Basketball is a game played for centuries and will continue to be played for the foreseeable future. It’s a sport that has evolved over time and the rules are constantly changing. But what has never changed is the passion for the game. The best players in basketball have always been white. But it seems like in recent years that people are forgetting about them. In this article, we will examine some of the best white NBA players throughout NBA history. As well as figure out why these players were successful.
Introduction
There is no doubt that white players have had an undeniable impact on the NBA. While they have been playing in the league for less than 20 years, their contributions have been massive. This article will take a look at the top 10 white NBA players of all time.
The Best White NBA Players Of All Time
There have been some great white NBA players throughout the history of the league. Some of the best white players in NBA history include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. They are all legends in their own right and have each won multiple championships. Here are the top five white NBA players of all time.
Individual Athletes
The NBA founded in 1946, but it wasn’t until 1967 that players of color were allowed to participate. The league’s first black player, Chuck Cooper, joined the Philadelphia Warriors. In 1969, the Boston Celtics signed a then-unknown Wilt Chamberlain.
These days, there are plenty of talented black players in the NBA. But when it comes to the best white players of all time, there are only a few names that come to mind. Here are five of the best whites in NBA history.
- Kobe Bryant – He is one of the most decorated and successful athletes in history. And he’s accomplished a lot on the basketball court. He won five championships with the Lakers and has been voted into eight All-Star games. He also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the greatest player in NBA history by both ESPN and TNT.
- Larry Bird – He widely considered one of the best players in NBA history and one of the greatest shooters ever. He drafted by the Boston Celtics with the eleventh pick in 1984. And went on to win three championships with them before joining Indiana Pacers in 1999. He also selected as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history by the NBA.
- Magic Johnson – He was a 6-foot-9 point guard who became known as the “Magician”. Because of his incredible skill and ability to make spectacular plays on offense. He won five championships with the Lakers and is also one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – He was a 7 foot physical beast who spent 17 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers during their most successful period. During his time with the team, he was an All-Star nine times. Made four All-NBA first teams, and won three titles (1979, 1980, 1984).
- Michael Jordan – He was not exactly known for his defensive skills. But he was a 6-foot-6 shooting guard who won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He also made an All-NBA first team two times, and selected to nine All-Star games.
Crossovers
The NBA has a long history of great white players. Some of the best white players in NBA history have transcended race. And become some of the game most celebrated ambassadors.
This list includes players who have won championships with their respective teams, regardless of their skin color. This isn’t a list of all-time great white players – there are plenty of those out there. But rather a list of the best white NBA players of all time.
Mustafa Shakur (Denver Nuggets, 1997-2000)
Shakur was one of the most versatile players in league history. He could score from anywhere on the court, averaging 18 points per game in his three seasons with Denver. He was also a superb defender, averaging more than two steals per game during his career. Shakur is one of just two players in NBA history to win an MVP award. Scoring title awards with both Philadelphia and Denver.
Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers, 1996-2008)
Bryant is unanimously considered one of the top white basketball players ever, and he’s certainly deserving of that title based on his record-breaking play with the Lakers. He won five consecutive MVP awards.
Conclusion
The NBA is a league that is constantly changing, and with every new season comes a crop of new NBA players who are looking to make their mark on the league. While there have been many great white players in the NBA over the years. These five men are some of the best that the color has to offer. Be sure to check them out this season as they look to take home some major hardware!
