Best players - by the number

[drob50]

No idea if this has been done before, here or anywhere else, but either way I thought it would be a good way to think about a LOT of the players, past and present that played the game!

Just for kicks, I will post a list of the best players ever to wear each number. Will be interesting as some numbers are very rarely seen and others are wore by multiple players at any time. While some will be easy, I think it will create some good debate on some of them.

Will start with numbers 0-10. I will update them as a decision seems to be made. While there are no wrong answers, as opinions are subjective, we will try and stick with majority rules along the way.

Lets stick with ONLY the number the player wore the most, or in their Prime. Some players I think can be under 2 numbers if you consider then the best AT THE TIME of wearing that number.

0 - Robert Parish
1 - Oscar Robertson
2 - Moses Malone
3 - Allen Iverson
4 - Joe Dumars
5 - Jason Kidd
6 - Bill Russell
7 - Pete Maravich
8 - Kobe Bryant
9 - Bob Pettit
10 - Walt Frazier
11 - Isiah Thomas
12 - John Stockton
13 - Wilt Chamberlain
14 - Bob Cousy
15 - Earl Monroe
16 - Bob Lanier
17 - John Havlicek
18 - Dave Cowens
19 - Willis Reed
20 - Gary Payton
21 - Tim Duncan
22 - Elgin Baylor
23 - Michael Jordan
24 - Rick Barry
25 - Gail Goodrich
26 - Kyle Korver
27 - Jack Twyman
28 - Ian Mahinmi
29 - Paul Silas
30 - Bernard King
31 - Reggie Miller
32 - Magic Johnson
33 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
34 - Hakeem Olajuwon
35 - Kevin Durant
36 - Rasheed Wallace
37 - Metta World Peace
38 -
39 - Greg Ostertag
40 - Shawn Kemp
41 - Dirk Nowitzki
42 - James Worthy
43 - Jack Sikma
44 - Jerry West
45 - Michael Jordan
46 - Bo Outlaw
47 - Andrei Kirilenko
48 - Nazr Mohammed
49 - Shandon Anderson
50 - David Robinson
51 - Michael Doleac
52 - Jamaal Wilkes
53 - Artis Gilmore
54 - Horace Grant
55 - Dikembe Mutombo
91 - Dennis Rodman
99 - George Mikan

[drob50]

For #0 or #00, I immediately think of Parish or Westbrook or Arenas

#1 - I think Oscar or Penny or T-Mac

Who you got?

[Lee42]

For #0 or #00, I immediately think of Parish or Westbrook or Arenas

#1 - I think Oscar or Penny or T-Mac

Who you got?

Do we have to even guess who #23 will be? HAS to be Anthony Davis! :devil: :)!

[drob50]

Do we have to even guess who #23 will be? HAS to be Anthony Davis! :devil: :)!

haha, funny you say that, I was just thinking about #6 and thought, maybe Lebron gets beaten at that number too??

[UltimateDeron]

haha, funny you say that, I was just thinking about #6 and thought, maybe Lebron gets beaten at that number too??

He most definitely does, by Bill Russell. Russell's entire career at #6 was better than LeBron's 4 years as #6 in Miami.

[Lee42]

haha, funny you say that, I was just thinking about #6 and thought, maybe Lebron gets beaten at that number too??

Number 13 is also a no brainer........

Lucien James Longley :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :flex:

[UltimateDeron]

0 - Robert Parish
1 - Oscar Robertson
2 - Moses Malone
3 - Allen Iverson
4 - Joe Dumars
5 - Jason Kidd
6 - Bill Russell
7 - Pete Maravich
8 - Kobe Bryant
9 - Bob Pettit
10 - Walt Frazier

Only debates were Parish / Westbrook and Iverson / Wade.

[drob50]

He most definitely does, by Bill Russell. Russell's entire career at #6 was better than LeBron's 4 years as #6 in Miami.

