The Greatest White Players in NBA History

The National Basketball Association is racist. That's the only explanation for the lack of white players in the L, right? It can't be because white guys can't jump or run.

OK, we jest. The NBA isn't racist (not that way at least). And white guys can jump! (Word to Rex Chapman.) Today is Larry Bird's 55th birthday, and in honor of the Legend's big day, we're giving shine—not too much, skin cancer is a mother!—to him and his fellow melanin-deficient hoop brothers. So from Hondo to Dolph, to Bradley and DeBusschere, here are the Greatest White* Players in NBA History...

*We're confining this list to North Americans with two white parents. So no Jason Kidd and no Dirk Nowitzki.

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25. Tom Chambers

Team(s): Clippers, SuperSonics, Suns, Jazz, Hornets, 76ers
Career: 1981-1997
Stats: 18.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.1 APG

It's not even the four All-Star appearances or the All-Star game MVP won in 1987 that made us think Chambers definitely deserved a spot on this list. It's was this emasculation of Mark Jackson. That dunk alone would give Chambers a spot on here. One of the greatest white dunkers of all time? Thought you knew...

24. Bill Laimbeer

Team(s): Cavs, Pistons
Career: 1981-1997
Stats: 12.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2 APG

Bill Laimbeer was the type of player who had those intangibles that couldn't really be reflected in the box score. In other words, he was dirty as shit but a huge asset to his team. His vicious elbows and forearms brought a world of hurt to anyone coming into the lane and helped the Bad Boy Pistons of the '80s win two championships.

23. Chris Mullin

Team(s): Warriors, Pacers
Career: 1985-2001
Stats: 18.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.6 SPG

In both NBA and college play, white ballers often come off as goofy and somewhat out of place. This was anything but the case for Chris Mullin. Being from BK, Mullin had a bit of extra swag that shined through on the court. His pure jump shot led him to become a five-time All-Star and a member of the 1992 Dream Team. If all that wasn't enough, goofy white dudes also don't get shout-outs in rap songs.

22. Tommy Heinsohn

Team(s): Celtics
Career: 1956-1965
Stats: 18.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2 APG

Tom Heinsohn had an all-around game. He was a spark off the bench for eight championship Celtic teams and made six All-Star teams. Tommy caught a lot of flack for smoking packs of cigarettes at practice, but he was a favorite of the organization. He's the only Celtic to be involved in all 17 championships in one shape or form; either as a player, coach, or broadcaster.

21. Paul Arizin

Team(s): Warriors
Career: 1950-1962
Stats: 22.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 APG

"Pitchin" Paul is what they called him. He along with Neil Johnston (see No. 19) , led the Philly Warriors to the 1956 title. Arizin was one of the NBA's first jump shooters and led the league in scoring in just his second year. He's a 10-time All-Star despite taking two years off to fight in the Korean War. He did his country proud.

20. Dave DeBusschere

Team(s): Pistons, Knicks
Career: 1962-1974
Stats: 16.1 PPG, 11 RPG, 2.9 APG

Dave DeBusschere was as tough as it gets. The late eight-time All-Star played a major role in the Knicks only two championships ('70 and '73) after being traded by his hometown Pistons. The bruising forward was feared around the league for his relentless will on both ends of the court and as a result was named to six All-Defensive teams. Yup, you can say dude's style was anything but vanilla.

19. Bill Walton

Team(s): Blazers, Clippers, Celtics
Career: 1974-1987
Stats: 13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.4 AP, 2.2 BPG

Injuries derailed what would've been one of the greatest careers in NBA history. After a heralded college career at UCLA, "The Big Red Head" was drafted by the Blazers in 1974 and led them to a title three years later. He was also one of the first great passing centers in the game. In 10 seasons, Walton never played a full year and was still named to the NBA's Top 50 list. So, before you young'ns dismiss Walton as that crazy white dude who has ridiculous in-game quotes, take a look at the stats and pay homage.

18. Neil Johnston

Team(s): Warriors
Career: 1951-1959
Stats: 19.4 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 2.5 APG

Neil Johnston was a pioneer of the hook shot Kareem perfected. With that same hook shot, Neil led the NBA in scoring for three years straight (1953-1955). He also led the league in rebounding during the 1955 season, won a championship in 1956 and was a six-time All-Star. Johnston was going hard in the paint way before Waka or any of your favorite centers of today for that matter.

