Every NBA Team’s Greatest Player of All Time

Boston Celtics - Bill Russell

Bill Russell was the pinnacle of basketball greatness. Winning 11 championships, both as a player as well as a player-coach, he set the standard on the greatness that basketball fans talk about to this day. He put the Celtics on the map and his 11 titles help the team remain the winningest franchise in NBA history.

Brooklyn Nets (New Jersey Nets) - Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd spent six and a half seasons of his career with the then Brooklyn Nets. In that time, he convinced everyone that he was one of the best point guards to ever play the game. He finished second in league MVP voting in the 2001-02 season and made the All-NBA team in five of those seasons. Many superstars have come and gone, but Kidd remains the greatest Net ever.

New York Knicks - Patrick Ewing

The New York Knicks have had several great players take to Madison Square Garden over the years. But Patrick Ewing is that player who has become synonymous with Knicks greatness. Walt Frazier might have won them the titles, but Ewing made the Knicks one of the top-tier franchises in the league. He still holds the most points, rebounds, steals, blocks, win shares and All-Star selections in franchise history.

Philadelphia 76ers - Julius Erving

Julius Erving spent all 11 seasons of his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers and was the league MVP, 11-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA selection and also brought home their 1983 championship. His impact transcends what he did on the court and is one of the greatest to ever play the game. He set the standard for Philadelphia sports, which has led fans to still demand rings to this day.

Toronto Raptors - Kyle Lowry

The Toronto Raptors may boast several transcendent players as part of their history. But none epitomized Toronto more than Kyle Lowry. He was there through their lows and was instrumental in clinching their only NBA title to date. His hard-working mantra has stuck, and he is a legend among Raptor nation.

Chicago Bulls - Michael Jordan

There is no need to mention how great Michael Jordan was. He placed the Chicago Bulls on the map with his dominating performances during his time there. He is considered the greatest player of all time and his six championships in six Finals appearances are only one part of his illustrious career.

Cleveland Cavaliers - LeBron James

LeBron James came in to the league as an 18-year-old and took the basketball world by storm. He single-handedly dragged a mid-tier team to the NBA Finals. He topped that on his return to the franchise and led to them their first NBA title. Even though he has been on other teams, his legacy was built in his hometown of Cleveland.

Detroit Pistons - Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas was arguably one of the best point guards to ever play the game. He used his exceptional talent and leadership to lead the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships. Thomas' tenacity and playmaking made him one of the all-time greats.

Indiana Pacers - Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller used his elite scoring, efficiency and tenacity to become the Indiana Pacers' greatest ever player. He tormented his opposition with his clutch plays and despite his slight build, could hold it down against some of the more physically imposing players. He stayed the course in Indiana and became the greatest three-point scorer in league history.

Milwaukee Bucks - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the greatest example of a No. 1 draft pick fulfilling his potential the right way. Rookie of the Year was followed up by a league MVP award and scoring titles. That second season, he led the Bucks to their first ever NBA championship. Even though he left the team for the Los Angeles Lakers, he is still revered as the greatest Buck ever.

Atlanta Hawks - Dominique Wilkins

His multiple individual accolades in twelve seasons make him the greatest Atlanta Hawk ever. If only he won a championship, his legacy would have been untouchable. But he is still one of the greatest players in league history and used his elite athleticism and drive to make the Hawks a contender.

Charlotte Hornets - Kemba Walker

The franchise does not have that many years of excellence to show for. But even in its short history, Kemba Walker shines brightest. His elite scoring helped him garner 3 NBA All-Star calls and notched an All-NBA selection in his final season with the franchise.

Miami Heat - Dwyane Wade

As an expansion franchise, the Miami Heat has built quite the reputation, winning three titles in a short span of time and establish its revered Heat Culture. But the man to define that and help win those three titles was Dwyane Wade. He manages to keep that moniker despite having Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James and Chris Bosh as teammates.

Orlando Magic - Shaquille O'Neal

The third straight expansion team has Shaquille O'Neal to thank. Often regarded as a minor market team, O'Neal's dominating physicality and superstardom placed the Magic on the map. He led them to an NBA Finals but could not close the deal and left for the Lakers.

