Popular teams:
boston celtics
duke blue devils
chicago bulls
U.S. men’s national team
los angeles lakers
A
Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem (born Lew Alcindor)
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- All-time NBA leader in career field goals and in career minutes played
- Appearance in Airplane!
- Appearance in Kareem: Reflections from Inside
- As cause for NCAA to ban dunking
- As championship winner on Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- As Lakers legend
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- As social justice activist
- Fight with Kent Benson
- In the 1974 NBA Finals
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1970)
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1973)
- Missing the 1973 NBA All-Star Game
- Name change from Lew Alcindor
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- On ’70-’71 Milwaukee Bucks (greatest teams)
- On ’84-’85 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On ’86-’87 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- Participation on Splash
- Record holder for most personal fouls
- Role in “The Punch”
- Signature Adidas Jabbar shoe
Abdul-Rauf, Mahmoud (born Chris Jackson)
Adams, Alvan
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- As Suns legend
- #33 jersey for Suns retired and “un-retired”
Adelman, Rick
Aguirre, Mark
- As championship winner on the Pistons (1989, 1990)
- On ’88-’89 Detroit Pistons (greatest teams)
- Traded from the Mavericks to the Pistons
Ainge, Danny
- As championship winner on Celtics (1984, 1986)
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- As baseball player
- Fight with Tree Rollins
- Game winning buzzer beater for BYU in 1982 NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinals
Air Jordan shoes
- As signature basketball shoe brand
- Banned by the NBA (1985)
- Initial release (1985)
- Subject of “It’s Gotta Be the Shoes” commercial
Alabama Crimson Tide
Aldridge, LaMarcus
Alexander, Joe
Alford, Steve
All-American Red Heads
Allen, Ray
- Appearance in He’s Got Game
- As competitor in the Three-Point Contest
- As part of 1996 NBA draft class
- As SuperSonics legend
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2008)
- On ’07-’08 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- On ’12-’13 Miami Heat (greatest teams)
- On 2000 U.S. Olympic team
- Traded from the Bucks to the SuperSonics
- Winning basket in game six of 2013 NBA Finals
Alvertis, Fragiskos
American Basketball Association (ABA)
- As a rival to the NBA
- First major pro league to expand to the Southern U.S.
- Franchises that folded before the merger
- Lowering draft eligibility age to land Spencer Haywood
- Merging in 1976 with NBA
- Notable franchise owners in
- Original Slam Dunk Contest during the 1976 All-Star Game
- Subject of the book Loose Balls
- Suing the NBA (1969, 1972, 1974)
- Utilizing the three-point line before the NBA
American Basketball League (ABL) (original, 1925-1955)
American Basketball League (ABL) (second version, 1961-1963)
Andersen, Chris
Anderson Packers
Antetokounmpo, Giannis
- As league MVP getting eliminated early in the playoffs (2020)
- As league MVP in a controversial voting (2019)
- Nicknamed “Greek Freak”
Anthony, Carmelo
- Appearances on Saturday Night Live
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As Knicks legend
- As part of Rockets “super team”
- As part of Thunder “super team”
- As part of 2003 NBA draft class
- Fight with Mardy Collins
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- On 2008 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2012 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2016 U.S. Olympic team
- Participation on La La’s Full Court Wedding
Antsey, Chris
Arenas, Gilbert
- As cause for NBA to implement new rules on restricted free agency
- As second round draft pick
- Signing with the Wizards
- Traded from the Wizards to the Magic
- Wearing jersey #0
Archibald, Nate “Tiny”
- As championship winner on Celtics (1981)
- Nicknamed “Tiny”
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- Traded from the Kings to the Nets, Nets to the Braves, Clippers to the Celtics
Ariza, Trevor
Arizin, Paul
Arizona Wildcats
- Lute Olson retires and is replaced by Kevin O’Neill
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Duke (2011)
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Kansas (1997)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Buffalo (2018)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to East Tennessee State (1992)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Miami (OH) (1995)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Santa Clara (1993)
- Winning 1997 NCAA Tournament National Final
Armstrong, B.J.
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993)
- As expansion draft pick of Raptors
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
Armstrong, Darrell
Atlanta Hawks
- Bill Russell injury playing part in 1958 NBA title (as St. Louis Hawks)
- Billy Knight tenure as general manager
- Drafting Bob Pettit #2 overall
- In game seven of the 1957 NBA Finals (as St. Louis Hawks)
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Lon Kruger tenure as coach
- Name change from Blackhawks to Hawks
- Playing games in the Omni Coliseum
- Playing home games at Georgia Dome
- Re-location from Moline to Milwaukee
- Re-location from Milwaukee to St. Louis
- Re-location from St. Louis to Atlanta
- Retiring a jersey for Kasim Reed
- Rivalry with Celtics
- Rivalry with Waterloo Hawks (as Tri-Cities Blackhawks)
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’57-’58 championship season (as St. Louis Hawks)
- Upsetting the Pacers in the 1996 playoffs first round
- Winning 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Auburn Tigers
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over North Carolina (2019)
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over UNLV (1986)
- Reaching 1986 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #8 seed
Auerbach, Red
Ayres, Jeff
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B
Baltimore Bullets (original version, 1948-1954)
- Clair Bee tenure as coach
- Folding in 1954
- In the ABL
- Playing in the first Christmas Day game
- Rivalry with Washington Capitols
- Struggling to defend their title in ’48-’49
- Upsetting Warriors in 1948 NBA Finals
Baltimore Bullets (second version, 1963-1973)
Baltimore Claws (formerly New Orleans Buccaneers, Memphis Pros, Memphis Tams, Memphis Sounds)
- Folding before the ABA-NBA merger
- Owned by Charles Finley
- Owned by Isaac Hayes
- Owned by Morton Downey, Jr.
Barbosa, Leandro
Barea, J.J.
Bargnani, Andrea
Barkley, Charles
- Almost traded to the Lakers
- Appearance in “Godzilla v Charles Barkley” Nike commercial
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- Appearance in “Not a role model” Nike commercial
- Appearance in Shut Up and Jam!
- Appearance in Space Jam
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As part of Rockets “super team”
- As Suns legend
- At the 1993 NBA Finals
- Covering up Adidas logo on Team U.S.A. jersey
- Fight with Bill Laimbeer
- Fight with Shaquille O’Neal
- Getting in trouble due to his big mouth
- Hosting Saturday Night Live
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1990)
- Nicknamed “Round Mound of Rebound”
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On 1996 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Signature Nike Air Force 180 shoe
- Wearing #32 jersey for 76ers
Barnett, Dick
Barry, Brent
Barry, Jon
Barry, Rick
- As father of Brent, Drew, and Jon Barry
- As great play maker
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Ending career with the Rockets
- Fight with Leonard Gray
- In the 1967 NBA Finals
- Lack of nickname
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1975)
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Return to Golden State Warriors
- Signing with Oakland Oaks
Bates, Billy Ray
Batista, Esteban
Battier, Shane
Baylor, Elgin
- As Lakers legend
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- Coaching the Jazz
- Feuding with Jazz players
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- General manager of the Clippers
- In the 1962 NBA Finals
- In the 1963 NBA Finals
- Lack of nickname
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1963)
- Never named NBA league MVP
- On ’71-’72 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Returning as head coach of Jazz
Beard, Ralph
Beasley, John
Beaty, Zelmo
Bedford, William
Bee, Clair
Beilein, John
Bell, Raja
Bellamy, Walt
- As expansion draft pick of Jazz
- As Knicks legend
- On 1960 U.S. Olympic team
- Traded from the Knicks to Pistons
Belov, Sergei
Bender, Dragan
Bender, Jonathan
Bennett, Clay
Berry, Ricky
Bias, Len
Bibby, Mike
Billups, Chauncey
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As part of 1997 NBA draft class
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- Signing with Pistons
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2004)
Bing, Dave
- As politician
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Ending career with the Celtics
- Never played in the NBA Finals
Bird, Larry
- Appearance in One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird
- Appearance in “The Showdown” McDonald’s commercial
- Appearance in Space Jam
- Appearance in “The Weapon Rap” Converse commercial
- As cause for NBA to implement the “Bird Rule” contract exemption
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As great play maker
- Coaching the Pacers
- Co-author of the book When the Game Was Ours
- Debut NBA game
- Delaying retirement to play on 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Feud with Julius Erving
- Fight with Julius Erving
- Final game vs. Magic Johnson
- In 1979 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1981)
- “Now there’s a steal by Bird” (game five, 1987 Eastern Conference Finals)
- Nicknamed “Legend”
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On ’85-’86 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Ranking of Celtics teammates who won championships with
- Rivalry with Magic Johnson
Bird, Sue
Birdsong, Otis
Blatche, Andray
Blazejowski, Carol
Bodiroga, Dejan
Bogues, Muggsy
- Appearance in Space Jam
- As expansion draft pick of Hornets
- Under six feet tall
- Winning Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award
Bol, Manute
Bonham, Ron
- As championship winner on Celtics (1965, 1966)
Booker, Devin
Boozer, Bob
Boozer, Carlos
Bosh, Chris
- As part of 2003 NBA draft class
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- On ’12-’13 Miami Heat (greatest teams)
Boston Celtics
- Conference Finals upset loss to Knicks (1972)
- Conference Finals upset loss to Knicks (1973)
- Conference Finals upset loss to 76ers (1980)
- Conference Finals upset loss to 76ers (1982)
- Effect of Walter Brown’s ownership on franchise culture
- In game five of the 1976 NBA Finals
- In game five of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals
- In game four of the 1987 NBA Finals
- In game seven of the 1957 NBA Finals
- In game seven of the 1962 NBA Finals
- In game seven of the 1969 NBA Finals
- In the 1967 Eastern Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- In the 1975 Eastern Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- In the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Larry Bird’s debut game
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (2008)
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 1968 Conference Finals
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 1981 Conference Finals
- Playing home games at Hartford Civic Center
- Playing games in Boston Garden
- Postponing a game due to MLK assassination
- Ranking of players who won championships with (Bill Russell’s teammates)
- Rick Pitino tenure as coach
- Rivalry with Hawks
- Rivalry with Lakers
- Rivalry with Providence Steam Rollers
- Rivalry with 76ers
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’68-’69 championship season
- Struggling to defend their title in ’69-’70
- Trading Rajon Rondo to the Mavericks
- Trading with the Lakers
- Upsetting Lakers in 1969 NBA Finals
Boston College Eagles
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Indiana (1994)
- No Final Four appearances in the modern era
- Reaching 1994 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #9 seed
Boston Garden
Bowen, Bruce
Bowie, Sam
Boykins, Earl
- As un-drafted player
- Playing for 10 different NBA teams
- Under six feet tall
- Winning Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award
Bradley, Bill
- As Knicks legend
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- As politician
- Nicknamed “Dollar”
- On 1964 U.S. Olympic team
Bradley, Shawn
Branch, Adrian
Brand, Elton
Brandon, Terrell
Braun, Carl
Brewer, Jim
Brooklyn Nets
- Billy King tenure as general manager
- John Calipari tenure as coach
- Name change from Americans to Nets
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (2002)
- Playing home games at Rutgers Athletic Center
- Postponing their home opener in Brooklyn due to Hurricane Sandy
- Re-location from New York to New Jersey
- Re-location from New Jersey to Brooklyn
- Rivalry with Knicks
- Rivalry with Knicks (geographical)
- Upsetting the 76ers in the 1984 playoffs first round
- Willis Reed tenure as coach
- Winning 2000 NBA Draft Lottery
Brooks, Scott
Brown, Dee
- As Celtics teammate of Larry Bird
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- In the 1991 Slam Dunk Contest
- Signature Reebok Pump D-Line shoe
Brown, Chucky
Brown, Fred
Brown, John Y.
