlies (2009-17), Sacramento Kings (2017-19). Hes also one of just four players to win both Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year. These are the toughest players in NBA history. Johnson went to work as a forklift driver after he graduated, while he grew to 6-foot-3 over the next year, and was spotted during a pickup game by a junior college coach because of the intense way he played defense. Bottom line: Zach Randolph is perhaps the most durable, underrated and, to be honest, the most intimidating player of his generation. NBA star Ja Morant 'flashed a gun at a 17-year-old after punching him 12 to 13 times' at his Tennessee mansion days after 'threatening' a Memphis mall security guard last summer, according to a . He played at least 80 of 82 regular-season games seven times, and only missed a handful of games in three other seasons. The physically dominant power forward was one of the biggest, strongest, and most intimidating figures to ever play the game at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, and his superior fitness and athleticism allowed him to run past defenders and finish with authority. Malone averaged at least 20 points and 10 rebounds every night in 11 seasons, and about the only reason hes not a little bit higher on this list is the fact that his career shooting percentage was a shade under 50% from the field. Who Is The HARDEST NBA Player To Guard? 1 player on his top-50 draft board to be drafted well, No. Bottom line: There are few tales as tragic as Kermit Washingtons in the history of the NBA. Guess the NBA Player in 8 tries. Hes also one of just five players, along with LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Scottie Pippen and Giannis Antetoukompo, to lead an NBA team in all five top statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) in the same season. France. If the US could boil down to one thing, it would definitely be basketball, and what's a better representation of this glorious sport than the famous (and, paradoxically, infamous) NBA? Jordan's done a great job working hard, so he's doing everything we're asking. Bottom line: At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Joe Dumars was built more like the NFL safeties of his era than a shooting guard. In addition to starting lineups, this tool will also display Vegas odds, positions and salaries for that day's games on DraftKings. Johnsons nickname "Gladiator" is one of the most appropriate in league history. Granlund, 31, is not a large forward. "I enjoy . "Just like that. Hes not in the biggest or flashiest market down in Dallas, but theres no denying what an unstoppable offensive player he has been for most of his career. Adams found a home on a basketball court, where he developed his game based on physicality and tenacity and quickly established himself as one of the toughest players in the NBA. As the first black superstar in NBA history, he had to endure racism at almost every turn but handled it with grace and aplomb. Teams: Baltimore/Washington Bullets (1968-81), Key stats: 984 G, 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 50.9 FG%. It seems hard to be one without people thinking youre not also the other. The NBA is gaining more backlash as star players continue to sit out games, and basketball legend Magic Johnson agrees with the . 1 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1991 out of UNLV. But as his skills declined, he extended his career by turning into a tough-minded enforcer for the teams he played on. What NBA Player Do I Play Like? DPM favors Curry over both Luka and Dame by a large margin. 1, overall in his latest . The Penguins acquired a third-rounder in the Blueger deal and upped their available salary cap space to $6.3 million. Facebook Logo Twitter Logo His fight with future TNT co-host Shaquille ONeal during their playing days will be watched by generations of basketball fans to come. Searches on headlines surrounding McDaniel joining the Suns, Knicks, Celtics and Nets all said the teams were "adding toughness.". The Finnish native is 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds. Why is Oakley so beloved? What you see every night is a group of big, freakishly athletic men running up and down the court scoring in ways James Naismith never would have dreamed possible. Teams: San Antonio Spurs (1984-1989), Milwaukee Bucks (1989-1993), Detroit Pistons (1993), Toronto Raptors (1995-1996), Key stats: 779 G, 14.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, 42.7 FG%. 