I knew that too, but needed someone else to say it so I could write it in. lol Otherwise I would just be sitting here listing them myself and that gets lonely! haha

Number 13 is also a no brainer........

Lucien James Longley :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :flex:

Lucky for Luke, Paul George hasn't played in his new number! :)!
He easily has Nash, Wilt and Harden beat though!

[drob50]

0 - Robert Parish
1 - Oscar Robertson
2 - Moses Malone
3 - Allen Iverson
4 - Joe Dumars
5 - Jason Kidd
6 - Bill Russell
7 - Pete Maravich
8 - Kobe Bryant
9 - Bob Pettit
10 - Walt Frazier

Only debates were Parish / Westbrook and Iverson / Wade.

Nice start! :)!
I would agree with all of those.

[UltimateDeron]

11 - Isiah Thomas
12 - John Stockton
13 - Wilt Chamberlain
14 - Bob Cousy

15 - Earl Monroe or Vince Carter??

16 - Bob Lanier
17 - John Havlicek
18 - Dave Cowens
19 - Willis Reed
20 - Gary Payton

It would be fun to do a current players list too. The HOF's / retired players are dominating so far.

[kairi-2008]

Wade at #3

[drob50]

11 - Isiah Thomas
12 - John Stockton
13 - Wilt Chamberlain
14 - Bob Cousy

15 - Earl Monroe or Vince Carter??

16 - Bob Lanier
17 - John Havlicek
18 - Dave Cowens
19 - Willis Reed
20 - Gary Payton

It would be fun to do a current players list too. The HOF's / retired players are dominating so far.

Mostly on the money! :p
Will be interesting to see what other think.
The surrent one would be harder because a lot of numbers won't be taken. Maybe a last 10 years list?

Wade at #3

I disagree, Iverson was better than Wade, but your vote is noted and may get the win if others come and agree! :)!

[AbraCalabro]

Please amend the entry for #8 and for #5, it's not Kobe Bryant, or Jason Kidd respectively, it's Sergei Bazarevich. (He wore both numbers.) Listing Kobe and Kidd instead of him really hurts the legitimacy of this list.

Also, since I'm going to be off the computer soon, I apologize, but I'm going to have to cheat and jump ahead here for #40. Shawn Kemp.

P.S. LOL @ Manu instead of Payton. Payton is much better.

[JMarchand1981]

Duncan at 21



Edit: in case I need to explain why. I see him as a top ten of all time player. Top 20 at the lowest. I am not too familiar with other players that wore 21 but I think I would be hard pressed to find a better 21.

[JMarchand1981]

He most definitely does, by Bill Russell. Russell's entire career at #6 was better than LeBron's 4 years as #6 in Miami.

I need to agree with this. Unfortunately, I think we may be overruled by the current nba fan thinking that Lebron would have to be somewhere. I hope this isn't the case but it may be.

[Nyfancam01]

Iverson #3 no question and not even close!

[drob50]

Please amend the entry for #8 and for #5, it's not Kobe Bryant, or Jason Kidd respectively, it's Sergei Bazarevich. (He wore both numbers.) Listing Kobe and Kidd instead of him really hurts the legitimacy of this list.

Also, since I'm going to be off the computer soon, I apologize, but I'm going to have to cheat and jump ahead here for #40. Shawn Kemp.

P.S. LOL @ Manu instead of Payton. Payton is much better.

Kemp at #40.... Got it!

While I agree Payton should take the #20 spot (was just being a homer in the OP), I don't think it is too far off. Especially after his international record and finals performance at 35yrs old!

Duncan at 21



Edit: in case I need to explain why. I see him as a top ten of all time player. Top 20 at the lowest. I am not too familiar with other players that wore 21 but I think I would be hard pressed to find a better 21.

Duncan easy!! Over Garnett and Wilkins

I need to agree with this. Unfortunately, I think we may be overruled by the current nba fan thinking that Lebron would have to be somewhere. I hope this isn't the case but it may be.