Brown, Kwame
Brown, Larry
Brown, P.J.
Brown, Randy
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998)
Brown, Roger
Brown, Walter A.
Bryant, Em
Bryant, Kobe
- Almost traded to the Bulls or Pistons
- Appearance in “MVPuppets” Nike commercial
- As Lakers legend
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As part of 1996 NBA draft class
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- As son of Joe Bryant
- Buzzer beater in game four of 2006 Conference Quarterfinals (vs. Suns)
- Drafted by the Hornets straight from high school
- Earning 2009 All-Star Game co-MVP with Shaquille O’Neal
- Feud with Shaquille O’Neal
- Game winning shot in game four of 2002 Conference Semifinals (vs. Spurs)
- Great performance in game four of 2000 NBA Finals (vs. Pacers)
- Great performance in game seven of 2010 NBA Finals (vs. Celtics)
- Labeled as the next Michael Jordan
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2006)
- Most significant games of his career
- Nicknamed “Black Mamba”
- On ’99-’00 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On 2008 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2012 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing against Shaquille O’Neal as an opponent for the first time (on Christmas)
- Record holder for most field goals missed
- Scoring 60 points in his final regular season game (2016)
- Signature Nike Kobe 4 shoe
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2010)
- 81 point game (2006)
Bryn, Torgeir
“The Bubble” (2020)
- Player of the Seeding Games award
- Site of neutral site NBA games
- Using AdventHealth Arena to host games
Bucknell Bison
Buckner, Quinn
- As championship winner on Celtics (1984)
- On 1976 U.S. Olympic team
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
Buechler, Jud
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998)
Buffalo Braves
Buffalo Germans
Bullard, Matt
Burke, Pat
Burrell, Scott
Buss, Dr. Jerry
Butler Bulldogs
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Wisconsin (2011)
- Reaching the 2010 Final Four
- Reaching the 2011 Final Four
- Snubbed from the 2002 NCAA Tournament
Butler, Jimmy
Bynum, Andrew
Byrnes, Marty
BYU Cougars
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C
Cabarkapa, Zarko
Caffey, Jason
Cage, Michael
Calderon, Jose
Caldwell, Joe
Calipari, John
Calverley, Ernie
Camby, Marcus
Campbell, Elden
Campbell, Tony
Cardinal, Brian
Carlisle, Rick
- As better coach than player
- Championship winner on Celtics (1986)
- Returning as head coach of Pacers
- Worst players with an NBA championship ring
Carr, Austin
Carr, M.L.
- As championship winner on Celtics (1981, 1984)
Carroll, Joe Barry
Carter, Vince
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- In the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest
- Labeled as the next Michael Jordan
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Nicknamed “Air Canada”
- On 2000 U.S. Olympic team
- Traded from the Magic to the Suns
- Traded from the Raptors to the Nets
Cartwright, Bill
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993)
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As Knicks legend
- On ’90-’91 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
Cassell, Sam
- As championship winner on Rockets (1994, 1995)
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Signing with Celtics (2008)
Catchings, Tamika
Ceballos, Cedric
Chamberlain, Wilt
- All-time NBA leader in career rebounds and in career rebounds per game
- Almost traded to the Bulls
- Appearance in Conan the Destroyer
- As Lakers legend
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- As volleyball player
- Averaging a record 50.4 points per game in ’61-’62
- Coaching the San Diego Conquistadors
- Fate of 100-point game ball
- Fight with Clyde Lovellette
- Fight with Sam Jones
- Holding NBA single game record for free throws
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1962)
- Most unbreakable records of
- Nicknamed “The Stilt”
- On ’66-’67 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
- On ’71-’72 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- Record holder for most free throws missed
- Record holder for most points in a game and most rebounds in a game
- Rivalry with Bill Russell
- Traded from Warriors to 76ers (1965)
- Traded from 76ers to Lakers (1968)
Chambers, Tom
Chandler, Tyson
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Drafted by the Clippers straight from high school
- Wearing jersey #6
Chaney, Don
Chappell, Len
Charles, Lorenzo
Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte Hornets
- Bernie Bickerstaff and Rod Higgins tenures as general manager
- Dave Cowens tenure as coach
- Expansion draft picks (1988)
- Expansion draft picks (as Bobcats, 2004)
- Name change from Bobcats to Hornets
- Name etymology
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference, then back to Eastern Conference
Cheeks, Maurice
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- Coaching the Pistons, Trail Blazers, and 76ers
- Feuding with 76ers players (as coach)
- On ’82-’83 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
Chicago Bulls
- Expansion draft picks (1966)
- Fred Hoiberg tenure as coach
- In game seven of the 1998 NBA Finals
- In game six of the 1997 NBA Finals
- Players feuding with coach Tim Floyd
- Playing games in Chicago Stadium
- Ranking of players who won championships with
- Re-alignment from Western Conference to Eastern Conference
- Rivalry with Cavaliers
- Rivalry with Knicks
- Struggling to defend their title in ’98-’99
- Subject of the book The Last Season
- Tim Floyd tenure as coach
- Upset by the 76ers in the 2012 playoffs first round
- Winning 2008 NBA Draft Lottery
Chicago Packers / Zephyrs
Chicago Stags
Chilcutt, Pete
China
Chones, Jim
Christie, Doug
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati Royals
- See Sacramento Kings
Cisse, Ousmane
Clark, Carlos
Claver, Victor
Clemson Tigers
Cleveland Cavaliers
- All-time greatest players
- Conference Finals upset loss to Magic (2009)
- Conference Finals upset over Pistons (2007)
- Don Delaney tenure as general manager
- Effect of Ted Stepien’s ownership on franchise culture
- Expansion draft picks (1970)
- In game seven of the 2016 NBA Finals
- John Beilein tenure as coach
- Name etymology
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (2015)
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 2016 NBA Finals
- Jim Paxson tenure as general manager
- Rivalry with Bulls
- Rivalry with Wizards
- Upsetting Warriors in 2016 NBA Finals
- Winning 2011 and 2014 NBA Draft Lottery
Cleveland Rebels
Cleveland State Vikings
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Indiana (1986)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Wake Forest (2009)
Clifton, Nat
- As Knicks legend
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- As softball player
- First Black player to be named an NBA All-Star and to be a team captain
- Nicknamed “Sweetwater”
- Playing for Xavier University of Louisiana
Coleman, Derrick
Collins, Doug
Collins, Jason
Commonwealth Big Five (“Commons”)
Conley, Gene
- As championship winner on Celtics (1959, 1960, 1961)
- As expansion draft pick of Chicago Packers
Connecticut Huskies
Continental Basketball Association (CBA)
Cooper, Chuck
Cooper, Cynthia
Cooper, Michael
- As championship winner on Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- As Lakers legend
Coppin State Eagles
Cosic, Kresimir
Counts, Mel
Cousy, Bob
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- Appearance in Blue Chips
- As championship winner on Celtics (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963)
- Coaching the Royals
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1957)
- First president of NBA Players Association
- Nicknamed “Houdini of the Hardwood”
- On ’59-’60 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- On ’61-’62 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
Cowens, Dave
- As Celtics teammate of Larry Bird
- Coaching the Hornets and Warriors
- Comeback from retirement
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1973)
- Ending career with the Bucks
Crawford, Jamal
Crawford, Joan
Creighton Blue Jays
Cuban, Mark
Cummings, Terry
Cunningham, Billy
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Nicknamed “Kangaroo Kid”
- On ’66-’67 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
- #32 jersey for 76ers retired and “un-retired”
Cunningham, Cade
Cureton, Earl
Curry, Dell
Curry, Eddy
- Drafted by the Bulls straight from high school
- Led the NBA in field goal percentage
- Never made a playoff appearance
Curry, Stephen
- All-time NBA leader in career three-point field goals
- As brother of Seth Curry
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As golfer
- As part of 2009 NBA draft class
- As son of Dell Curry
- Auction of autographed rookie card
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (2015)
- In the 2019 NBA Finals
- Leading Davidson to 2008 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2015)
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- On ’14-’15 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On ’15-’16 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On ’16-’17 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
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D
Dalipagic, Drazen
Dallas Chaparrals
Dallas Mavericks
- Drafting and trading Kiki Vandeweghe
- Effect of Mark Cuban’s ownership on franchise culture
- Expansion draft picks (1980)
- In the 2003 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Name etymology
- Purchasing by Mark Cuban (2000)
- Struggling to defend their title in ’11-’12
- Upset by the Heat in 2006 NBA Finals
- Upset by the SuperSonics in the 1987 playoffs first round
- Upset by the Warriors in the 2007 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Heat in 2011 NBA Finals
Daly, Chuck
Dandridge, Bob
- On ’70-’71 Milwaukee Bucks (greatest teams)
- Playing for Norfolk State
Dantley, Adrian
- Holding NBA single game record for free throws
- On 1976 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Traded from the Braves to the Pacers to the Lakers to the Jazz to the Pistons
- Traded from the Pistons to the Mavericks
Daugherty, Brad
David, Kornel
Davidson Wildcats
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Wisconsin (2008)
- Reaching 2008 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #10 seed
Davis, Anthony
Davis, Antonio
Davis, Dale
Davis, Glen
Davis, Walter
Dawkins, Darryl
- Drafted by the 76ers straight from high school
- Fight with Maurice Lucas
- Nicknamed “Chocolate Thunder”
Daye, Austin
Dayton Flyers
DeBusschere, Dave
Dees, Archie
Dele, Bison (born Brian Williams)
Dembo, Fennis
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989)
- Played only one NBA season
- Worst players with an NBA championship ring
Deng, Luol
Denver Nuggets
- Conference Finals upset loss to SuperSonics (1978)
- Dan Issel tenure as coach
- Dan Issel tenure as general manager
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Name change from Rockets to Nuggets
- Name etymology
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 2020 Conference Quarterfinals
- Players feuding with coach Dan Issel
- Upset by the Warriors in the 2013 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the SuperSonics in the 1994 playoffs first round
Denver Nuggets (original version, 1949-1950)
DeRozan, DeMar
Detroit Falcons
Detroit Pistons
- Conference Finals upset loss to Cavaliers (2007)
- Drafting Darko Milicic #2 overall
- Drafting Isiah Thomas #2 overall
- In game five of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals
- Losing 1955 NBA Finals under suspicious circumstances (as Fort Wayne Pistons)
- Maurice Cheeks tenure as coach
- Name change from Zollner Pistons to Pistons
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 2003 Conference Quarterfinals
- Players rebelling against coach John Kuester
- Playing games in Palace of Auburn Hills
- Playing home games in North Side High School Gym (Fort Wayne)
- Ranking of teammates who won championships with
- Re-alignment from Western Conference to Eastern Conference
- Re-location from Fort Wayne to Detroit
- Rivalry with Anderson Packers and Indianapolis Olympians (as Fort Wayne Pistons)
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’89-’90 championship season
- Trading Adrian Dantley to the Mavericks for Mark Aguirre
- Trading Dave DeBusschere to the Knicks
- Trading for Rasheed Wallace from the Hawks
- Upset by Nationals in 1955 NBA Finals
- Upsetting Lakers in 1989 NBA Finals
- Upsetting Lakers in 2004 NBA Finals
Diamantidis, Dmitris
Diaw, Boris
DiGregorio, Ernie
Diop, DeSagana
Dischinger, Terry
Divac, Vlade
- As great play maker
- As Lakers legend
- As Lakers teammate of Magic Johnson