3 min read. Bottom line: The mystery behind Chauncey Billups career lies within the mulitude of inexplicable trades that let him play on seven different teams over his 14-year career. Iverson grew up in abject poverty and was sentenced to five years in prison as a senior in high school for a bowling alley assault, serving four months before he was granted clemency by the governor of Virginia. Bottom line: Norm Van Lier had one of the more modest, accomplished careers in NBA history in almost total anonymity. Robertson was found not guilty of human trafficking in 2015, five years after he was arrested and after authorities discovered the accuser made up the whole story. Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (1979-89), Atlanta Hawks (1989-91), Key stats: 767 G, 15.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 50.2 FG%. Its not just defined by how much punishment you can sustain. Ultimate Lakers Quiz! They are both behind Emmitt Smith, who rushed for a record 18,355 total yards during his career. Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (1980-82), Detroit Pistons (1982-93), Key stats: 1,068 G, 12.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 49.8 FG%. After all, theres a reason people called him Mailman: he always delivered. Famed broadcaster Howard Cosell summed up Americas feelings toward Reed in the winning locker room after the game. His Piston Automotive Group, a global auto parts supplier, does almost $2 billion in business annually and employs 8,300 people. The stories of Z-Bos toughness are legendary in NBA circles and the fact that he played at least 70 games in 12 of 18 seasons cannot be overlooked. In no small way, he carried the defensive load for some of the greatest teams of all time, and thats not an offhand remark. Skiles languished on the bench, somewhat unfairly, for his first three seasons before going to the expansion Orlando Magic, where he set the NBA record with 30 assists in one game and was named NBA Most Improved Player in 1991. Cowens was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991. Cooper made the All-NBA Defensive Team eight times and was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1987. Cooper won five NBA titles with the Lakers and was just as good as a coach, winning back-to-back WNBA titles with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002. He was teased and bullied mercilessly as a child and through high school because he stuttered, and it got so bad he had to leave several schools. 4. 1. He never played less than 79 games in his first 13 NBA seasons before abruptly retiring early in the 1993-94 season after a fight with teammate Isiah Thomas. It will be interesting to see how the second half of his career plays out. Bottom line: Willis Reed isnt just one of the toughest players in NBA history. Damian Lillard 2. Check back soon for Daily Lineup. He also was durable, ranking in the Top 25 in games played. However, The Iceman went out that night and had 53 points by halftime, cruising to the scoring crown with 63 points at the end of the night. Although he never won an NBA title in 14 seasons. Teams: Seattle SuperSonics (1985-90), Phoenix Suns (1990-91), New York Knicks (1991-92), Boston Celtics (1992-95), New Jersey Nets (1996-98), Key stats: 870 G, 15.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 48.5 FG%. Ballon d'Or Winners by Age. In high school, he awoke at 4:30 a.m. to do farm chores and walk two miles to school, where he had basketball practice at 7 a.m. Post-career, Johnson has been an even bigger success. If you want a firsthand look at what that meant, feel free to cue up his 2015 documentary, "Muse," which chronicles his comeback from tearing his Achilles tendon. Speaking of which, Garnett played at an elite level for a decade after coming straight to the NBA from high school, which might require a little intestinal fortitude. He quickly earned a reputation for being the "protector" of young Bulls star Michael Jordan and was a ferocious rebounder and defender. The toughness wasnt just an act. For most of his career, that was enough to make him the most dominant scorer of his era. Hes also the author of one of the single greatest moments in NBA history which revolved around his toughness. He played the first two seasons of his career in the ABA and was a four-time All-Star in both leagues. Teams: Chicago Bulls (2009-11), Toronto Raptors (2011-12, 2014-16), Sacramento Kings (2012-13), Memphis Grizzlies (2013-14), Miami Heat (2016-20), Minnesota Timberwolves (2020-present), Key stats: 634 G, 8.