17. Jack Twyman

Team(s): Royals
Career: 1955-1966
Stats: 19.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.3 APG

Twyman was one of the first NBA players to average 30 ppg during the season (1959-1960) along with Wilt Chamberlain. Other than being one of the best in his day, Jack Twyman was a good man and role model for us all. When Royals teammate Maurice Stokes suffered a brain injury in 1958 that left him paralyzed it was Twyman that became his legal guardian and took care of him until Stokes' passing in 1970. He's also responsible for getting former players financial aid when they need assistance. Uhh...why isn't there some NBA award named after this guy? #theydontmakeemliketwymananymore

16. "Pistol" Pete Maravich

Team(s): Hawks, Jazz, Celtics
Career: 1970-1980
Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG,

The Pistol took his basketball everywhere when he was a kid. He dribbled to and from school, he dribbled at the movies, he dribbled everywhere. His high skill level also stems from his father's notorious training sessions. Maravich is the greatest collegiate player in history with an average of 44.2 PPG for his career at LSU. In the NBA he had five All-Star appearances and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in league history. His tremendous ball handling and dazzling passes made it OK for cats like Jason Williams to be themselves and not play a certain way because of skin color. Frauds like Ricky Rubio still get exposed on the reg, though.

15. Steve Nash

Team(s): Mavs, Suns
Career: 1996-present
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 3 RPG, 8.5 APG

Whoever thought Canadians were only good for playing with sticks was wrong. They're have a few that are pretty good with balls, too (II). When Mike D'Antoni got his hands on Steve Nash, they changed the game. Together they ushered in the European style of play we see so prevalent in the league today. His soccer background can be seen in his game as he weaves through defenders to make sick bounce passes. He's one of only eight players to win multiple MVPs.

14. Bill Bradley

Team(s): Knicks
Career: (1965-1977)
Stats: 12.4 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.2 RPG

Bill Bradley only spent a decade in the NBA but his time spent there and what he did after leaving the league is one of the most unique stories around. On the court, he won two championships with the Knicks in '70 and '73, made the All-Star team in '72, and had his number retired by the Knicks. After retiring, the Hall of Famer became a politician serving as a senator for New Jersey from 1979 to 1997. Truly a legend in two games. No Pee Wee Kirkland.

13. Billy Cunningham

Team(s): Sixers
Career: 1965-1976
Stats: 20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4 APG, 1.2 SPG

Whoever came up with that "White men can't jump" saying clearly never peeped Billy Cunningham. The Kangaroo Kid could jump out the gym. Known more for coaching the '83 Sixers to a title, Billy was an electrifying player during the league's experimental years. He won a championship with the Sixers in 1967 along with Wilt and Hal Greer and was a five-time All-Star. Billy's a fine example of star players being able to become good head coaches.

12. Kevin McHale

Team(s): Celtics
Career: 1980-1993
Stats: 17.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.7 BPG

Teamed up with Larry Bird and Robert Parish, Kevin McHale won three championships. He was one of the greatest sixth men ever, following in the great Celtic tradition of spark plugs off the bench. With his abnormally lanky build he was able to score on just about anybody and was able to block shots without his feet ever leaving the ground. Like Bird, injuries hampered an otherwise stellar career. Over a decade later, McHale would continue to help the Celts win championships by giving them KG while acting as GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

11. Dave Cowens

Team(s): Celtics, Bucks
Career: 1970-1983
Stats: 17.6 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 SPG

At 6-foot-9 Cowens was thought to be undersized for a center, but Bill Russell insisted the Celtics front office take a chance on the tough prospect. Russell was on the money as usual. Dave Cowens' hustle and low post game earned him MVP honors in 1973 and helped lead the Celtics to two championships. See, size doesn't matter. #stuffyourgirldoesntsay

10. Bob Cousy

Team(s): Celtics, Royals
Career: 1950-1970
Stats: 18.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.5 APG

The Houdini of the Hardwood was one of the first to introduce NY streetball to the the NBA. Red Auerbach was reluctant to draft the Queens native because of his flashy style of play and ultimately didn't. Cousy fell into the Celtics' lap after the team that held his draft rights folded (Chicago Stags). The rest, as they say, is history. Boston drafted a dude named Bill Russell to compliment their unorthodox PG and the two went on to win six rings together. Bob Cousy has an MVP (1957) to his credit and led the NBA in assists eight times.