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- General manager of the Kings
Dolan, Charles
Doleac, Michael
Donovan, Anne
Double Dribble
Dragic, Goran
Drew, Bryce
Drew, John
Drexler, Clyde
- Almost traded to the SuperSonics
- As championship winner on Rockets (1995)
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As part of Rockets “super team”
- Ending career with the Rockets
- Final player added to 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Nicknamed “The Glide”
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Participating on Dancing with the Stars
- Traded from the Trail Blazers to the Rockets
Drummond, Andre
Duerod, Terry
Duke Blue Devils
- Greatest NBA players who played college basketball at
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Lehigh (2012)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Mercer (2014)
- Winning 2010 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Winning 1992 NCAA Tournament Regional Final on Christian Laettner game winning buzzer beater
- Worst NBA players who played college basketball at
Dumars, Joe
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989, 1990)
- As part of 1985 NBA draft class
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- On ’88-’89 Detroit Pistons (greatest teams)
Duncan, Tim
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As part of 1997 NBA draft class
- As swimmer
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (2002)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (2002)
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1999)
- Nicknamed “The Big Fundamental”
- On ’04-’05 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
- On ’06-’07 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
- On ’13-’14 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
- On 2004 U.S. Olympic team
Dunleavy, Mike
Dunleavy Jr., Mike
Durant, Kevin
- Appearance in Thunderstruck
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As part of Nets “super team”
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- On ’16-’17 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On 2012 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2016 U.S. Olympic team
- Signing with Warriors
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E
East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Eaton, Mark
- All-time NBA leader in career blocks per game
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Taller than 7’4″
Ebi, Ndubi
Echenique, Jamie
Edwards, James
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996)
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989, 1990)
Ehlo, Craig
Elie, Mario
- As championship winner on Rockets (1994, 1995)
- Winning basket in game seven of 1995 Western Conference Semifinals
Elliott, Sean
Ellis, Dale
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As SuperSonics legend
- Holding NBA single game record for minutes played
Ellis, Leroy
Ellis, Monta
- As second round draft pick
- Drafted by the Warriors straight from high school
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
Elson, Francisco
Embiid, Joel
Embry, Wayne
English, Alex
Erickson, Keith
Erving, Julius
- Appearance in The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
- Appearance in One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1975)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1981)
- Feud with Larry Bird
- Fight with Larry Bird
- In the 1977 NBA Finals
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Nicknamed “Dr. J”
- On ’82-’83 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
- Wearing jersey #6
- Winning the ABA Slam Dunk Contest
Evans, Tyreke
Ewing, Patrick
- Appearance in Space Jam
- As Knicks legend
- As part of 1985 NBA draft class
- As shoe entrepreneur
- Ending career with the Magic
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Never named NBA league MVP
- On 1984 U.S. Olympic team
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Suspension during 1997 Conference Semifinals
- Wearing #6 jersey for Magic
Exum, Dante
Ezeli, Festus
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F
Felix, Ray
Fernando, Bruno
Fernsten, Eric
Ferrin, Arnie
- On ’49-’50 Minneapolis Lakers (greatest teams)
Ferry, Danny
FIBA World Cup
Finley, Michael
- On ’06-’07 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
Fisher, Derek
- As Lakers legend
- Participating on Dancing with the Stars
- Winning basket in game five of 2004 Western Conference Semifinals
Fitzsimmons, Cotton
Fizer, Marcus
Florida Gators
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Florida State Seminoles
Floridians (formerly Minnesota Muskies, Miami Floridians)
Floyd, Tim
Flynn, Mike
Ford, Chris
Ford, Phil
Fort Wayne Pistons
- See Detroit Pistons
The Forum
Fowles, Sylvia
Fox, Rick
- Appearance in Eddie
- As Celtics teammate of Larry Bird
- As Lakers legend
- Fight with Doug Christie
- Participating on Dancing with the Stars
- Traded from Lakers to Celtics
Foyle, Adonal
Francis, Steve
Frazier, Walt
Free, World B. (born Lloyd Free)
Freedom, Enes (born Enes Kanter)
Fulks, Joe
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G
Galis, Nikos
Gallatin, Harry
Garnett, Kevin
- Almost traded to the Lakers or Suns
- Declaring his draft eligibility
- Drafted by the Timberwolves straight from high school
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2008)
- Nicknamed “Big Ticket”
- On ’07-’08 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- On 2000 U.S. Olympic team
Gasol, Marc
Gasol, Pau
- As Lakers legend
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2010)
Gay, Rudy
George, Paul
- Almost traded to the Cavaliers
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As part of Thunder “super team”
- On 2016 U.S. Olympic team
George Mason Patriots
Georgetown Hoyas
- John Thompson retires as coach and is replaced by Craig Esherick (1999)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Florida Gulf Coast (2013)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Ohio (2010)
Georgia Dome (Atlanta)
Gervin, George
- As brother of Derrick Gervin
- Ending career with the Bulls
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1978)
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Nicknamed “Iceman”
Gill, Kendall
Gilmore, Artis
- All-time NBA leader in career field goal percentage
- As Celtics teammate of Larry Bird
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1972)
- Never played in the NBA Finals
Ginobili, Manu
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As part of 1999 NBA draft class
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- As second round draft pick
- On ’04-’05 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
- On ’06-’07 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
- On ’13-’14 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
Glouchkov, Georgi
Gobert, Rudy
Gola, Tom
Golden State Warriors
- Blowing 3-1 series lead in 2016 NBA Finals
- Conference Finals upset loss to the Suns (1976)
- Dave Cowens tenure as coach
- Dave Twardzik tenure as general manager
- Drafting Rick Barry #2 overall
- In game seven of the 2016 NBA Finals
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Mike Montgomery tenure as coach
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (as Philadelphia Warriors, 1956)
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 2016 Conference Finals
- Re-location from Oakland to San Francisco
- Re-location from Philadelphia to Oakland
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’55-’56 championship season (as Philadelphia Warriors)
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’74-’75 championship season
- Struggling to defend their title in ’56-’57 (as Philadelphia Warriors)
- Upset by the Bullets in 1948 NBA Finals (as Philadelphia Warriors)
- Upset by the Cavaliers in 2016 NBA Finals
- Upset by the Raptors in 2019 NBA Finals
- Upsetting the Bullets in 1975 NBA Finals
- Upsetting the Jazz in the 1989 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Nuggets in the 2013 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Spurs in the 1991 playoffs first round
- Winning 1995 NBA Draft Lottery
Gonzaga Bulldogs
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Florida (1999)
- Reaching 1999 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
Gooden, Drew
Goodrich, Gail
- As expansion draft pick of Suns
- As Lakers legend
- On ’71-’72 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- Traded from the Lakers to the Jazz (1976)
Gordon, Aaron
Gottlieb, Eddie
Graham, Mal
- As championship winner on Celtics (1968, 1969)
Grant, Horace
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993)
- As part of 1987 NBA draft class
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- On ’90-’91 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’91-’92 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- Signing with the Magic
“Greatest Game Ever Played” (1976 NBA Finals, game five)
Green, A.C.
- As championship winner on Lakers (1987, 1988)
- As Lakers legend
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
Green, Danny
Green, Draymond
- As second round draft pick
- On ’14-’15 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On ’15-’16 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On ’16-’17 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On 2016 U.S. Olympic team
- Suspension during 2016 NBA Finals
Green, Gerald
Green, Jeff
Greenwood, Dave
Greer, Hal
- On ’66-’67 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
Griffin, Blake
- As brother of Taylor Griffin
- As part of 2009 NBA draft class
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- In Kia commercials
- In the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Never played in the NBA Finals
Griffin, Eddie
Griffith, Darrell
Groza, Alex
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- As #2 overall NBA draft pick
- On 1948 U.S. Olympic team
Guarilla, Gene
- As championship winner on Celtics (1960, 1962)
Gudmundsson, Peter
Guerin, Richie
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H
H-O-R-S-E
Haddadi, Hamed
Hagan, Cliff
Hairston, Happy
- As Lakers legend
- On ’71-’72 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
Haliburton, Tyrese
Ham, Darvin
Hamilton, Leonard
Hamilton, Rip
- As part of 1999 NBA draft class
- Feuding with John Kuester
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2004)
- Nicknamed “Rip”
Hampton Pirates
Hannum, Alex
Hansen, Bob
Hansen, Lars
Hardaway, Anfernee “Penny”
- Appearance in Blue Chips
- Appearance in “Lil’ Penny” Nike commercials
- Labeled as the next Michael Jordan
- Nicknamed “Penny”
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Signature Air Foam Composite shoe
Hardaway, Tim
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As part of “Run-TMC” Warriors
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Winning Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award
Harden, James
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As part of Nets “super team”
- As part of Rockets “super team”
- As part of 2009 NBA draft class
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Not earning league MVP in controversial voting results
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
Harlem Globetrotters
Harper, Derek
- As cause for the NBA defensive hand-checking rule
- Fight with Jo Jo English
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
Harper, Ron
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998)
Harrington, Al
Harris, Lusia
Harris, Terrel
Haslem, Udonis
Hassett, Joe
Hastings, Scott
Havlicek, John
- As great play maker
- As championship winner on Celtics (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
- As football player
- “Havlicek stole the ball!” (game seven, 1965 Eastern Conference Finals)
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1969)
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Nicknamed “Hondo”
Hawkins, Connie
- As Suns legend
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Suing the NBA (1966)
- Unfairly implicated in 1961 point shaving scandal
Hayes, Elvin
Haywood, Spencer
- As championship winner on Lakers (1980)
- As SuperSonics legend
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- On 1968 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing for the Denver Rockets of the ABA
- Signed by the SuperSonics
- Suing the NBA (1971)
Hazzard, Walt
Heinsohn, Tom
- As championship winner on Celtics (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965)
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- On ’59-’60 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- On ’61-’62 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Would have earned Finals MVP if it existed
Henderson, Gerald
- As championship winner on Celtics (1981, 1984)
- As championship winner on Pistons (1990)
- As father of Gerald Henderson Jr.
