6 NBA players who have revolutionized the game

The game of basketball has been evolving almost every decade since James Naismith tossed a crumpled paper into his garbage basket and lit a bulb in his head.

Without a doubt, being the premier basketball league in the world hands down since its inception, the NBA has been contributing immensely to its continuous beautification, thanks largely to the numerous basketball greats who revolutionized the game individually and collectively, transforming the sport into what it is today.

Here are the top six game changers who have donned NBA jerseys.

#6 Stephen Curry

Enter captio — Stephen Curry has revolutionized the game from afar.

This early in his career, Steph Curry has already contributed greatly in changing the way the game is played, taking much attention away from the paint and extending it to as far as the mid-court.

Neither blessed with size nor athleticism, this unlikely game-changer redefined the meaning of great shot selection and turned the game upside down with his seeming desperation shots that hit the mark more often than not. From stepping back to quick releases in the face of defenders and heaving from distances, Curry has managed to torch his opponents with his three-pointers with surprisingly uncanny accuracy.

The two-time MVP and three-time NBA champion has not only brought down records from distance, from most 3-point makes in a game to season 3-point conversions, but Steph has also influenced the majority of franchises to tinker with their offensive philosophy and include volume shots from afar.

#5 Wilt Chamberlain

Ent — There are 100 reasons why Wilt is in the conversation.

Not only did he set numerous NBA records that would probably not ever be broken, Wilt Chamberlain truly dominated the game offensively during his time. Aside from scoring 100 points and 55 rebounds, this one-man wrecking crew who played for Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959-65), Philadelphia 76ers (1965-68), and Los Angeles Lakers (1968-73) is forever known as the only player who were able to have season averages of over 50 points, 22 rebounds, and mind-boggling 48.5 minutes per game.

One of the best bigs of all time, Wilt stood out in his era with his unique speed, athleticism, and brute strength. Towards the latter part of his career, Chamberlain blossomed into a team player who contributed greatly to his Los Angeles Lakers team in establishing the longest winning streak in the NBA at 33, en route to winning his second championship ring.

#4 Bill Russell

Enter cap — Showing some of his 'rings', Russell rings the bell when it comes to winning and dominating.

The first truly dominating defensive monster, Bill Russell, had epitomized the mantra “Defense wins championships”, by winning 11 NBA titles blocking shots and sowing terror inside the paint.

Make no mistake about it, Russell was also a great offensive player, but he had dominated the game more on his opponents’ basket than his. The Celtic great was undoubtedly a better passing big man and one of the pioneers when it comes to routinely dunking the ball.

Having more championship rings than his fingers, Bill Russell would perfectly fit in anyone’s definition of a winner. He was also a certified winner in college with two NCAA titles and in the Olympics with a gold medal. In his 15 year career as a player, he had a total of 13 NBA finals appearance.

Bill Russell may not be considered as the GOAT, but he is definitely the greatest winner.

#3 Magic Johnson

Ente — Johnson has magically dominated from all five positions to put himself in a higher position.

Often mentioned in the same breath with Larry Bird, Earvin “Magic” Johnson was so dominant in his time that he could take over any game even without scoring a basket. A 6’9 point guard, Magic had played multiple positions, even playing at center during his rookie year in place of his injured teammate, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, in game 6 of 1980 NBA finals, to win the first of his five championships.

Considered as the greatest Laker, Johnson was instrumental in restoring interests in the league as his rivalry with Larry Bird and the Celtics, apart from his superb on-court wizardry and all-around savvy helped popularize the NBA in the 80s.

Although his brilliant career was abruptly ended by a virus called HIV, Magic had left an indelible mark in the game, and at present, continues to be “viral” as the president of the Los Angeles Lakers.

#2 LeBron James

The contributions of LeBron James to basketball had started right before he played in the NBA. Already gaining national attention as a high school player, LeBron was able to turn all the hypes that decorated his way to the NBA by being a dominating player right away when he donned a Cavalier jersey.

His domination would lead into three NBA titles and numerous NBA all-time regular season and playoffs records such as most consecutive double-digit scoring games, 1st place all-time in points scored (playoffs), minutes played, free throws made, and steals, among others.

Since 2010, LeBron James has made playing in the NBA finals a yearly tradition for his team. And just last season, he hardly showed wear and tear despite playing in his thirteenth year, and still managed to play all 82 games for the first time in his career, playing as dominant as ever.

#1 Michael Jordan

Enter — The shot that started it all for the greatest basketball player of all time

If there are two jump shots that were immortalized more than all else in the consciousness of the entire basketball world, both must belong to the player considered by many as the undisputed greatest basketball player of all-time.

One was taken by a college kid named Michael Jordan, a game-winner that gave North Carolina an NCAA title, and the other was the last shot ever taken by His Airness that gave Chicago Bulls its sixth championship in eight years.

Those are just two of the thousands of other images that defined the legacy of the most influential player in the game of basketball, Michael Jordan.

Still considered as the yardstick of greatness, Jordan had paved the way for the likes of LeBron James, inspiring a generation of ballers to work hard to be on top of their game and just do it.