While the current crop of NBA stars has their fair share of superstars, there are a few standouts who still rank among the top ten. George Mikan is the first dominant NBA big man, and his massive size worked to his advantage. Mikan’s soft touch was unmatched for his era, and his ability to finish with either hand in the paint remains an elite skill. Anthony Davis, meanwhile, has already established his Hall of Fame credentials as an elite defender and a skilled big man.
Wilt Chamberlain was the only player to score 100 points in a single game
Wilt Chamberlain became the only player to score 100 points in ONE game in the history of the NBA on March 25, 1971. The record-breaking performance came on the final play of the game, as the Warriors led by 19 points. Wilt went on to shoot 36-for-63 from the field and 28-for-32 from the foul line, breaking his record, which he had set just three months earlier. “One hundred,” he wrote on a piece of paper and held it up for the cameras, with his teammate Harvey Pollack holding it up for the cameras.
In his career, Wilt Chamberlain is still the only player to score 100 points in ONE game. He is one of the most dominant players in NBA history, and many of his feats are considered legendary. The other players to reach this mark include Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, and Rudy Gay. In addition to his 100-point game, Wilt Chamberlain is famous for being the only player to score 100 points in a single game, bedding over 20,000 women, and making a sweeping impact on two of the most successful teams in NBA history.
Magic Johnson is the greatest point guard of all time
The NBA is rife with debate over whether Magic Johnson is the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson was an exceptional individual talent who mastered the unique position. Many people cite LeBron as the closest facsimile, but Johnson was far more refined in the post. In addition to his scoring abilities, Johnson developed his shooting and off-balance finishes. His shooting percentage and dunks were unmatched.
In addition to his many awards, Magic Johnson was the most decorated player of his era. He was a five-time NBA Champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection. Among point guards, his career resume is unparalleled. He averaged 11.2 points per game, second only to LeBron James. This is an impressive resume, and he has the most impressive basketball skills of any point guard in history.
Chris Paul is the best shooting guard in the NBA
For the first time in his career, Chris Paul has surpassed his high school scoring record and is the best shooting guard in the NBA. Although he may be small in stature, Paul plays like a tenacious corner. He excels at press coverage and seeks contact. This is a rarity in today’s league, where highlight reels and scoring outbursts are the most important metrics.
The Phoenix Suns are one win away from making the NBA Finals, and their 3-game series with the LA Clippers has come down to a single game. With a game left in the Western Conference Finals to decide the series, they will look to take the series to Game 7 in Phoenix on Monday. This success is in large part due to Chris Paul, who has been a huge contributor since joining the Phoenix Suns in the offseason of 2020.
Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to average at least 20 points per game
Before Chamberlain’s nadir in point production, he had several devastating performances. He had a dominant performance in the ’67 NBA Finals when he had twenty-seven points, 29 rebounds, and nine assists. It was possible that he intentionally shot zero points to impress his critics. It is not known if he did this for a reason, but it certainly didn’t hurt his game.
Wilt Chamberlain averaged a double-double during the 1968 NBA season when he accounted for 37 points and 27 rebounds. He remains the only player to average at least twenty points and 20 rebounds in a single game. That feat may be a small price to pay for his outstanding performance, but the legacy of that night will be etched into the minds of basketball fans everywhere.
Kobe Bryant is the greatest shooting guard of all time
For many, Kobe Bryant is the greatest shooting guard in NBA history. While he may not have played for any other team, he was a part of the LA Lakers dynasty for 20 years. In addition to being the face of the Lakers, Bryant gave many historic performances, including an 81-point performance in 42 minutes against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. Whether you agree or disagree with the NBA’s stance, Kobe Bryant is one of the best players of all time.
Whether you agree or disagree with his opinion, there is no doubt that the Lakers have one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. His tenacity as a guard was unmatched by anyone, and he was the catalyst for the Lakers’ Finals runs. But Bryant also became a living legend, transcending the game and becoming a living legend around the world. He achieved things that no other American athlete could have achieved. His talent makes him a true GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).