How much do you know about the NBA? Here are four of the world-renowned basketball players. Let us check out how much you know them. ……………………………………………………………………….Ed The National Basketball Association (NBA) was first founded in 1946. It is one of America's top 4 professional sports league, along with MLB, NFL, and NHL. The NBA is now favored by fans from all over the world. In regard to the popularity of the NBA, it is difficult to talk about it without mentioning the players who shined through the historical decades of NBA. We will show you 4 players who represented each decade starting from the 1980’s where the boom of the NBA began. 1980’s and 1990’s Michael Jordan - Air Jordan – Team: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards Position: Shooting Guard Awards: 6-Time NBA Champion (6-Time Finals MVP) 5-Time NBA MVP Michael Jordan is considered as the greatest basketball player in the history of NBA. This 6-time NBA champion and 5-time NBA MVP will tell you everything. Among his numerous accomplishments, Jordan holds the NBA records for the highest career per game average in the regular season (30.12 points per game) and highest career playoff scoring average (33.45 points per game). He showed a remarkable defensive and offensive performance. This made Jordan even more unstoppable. In addition to his excellent performance as a basketball player, he became more special due to his significant role in popularizing NBA during the 1980’s and 1990’s. It is no exaggeration to say that Michael Jordan led the golden age of NBA. Furthermore, he is one of the most marketed athletes in NBA history. Jordan launched the Nike ‘Air Jordan’, and it was a huge hit all over the world. 1990’s and 2000’s Kobe Bryant - Black Mamba – Team: Los Angeles Lakers Position: Shooting Guard Awards: 5-Time NBA Champion (3-Time Finals MVP) 1-Time NBA MVP Kobe Bryant was a franchise star for Los Angeles Lakers, and he had played for this team for 20 years. It is an NBA record for a player running in one team for the most seasons. Bryant is considered as one of the most accomplished players in NBA history. He ranked third place on most points scored throughout his basketball career, and he has made more than 6,000 assists and 7,000 rebounds. Furthermore, he is the youngest basketball player to reach 30,000 career points. He was only 34 years old back then. These stats show that Kobe Bryant is a well-rounded player. During the previous season, Bryant has retired after 20 years of being one of the best basketball players, and the NBA still has an empty space for a legendary player. Team: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Position: Small Forward Awards: 3-Time NBA Champion (3-Time Finals MVP) 5-Time NBA MVP LeBron James is a small forward playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. With career averages of 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, he is considered as one of the most athletic and versatile players in the NBA. The stats show that he is good at scoring, rebounding, and passing. All of this makes him a better player. James has won three NBA Championships, four NBA Most Valuable Player awards, two Olympic Gold Medals, a scoring title, and Rookie of the Year award. He is still building up his tremendous career by showing an incredible performance every season. Team: Golden State Warriors Position: Point Guard Awards: 2-Time NBA Champion / 2-Time NBA MVP The First Unanimous MVP
The Golden State Warriors won the championship in the 2016-2017 NBA season. With Kevin Durant, who is considered as the No. 2 small forward in the NBA (following LeBron James), newly joining the team, they easily won against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the finals. In the upcoming season of 2017-2018, the Golden State Warriors is still the first runner, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, and Houston Rockets. However, with a lot of talented young players, teams (e.g., Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks) are expected to create a stronger competition throughout the season.