Henderson, Tom
Herrera, Carl
- As championship winner on Rockets (1994, 1995)
Herro, Tyler
Hezonja, Mario
Hickey, Nat
Hill, Brian
Hill, Grant
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- Labeled as the next Michael Jordan
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Played at Duke
- Signature Fila Grant Hill shoe
- Wearing #33 jersey for Suns
Hill, Tyrone
Hitch, Lew
Hodges, Craig
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992)
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As social justice activist
Hogue, Paul
Hoiberg, Fred
Holland, Brad
Holt, Peter
Holzman, Red
Hopson, Dennis
Hornacek, Jeff
Horry, Robert
- As championship winner on Rockets (1994, 1995)
- As Lakers legend
- As part of 1992 NBA draft class
- Making various winning baskets in playoff games
- Nicknamed “Big Shot”
- On ’99-’00 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On ’04-’05 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
Houbregs, Bob
Houston, Allan
- As cause of “Allan Houston Rule” regarding luxury tax on waived players
- As Knicks legend
- On 2000 U.S. Olympic team
- Suspension during 1997 Conference Semifinals
Houston Rockets (formerly San Diego)
- Conference Finals upset over Lakers (1986)
- Conference Finals upset over Spurs (1995)
- Expansion draft picks (1967)
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 1995 Conference Semifinals
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 2015 Conference Semifinals
- Ranking of players who won championships with
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference
- Re-alignment from Western Conference to Eastern Conference
- Rivalry with Spurs (one-sided)
- Rivalry with Spurs (geographical)
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’94-’95 championship season
- Trading Otis Thorpe to the Trail Blazers for Clyde Drexler
- Upsetting the Lakers in the 1981 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Magic in 1995 NBA Finals
- Winning 2002 NBA Draft Lottery
Howard, Dwight
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- Drafted by the Magic straight from high school
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Holding NBA single game record for free throw attempts
- In the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest
- In the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest
- In the 2009 Slam Dunk Contest
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2011)
- Never named NBA league MVP
- On 2008 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Signing with Rockets (2013)
- Traded from Magic to Lakers (2012)
Howard, Juwan
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Signing the first $100 million contract, with the Bullets (1996)
Howell, Bailey
- As championship winner on Celtics (1968, 1969)
- As expansion draft pick of Buffalo Braves
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
Humphries, Kris
Hunter, Lindsey
- Signing with Pistons (2004)
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I
Ibaka, Serge
Iguodala, Andre
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- On ’14-’15 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On ’15-’16 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2015)
Ilgauskas, Zydrunas
Illinois Fighting Illini
Indiana Hoosiers
- Fire Bobby Knight as coach (2000)
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Duke (2002)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Cleveland State (1986)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Kent State (2001)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Richmond (1988)
- Winning 1987 NCAA Tournament National Final
Indiana Pacers
- First game in the NBA
- Isiah Thomas tenure as coach
- Larry Bird tenure as coach
- Playing games in Market Square Arena
- Re-alignment from Western Conference to Eastern Conference
- Upset by the Hawks in the 1996 playoffs first round
- Upset by the Knicks in the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals
Indiana State Sycamores
Indianapolis Jets
Indianapolis Olympians
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa State Cyclones
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Hampton (2001)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to UAB (2015)
- No Final Four appearances in the modern era
Irving, Kyrie
- Almost traded to the Bucks or Suns
- Appearance in Uncle Drew
- Appearance in “Uncle Drew” Pepsi commercials
- As Cavaliers legend
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As part of Nets “super team”
- On 2016 U.S. Olympic team
- Played at Duke
Issel, Dan
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Coaching the Nuggets
- Feuding with Nuggets players
- General manager of the Nuggets
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Returning as head coach of Nuggets
Italy
Iverson, Allen
- Almost traded to the Pistons
- Appearance in “Answer V” Reebok commercial
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As football player
- As part of 1996 NBA draft class
- Feuding with coach Maurice Cheeks
- In the 2001 NBA Finals
- Missing the 2010 NBA All-Star Game
- Nicknamed “The Answer”
- On 2004 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Signature Reebok Question shoe
- Traded from the 76ers to the Nuggets
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J
Jabali, Warren
Jackson, Jim
Jackson, Lauren
Jackson, Mark
Jackson, Phil
- As better coach than player
- Author of the book The Last Season
- Winning his 1,000th career game (on Christmas)
Jackson, Stephen
James, LeBron
- Announcing “The Decision” (2010)
- Appearance in “MVPuppets” Nike commercial
- Appearance in Trainwreck
- Appearance in “What Should I Do?” Nike commercial
- As Cavaliers legend
- As great play maker
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As part of 2003 NBA draft class
- As social justice activist
- “The Block” (game seven, 2016 NBA Finals)
- Drafted by the Cavaliers straight from high school
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (2010)
- Feud with DeShawn Stevenson
- Hosting Saturday Night Live
- In the 2015 NBA Finals
- In the 2017 NBA Finals
- In the 2018 NBA Finals
- Meeting Rich Paul
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2015)
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2006)
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2011)
- Nicknamed “King James”
- On ’12-’13 Miami Heat (greatest teams)
- On 2004 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2008 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2012 U.S. Olympic team
- Record holder for most career playoff turnovers
- Returning to the Cavaliers (2014)
- Signing with the Heat; leaving the Cavaliers (2010)
- Signing with the Lakers (2018)
- Wearing jersey #6
- “48 special” (game five, 2007 Eastern Conference Finals)
Japan
Jeannette, Buddy
Jefferson, Al
Jenkins, Kris
Jent, Chris
Jianlian, Yi
Johnson, Amir
Johnson, Avery
- As un-drafted player
- Fired as coach of the Nets
- Jersey retired by Spurs
- Playing for Southern
- Under six feet tall
- Winning basket in game five of 1999 NBA Finals
Johnson, Charles
- Signing with Bullets (1978)
Johnson, Clay
Johnson, Dennis
- As championship winner on Celtics (1984, 1986)
- As Suns legend
- As SuperSonics legend
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- On ’85-’86 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1979)
Johnson, Eddie
Johnson, Gus
Johnson, Joe
Johnson, John
Johnson, Kevin
- As part of 1987 NBA draft class
- As politician
- As Suns legend
- Fight with Doc Rivers
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
Johnson, Larry
- Appearance in “Grandmama” Converse commercials
- Appearance in Space Jam
- Feud with Alonzo Mourning
- Fight with Alonzo Mourning
- Suspension during 1997 Conference Semifinals
Johnson, Earvin “Magic”
- All-time NBA leader in career assists per game
- Announcing his retirement due to contracting HIV
- Appearance in “The Weapon Rap” Converse commercial
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As Lakers legend
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- “Baby sky hook” (game four, 1987 NBA Finals)
- Coaching the Lakers
- Comeback from retirement
- Co-author of the book When the Game Was Ours
- Debut NBA game
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1990)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1990)
- Feuding with coach Paul Westhead
- Final game vs. Larry Bird
- In 1979 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Nicknamed “Magic”
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On ’84-’85 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On ’86-’87 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- Rivalry with Larry Bird
- Signature Converse Weapon shoe
- Taking over as starting center in game six of the 1980 NBA Finals
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1982)
Johnson, Marques
- Appearance in White Men Can’t Jump
- As great play maker
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Winning NBA Comeback Player of the Year award
Johnson, Mickey
Johnson, Stew
Johnson, Vinnie
- As brother of Eric Johnson
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989, 1990)
- Nicknamed “The Microwave”
- Winning basket in game five of 1990 NBA Finals
Johnston, Neil
Jones, Charles
Jones, Eddie
Jokic, Nikola
Jones, Alvin
Jones, Bobby
- On 1972 U.S. Olympic team
- On ’82-’83 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
- #24 jersey for 76ers retired and “un-retired”
Jones, Jimmy
Jones, K.C.
- As championship winner on Celtics (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966)
- On 1956 U.S. Olympic team
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
Jones, Robin
Jones, Sam
- As championship winner on Celtics (1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
- Fight with Wilt Chamberlain
- On ’61-’62 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Playing for North Carolina Central
- Would have earned Finals MVP if it existed
Jordan, DeAndre
Jordan, Eddie
Jordan, Michael
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- All-time NBA leader in career points per game
- Announcing his return from retirement (1995)
- Appearance in “Be Like Mike” Gatorade commercial
- Appearance in “Hare Jordans” Nike commercial
- Appearance in “It’s Gotta Be the Shoes” Air Jordans commercial
- Appearance in Michael Jordan: Come Fly with Me
- Appearance in Space Jam
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- As subject of the book The Jordan Rules
- Covering up Adidas logo on Team U.S.A. jersey
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1988)
- Ending career with the Wizards
- Feud with Isiah Thomas
- Hitting “The Final Shot” (game seven, 1998 NBA Finals)
- Hitting “The Shot” (game five, 1989 Conference Quarterfinals)
- Hosting Saturday Night Live
- In “The Flu Game” (game six, 1997 NBA Finals)
- In “The Showdown” McDonald’s commercial
- In “The Shrug Game” (game one, 1992 NBA Finals)
- In the 1985 Slam Dunk Contest
- In the 1987 Slam Dunk Contest
- In the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest
- Losing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1990)
- Losing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1997)
- Nicknamed “Air”
- On 1984 U.S. Olympic team
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On ’90-’91 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’91-’92 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’95-’96 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’96-’97 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- Ranking of Bulls teammates who won championships with
- Retirement conspiracy theories
- Retiring from the NBA to play baseball (1993)
- Sales of memorabilia
- Scoring 63 points in the playoffs against the Celtics
- Signature Air Jordan shoe
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
Joseph, Garth
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K
Kansas City Kings
- See Sacramento Kings
Kansas Jayhawks
- NCAA Tournament first round loss to Bradley (2006)
- NCAA Tournament first round loss to Bucknell (2005)
- Phog Allen retires and is replaced by Dick Harp (1956)
- Roy Williams leaves and is replaced by Bill Self (2003)
- Winning 1988 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Winning 2008 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Winning 2022 NCAA Tournament National Final
Kapono, Jason
Karasev, Sergey
Karl, George
Kaseya Center (Miami)
Keller, Bill
Kellogg, Clark
Kemp, Shawn
- Almost traded to the Bulls
- As SuperSonics legend
- Drafted by the SuperSonics straight from high school
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Nicknamed “Reign Man”
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- SuperSonics training camp holdout (1996)
Kennedy, J. Walter
Kenon, Larry
Kent State Golden Flashes
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Pittsburgh (2002)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Indiana (2001)
- Reaching 2002 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #10 seed
Kentucky Colonels
Kentucky Wildcats
- Adolph Rupp retires and is replaced by Joe B. Hall (1972)
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Louisville (2014)
- Reaching the 2014 Final Four
Kerr, Red
Kerr, Steve
- As better coach than player
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998)
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- Winning basket in game six of 1997 NBA Finals
- Winning championships with Bulls and Spurs in consecutive seasons
Kidd, Jason
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As Suns legend
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Feud with Jim Jackson
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Holding NBA single game record for turnovers
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2002)
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Never named NBA league MVP
- On 2000 U.S. Olympic team
- Traded from Mavericks to Suns
- Traded from Suns to Nets
King, Bernard
- As brother of Albert King
- As Knicks legend
- Comeback with Bullets
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Scoring 60 points on Christmas Day
- Traded from Nets to Jazz, Jazz to Warriors, Warriors to Knicks
- Winning NBA Comeback Player of the Year award