I agree too. There are a lot that instantly write off older players because "the game is different now", but Russell is unbeatable at #6, followed by Lebron or Dr J

Iverson #3 no question and not even close!

I concur!

[GoldenBoy23]

Garnett or duncan
Redd wiggins
Jordan
Kobe
Doc rivers
Korver
Twenty seven??
Twenty eight
Wenty nine
Bermard king

[ReggieEvansPC]

30 - Reggie Evans

[kobe824]

Garnett or duncan
Redd wiggins
Jordan
Kobe
Doc rivers
Korver
Twenty seven??
Twenty eight
Wenty nine
Bermard king

Elgin Baylor wore 22. Little better than Redd or Wiggins I would say :D

Crazy to think as great as Lebron is he could be left of the list... #23 MJ and #6 probably give the nod to Russell! Kobe probably gets the nod at #8 and #24.

[hquiz]

No idea if this has been done before, here or anywhere else, but either way I thought it would be a good way to think about a LOT of the players, past and present that played the game!

Just for kicks, I will post a list of the best players ever to wear each number. Will be interesting as some numbers are very rarely seen and others are wore by multiple players at any time. While some will be easy, I think it will create some good debate on some of them.

Will start with numbers 0-10. I will update them as a decision seems to be made. While there are no wrong answers, as opinions are subjective, we will try and stick with majority rules along the way.

Lets stick with ONLY the number the player wore the most, or in their Prime. Some players I think can be under 2 numbers if you consider then the best AT THE TIME of wearing that number.

0 - Robert Parish
1 - Oscar Robertson
2 - Moses Malone
3 - Allen Iverson
4 - Joe Dumars
5 - Jason Kidd
6 - Bill Russell
7 - Pete Maravich
8 - Kobe Bryant
9 - Bob Pettit
10 - Walt Frazier
11 - Isiah Thomas
12 - John Stockton
13 - Wilt Chamberlain
14 - Bob Cousy
15 - Earl Monroe
16 - Bob Lanier
17 - John Havlicek
18 - Dave Cowens
19 - Willis Reed
20 - Manu Ginobili :P (Gary Payton)
21 -
22 -
23 -
24 -
25 -
26 -
27 -
28 -
29 -
30 -

If Ginobili retired today.. Who was the better player of the 2?

Ginobili or Payton?

I think its a valid question!

[xavieronly1]

Rick Barry #24
Gheorghe Muresan at #77
Rodman #91

[groundsupport]

Sorry John Stockton. You lose at #12.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q3p4TUVfL.jpg

[drob50]

Elgin Baylor wore 22. Little better than Redd or Wiggins I would say :D

Crazy to think as great as Lebron is he could be left of the list... #23 MJ and #6 probably give the nod to Russell! Kobe probably gets the nod at #8 and #24.

And Drexler. I think Baylor has him beat though

I know what you mean about Lebron, I thought that would be interesting

[drob50]

Sorry John Stockton. You lose at #12.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q3p4TUVfL.jpg

lol
Well played! What was his stay line that day?

[drob50]

If Ginobili retired today.. Who was the better player of the 2?

Ginobili or Payton?

I think its a valid question!

I agree, but that's the problem with they way media hype works, players like Manu don't get enough appreciation

[groundsupport]

lol
Well played! What was his stay line that day?

Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic Box Score, February 14, 1990 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199002140ORL.html)

He put up 49 points in a losing effort.

[groundsupport]

I agree, but that's the problem with they way media hype works, players like Manu don't get enough appreciation


#20?

1. Ray Allen
2. Gary Payton
3. Manu Ginobili

[csrockerzero]

#22 has to be Baylor. The only player who comes close is Clyde the Glide.

[SportsItUpCards]

Number 22 - Elgin Baylor

[rats60]

20 Payton
21 Duncan
22 Baylor
23 MJ
24 Barry
25 Goodrich
27 Twyman
29 Silas
30 Bernard King
31 Reggie Miller
32 Magic
33 Kareem
34 Olajuwon
35 Durant
40 Kemp
41Dirk
42 Worthy
44 West
47 AK 47
50 D Robinson
52 Wilkes
53 Gilmore
54 Grant
55 Mutombo
91 Rodman
99 Mikan

[xavieronly1]

Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic Box Score, February 14, 1990 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199002140ORL.html)

He put up 49 points in a losing effort.