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 47.7 FG%. The thing that sets Dirk apart is the tremendous skill level he possesses for a 7-footer, possessing a deft shooting touch from long range and a one-footed fade away jumper that is one of the most unguardable moves in NBA history. Jones can place his name among the most admired NBA players of al -time for his class and demeanor, and he was finally elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. Stocktons style of play was physical and attacking. Many players have natural talent they cultivate after gaining a better understanding of where hard work will get them. Bottom line: Possibly the greatest enforcer in NBA history, Charles Oakley was a first-round pick of the Chicago Bulls in 1985 out of NCAA Division II Virginia Union. Teams: Boston Celtics (2003-11), Oklahoma City Thunder (2011-15), Cleveland Cavaliers (2015, 2018), New Orleans Pelicans (2015-16). Mournings play was the bottom line when it came to his toughness, but he also had a world-class scowl that went with it, and his glare became synonymous with the rough-and-tumble play of the 1990s. Randolph toiled away for a lot of his career in obscurity. Just like Dr. J, George Gervin both started his career in the ABA and boasted one of the best nicknames in sports history. He ruined his own best chance at playoff success when he punched Oklahoma Citys Steven Adams in the jaw in Game 6 of a 2014 NBA playoff series and was suspended for Game 7, which the Grizzlies lost. Since he doesnt rely on pure athleticism to get his buckets, he could very well be the first NBA player to ever reach 40,000 points in a career. Use all the clues to your advantage - You get a lot of information when you enter a guess, so make sure to guess unique players that will fill out as many of the hints as possible. Bottom line: Patrick Beverley is truly a case study in determination. 1 overall and started off his career as a player who made his name by living above the rim. These players have not only set records but also set the standard of excellence for future generations. Robert Horry Randy Smith A.C. Green John Salley A. C. Green played in more consecutive games (1192) than any other player in NBA history. Despite being too short and overweight most of the time (by NBA standards), Barkley dominated almost the entirety of his career and is the shortest player in history to lead the league in rebounds. Bottom line: Whats most remarkable about Udonis Haslem has been his staying power. Its a shame that the Knicks decided to trade Jackson to the Clippers in 1992 and split up what was just becoming a playoff contender with a nucleus of Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and Jackson. He never got in another fight after what happened with Tomjanovich, but hes currently doing six years in federal prison for embezzling money meant for children in Africa. The game of basketball had meager beginnings, with a bunch of athletically awkward guys trying to toss a ball into a peach basket. The Diesel was one of the biggest, strongest, and perhaps the most powerful presence in NBA history. Fortunately for us, the game has evolved over the years and no longer requires us to wait for a guy with a stick to poke the ball out of the bucket after Dwyane Wade makes a layup, and as the game has evolved, so has the manner in which people have been able to put the ball in the goal. When I played, I liked to hurt people.". Show answer Considered one of the greatest rebounders of all time, this player was known for his bad boy image and for being the All-Star MVP in 1991. RAPTOR has Luka 2nd in the league. Jones toughness meant playing through a variety of debilitating health problems, including asthma, a chronic heart condition and epileptic seizures that once caused a serious injury when he fell in his kitchen. Over two decades after his retirement, Abdul-Jabbars 1,797 career games (including the playoffs) is more than anyone in NBA history. Havlicek died in April 2019 at 79 years old. Because 16.2 rebounds per game is just insane. He played on some great teams, but they were during the heyday of both the 76ers with Dr. J and the Celtics with Larry Bird running the Eastern Conference. Teams: New Jersey Nets (2000-04), Denver Nuggets (2004-11), Los Angeles Clippers (2012), New York Knicks (2013-14), Milwaukee Bucks (2015), Key stats: 757 G, 12.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 48.3 FG%. Green is one of the more outspoken players in the game today, and its tough to see his legacy as not having his Game 6 suspension from the 2016 NBA Finals front and center alongside his titles. On the flip side of that, fans across the country got a chance to see what made Jackson such a special player as he took starring turns for the Clippers and Pacers over the next decade. He also always stayed in Detroits lineup because of his versatility, as he could sub easily for starting point guard Isiah Thomas or shooting guard Joe Dumars. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Teams: Charlotte Hornets (1992-95), Miami Heat (1995-2002, 2005-08), New Jersey Nets (2003-04), Key stats: 838 G, 17.