The Best Franchise Players in NBA History

The G.O.A.T.s for all 30 NBA teams.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Michael Jordan is pretty much universally recognized as the greatest basketball player ever. And rightfully so. During his 15-year NBA career, he averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while winning six NBA championships. So he is, without a doubt, the best player in Chicago Bulls history. There has never been—and never will be—a better Bulls player than MJ.

Who are the G.O.A.T.s for the NBA's 29 other franchises, though? For some teams—like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have their prodigal son LeBron James back in the mix—the answer is obvious. But for others, you have to do some digging through the history books in order to make a compelling case for one player over everyone else. With the NBA season now in full swing, we decided to do just that and came up with our list of The Best Franchise Players in NBA History. Scroll down to see the 30 faces of the NBA's 30 franchises.

Atlanta Hawks: Bob Pettit

Not Available Interstitial

Boston Celtics: Bill Russell

Not Available Interstitial

Brooklyn Nets: Jason Kidd

Not Available Interstitial

Charlotte Hornets: Alonzo Mourning

Not Available Interstitial

Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan

Not Available Interstitial

Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James

Not Available Interstitial

Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki

Not Available Interstitial

Denver Nuggets: Alex English

Not Available Interstitial

Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas

Not Available Interstitial

Golden State Warriors: Wilt Chamberlain

Not Available Interstitial

Houston Rockets: Hakeem Olajuwon

Not Available Interstitial

Indiana Pacers: Reggie Miller

Not Available Interstitial

Los Angeles Clippers: Bob McAdoo

Not Available Interstitial

Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson

Not Available Interstitial

Memphis Grizzlies: Pau Gasol

Not Available Interstitial

Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade

Not Available Interstitial

Milwaukee Bucks: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Not Available Interstitial

Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Garnett

Not Available Interstitial

New Orleans Pelicans: Chris Paul

Not Available Interstitial

New York Knicks: Walt Frazier

Not Available Interstitial

Oklahoma City Thunder: Gary Payton

Not Available Interstitial

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

Not Available Interstitial

Philadelphia 76ers: Julius Erving

Not Available Interstitial

Phoenix Suns: Steve Nash

Not Available Interstitial

Portland Trail Blazers: Clyde Drexler

Not Available Interstitial

Sacramento Kings: Oscar Robertson

Not Available Interstitial

San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan

Not Available Interstitial

Toronto Raptors: Vince Carter

Not Available Interstitial

Utah Jazz: Karl Malone

Not Available Interstitial

Washington Wizards: Elvin Hayes

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Sports