King, Gerard
King, Stacey
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993)
Kite, Greg
- As championship winner on Celtics (1984, 1986)
Knight, Bobby
Knight, Travis
- Named to the All-Rookie team
- Traded from the Celtics to the Lakers
- Worst players with an NBA championship ring
Kojis, Don
Korolev, Yaroslav
Kruger, Lon
Krystkowiak, Larry
Kukoc, Toni
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998)
- As second round draft pick
- On ’95-’96 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’96-’97 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
Kupchak, Mitch
Kurland, Bob
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L
Laettner, Christian
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Game winning buzzer beater for Duke in 1992 NCAA Tournament Regional Final
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Played at Duke
- Selection for 1992 U.S. Olympic team
Laimbeer, Bill
- Appearance in Combat Basketball
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989, 1990)
- Feud with Robert Parish
- Fight with Charles Barkley
- On ’88-’89 Detroit Pistons (greatest teams)
Landsberger, Mark
- As championship winner on Lakers (1980, 1982)
Lang, James
Lanier, Bob
LaRusso, Rudy
Las Vegas (city)
LaVine, Zach
Lee, Butch
- As championship winner on Lakers (1980)
- First Latino player in NBA history
- Worst players with an NBA championship ring
Lee, Spike
- Appearance in “Gotta Be the Shoes” Air Jordans commercial
- Director of He Got Game
- Knicks fandom
- On receiving end of Reggie Miller choke sign
Legends Game
Lehigh Mountain Hawks
Leonard, Kawhi
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- On ’13-’14 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
Leslie, Lisa
Lester, Ronnie
Levin, Irv
Levingston, Cliff
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992)
Lewis, Rashard
- As second round draft pick
- As SuperSonics legend
- Drafted by the SuperSonics straight from high school
- Traded from the Magic to the Wizards
Lewis, Reggie
Lillard, Damian
Lin, Jeremy
Livingston, Shaun
Lloyd, Earl
Llull, Sergio
Long, Denise
Long, John
Longley, Luc
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998)
Los Angeles Clippers (formerly Buffalo Braves, formerly San Diego)
- Dolph Schayes tenure as coach
- Drafting and trading Danny Ferry
- Effect of Donald Sterling’s ownership on franchise culture
- Elgin Baylor tenure as general manager
- Expansion draft picks (as Buffalo Braves, 1970)
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Name change from Braves to Clippers
- Postponing (and re-locating to Anaheim) a playoff game due to the Rodney King riots
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference
- Re-location from Buffalo to San Diego
- Re-location from San Diego to Los Angeles
- Rivalry with Lakers
- Rivalry with Clippers (geographical)
- Selling by Donald Sterling to Steve Ballmer
Los Angeles Lakers
- All-time greatest players
- Drafting Jerry West #2 overall
- Effect of Jerry Buss’ ownership on franchise culture
- George Mikan tenure as coach
- In game four of the 1987 NBA Finals
- In game seven of the 1962 NBA Finals
- In game seven of the 1969 NBA Finals
- In game seven of the 1970 NBA Finals
- In the 1949 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”) (as Minneapolis Lakers)
- In the 1972 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- In the 2000, 2001, 2002 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Magic Johnson tenure as coach
- Magic Johnson’s debut game
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (2020)
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 1970 Conference Semifinals
- Players rebelling against coach Paul Westhead
- Playing games in The Forum
- Postponing (and re-locating to Las Vegas) a playoff game due to the Rodney King riots
- Purchasing by Jerry Buss
- Re-location from Minneapolis to Los Angeles
- Rivalry with Celtics
- Rivalry with Clippers (one-sided)
- Rivalry with Clippers (geographical)
- Rivalry with Kings
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’87-’88 championship season
- Struggling to defend their title in ’80-’81
- Trading for Bob McAdoo from the Nets
- Trading with the Celtics
- Upset by the Celtics in the 1969 NBA Finals
- Upset by the Pistons in the 1989 NBA Finals
- Upset by the Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals
- Upset by the Rockets in the 1981 playoffs first round
- Upset by the Rockets in the 1986 Western Conference Finals
- Upset by the Royals in the 1951 Western Conference Finals (as Minneapolis Lakers)
- Upset by the Trail Blazers in the 1977 Western Conference Finals
- Upsetting the Hawks in the 1959 Western Conference Finals (as Minneapolis Lakers)
Loscutoff, Jim
- As championship winner on Celtics (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963)
Louisville (city)
Love, Bob
Love, Kevin
- Almost traded to the Warriors
- As Cavaliers legend
- As part of 2008 NBA draft class
- As son of Stan Love
- On 2012 U.S. Olympic team
- Wearing jersey #0
Lovellette, Clyde
- At championship winner on Celtics (1963, 1964)
- On 1952 U.S. Olympic team
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
Loyola Marymount Lions
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Alabama (1990)
- Reaching 1990 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #11 seed
LSU Tigers
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over DePaul (1987)
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Georgia Tech (1986)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Navy (1985)
- Reaching the 1986 Final Four
- Reaching the 1987 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #10 seed
Lucas, Jerry
- On 1960 U.S. Olympic team
- Traded from Royals to Warriors
- Traded from Warriors to Knicks
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
Lucas, John
Lucas, Maurice
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M
Macy, Kyle
Madsen, Mark
Mahorn, Rick
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989)
- As expansion draft pick of Timberwolves
- Fight with Charles Oakley
Majerle, Dan
Maker, Thon
“Malice at the Palace”
Malone, Karl
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- All-time NBA leader in career free throws
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As part of 1985 NBA draft class
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1999)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1997, 1999)
- Ending career with the Lakers
- Feud with Dennis Rodman
- Missing the 1990 and 2002 NBA All-Star Game
- Nicknamed “Mailman”
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On 1996 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Record holder for most playoff appearances without a title
Malone, Moses
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1979, 1982)
- Ending career with the Spurs
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- On ’82-’83 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
- Selected by the Jazz in the ABA supplementary draft
- Signature Nike Air Force Ones shoes
- Signing with 76ers; leaving the Rockets (1982)
- Traded from 76ers to Bullets (1986)
Manning, Danny
Maravich, Pete
- As Celtics teammate of Larry Bird
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As subject of the book “Pistol”
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Nicknamed “Pistol”
Marbury, Stephon
Marion, Shawn
Marques, Wlamir
Martin, Slater
Maryland Terrapins
Mason, Anthony
Matthews, Wes
Matthews, Wesley
Maxwell, Cedric
- As championship winner on Celtics (1981, 1984)
Maxwell, Vernon
- As championship winner on Rockets (1994, 1995)
May, Scott
Mbenga, D.J.
McAdoo, Bob
- As championship winner on Lakers (1982, 1985)
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1975)
- Traded from Braves to Knicks, Knicks to Celtics, Celtics to Pistons, Pistons to Nets to Lakers
McAdoo, James Michael
McCarthy, Johnny
McClain, Katrina
McCray, Rodney
McDaniel, Xavier
- Appearance in Singles
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- As SuperSonics legend
- Nicknamed “X-Man”
McGee, Mike
- As championship winner on Lakers (1982, 1985)
McGinnis, George
McGlocklin, Jon
- As expansion draft pick of Bucks
- On ’70-’71 Milwaukee Bucks (greatest teams)
McGrady, Tracy
- Almost traded to the 76ers
- As part of 1997 NBA draft class
- Drafted by the Raptors straight from high school
- Labeled as the next Michael Jordan
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Signing with Magic
- Traded from Magic to Rockets
McGuire, Dick
McHale, Kevin
- Appearance in “The Weapon Rap” Converse commercial
- As championship winner on Celtics (1981, 1984, 1986)
- Clotheslining Kurt Rambis (game four, 1984 NBA Finals)
- General manager of Timberwolves
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- On ’85-’86 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Returning as head coach of Timberwolves
McIlvaine, Jim
McKey, Derrick
McMillan, Nate
McNamara, Mark
Meineke, Don “Monk”
Mejri, Salah
Memphis Grizzlies (formerly Vancouver)
- Drafting and trading Steve Francis
- Expansion draft picks (1995)
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Name etymology
- Playing games in Pyramid Arena
- Re-location from Vancouver to Memphis
- Rivalry with Seattle SuperSonics (as Vancouver Grizzlies)
- Upsetting the Spurs in the 2011 playoffs first round
Meneghin, Dino
Mercer Bears
Meschery, Tom
Mexico City (city)
Meyers, Ann
Meyers, Dave
Miami Heat
- Debut game for the “Big Three” of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade
- Expansion draft picks (1988)
- In game six of the 2013 NBA Finals
- Name etymology
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 1997 Conference Semifinals
- Re-alignment from Western Conference to Eastern Conference
- Rivalry with Knicks
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’05-’06 championship season
- Struggling to defend their title in ’06-’07
- Upset by the Mavericks in 2011 NBA Finals
- Upset by the Knicks in the 1998 playoffs first round
- Upset by the Knicks in the 1999 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Mavericks in 2006 NBA Finals
- Upsetting the Thunder in 2012 NBA Finals
Michigan Wolverines
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Oklahoma (1992)
- Winning 1989 NCAA Tournament National Final
Michigan State Spartans
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Middle Tennessee (2016)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Weber State (1995)
- Winning 1979 NCAA Tournament National Final
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Florida State (1989)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Michigan State (2016)
Middleton, Khris
Mikan, George
- As brother of Ed Mikan
- As cause of numerous rule changes in the NCAA and NBA
- As Lakers legend
- Coaching the Lakers
- Comeback from retirement
- Nicknamed “Mr. Basketball”
- On ’49-’50 Minneapolis Lakers (greatest teams)
- Would have earned Finals MVP if it existed
Mikkelsen, Vern
- As Lakers legend
- On ’49-’50 Minneapolis Lakers (greatest teams)
Miles, C.J.
Miles, Darius
Milicic, Darko
Miller, Andre
Miller, Brad
Miller, Cheryl
Miller, Mike
Miller, Reggie
- Appearance in Uncle Drew
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As part of 1987 NBA draft class
- In the “choke sign” game (game five, 1994 Eastern Conference Finals)
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
Millsap, Paul
Milwaukee Bucks
- Expansion draft picks (1968)
- In the 1972 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Larry Krystkowiak tenure as coach
- Name etymology
- Re-alignment from Western Conference to Eastern Conference
- Rivalry with 76ers
- Upsetting the Suns in the 1978 playoffs first round
- Winning 2005 NBA Draft Lottery
Milwaukee Hawks
- See Atlanta Hawks
Miner, Harold
Ming, Yao
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- Influence on NBA expansion in China
- Nicknamed “The Great Wall”
- Taller than 7’4″
Minneapolis Lakers
Minnesota Timberwolves
- David Kahn and Kevin McHale tenures as general manager
- Expansion draft picks (1989)
- Lengthy playoff drought
Misaka, Wataru
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Missouri Tigers
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Norfolk State (2012)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Northern Iowa (1990)
- No Final Four appearances in the modern era
- Reaching 2002 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #12 seed
Mitchell, Donovan
Mix, Steve
Moe, Doug
Molinas, Jack
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Missing the 1954 NBA All-Star Game
- Played only one NBA season
- Suing the NBA (1958)
Moncrief, Sidney
- Comeback from retirement
- Ending career with the Hawks
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
Monia, Sergei
Monroe, Earl
Montgomery, Mike
Montreal (city)
Moore, Maya
Moore, Pearl
Morris, Markieff
Morrison, Adam
- Auction of bloody gauze pad
- Named to the All-Rookie team
- Worst players with an NBA championship ring
Mourning, Alonzo
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As part of 1992 NBA draft class
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Feud with Larry Johnson
- Fight with Larry Johnson
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1999)
- On 2000 U.S. Olympic team
- Suspension during 1998 Conference Quarterfinals
Mullin, Chris
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As part of “Run-TMC” Warriors
- As part of 1985 NBA draft class
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- On 1984 U.S. Olympic team
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
Mullins, Jeff
Muresan, Gheorghe
Murphy, Calvin
- As baton twirler
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Fight with Sidney Wicks
- Under six feet tall
Murray State Racers
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Marquette (2019)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over NC State (1988)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Vanderbilt (2010)
- No Final Four appearances in the modern era
Mutumbo, Dikembe
Muursepp, Martin
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N
Naismith, James
Nance, Larry
- As Cavaliers legend
- As father of Larry Nance Jr.