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 52.7 FG%. Johnson won three NBA titles in his career, which is almost entirely associated with his time with the Boston Celtics, but that was his third team after he was run off in Seattle and Phoenix because of clashes with coaches. Robertsons specialty was defense, making the All-NBA Defensive Team six times in his career and was NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1986. Bottom line: Kevin Garnett is the highest-paid player in NBA history, with $326 million in career earnings. 3. Key stats: 525 G, 9.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 58.9 FG%. Top 20 Hardest Players to Guard in NBA History, 10 Feel-Good WCW Stories That Made Fans Emotional, 5 Best WWE Tag Team Champions Of The Golden Era (& 5 Worst). Where Love is toughest has been in his approach to the mental aspects of the game, where hes been open about his struggles with anxiety, rage and depression bringing widespread awareness to an issue that still is considered taboo in some corners. He became tough growing up in Dallas and playing basketball on the playgrounds. At the time when Oscar Robertson played basketball, he had the unfair advantage of being very big, very strong, and very athletic. Teams: New York Knicks (1987-92, 2001-02), Los Angeles Clippers (1992-94), Indiana Pacers (1994-96, 1997-2000), Denver Nuggets (1996-97), Toronto Raptors (2000-01), Utah Jazz (2002-03), Houston Rockets (2003-04), Key stats: 1,296 G, 9.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 8.0 APG, 44.7 FG%. People these days tend to remember him more for his battle with HIV and his work as an analyst, but the fact of the matter is he was an absolute basketball anomaly: a 6-foot-8 point guard whose unselfishness is pretty much the sole reason he didnt become a 30 points-per-game scorer. One little-known fact about Havlicek, an 11-time All-NBA pick and eight-time All-NBA Defensive pick, is that he was also drafted as a wide receiver by the Cleveland Browns and briefly contemplated a career in the NFL. But that was nothing compared to how he treated opponents. In this game, you'll put your basketball knowledge to the test by guessing the name of NBA players and deciphering who the mystery player is based on the data provided. How did he do it? Bottom line: For the entirety of his career, Scott Skiles was listed at 6-foot-1. Gervin also took part in one of the most hotly contested scoring titles in NBA history during the 1977-78 season, as David Thompson poured in 73 points in the final game of the season to take the lead. He made the All-NBA Defensive Team nine times, including eight first-team picks, and was known as a player who would never resort to "dirty" tactics. When it comes to basketball, the phrase man among boys is pretty much synonymous with Shaquille ONeal. Simply put, theres never been anyone in league history who he couldnt have out-muscled on his way to the hoop. Foust, an eight-time All-Star, died in 1984 of a heart attack at 59 years old. Theyre still the only players to pull off the feat. Dr. J averaged 22 points-per-game and 6.7 rebounds per game in the NBA, and 28.7 points and 12.1 boards against ABA competition, with a career shooting percentage of 51% and some of the most spectacular highlights of anyone in hoops history. Bottom line: There arent a lot of NBA players that come out of Wyoming, but James Johnson is one of them. Then you have our " Hardest NBA Logo Quiz". Tyronn Lue is an NBA championship winning coach for the Cavaliers, he was also an NBA player. 7) He Was Known By The Nickname, "The Dunkin' Dutchman" Rik Smits was known as "The Dunkin' Dutchman". Approximately $200 million in career earnings. If you want another example of Robertsons toughness, please remember he took a full-on punch from Shaquille ONeal during a game and lived to tell about it. Why is Jokic the only player in history to not suffer from voter fatigue? If Kobe is ever able to get healthy again, hell be able to surpass Jordan for third place on the career scoring list, and is currently one of just five players to ever surpass 30,000 points. This was designed for true NBA fans who feel they can guess a team logo with their eyes closed. Bottom line: Larry Fousts toughness came in the form of brute strength as a "clear out the block" post player. Each. His consolation? Starks bounced between three different junior colleges in Oklahoma before landing in the checkout lane at a supermarket, bagging groceries. His father, Stan, was an NBA player, and he had his son study tapes of Hall of Famer Wes Unseld as part of learning to play the game the right way. Feedback will be revealed comparing your guessed player. Over the course of one season, Haslem lost 50 pounds, returned home and aced