Such a ball hog! 43 FGA!

And that Magic team... who are they?

[GC1980]

#25: Gail Goodrich (Mark Price, Tom Chambers, Chet Walker all solid though)

#26: Kyle Korver

#27: Jack Twyman

#28: ?

#29: ?

#30: Bernard King

#31: Reggie Miller

#32: Magic

#33: Kareem

#34: Hakeem/Shaq. My vote is Hakeem

[groundsupport]

36 Rasheed Wallace
37 Metta World Peace
38 Kwame Brown? (lol this has to be a joke right?)
39 Greg Ostertag
43 Jack Sikma
45 Michael Jordan
46 Bo Outlaw
48 Nazr Mohammad
49 Shandon Anderson
51 Michael Doleac
52 Jamaal Wilkes
53 Artis Gilmore
54 Horce Grant

[rats60]

#20?

1. Ray Allen
2. Gary Payton
3. Manu Ginobili

I would have Payton ahead of Allen. But both are definitely ahead of Manu.

As far as #6, Lebron is no better than #3
1 Russell
2 Dr J
3 Lebron

[xavieronly1]

One of those "best players" lists that you can't put Lebron in it.

[drob50]

#20?

1. Ray Allen
2. Gary Payton
3. Manu Ginobili


I would have Payton ahead of Allen. But both are definitely ahead of Manu.

As far as #6, Lebron is no better than #3
1 Russell
2 Dr J
3 Lebron

I personally think Payton, Manu, Allen

Ray Allen is over hyped as the BEST 3pt shooter ever, when in fact, he has just hit the most. The rate at which he did it isn't the most accurate. More attempts shouldn't equal a better shooter, it has to be accuracy as wel!

Manu is a play maker, allen spent a lot of time as just a catch and shoot player, nor does he have the international record that Manu does

[drob50]

One of those "best players" lists that you can't put Lebron in it.

He should wore number 27, he only would have needed to beat Zaza Pachulia

[drob50]

20 Payton
21 Duncan
22 Baylor
23 MJ
24 Barry
25 Goodrich
27 Twyman
29 Silas
30 Bernard King
31 Reggie Miller
32 Magic
33 Kareem
34 Olajuwon
35 Durant
40 Kemp
41Dirk
42 Worthy
44 West
47 AK 47
50 D Robinson
52 Wilkes
53 Gilmore
54 Grant
55 Mutombo
91 Rodman
99 Mikan


So Shaq is another big player to miss out??

[groundsupport]

I personally think Payton, Manu, Allen

Ray Allen is over hyped as the BEST 3pt shooter ever, when in fact, he has just hit the most. The rate at which he did it isn't the most accurate. More attempts shouldn't equal a better shooter, it has to be accuracy as wel!

Manu is a play maker, allen spent a lot of time as just a catch and shoot player, nor does he have the international record that Manu does

oh come on.

Ray Allen is a sure fire HOFer, while Manu Ginobili is not.

[xavieronly1]

oh come on.

Ray Allen is a sure fire HOFer, while Manu Ginobili is not.

Manu will be HOF for sure. But he will get in because of his team success AND his nationality.

[aro13]

No discussion of Bird for #33 over Kareem?

I will take Payton at #20.

Ginobli will go in the Hall of Fame. International and college resumes are significant - see Ralph Sampson or Arvydas Sabonis.

[xavieronly1]

Check these numbers. "03", "07" and "09". Somehow they are different from 3, 7 and 9.

NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 03 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/numbers.cgi?number=03&year=)
NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 07 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/numbers.cgi?number=07&year=)
NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 09 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/numbers.cgi?number=09&year=)

[GC1980]

No discussion of Bird for #33 over Kareem?