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- As Suns legend
- #22 jersey for Cavaliers retired and “un-retired”
Nance, Larry Jr.
Nash, Steve
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- All-time NBA leader in career free throw percentage
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As part of 1996 NBA draft class
- As soccer player
- As Suns legend
- Born in South Africa
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (2005, 2006)
- Ending career with the Lakers
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2007)
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- Signing with Suns (2004)
Nater, Swen
National Basketball League (NBL)
National Industrial Basketball League (NIBL)
Naulls, Willie
- As championship winner on Celtics (1964, 1965, 1966)
- As Knicks legend
- Wearing jersey #6
Navy Midshipmen
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over LSU (1985)
- Reaching 1986 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #7 seed
NBA All-Star Game
NBA All-Star MVP
NBA Draft
- Eligible age lowered due to Spencer Haywood lawsuit
- Eligible age raised to one year removed from high school
- Greatest draft classes of lottery era
- Televised for the first time (1980)
- Unlikely lottery winners
- Worst players selected #2 overall
NBA Finals
- Biggest upsets in
- Games played at neutral sites
- Greatest players to never play in
- Greatest players to play in and never win a title
- Most forgettable series
- Series not featured on Sports Illustrated cover
- Televised live in their entirety for the first time (1970)
NBA Finals MVP
NBA Jam
NBA league MVP
NBA Live series
NBA Players Association
- Founding by Bob Cousy
- Suing the NBA (1962, 1978, 1982, 1987, 1995, 2011)
NBA Rookie of the Year
NBA 2K series
NC State Wolfpack
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Murray State (1988)
- No Final Four appearances in the modern era
- Reaching the 1983 Final Four
- Winning 1983 NCAA Tournament National Final on Lorenzo Charles game winning buzzer beater
NCAA Tournament
- Cinderella runs ending in Elite Eight of
- Greatest buzzer beaters in
- Greatest first round upsets in
- Greatest NBA players never to participate in
- Greatest teams without Final Four appearance in
- Memorable first round near upsets in
- Most egregious snubs of the modern era
- Programs without a modern era appearance in
Nelson, Don
- As championship winner on Celtics (1966, 1968, 1969)
- Returning as head coach of Warriors
- Winning basket in game seven of the 1969 NBA Finals
Netolicky, Bob
Nevitt, Chuck
- As championship winner on Lakers (1985)
- Taller than 7’4″
- Worst players with an NBA championship ring
New Jersey Nets
- See Brooklyn Nets
New Orleans Jazz
- See Utah Jazz
New Orleans Pelicans
- Franchise origins in Charlotte
- Name change from Hornets to Pelicans
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference
- Winning 2019 NBA Draft Lottery
New York Knicks
- All-time greatest players
- Conference Finals upset loss to Bullets (1971)
- Conference Finals upset over Celtics (1972)
- Conference Finals upset over Celtics (1973)
- Conference Finals upset over Pacers (1999)
- In game seven of the 1970 NBA Finals
- Isiah Thomas tenure as coach
- Isiah Thomas tenure as general manager
- Loss to Heat in 1997 Conference Semifinals
- Playing in the first NBA game
- Purchasing by James Dolan (1997)
- Rivalry with Bulls
- Rivalry with Heat
- Rivalry with Nets
- Rivalry with Nets (geographical)
- Scott Layden tenure as general manager
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’72-’73 championship season
- Subject of the book When the Garden Was Eden
- Trading Walt Bellamy to the Pistons for Dave DeBusschere
- Upsetting the Heat in the 1998 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Heat in the 1999 playoffs first round
- Willis Reed tenure as coach
- Winning inaugural draft lottery (1985)
New York Rens
Nicholson, Jack
Nixon, Norm
- As championship winner on Lakers (1980, 1982)
- As Lakers legend
Nogueira, Lucas
Norfolk State Spartans
North Carolina Tar Heels
- Dean Smith retires as coach and is replaced by Bill Guthridge (1997)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Weber State (1999)
- Reaching the 2000 Final Four
- Roy Williams retires as coach and is replaced by Hubert Davis (2021)
- Winning 1957 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Winning 1982 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Winning 1993 NCAA Tournament National Final
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Nowitzki, Dirk
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (2007)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (2007)
- Lack of nickname
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2006)
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
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O
Oakley, Charles
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As Knicks legend
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Feuding with coach Tim Floyd
- Fight with Rick Mahorn
- Playing for Virginia Union
- Willingness to fight anyone and everyone
Odom, Lamar
- Appearance on Khloe & Lamar
- As Lakers legend
- As part of 1999 NBA draft class
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
- On 2004 U.S. Olympic team
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Name change from SuperSonics to Thunder
- Name etymology
- Postponing a game due to COVID-19
- Re-location from Seattle to Oklahoma City
- Upset by Heat in 2012 NBA Finals
Olajuwon, Hakeem
- All-time NBA leader in career blocks
- Almost traded to the Heat
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
- As part of Rockets “super team”
- Ending career with the Raptors
- Name change from Akeem
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Nicknamed “The Dream”
- On 1996 U.S. Olympic team
- Ranking of teammates who won championships with
- Signature Spalding Dream shoe
Ollie, Kevin
O’Neal Jermaine
- As part of 1996 NBA draft class
- Drafted by the Trail Blazers straight from high school
- Record holder for most playoff appearances without an NBA Finals appearance
O’Neal, Shaquille
- Appearance in Blue Chips
- Appearance in “Don’t Fake the Funk” Reebok commercial
- Appearance in Uncle Drew
- Appearances in Kazaam and Steel
- As Lakers legend
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As part of 1992 NBA draft class
- Considered for 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Earning 2009 All-Star Game co-MVP with Kobe Bryant
- Ending career with the Celtics
- Feud with Kobe Bryant
- Fight with Charles Barkley
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (2005)
- Nicknamed “Diesel”
- On 1996 U.S. Olympic team
- On ’99-’00 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- Participating on Shaq Vs.
- Playing against Kobe Bryant as an opponent for the first time (on Christmas)
- Signing with Lakers; leaving the Magic (1996)
- Traded from Lakers to Heat (2004)
Oregon State Beavers
Original Celtics
Orlando Magic
- Conference Finals upset over Cavaliers (2009)
- Expansion draft picks (1989)
- John Weisbrod tenure as general manager
- Name etymology
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference, then back to Eastern Conference
- Retiring a jersey for the “Sixth Man”
- Upset by Rockets in 1995 NBA Finals
- Winning 1993 NBA Draft Lottery
Otten, Don
Outlaw, Travis
Owens, Billy
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P
Pace, Joe
Papagiannis, Georgis
Papaloukas, Theodoros
Parish, Robert
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- All-time NBA leader in career games played
- As championship winner on Celtics (1981, 1984, 1986)
- As championship winner on Bulls (1997)
- Ending career with the Bulls
- Feud with Bill Laimbeer
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Nicknamed “Chief”
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- On ’85-’86 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Wearing jersey #00
Parker, Candace
Parker, Tony
- Ending career with the Hornets
- On ’04-’05 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
- On ’06-’07 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
- On ’13-’14 San Antonio Spurs (greatest teams)
Paul, Chris
- Almost traded to the Lakers
- As part of Rockets “super team”
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- On 2008 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2012 U.S. Olympic team
Paxson, Jim
Paxson, John
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993)
- On ’91-’92 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- Winning basket in game six of 1993 NBA Finals
Payton, Gary
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As SuperSonics legend
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Ending career with the Heat
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Nicknamed “The Glove”
- Non-appearance in NBA Jam
- On 1996 U.S. Olympic team
- Traded from Lakers to Celtics
Pelle, Norvel
Pennsylvania Quakers
Perdue, Will
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993)
Perkins, Kendrick
Perkins, Sam
- As Lakers teammate of Magic Johnson
- As SuperSonics legend
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
- On 1984 U.S. Olympic team
Petrie, Geoff
Petruska, Richard
Pettit, Bob
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- In the 1957 NBA Finals
- Lack of nickname
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1957)
- Scoring 50 points in game six of the 1958 NBA Finals
- Would have earned Finals MVP if it existed
Philadelphia SPHAs
Philadelphia Warriors
Philadelphia 76ers
- Billy King tenure as general manager
- Conference Finals upset loss to Bullets (1978)
- Conference Finals upset over Celtics (1980)
- Conference Finals upset over Celtics (1982)
- Dolph Schayes tenure as coach
- Don DeJardin tenure as general manager
- In the 1967 Eastern Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- In the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Maurice Cheeks tenure as coach
- Name change from Nationals to 76ers
- Players feuding with coach Maurice Cheeks
- Playing games in Philadelphia Civic Center and The Spectrum
- Postponing a game due to MLK assassination
- Re-location from Syracuse to Philadelphia
- Rivalry with Bucks
- Rivalry with Rochester Royals (as Syracuse Nationals)
- Roy Rubin tenure as coach
- Struggling to defend their title in ’83-’84
- Trading Allen Iverson to the Nuggets
- Upset by the Nets in the 1984 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Bulls in the 2012 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Pistons in 1955 NBA Finals (as Syracuse Nationals)
- Winning 1986 NBA Draft Lottery
- Winning 1955 NBA Finals under suspect circumstances (as Syracuse Nationals)
Phillip, Andy
Phoenix Suns
- All-time greatest players
- Expansion draft picks (1968)
- In game five of the 1976 NBA Finals
- In the 2007 Western Conference Semifinals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Loss to Spurs in 2007 Conference Semifinals
- Name etymology
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (1976)
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (2021)
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 2006 Conference Quarterfinals
- Rivalry with Spurs
- Subject of the book Seven Seconds or Less