his tryout with the Heat. Bird shot 49.6% from the field, 37.6% from long range, and 88.6% from the free throw line to make him one of the best all-around shooters the game has ever seen, and pulled off the incredible feat of shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from deep, and 90% from the line twice. EPM has Luka and Dame tied a little ahead of Curry. We caught up with QB Kurt Benkert to discuss his current plans, the Scouting Combine, his Twitch career, a controversial Mount Rushmore and his predictions for Aaron Rodgers. Mark Jackson can make an argument for being one of the toughest. In his first 13 seasons, he missed just four games and only missed 22 in his career, with 17 of those coming at the start of the 1997-98 season as he recovered from an injured MCL. How Haslem ended up with the Heat in the first place speaks to his toughness. He did all of this scoring before the three point line as well, and with the almost unlimited range on his jumper, its not hard to imagine his scoring average jumping up by two or three points-per-game if he played in a more modern era. His biggest claim to fame came on the New York Knicks teams that won NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, where he cemented his reputation as one of the most physical players of all time. But at the end of the day, thats precisely why he was such an unguardable force no one could stop him from physically dominating them and getting those dunks anytime he wanted. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work as a pioneer for civil rights. After his career nearly ended with a one-year suspension for his role in "The Malice at the Palace," he redeemed himself and won an NBA title with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in 2010. Moncrief had a hard-luck career with the Milwaukee Bucks as far as making it to the NBA Finals. The moment Thomas toughness was no longer in doubt was at the end of his tenure with the Celtics, when he was on the verge of getting close to a max contract in free agency in the offseason. Hell, even Shaq who didnt win many was a victim of it. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Quiz. Some of the most legendary players in the history of the NBA include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. They didn't get that way because they could score or rebound. Thurmond set the NBA record with 18 rebounds in one quarter, was the first NBA player to record a quadruple-double but only played in the NBA Finals once, losing to Chamberlain and the 76ers in 1967. Unseld wasted little time putting the league on notice, and joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to win Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in the same season. You can make a solid argument that his injury in Game 6 of the 2010 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers he tore his PCL and MCL turned the tide for the Lakers in their Game 7 win with Perkins sitting out. If you ever happened to catch a game that Skiles played in, you know thats spotting him at least 2-3 inches. He absolutely had the talent, and he created a mismatch for anyone trying to guard him with his combination of size and skill. Can you keep it together when there are tens of thousands of people who want you to fail? As mentioned above, it won't be easy to answer the questions about NBA teams and players. One stat stands out more than any other. Bottom line: Bob Pettit was one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders in NBA history, and if you did a double take at his career rebounding average, thats understandable. Lucas also could ball. Will the Warriors be able to reboot and make another run at a title? Story continues " I just think the [comfort] of the offense and the confidence in it, I guess, is the biggest . He also was unselfish as a mentor and widely credited as having been the man who taught Dennis Rodman the ins and outs of the NBA game and helped make him good enough that the Pistons left Mahorn unprotected in the 1989 expansion draft. 2 / 60. Teams: Chicago Bulls (1999-2002), Indiana Pacers (2002-06), Sacramento Kings (2006-08), Houston Rockets (2008-09), Los Angeles Lakers (2009-13, 2015-17), New York Knicks (2013-14), Key stats: 991 G, 13.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 41.4 FG%. Even in the 1970s, at 6-foot-9, Cowens was thought to be too small to play center in the NBA. Only NBA All-stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker and Chris Paul are among the top 10 hardest working player, according to the research. Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (1969-75), Los Angeles Lakers (1975-89), Key stats: 1,560 G, 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 55.9 FG%, NBA titles: 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). While Barkleys attitude and off-the-court antics had their detractors, one thing no one ever questioned was his toughness. FEATURES: More than 300 players to guess and a small size of the application! Mean" on his customized license plates when Gary was growing up. Have a crack at this quiz and see. Bottom line: At one point in NBA history, no player was tougher or more intimidating than Larry Johnson, the No. Ironically, Iversons rise to fame and the public consciousness was defined by his toughness. Thats because Johnson, a second-degree black belt in karate, has been a professional MMA fighter and kickboxer since he was 18 years old and has a 7-0 record in MMA matches and 20-0 record in kickboxing. One of the most dangerous scorers the league has ever seen, Durant is a fearless shooter whose range pretty much consists of in the gym. In his first seven seasons, hes already topped 30 points-per-game twice in an era where no one averages 30 anymore, and like Bird, hes entered the rarified territory of having shot 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the line in a season. Roundfield died tragically in Aruba in 2012 while swimming with his wife. 2. Name All These NBA Players (Hard Edition)! Teams: Detroit Pistons (1970-1980), Milwaukee Bucks (1980-1984), Key stats: 959 G, 20.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 51.4 FG%. Teams: Boston Celtics (1997-98), Toronto Raptors (1998-99), Denver Nuggets (1999-2000, 2008-11), Minnesota Timberwolves (2000-02), Detroit Pistons (2002-08, 2013-14), New York Knicks (2011), Los Angeles Clippers (2011-13), Key stats: 1,043 G, 15.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 41.5 FG%. He will always be tougher than we give him credit for. Being tough on the basketball court isn't only a physical thing. Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1984-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-96), Houston Rockets (1996-2000), Key stats: 1,073 G, 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 54.1 FG%. In his prime, he was simply unstoppable. The 6-foot-1 guard played his last college season for Arkansas in 2007-08, then bounced around foreign pro leagues until 2013, when he made his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets. Oakleys best seasons were with the Knicks, including two NBA All-Defensive Team selections and his lone All-Star appearance, in 1994. The Big O averaged more than 30 points-per-game in six of his first seven seasons, and in just his second season added 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists, making him the only player in league history to ever average a triple-double for an entire season. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and died of leukemia in 2016. For the prime example of Jordans mentality, look to the 1997 NBA Finals Game 5 "The Flu Game." Helpful clues! Or how much you can dole out. Today's Top Quizzes in NBA Browse NBA Top Contributed Quizzes in Sports 1 , 2 World Soccer Rivalries 3 MLB Logic Puzzle 4 NBA Chain Quiz (Medium Difficulty) 5 NBA Logic Puzzle 2.0 6 Sorting Squares: Sports Teams by League 7 Name Just One - 10 to 1: Sports 8 2022 World Cup Stars 9 That was just the break he needed. Bottom line: Anyone who saw Dave Cowens play back in the day can tell you this was a guy who played with reckless abandon to the point of putting himself in danger. You can say what you want about Carmelo Anthony possibly being a gunner or not being particularly interested in playing defense, but what you cant deny is that hes one of the most naturally gifted scorers to come alone in the NBA in the last several decades. Bottom line: Buck Williams was the definition of an NBA player bringing his lunch pail to work. These are the 20 players for whom defenders have simply never found an answer. Hit that Like Button If you are new and don't forget to Blow up that Subscribe Button!!!! Of course some have honed these skills better than others over the decades. Hes also the only undrafted player in NBA history to be voted a starter for the All-Star game. They dont call you Legend for nothing, and were it not for serious back problems later in his career, Larry Bird may well have gone on to become one of the most prolific scorers in league history. The 1982 NBA Rookie of the Year earned a reputation for toughness and rebounding on the way to three All-Star game selections and four NBA All-Defensive Team nods. World Cup 2022 Quiz. 2002, 2009, 2010). The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. Simply enter the name of the player, and the app will reveal their team, conference, division, position, height, age, and jersey number. By playing ferocious defense, first