9. Rick Barry

Team(s): Warriors, Rockets
Career: 1965-1980
Stats: 23.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.1 APG

Rick Barry was a scoring machine. He's the only player to lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in scoring for a single season. The 6-foot-7 forward dismantled opponents with his determination to win and unstoppable offensive game. Barry's claim to fame were his underhanded free throws, which enabled him to be one of the best free throw shooters in history. He even offered to help Shaq learn the technique, to which the Big Fella declined. Shaq's 52% free throw percentage suggest that he probably should've reconsidered.

8. Jerry Lucas

Team(s): Royals, Warriors, Knicks
Career: 1963-1974
Stats: 17 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.3 APG

Jerry Lucas was a rare breed. He was a beast on the boards and had nice hops. He used his photographic memory to outsmart opponents. Jerry won high school, college and pro championships along with a gold medal. He, Nate Thurmond, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain are the only players to grab 40 rebounds in a single game.

7. Dolph Schayes

Team(s): Nationals, Sixers
Career: 1949-1964
Stats: 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 APG

Dolph Schayes was an imposing figure in his day. At 6-foot-8 and equipped with an accurate rainbow jumpshot, he was tough to lock down. If you took away his shot, he muscled his way to the basket. He played in 706 consecutive games and at one point played with a cast for an entire season. The 12-time All Star also led the 1955 Syracuse Nationals to a championship. Dude was not only of the greatest white players of all time, but one of the top Jewish ones, too. Mazel tov!

6. John Stockton

Team(s): Jazz
Career: 1984-2003
Stats: 13.1 PPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG

Stockton is the run away NBA leader in assists (15,806) and steals (3,265). He and Karl Malone executed the pick-and-roll to perfection and are by far the most prolific tandem in league history (minus the rings). Stockton's short shorts defied logic and somehow allowed him to be a relentless defender. He's the best PG to ever live not named Magic.

5. John Havlicek

Team(s): Celtics
Career: 1962-1978
Stats: 20.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.8 apg

Hondo was just as important to Boston's dynasty as Bill Russell was. Whether as a starter or coming off the bench Havlicek gave opponents fits on both ends of the court with his tenacious defense and his deadly mid-range game. Hondo's constant movement on offense would be later emulated by Reggie Miller and Rip Hamilton. He made it a habit to tire out his adversaries and bury them in the clutch (we call that strategy the anti-Lebron). He's also credited with revolutionizing the sixth man role.

4. Bob Pettit

Team(s): Hawks
Career: 1954-1965
Stats: 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3 APG

The rugged power forward had no equal when he stepped on the scene. A center at LSU, Pettit was forced to change positions due to his small build (6-foot-9). That was the best thing to happen to him though, as he used his quickness and blue collar work ethic to earn the league's first MVP honors. He's responsible for the Hawks only championship (1958) and dropped 50 on Bill Russell's Celtics in the deciding game of the '58 Finals. Pettit retired in his prime at 32, putting up 22.5 ppg and 12.4 rpg in his last season.

3. George Mikan

Team(s): Lakers
Career: 1948-1956
Stats: 22.3 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.7 APG

George Mikan dominated a young NBA with his intimdating size (6-foot10), leading the Minneapolis Lakers to four championships in five years. He towered over everybody and was impossible to stop, whether it be from scoring or rebounding. Mikan helped usher in a new era of basketball, just as Dr. J and the ABA did during the '70s. The Mikan Drill is still used by coaches to teach rookies left and right handed layups. The legacy lives on.

2. Jerry West

Team(s): Lakers
Career: 1960-1974
Stats: 27 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG

West's game was so smooth the NBA made him the logo. Nothing else really has to be said but we'll drop some more knowledge on you just for the hell of it. Along with Wilt the Stilt and Elgin Baylor, Jerry led the Lakers to nine Finals appearances in fourteen years. His jump shot was one of the purest in league history and if you young'ns doubt us, just play with the West-led Laker teams in NBA 2K12. Mr. Clutch also played killer D and had that clutch gene everyone wishes LeBron had.

1. Larry Bird

Team(s): Celtics
Career: 1979-1992
Stats: 24.3 PPG, 10 RPG, 6.3 APG

The Hick from French Lick was slow and couldn't jump, but that didn't stop him from being top ten dead or alive. Whenever the game was on the line, the whole building knew who was making the last shot. Larry Legend's jumper was automatic, he had handle and vision like a guard, crashed the boards and played All-NBA defense. Bird led the HOF-stacked Celtics to three titles in five Finals appearances and won three straight MVPs (1984-1986). Not to mention, his rivalry with Magic Johnson saved the NBA from oblivion. When you hear "greatest white basketball player of all time" you automatically think Bird. Happy birthday, Larry Legend!