- Upset by the Bucks in the 1978 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Warriors in the 1976 Western Conference Finals
Pierce, Paul
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- Ending career with the Clippers
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Nicknamed “The Truth”
- On ’07-’08 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (2008)
Pippen, Scottie
- Almost traded to the SuperSonics
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
- As great play maker
- As part of Rockets “super team”
- As part of 1987 NBA draft class
- Lack of nickname
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- On ’90-’91 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’91-’92 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’95-’96 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’96-’97 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
Pitino, Rick
Pittman, Dexter
Pittsburgh Condors (formerly Pittsburgh Pipers, Minnesota Pipers)
Pittsburgh Ironmen
Pittsburgh Panthers
Podkolzin, Pavel
Podoloff, Maurice
Poeltl, Jakob
Pollard, Jim
- As Lakers legend
- On ’49-’50 Minneapolis Lakers (greatest teams)
Porter, Terry
Portland Trail Blazers
- Conference Finals upset over Lakers (1977)
- Drafting Sam Bowie #2 overall
- Expansion draft picks (1970)
- In the 2000 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Maurice Cheeks tenure as coach
- Name etymology
- NBA Finals appearance to break playoff drought (1977)
- Players feuding with Nate McMillan
- Playing games in Memorial Coliseum
- Subject of the book The Breaks of the Game
- Trading Clyde Drexler to the Rockets for Otis Thorpe
- Upset by the Kings in the 1981 playoffs first round
- Winning NBA Draft Lottery
Powe, Leon
Powell, Cincinnatus
Powell, Josh
Pressey, Paul
Price, Mark
- As brother of Brent Price
- As Cavaliers legend
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As second round draft pick
Princeton Tigers
Providence Friars
Providence Steam Rollers
“The Punch”
- Ensuing Lakers trade of Kermit Washington
- Inciting incident (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar fights Kevin Kunnert)
Purdue Boilermakers
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Queta, Neemias
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R
Radmanovic, Vladimir
Radojevic, Alexsandar
Raga, Manuel
Rambis, Kurt
- As championship winner on Lakers (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- As Lakers legend
Ramsey, Frank
- As championship winner on Celtics (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964)
Randolph, Zach
Redd, Michael
Reid, Robert
Reed, Willis
- As Knicks legend
- Coaching the Knicks and Nets
- Coming out of the tunnel to play in game seven of the 1970 NBA Finals
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1970)
- Fight with Rudy LaRusso
- Playing for Grambling
Reeves, Bryant
Rentzias, Efthimios
Reyes, Felipe
Rhode Island Rams
Rice, Glen
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- On ’99-’00 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
Richardson, Jason
Richardson, Micheal Ray
Richmond, Mitch
Richmond Spiders
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Indiana (1988)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over South Carolina (1998)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Syracuse (1991)
Rider, Isaiah
Riley, Pat
- As better coach than player
- As expansion draft pick of Trail Blazers
- Returning as head coach of Heat
Risen, Arnie
Rivers, Doc
Robbins, Red
Robertson, Alvin
Robertson, Oscar
- As social justice activist
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1962, 1963)
- Nicknamed “The Big O”
- On ’70-’71 Milwaukee Bucks (greatest teams)
- On 1960 U.S. Olympic team
- Suing the NBA (1970)
Robey, Rick
Robinson, Clifford
Robinson, David
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As part of 1987 NBA draft class
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- Leading Navy to 1986 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Nicknamed “The Admiral”
- On 1988 U.S. Olympic team
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On 1996 U.S. Olympic team
Robinson, Nate
- Appearance in Uncle Drew
- As football player
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- Fight with J.R. Smith
- Under six feet tall
- Winning Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award
Robinson, Leonard “Truck”
Rochester Royals
- See Sacramento Kings
Rodman, Dennis
- Almost traded to the Suns
- Appearance in Double Team
- Appearances on Saturday Night Live
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998)
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989, 1990)
- As second round draft pick
- Ending career with the Mavericks
- Feud with Karl Malone
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- On ’95-’96 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- On ’96-’97 Chicago Bulls (greatest teams)
- Participation on Celebrity Apprentice
- Traded from Pistons to Spurs
- Traded from Spurs to Bulls
Rollins, Wayne “Tree”
Rondo, Rajon
- On ’07-’08 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- Traded from the Celtics to the Mavericks
Rose, Derrick
- As cause of NBA to implement new rules on restricted free agency
- As part of 2008 NBA draft class
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (2011)
Rose, Jalen
Roy, Brandon
Rubin, Roy
Rule, Bob
Rupp, Adolph
- Coaching in 1966 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Namesake of Adolph Rupp Trophy
- Retiring as Kentucky coach
Russell, Bill
(Player page)
- As social justice activist
- As great play maker
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Author of the book Red and Me
- Drafted by Hawks and traded to Celtics
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1962, 1963)
- Fight with George Dempsey
- Hosting Saturday Night Live
- Injury in 1958 NBA Finals
- Jersey retired by NBA
- Lack of nickname
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1969)
- On ’59-’60 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- On ’61-’62 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- On 1956 U.S. Olympic team
- Ranking of Celtics teammates who won championships with
- Rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain
- Signing his rookie contract
- Winner of an NCAA title, NBA title, and Olympic gold medal
- Would have earned Finals MVP if it existed
Russell, Campy
Russell, Cazzie
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S
Sabonis, Arvydas
- As father of Domantas Sabonis
- As great play maker
- As great rookie who didn’t earn Rookie of the Year
Sacramento Kings
- Bob Cousy tenure as coach
- Conference Finals upset over Lakers (as Rochester Royals, 1951)
- Drafting and trading Billy Owens
- George Mikan injury playing part in 1951 NBA title (as Rochester Royals)
- In the 1949 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”) (as Rochester Royals)
- In the 2002 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Name change from Royals to Kings
- Playing games in Kemper Arena (as Kansas City Kings)
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference
- Re-location from Rochester to Cincinnati
- Re-location from Cincinnati to Kansas City
- Re-location from Kansas to Sacramento
- Retiring a jersey for the “Sixth Man”
- Rivalry with Lakers
- Rivalry with Syracuse Nationals (as Rochester Royals)
- Upsetting the Trail Blazers in the 1981 playoffs first round
- Vlade Divac tenure as general manager
Saint Louis Bombers
Saint Peter’s Peacocks
Salley, John
- Appearance in Eddie
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996)
- As championship winner on Pistons (1989, 1990)
- Nicknamed “Spider”
- Reality television appearances
Sampson, Ralph
Sanchez, Ricky
Sanders, Satch
- As championship winner on Celtics (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
Sandiford-Artest, Metta (born Ron Artest, later Metta World Peace)
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- Feuding with coach Tim Floyd
- Fight with Ben Wallace (“Malice at the Palace”)
- Name change to Metta World Peace
- Participating on Dancing with the Stars
- Selling championship ring
- Winning basket in game five of 2010 Western Conference Finals
San Antonio Spurs
- Effect of Peter Holt’s ownership on franchise culture
- In game six of the 2013 NBA Finals
- In the 2001, 2003 Western Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- In the 2007 Western Conference Semifinals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Name change from Chaparrals to Spurs
- Players feuding with Jerry Tarkanian
- Playing games in the Alamodome
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference
- Re-location from Dallas to San Antonio
- Rivalry with Rockets (one-sided)
- Rivalry with Rockets (geographical)
- Rivalry with Suns
- Upset by the Grizzlies in the 2011 playoffs first round
- Upset by the Rockets in the 1995 Western Conference Finals
- Upset by the Warriors in the 1991 playoffs first round
Santa Clara Broncos
San Diego Rockets
- See Houston Rockets
San Diego Sails (formerly San Diego Conquistadors)
Saperstein, Abe
Sauldsberry, Woody
Schayes, Dolph
- As father of Danny Schayes
- Coaching the Braves and 76ers
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Never named NBA All-Star MVP
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Would have earned Finals MVP if it existed
Schectman, Ossie
Schmidt, Oscar
Schrempf, Detlef
Schultz, Howard
Scott, Byron
- As championship winner on Lakers (1985, 1987, 1988)
- As expansion draft pick of Grizzlies
- As Lakers legend
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
- On ’84-’85 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On ’86-’87 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
Scott, Charlie
Sears, Kenny
Seattle (city)
Seattle SuperSonics
- All-time greatest players
- Conference Finals upset over Nuggets (1978)
- David Stern role in re-location to Oklahoma City
- Drafting Gary Payton #2 overall
- Drafting Kevin Durant #2 overall
- Expansion draft picks (1967)
- Playing games in KeyArena
- Rivalry with Vancouver Grizzlies
- Selling by Howard Schultz to Clay Bennett
- Signing Spencer Haywood
- Upset by the Bullets in 1978 NBA Finals
- Upset by the Nuggets in the 1994 playoffs first round
- Upsetting the Mavericks in the 1987 playoffs first round
Semjolnova, Uljana
Sene, Mouhamed
Seung-Jin, Ha
Sharman, Bill
- As championship winner on Celtics (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961)
- Inventing the morning shoot-around
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- On ’59-’60 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
Shaw, Brian
Sheboygan Red Skins
Shelton, Lonnie
Shipp, Jerry
Siegfried, Larry
- As championship winner on Celtics (1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
Sichting, Jerry
Sikma, Jack
Silas, Paul
Silver, Adam
Simien, Wayne
Simmons, Ben
Simmons, Connie
Simpkins, Dickey
Skiles, Scott
- As expansion draft pick of Magic
- Holding NBA single game record for assists
- Winning NBA Player of the Week
SkyDome (Toronto)
Slam Dunk Contest
- Original at the 1976 ABA All-Star Game
- Ranking of careers of players who participated in
- Ranking of events
Sloan, Jerry
Smith, Adrian
Smith, Bingo
Smith, Dean
Smith, Elmore
Smith, Ish
Smith, J.R.