I will take Payton at #20.

Ginobli will go in the Hall of Fame. International and college resumes are significant - see Ralph Sampson or Arvydas Sabonis.

#33 and #34 were tough for me. I had Bird then changed over to Kareem. 34 for Hakeem and Shaq was another tough one.

[sotexcollector]

I'd take the good Ole' Dr. J with 6.

[aro13]

Parish wore 00 so in theory you could add number 0 for Russell Westbrook which gets another current player on the list.

[kobe824]

Kobe at 24 over Barry. Still won two titles, his only MVP, 2 finals MVP

[Dwade Collector]

#93 - Ron Artest lol

[Wings]

Nobody has worn 69, Rodman requested it though.

[drob50]

oh come on.

Ray Allen is a sure fire HOFer, while Manu Ginobili is not.

Manu is a lock! Bet on it!


No discussion of Bird for #33 over Kareem?

I will take Payton at #20.

Ginobli will go in the Hall of Fame. International and college resumes are significant - see Ralph Sampson or Arvydas Sabonis.

Agreed!

Check these numbers. "03", "07" and "09". Somehow they are different from 3, 7 and 9.

NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 03 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/numbers.cgi?number=03&year=)
NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 07 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/numbers.cgi?number=07&year=)
NBA & ABA Players Who Wore Uniform Number 09 | Basketball-Reference.com (http://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/numbers.cgi?number=09&year=)

Interesting!

Kobe at 24 over Barry. Still won two titles, his only MVP, 2 finals MVP

I kinda agree. Kobe was a freak both sides of the number swap!

[SportsItUpCards]

Great thread! Very cool idea :cool:

[drob50]

Great thread! Very cool idea :cool:

Even better because Baylor is getting some love too! :)!

[SportsItUpCards]

Even better because Baylor is getting some love too! :)!

You already know..... :D

But still a very interesting idea!

Okay... Maybe if Baylor wasn't included then @;&@3@$;$4&&4 :D Hahaha

[ToppsCollector1]

I think Kobe has worn 24 more than 8 in his career.

Anyone know when he changed his number?

[kairi-2008]

at 34, Charles is my pick, and then Shaq and the Hakeem
but damn close and can understand an arguement

[drob50]

Just some of the numbers that have potential for discussion:

#26 - Shannon Brown later years, Kyle Korver, James Robinson?
#28 - Mahinmi or Mbenga?
#37 - MWP? Nick Van Exel, Derrick Fisher - All only for one season?
#38 - Kwame Brown by default?? Or has Vitor Faverani done enough already?? lol
#42 - Worthy or Thurmond??

[UltimateDeron]

I'd pick Sam Cassell over Ian Mahimi for #28. Not even close!

[UltimateDeron]

Just some of the numbers that have potential for discussion:

#26 - Shannon Brown later years, Kyle Korver, James Robinson?
#28 - Mahinmi or Mbenga?
#37 - MWP? Nick Van Exel, Derrick Fisher - All only for one season?
#38 - Kwame Brown by default?? Or has Vitor Faverani done enough already?? lol
#42 - Worthy or Thurmond??

#26 - Hedo Turkoglu

[drob50]

I'd pick Sam Cassell over Ian Mahimi for #28. Not even close!
Only went with Mahinmi because Cassell only wore #28 for 1 season in Boston.
I guess it did happen to be a ring year?? lol
#26 - Hedo Turkoglu

Only 1 year in Toronto. I think Korver has done better to the number that that year or Turk's??

[mr.gem.mint]

I vote for Manu as #20 and Shaq as #34

[jbrandonw]

Glad to see dirk make the list even though I have no clue of anyone else that had number 41 lol.

[drob50]

I vote for Manu as #20 and Shaq as #34

I vote for you! :)!

Glad to see dirk make the list even though I have no clue of anyone else that had number 41 lol.

Wes Unseld
Glen Rice


Kosta Koufos