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There have been many NBA players in the history of the league that we, as fans, can deem as legends or superstars. But the NBA stars who place themselves inside the influential category are the ones who leave a lasting mark on the history of the game.
From Michael Jordan to the late Kobe Bryant, to even players like Jeremy Lin - being influential is what makes a player change the landscape of a game in the most special way. It's creating a unique culture within the NBA for the benefit of the fans on and off the court.
We take a look at 10 of the most influential players the NBA has seen in the history of the league.
10. Larry Bird
One of the greatest shooters the NBA has ever seen, Larry Bird was appreciated by fans and opponents alike in his day and age. His amazing 3-point shooting would set the tone for players all over the league in today's era. These include sharp-shooting players like Stephen Curry, Ray Allen and Klay Thompson.
Bird was the most versatile forward of his time and went down as an all-time great. He is the only man in NBA history to win Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Finals MVP, as a player and then win Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. It is a special achievement that is unlikely to be matched.
9. Allen Iverson
You can love him or hate him, but Allen Iverson deserves to be on this list; the man who changed the culture of the NBA and stood at just 6"0 tall. The way he slipped past his defenders with that infamous crossover inspired an entire generation.
Iverson was deemed the league's MVP during the 2000-01 season and named an 11-time All-Star for his career. When you talk about Allen Iverson (who was nicknamed The Answer), you talk about someone who was one of the most charismatic players in history.
From bringing his hip-hop fashion into vogue to rocking the cornrows hairstyle, fans seemed to gravitate to Iverson more than people of this era would ever realize. The man even made the NBA implement a dress code!
But in the end, Iverson stands as one of the NBA's most unique, yet influential, icons to date.
8. Oscar Robertson
He was the NBA's most notable triple-double scoring savant in his time. Robertson changed the game in so many ways and his triple-double prowess paved the way for players like Russell Westbrook, Magic Johnson and LeBron James.
But most importantly, what made Robertson influential was his work off the court. Serving as president of the National Players Association, along with being a civil rights activist hero for the NBA, Robertson pledged hard to fight for what he envisioned.
He went to court against the NBA in basketball's most well-known case, Robertson vs. the NBA, in what was an antitrust lawsuit filed to abolish the clause that permanently tied a player to one team.
7. Jerry West
The Logo! Many seem to have forgotten that Mr. Jerry West is the man behind the familiar NBA logo. But why is he the face of the world's most popular basketball league?
Jerry was the most dominant point guard the game had seen at the time. He was named an All-Star for all 14 of his NBA career seasons and won six championship rings with the Lakers.
West's jump-shot was like magic in big-time moments and he was known as the most efficient off-the-dribble shooter of his time. He was fundamental, smart, and knew how to get his team to win when they needed him most. The legend was one of the greatest competitors to date.
6. Kobe Bryant
Kobe will never be loved and honored enough, and it was inevitable he would make this list. Known as the "Black Mamba," Kobe was arguably the closest thing to Michael Jordan.
One of the most dedicated players the NBA has seen, it was always obvious that Kobe was the hardest working guy on the floor. He always gave 110% and never settled for anything less. Drafted right out of Lower Merion High School in 1996, Kobe's game resonated across the league immediately.
Kobe Bryant was a 5x NBA Champion and one-time league MVP during the 2007-08 season. Creating one of the league's most interesting and dedicated fan bases over his career, Kobe showed that his love for the game was unmatched by anyone. And that's what made people love him.
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabar
You can certainly categorize Kareem in the "GOAT" Category. The heights of his career are captivating to look back on today.
The iconic figure would win six championships and serve as the NBA's all-time scoring leader. A philosopher of his well-known hook shot, Kareem's 7"2 frame made the sky-high shot impossible to stop.
But what really made Kareem the likable guy that he still is today, was his off-the-court deeds. The six-time MVP's take on social injustice, racial inequality, and civil rights has made his presence reverberate in the most poignant way.
Kareem has set the foundation for more players to speak up, as many have referred to him as the NBA's most iconic figure. Kareem made it known, regardless of the societal opinions thrown at him, that there is a world that needs help from superstar athletes such as the ones in the NBA.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the perfect combination of legacy, courage and influence.
4. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is best known for setting some of the most unbelievable records in his NBA career. Most notably, his 100-point and 55-rebound games are landmarks that will arguably never be reached by any player.
Chamberlain played for the 76ers before he went to the Lakers. He won an NBA championship in 1967 with the Philadelphia 76ers and then in 1972 with the LA Lakers.
It was more of Chamberlin's character off the court that made him an influential character. He excelled in just about any sport outside of basketball. He loved to swim, box, bike, and was even a standout track star at Kansas University.
Wilt's freakishly athletic 7"1 frame makes the average 7 footer wonder "how in the world could the man do all those things?" But Wilt was special, and he was famously an amazing person at heart.
3. Bill Russell
Eleven NBA Titles with 2 consecutive NCAA Championships, Russell serves as the league's most decorated legend, not just in the NBA but in American sports.
Russell was the center that changed the script for big-man centers in today's age. The legendary Boston Celtics player is also an activist and role model for players across the league.
From his days of not being granted a visit to the Oval Office, to being told he couldn't shop at certain stores or eat at restaurants, Russell never let any of it get the best of him.
And most importantly, people saw that in his character through his many writings and books entailing subjects of racism, discrimination throughout the NBA, police brutality, and so much more.
Bill Russell is an iconic figure that fans continue to look up to. He will always have a special place in the NBA's heart.
2. LeBron James
LeBron "King" James is in his own lane, serving as the NBA's most dynamic player who has been responsible for an ever-changing league. LeBron, from day 1, has made the game for what it is now. From creating the first super team to winning championships with 3 different franchises, James continues to distance himself from the many greats in his category.
When he has a chance to prove something, he does it. That's what makes LeBron one of the most controversial names when fans mention him as the greatest player of all time.
The 4x NBA champion's off-the-court presence is widely known too, as LeBron James is the creator of the I Promise School for At-Risk Students in Akron, Ohio.
The list of achievements can go on for LeBron and he also utilizes his platform to acknowledge racial inequality and discrimination amongst the African American community.
1. Michael Jordan
The most iconic NBA player the game will ever see, Michael Jordan is legendary. From his sneakers and his Jumpman Jordan logo, to his high-rising vertical, His Airness is like no other.
The 6x NBA champion led a Bulls dynasty that will go down in history as one of the greatest dynasties in American sports. Jordan was a fierce competitor and role model to many players of this generation. His fan base is like no other, as many still make the case today as to why no one will ever exceed his greatness.
For all the clutch shots, memorable slam-dunks and tongue stick outs, Jordan's popularity among basketball fans is unmatched.
Guess the Lakers players!