- As brother of Chris Smith
- As Cavaliers legend
- As golfer
- Drafted by the Hornets straight from high school
- Fight with Nate Robinson
Smith, Joe
Smith, Josh
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- Drafted by the Hawks straight from high school
- Getting waived by the Pistons and signed by the Rockets
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
Smith, Kenny
Smith, Leon
Smits, Rik
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Taller than 7’4″
- Winning basket in game four of 1995 Eastern Conference Finals
Smrek, Mike
Snyder, Dick
South Carolina Gamecocks
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Coppin State (1997)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Richmond (1998)
“Space Jam”
Spirits of St. Louis (formerly Houston Mavericks, Carolina Cougars)
- Folding before the ABA-NBA merger
- Hiring Bob Costas as a radio announcer
- Owned by Ozzie and Daniel Silna
Sprewell, Latrell
Spriggs, Larry
St. John’s Red Storm
St. Louis Hawks
- See Atlanta Hawks
St. Peter’s Peacocks
Stanković, Boris
Starks, John
- As Knicks legend
- As player with only one NBA All-Star appearance
- As un-drafted player
- Suspension during 1997 Conference Semifinals
Stepien, Ted
Sterling, Donald
- Getting caught on tape being racist
- Ownership effect on Clippers franchise culture
- Selling the Los Angeles Clippers
- Suing the NBA (2014)
Stern, David
- Alleged 1985 draft lottery tampering
- Allowing Seattle SuperSonics to re-locate to Oklahoma City
- Forcing Ted Stepien to sell the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Opposition to allowing NBA players to participate in Olympics
- Player dress code
- Punishing Timberwolves for Joe Smith contract
- Raising draft eligibility age to 19 (2006)
- Role in 1998 and 2011 lockouts
- Stepping down as commissioner
- Substance abuse policy
- Tim Donaghy scandal
- Vetoing Chris Paul trade to Lakers (2011)
Stevenson, DeShawn
Stipanovich, Steve
Stith, Tom
Stockton, John
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- All-time NBA leader in career assists and in career steals
- Appearance in NBA Jam
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- Lack of nickname
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Record holder for most playoff appearances without a title
- Suffering injury during 1992 Olympic qualifying tournament
Stojakovic, Peja
Stokes, Maurice
Stoudamire, Damon
Stoudemire, Amare
- Almost traded to the Cavaliers
- Appearance in Trainwreck
- As Suns legend
- Drafted by the Suns straight from high school
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Suspension during 2007 Conference Semifinals
Strickland, Rod
Substance abuse policy (NBA)
Swain, Bennie
Swartz, Dan
Swift, Robert
Swift, Stromile
Swoopes, Sheryl
Syracuse Nationals
Syracuse Orange
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Richmond (1991)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Vermont (2005)
- Reaching the 2016 Final Four
- Snubbed from the 2007 NCAA Tournament
- Winning 2003 NCAA Tournament National Final
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T
Tabak, Zan
Tarkanian, Jerry
- Coaching the Spurs
- Feuding with Spurs players
- Fired as Spurs coach
- Leaving UNLV and getting replaced by Rollie Massimino (1992)
Tatum, Jayson
Taurasi, Diana
Tavares, Edy
TD Garden (Boston)
Telfair, Sebastian
Temple Owls
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Oklahoma State (1991)
- No Final Four appearances in the modern era
- Reaching 1991 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
- Reaching 2001 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
Tennessee Volunteers
Terry, Jason
- Active NBA player in his 40s
- As part of 1999 NBA draft class
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
- Nicknamed “The Jet”
Texas Cowgirls
Texas Longhorns
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Thabeet, Hasheem
Thacker, Tom
Theus, Reggie
Thirdkill, David
Thomas, Isaiah
Thomas, Isiah
- Almost traded to the Knicks
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Coaching the Knicks and Pacers
- Feud with Michael Jordan
- General manager of the Knicks
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Nicknamed “Baby Faced Assassin”
- On ’88-’89 Detroit Pistons (greatest teams)
- Ownership of the CBA
- Ranking of teammates who won championships with
Thomas, Kurt
Thompson, Billy
Thompson, David
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1978)
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Nicknamed “Skywalker”
Thompson, John
- As championship winner on Celtics (1965, 1966)
- Retires as Georgetown coach and is replaced by Craig Esherick
Thompson, Klay
- Almost traded to the Timberwolves
- As brother of Mychel Thompson
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As son of Mychal Thompson
- On ’14-’15 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On ’15-’16 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On ’16-’17 Golden State Warriors (greatest teams)
- On 2016 U.S. Olympic team
- Scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter of game six of the 2016 Western Conference Finals
- Signing fan’s toaster
Thompson, Mychal
- As championship winner on Lakers (1987, 1988)
- As father of Klay Thompson
- Never named to NBA All-Star Game
- Traded from the Spurs to the Lakers
Thompson, Tristan
Thorn, Rod
Thorpe, Otis
Three-Point Contest
Thurmond, Nate
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
Tisdale, Wayman
Tomjanovich, Rudy
Toronto Huskies
Toronto Raptors
- Expansion draft picks (1995)
- Name etymology
- Playing home games at SkyDome
- Rob Babcock tenure as general manager
- Trading Vince Carter to the Nets
- Upsetting Warriors in 2019 NBA Finals
Toyota Center (Houston)
Tri-Cities Blackhawks
- See Atlanta Hawks
Tskitishvili, Nikoloz
Tucker, Trent
- As cause of NBA implementing new rules on catching and shooting at the buzzer
- As championship winner on Bulls (1993)
Tulsa Golden Hurricanes
Turiaf, Ronny
Turkcan, Mirsad
Turner, Ted
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U
UCLA Bruins
- John Wooden retires and is replaced by Gene Bartow
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Detroit (1999)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Penn State (1991)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Princeton (1996)
- Reaching the 1980 Final Four
UMBC (Maryland-Baltimore County) Retrievers
Unseld, Wes
- As great play maker
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Coaching the Bullets
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1969)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1969)
- General manager of the Bullets
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels
U.S. men’s national team
- Debunking myths about 1992 U.S. men’s Olympic team (“Dream Team”)
- Greatest players of pro player era to never play in Olympics
- In controversial 1972 Olympic gold medal game
- Ranking of FIBA World Cup teams
- Ranking of Olympic teams
USC Trojans
Utah Stars (formerly Anaheim Amigos, Los Angeles Stars)
Utah Jazz (formerly New Orleans)
- Drafting and trading Dominique Wilkins
- Elgin Baylor tenure as coach
- Expansion draft picks (1974)
- In game seven of the 1998 NBA Finals
- In game six of the 1997 NBA Finals
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Name etymology
- Players feuding with coach Elgin Baylor
- Playing home games at Loyola Field House (New Orleans)
- Postponing a game due to COVID-19
- Re-alignment from Eastern Conference to Western Conference
- Re-location from New Orleans to Salt Lake City
- Upset by the Warriors in the 1989 playoffs first round
Utah Utes
UTEP (University of Texas-El Paso) Miners
- Winning 1966 NCAA Tournament National Final (as Texas Western)
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V
Valparaiso Crusaders
Van Arsdale, Dick
Van Arsdale, Tom
Vancouver Grizzlies
Van Exel, Nick
Vandeweghe, Kiki
Varejao, Anderson
VCU Rams
Vermont Catamounts
Vesely, Jan
Villanova Wildcats
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Maryland (1985)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to Old Dominion (1995)
- Reaching the 1985 Final Four
- Winning 1985 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Winning 2016 NCAA Tournament National Final on Kris Jenkins game winning buzzer beater
Vincent, Sam
Virginia Cavaliers
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Oklahoma (1989)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset loss to UMBC (2018)
- Reaching the 1984 Final Four
- Winning 2019 NCAA Tournament National Final
Virginia Squires (formerly Oakland Oaks, Washington Capitols)
Vitale, Dick
Vranes, Slavko
Vrankovic, Stojko
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W
Wade, Dwyane
- Appearance in Just Wright
- As part of 2003 NBA draft class
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- Labeled as the next Michael Jordan
- Never named NBA league MVP
- On ’12-’13 Miami Heat (greatest teams)
- On 2004 U.S. Olympic team
- On 2008 U.S. Olympic team
Wagner, Milt
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Walk, Neal
Walker, Antoine
Walker, Chet
- Nicknamed “The Jet”
- On ’66-’67 Philadelphia 76ers (greatest teams)
Walker, Darrell
Walker, Jimmy
Walker, Phil
Walker, Wally
Wall, John
Wallace, Ben
- As un-drafted player
- Fight with Ron Artest (“Malice at the Palace”)
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
- Playing for Virginia Union
Wallace, Gerald
Wallace, Rasheed
- Comeback from retirement
- Record holder for most technical fouls
- Traded from the Hawks to the Pistons
Walton, Bill
- As championship winner on Celtics (1986)
- As father of Luke Walton
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (1978)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (1978)
- Not named to the All-Rookie team
Ward, Charlie
Washington, Kermit
Washington, Ora
Washington, Pearl
Washington, Trooper
Washington Capitols
Washington Wizards (formerly Bullets, formerly Chicago Packers, formerly Chicago Zephyrs)
- As first NBA expansion franchise (as Chicago Packers)
- Conference Finals upset over Knicks (1971)
- Conference Finals upset over 76ers (1978)
- Expansion draft picks (as Chicago Packers, 1961)
- In the 1975 Eastern Conference Finals (“Virtual NBA Finals”)
- Lengthy playoff drought
- Name change from Bullets to Wizards
- Name etymology
- Overcoming 3-1 series deficit in 1979 Conference Finals
- Re-location from Chicago to Baltimore
- Re-location from Baltimore to Washington
- Rivalry with Cavaliers
- Struggling in the regular season of their ’77-’78 championship season
- Trading Gilbert Arenas to the Magic for Rashard Lewis
- Upset by Warriors in 1975 NBA Finals
- Upsetting SuperSonics in 1978 NBA Finals
- Wes Unseld tenure as coach
- Wes Unseld tenure as general manager
Waterloo Hawks
Webb, Anthony “Spud”
Webber, Chris
- Appearance in Uncle Drew
- As great play maker
- Feuding with coach Maurice Cheeks
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Traded from Warriors to Bullets (1994)
- Traded from Wizards to Kings (1998)
Weber State Wildcats
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Michigan State (1995)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over North Carolina (1999)
Webster, Martell
Wedman, Scott
- As championship winner on Celtics (1984, 1986)
Weitzman, Rick
Wells Fargo Center
Wennington, Bill
- As championship winner on Bulls (1996, 1998)
Wesley, David
West, Jerry
- As Lakers legend
- As #2 overall NBA Draft pick
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- In the 1966 NBA Finals
- In the 1969 NBA Finals
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1970)
- Never named NBA league MVP
- Nicknamed “The Logo”
- On ’71-’72 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On 1960 U.S. Olympic team
- Winning Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1969)
West, Mark
Westbrook, Russell
- As part of Lakers “super team”
- As part of Thunder “super team”
- As part of 2008 NBA draft class
- Earning league MVP and then getting eliminated early in the playoffs (2017)
- Earning league MVP in a controversial voting (2017)
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Wearing jersey #0
Westhead, Paul
Westphal, Paul
White, Jo Jo
White, Nera
White, Royce
Wichita State Shockers
Wiggins, Andrew
Wilkens, Lenny
- As SuperSonics legend
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Playing in NBA Finals and not winning a title
- Returning as head coach of SuperSonics
Wilkes, Jamaal
- Appearance in Cornbread, Earl and Me
- As championship winner on Lakers (1980, 1982)
- As Lakers legend
- As rookie with great postseason performance
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1982)
- Name change from Keith Wilkes
Wilkins, Dominique
- As brother of Gerald Wilkins
- As Slam Dunk Contest winner
- Ending career with the Magic
- Finished second in NBA league MVP voting but never won
- In the 1985 Slam Dunk Contest
- In the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest
- In the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest
- In the 1990 Slam Dunk Contest
- Never played for U.S. Olympic team
- Never played in the NBA Finals
- Never played in the NCAA Tournament
- Nicknamed “Human Highlight Film”
- Refusing to play for the Jazz
Wilkins, Gerald
Williams, Charlie
Williams, Deron
Williams, Gus
- As SuperSonics legend
- Missing out on Finals MVP in a controversial voting (1979)
- Winning NBA Comeback Player of the Year award
Williams, John “Hot Rod”
Williams, Jay
Williams, Lou
Williams, Micheal
Williams, Mo
Williams, Ray
Williams, Roy
Williams, Scott
- As championship winner on Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993)
Willis, Kevin
Willoughby, Bill
Wisconsin Badgers
Wooden, John
Woolridge, Orlando
World Invitational Championship (1978)
Worthy, James
- Almost traded to the 76ers
- As championship winner on Lakers (1985, 1987, 1988)
- As Lakers legend
- Nicknamed “Big Game”
- On ’84-’85 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- On ’86-’87 Los Angeles Lakers (greatest teams)
- Triple-double in game seven of the 1988 NBA Finals
Wright, Dorell
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X
Xavier Musketeers
- NCAA Tournament Conference Semifinals upset over Arizona (2017)
- NCAA Tournament first round upset over Nebraska (1991)
- No Final Four appearances in the modern era
- Reaching 2017 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight as #11 seed
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Y
Yabusele, Guerschon
Yardley, George
Young, Korleone
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Z
Zaslofsky, Max
Zhizhi, Wang
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#
100 point game
1998 NBA lockout
- Effect on player readiness for the ’98-’99 season
- Effect on public opinion of 1999 Spurs title
- Role of David Stern in
2Ball Contest
Basketball, Listed 