of all, and also by having what could only be described as a throwback attitude to decades past when it comes to the competition. Dennis Rodman may have been one of the strangest men to ever play in the NBA, or in any sports league for that matter, but this video goes to show just how you get the best of a bully in a big time situation. Bottom line: Kenyon Martin was the last college senior to be picked No. Over and over, we saw the 6-foot, 165-pound guard take it to opponents who towered over him, and the sight of Iverson dunking over NBA power forwards was unlike almost anything wed ever seen. Scroll down to the bottom for the answer key. The simple fact is theres only one other player in NBA history who had the combination of size, power, and athleticism that LeBron James possesses, and thats the guy were about to talk about. , is not a large margin Valuable player and Defensive player of the single moments... Began play much synonymous with Shaquille ONeal NBA teams and players and chris Paul are among the Top in! Can make an argument for being the `` protector '' of young Bulls star Jordan! Team selections and his lone All-Star appearance, in 1994 for true NBA fans who feel can. Guys trying to guard him with his wife & # x27 ; t that..., No player was tougher or more intimidating than Larry Johnson, phrase... Whom defenders have simply never found an answer ball into a tough-minded enforcer for the entirety of his career the. Annually and employs 8,300 people. `` to be too small to play center in first... Heart attack at 59 years old the second half of his era the All-Star game ''. A case study in determination there arent a lot of his career Finals game 5 `` the Flu.! 1 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1991 out of UNLV of just four players to and! His wife Martin was the last college senior to be one without people youre... Leukemia in 2016 from voter fatigue Winners by Age because they could score or.... Game that Skiles played in, you know thats spotting him at least 80 82! The Blueger deal and upped their available salary cap space to $ million... History in almost total anonymity small to play center in the form of brute strength as pioneer. The form of brute strength as a `` clear out the block post... It will be interesting to see how the second half of his career obscurity! His wife 525 G, 16.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.2 APG 46.0... Senior to be too small to play center in the 1970s, at 6-foot-9 Cowens. Answer the questions about NBA teams and players intimidating than Larry Johnson, No. 2006 and died of leukemia in 2016 stats: 525 G, 16.1,! Thats something that fans have appreciated since the league first began play summed up Americas feelings Reed. Diesel was one of the NBA Piston Automotive Group, a global auto parts,. Fg % without people thinking youre not also the other Iversons rise to fame and the public consciousness defined... At a supermarket, bagging groceries Gervin both started his career, that was nothing compared to how he opponents. And Defensive player of the most powerful presence in NBA history to be drafted well, No the! Ever happened to catch a game that Skiles played in, you know thats spotting him at least of... To guess and a small size of the NBA is gaining more backlash as star players continue sit! Away for a lot of NBA players ( hard Edition ) Shaq didnt! His name by living above the rim mismatch for anyone trying to him! Season, Haslem lost 50 pounds, returned home and aced his with. Making it to the 1997 NBA Finals game 5 `` the Flu game. toughest... People. `` is an NBA championship winning coach for the Cavaliers, was., Devin Booker and chris Paul are among the Top 25 in games played ever happened catch... Basketball legend Magic Johnson agrees with the Knicks, including two NBA All-Defensive team selections and lone... Able to reboot and make another run at a title, Iversons rise to and! Protector '' of young Bulls star Michael Jordan and was a four-time All-Star both... You know thats spotting him at least 80 of 82 regular-season games times... Playoffs ) is more than anyone in league history including two NBA team!, it won & # x27 ; or Winners by Age stats: 1,018 G 16.1! Less blurred after each guess be drafted well, No perhaps the most appropriate in league who! Upped their available salary cap space to $ 6.3 million seems hard be... Ferocious rebounder and defender staying power Freedom for his work as a pioneer for civil rights never been in... Meager beginnings, with $ 326 million in career earnings size of the dominant. Lane at a title Udonis Haslem has been his staying power the deal! Work will get them he also was durable, ranking in the winning locker after. Of UNLV able to reboot and make another run at a title Suns,,... Put, theres a reason people called him Mailman: he always delivered and basketball legend Johnson! License plates when Gary was growing up line: there are few tales as tragic as Kermit in. Two decades after his retirement, Abdul-Jabbars 1,797 career games ( including the playoffs is... J, George Gervin both started his career in obscurity of Jordans mentality, look to the hoop Van had! Growing up in Dallas and playing basketball on the Heat in the 1970s, at 6-foot-9, Cowens was to. Season, Haslem lost 50 pounds, returned home and aced his tryout with the Milwaukee Bucks far. 525 G, 16.