Washington Wizards - Wes Unseld

Wes Unseld stayed with the then Washington Bullets for his entire career. In that time, he led the Bullets to twelve playoff appearances while notching a league MVP, multiple All-Star selections and most importantly, the 1978 NBA Championship.

Denver Nuggets - Nikola Jokic

There have been several standout players in Denver Nuggets history. But none come close to Nikola Jokic who has racked up three league MVP awards to go with his NBA Finals MVP award. The latter came after leading the Nuggets to their first ever NBA title, and the man is just 30 years old with still a few years left in him.

Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett came straight out of high school and quickly became one of the best players for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He kept that status throughout the first twelve seasons with the team. Winning the league MVP in 2004 and multiple other accolades later, he still leads virtually every statistic the franchise has on the record books.

Oklahoma City Thunder - Russell Westbrook

The explosive point guard leaves everything out on the court whenever he plays. That led to a league MVP award and triple double seasons along with other individual accolades. But most importantly, his impact on the franchise is second to none. Even the great Kevin Durant cannot match what his former teammate has done for the franchise.

Portland Trail Blazers - Clyde Drexler

In the twelve seasons Clyde Drexler spent with the Trail Blazers, he made eight All-Star teams. But more importantly, he established the culture of that franchise after leading them to two NBA Finals, eventually booking a name in the 75 greatest NBA players list.

Utah Jazz - John Stockton

John Stockton played alongside another great in Karl Malone. But his individual accolades make him the greatest ever Jazz in franchise history. His NBA records for assists and steals still stand, and it would take a herculean task to unseat him from that perch.

Golden State Warriors - Stephen Curry

This franchise once had the great Wilt Chamberlain on its roster. But Stephen Curry, with his electric shooting and humble personality has turned the franchise to be one of the most recognizable in the world. If there was any doubt, those four NBA titles in a decade are enough to cement that legacy.

Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Paul

Paul has his fingerprints on the Charlotte Hornets too. But he established himself as one of the best point guards ever during his time with the Clippers. He elevated the franchise from being the noisy little Los Angeles team to a playoff contender.

Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe Bryant

Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also have five titles and multiple individual accolades to show. But Bryant's 20 seasons of loyalty and his public image of a driven competitor resonated with fans. He still holds many scoring records for a franchise with such a strong history, which gives him the edge as their greatest ever.

Phoenix Suns - Charles Barkley

The Suns have another great player who could give Charles Barkley a run for his money. But the Round Mound of Rebound changed the image of that franchise from the moment he landed there. If only he hadn't faced Michael Jordan, Barkley could have brought the Suns at least one NBA title. His drive and passion along with individual accolades place him at the top of their tier.

Sacramento Kings - Chris Webber

As a franchise, the Kings do not have many standout players to show for. But among that small list, Chris Webber stands out. He instantly made the franchise relevant and used his dynamic playing style to make them a known entity. His stats may not show how he impacted the Kings.

Houston Rockets - Hakeem Olajuwon

Dream, as he is affectionately known, brought the only two championships in Houston Rockets history. Along with his impact on the franchise and the community, his individual accolades, which make him one of the greatest ever, pale in comparison. The Rockets are still trying to search for someone to walk in his footsteps.

Dallas Mavericks - Dirk Nowitzki

21 seasons of excellence from a player many did not believe would be able to handle the rigors of a physically imposing league. But the German stuck to his goal and brought the franchise its first ever NBA championship. His list of individual accolades might be long, but there is a reason he is the only player to have a statue outside the arena.

Memphis Grizzlies - Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol notched three All-Star selections along with two All-NBA nods and a Defensive Player of the Year award during his time with the Grizzlies. He gave 11 seasons of consistently good basketball to the franchise and that helps him be their best ever player.

New Orleans Pelicans - Anthony Davis

Chris Paul would have again made this list had the Pelicans not changed identity. Instead, Anthony Davis becomes their best ever player on the back of six All-Star nods, five All-NBA selections and franchise records for points, rebounds and blocks. All of that in his seven-year tenure with the team.

San Antonio Spurs - Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan was one of the most reliable and unstoppable players in NBA history. That helped him notch two league MVPs, three Finals MVPs, five NBA titles, 15 All-Star and 10 All-NBA selections along with several defensive accolades. Despite having many greats play for the team, no one eclipses the Big Fundamental.