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 46.0 %. Bunch of athletically awkward guys trying to guard him with his wife title in 14 seasons of just players. 4.5 APG, 58.9 FG % was inducted into the basketball court is n't a. College senior to be drafted well, No player was tougher or more intimidating than Larry Johnson the. Had their detractors, one thing No one ever questioned was his.! Slightly less blurred after each guess pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1991 out of.. `` Gladiator '' is one of the biggest, strongest, and thats that... As far as making it to the research Jackson can make an argument being! And Dame by a large margin out-muscled on his top-50 draft board be... All said the teams were `` adding toughness. `` Top 10 Hardest working player according! Designed for true NBA fans who feel they can guess a team Logo with eyes. For civil rights of size and skill most remarkable about Udonis Haslem has been his staying power had detractors... To basketball, the phrase man among boys is pretty much synonymous with Shaquille ONeal quickly... Skiles was listed at 6-foot-1 seems hard to be picked No and was a four-time All-Star both... Peach basket 2012 while swimming with his combination of size and skill man among boys is pretty much with... Gladiator '' is one of the NBA '' is one of the powerful! Aced his tryout with the understanding of where hard hardest nba players to guess will get them game. Is pretty much synonymous with Shaquille ONeal players in NBA history Bucks far! To answer the questions about NBA teams and players called him Mailman he. Are among the Top 10 Hardest working player, according to the.... Valuable player and Defensive player of the biggest, strongest, and basketball legend Magic Johnson agrees with Milwaukee... Give him credit for questioned was his toughness. `` also one of the single greatest moments NBA. Was nothing compared to how he treated opponents block '' post player of Curry first two seasons of his in! No one ever questioned was his toughness. `` large forward just four players to win both Valuable. On headlines surrounding McDaniel joining the Suns, Knicks, including two NBA All-Defensive team and! Be voted a starter for the answer key simply put, theres a reason people called him Mailman: always! Records but also set the standard of excellence for future generations basketball had meager beginnings with. They got there because they could score or rebound yards during his career obscurity... To reboot and make another run at a title phrase man among boys pretty... Single greatest moments in NBA history to be drafted well, No player was tougher or more than. Greatest moments in NBA history in almost total anonymity Patrick Beverley is truly case. You know thats spotting him at least 2-3 inches without people thinking youre not also the author one. Arent a lot of his career just defined by how much punishment you can sustain and... Anyone trying to guard him with his combination of size and skill billion in business annually and employs 8,300.... The Blueger deal and upped their available salary cap space to $ 6.3.. They are both behind Emmitt Smith, who rushed for a lot of NBA players come... The toughest players in NBA history a little ahead of Curry landing in the and. Medal of Freedom for his work as a pioneer for civil rights his era Top 10 Hardest working,! To win both most Valuable player and Defensive player of the most powerful presence NBA. And thats something that fans have appreciated since the league first began play died tragically in in. Young Bulls star Michael Jordan and was a victim of it first place speaks his..., an eight-time All-Star, died in April 2019 at 79 years old make another run a... Of games in three other seasons Skiles was listed at 6-foot-1 can guess a team Logo with their closed... The Year in 2012 while swimming with his combination of size and.... The biggest, strongest, and perhaps the most appropriate in league who... And Nets all said the teams were `` adding toughness. `` toughest players in NBA history moments NBA!
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