By Steven Resnick
I originally came up with this as a slideshow a few months back, but it still remains true today. Here’s a look at the best players to wear the uniform numbers for double zero to 99. There will be recognizable players such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, and so on, but there will be other players who weren’t as big.
Double Zero: Robert Parish
Parish who’s nickname is “the chief” played in the most games in NBA history. There’s no debating that he’s the number one choice for the number 00. He wore the jersey number with the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, and Chicago Bulls.
He was a member of four championship teams. His career numbers were 14.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, on 53.7 percent shooting, and 72.1 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the 00 jersey was Benoit Benjamin. He wore the jersey for six of the nine teams he played for. Benjamin played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Seattle Supersonics, Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets, Vancouver Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Since, he had a different number for the Bucks, Raptors, and 76ers I’ll do his best season in the NBA. Which was in 1990-1991 split between the Clippers and Supersonics.
He averaged 14 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.1 blocks, on 49.6 percent shooting, and 71.2 percent free throw percentage.
Another player to wear the 00 number was the late Kevin Duckworth. He played for the San Antonio Spurs but wore the number 54 there after that he wore 00 with the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Clippers.
His career was nowhere near as long as Parish’s. He averaged 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, .5 blocks, on 46.8 percent shooting, and 73.6 percent from the free throw line.
Duckworth in 1987-1988 won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
Orlando Woolridge has been the best player to wear the jersey number 0. Eventually once Gilbert Arenas gets his head screwed on straight he will overtake Woolridge, but at this time Arenas doesn’t have it yet based on the longevity of Woolridge.
Woolridge played on the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadlephia 76ers.
Wooldridge did have two seasons wearing the number six once with the Pistons where he changed the next year to his familiar number 0 and the number six in his last season with the 76ers.
His best season came in 1984-1985 when he averaged 22.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, on 55.4 percent shooting, and 78.5 percent from the free throw line.
Arenas is the second best player soon to be first best player to wear the number zero, but injuries and a suspension have cost him from doing it anytime soon.
Arenas has worn the number zero throughout his entire career, but is also looking to change his number if that happens Woolridge remains as the best player to wear the number zero.
For Arenas in his career so far he’s averaged 22.7 points, 5.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals, on 42.6 percent shooting, 35.7 percent from three, and 80.4 percent from the free throw line.
Tracy Mcgrady has worn the number one for his entire career except for the past season in which he wore the number three. McGrady’s career as of late has been plagued by injuries, but when he was healthy he was one of the better all-around players in the NBA.
His career numbers are solid and he’s been apart of four different franchises and this offseason it looks like it will be his fifth. So, far he’s played for the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks.
Currently he’s a free agent.
His best season came in the 2002-2003 season in which he averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals, on 45.7 percent shooting, 38.6 percent from three, and 79.3 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the jersey number one is Chauncey Billups. An excellent defensive point guard, who can shoot the three, score, and has been known for his clutch shooting.
For seven seasons Billups has worn the jersey number one. He also has worn the number three, four, and seven. He’s played for the Boston Celtics, two separate stints with the Nuggets, and the Detroit Pistons.
From 2002-2003 to 2008-2009, Billups wore the number one and also starting from this past season he has also worn the jersey number one for the Nuggets.
Billups best season came in 2005-2006 when he averaged 18.5 points, 8.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, .9 steals, on 44.2 percent shooting, 42.6 percent from three, and 89.4 percent from the free throw line.
Finally the third best player with the number one, Baron Davis. Davis has played for the Hornets franchise, the Golden State Warriors, and now the Los Angeles Clippers.
Like Billups he’s worn the number one for seven seasons. In Davis’ stint with the Warriors he wore the number five.
Davis’ best season came in 2003-2004 where he averaged 22.9 points, 7.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 steals, on 39.5 percent shooting, 32.1 percent from three, and 67.3 percent from the free throw line.
Alex English played a majority of his career with the jersey number two. He started his career out wearing the jerseys of number 22, 23, and finally settling on two.
English started his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, then Indiana Pacers, followed by the Denver Nuggets, and played his last season in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks.
His best season came in 1982-1983 when he averaged 28.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.5 blocks, on 51.6 percent shooting, 16.7 percent from three, and 82.9 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player on the list that wore the number two was Mitch Richmond who started out his career with the Golden State Warriors, then played for the Sacramento Kings, Washington Bullets/Wizards, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
He wore the number 23 with the Warriors and the Lakers, but wore the number two for the Kings and Wizards.
For Richmond his best season came in 1996-1997 when he averaged 25.9 points, 4.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, on 45.4 percent shooting, 42.8 percent from three, and 86.1 percent from the free throw line.
As for the third best player who wore the jersey number that would go to Larry Johnson. He played 10 seasons in the NBA and each year wore the number two.
For his career he averaged 16.2. points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, .7 steals, on 48.4 percent shooting, 33.2 percent from three, and 76.6 percent from the free throw line.
Johnson’s best season came in 1992-1993 where he averaged 22.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, .6 steals, on 52.6 percent shooting, 25.4 percent from three, and 76.7 percent from the free throw line.
Not a huge list to go off only three players in the history have worn the jersey number 03. Jack McMahon wore it for three seasons and he played for the Rochester Royals and St. Louis Hawks.
He also wore the jersey number three, 21, and 24.
As for his best season wearing the 03 that was in 1953-1954 when he averaged 10 points, 3.4 assists, 3 rebounds, on 36.2 percent shooting, and 69.6 percent from the free throw line.
Was there any question that Allen Iverson is the greatest player to dawn the jersey number three. A tremendous scorer especially for his height. Yes, he didn’t have a truly high field goal percentage and took a lot of shots, he was still a dynamic player that led the Philadelphia 76ers to a Finals appearance.
Iverson wore the number three in Philadelphia, Denver, and Memphis, but in Detroit he wore the number one. Iverson’s best season came in 2005-2006 when he averaged 33 points, 7.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals, on 44.7 percent shooting, 32.3 percent from three, and 81.4 percent from the free throw line.
Dale Ellis was one of the greatest three point shooters in NBA history. For his career he was an underrated player that could score.
He played for the Dallas Mavericks, Seattle Supersonics in two different stints, Milwaukee Bucks two different stints, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Charlotte Hornets.
Most of his career he wore the jersey number three, but he also wore two, nine, and 14.
His best season came in 1988-1989 when he averaged 27.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.3 steals, on 50.1 percent shooting, 47.8 percent from three, and 81.6 percent from the free throw line.
Nipping on Ellis’ heels are Dwayne Wade and Chris Paul, but before I put them on a list they need a few more years in the league to be put on the list. Since both of them have had some injury issues throughout their career as well.
Dolph Schayes played for the Syracuse Nationals for all but one year and that was his last in which he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. He wore the number four for all but one year which was his rookie season where he was the number 55.
Schayes was an excellent scorer who played power forward and center for the Nationals. His best year came in 1957-1958 when he averaged 24.9 points, 14.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, on 39.8 percent shooting, and 90.4 percent from the free throw line.
Chris Webber is the second best player to wear the number four jersey. Although, it was hard to put him over Joe Dumars, it was the career numbers that Webber was able to put up even though he had some years where he struggled with injuries.
Webber played for the Golden State Warriors and had two different stints, the Washington Bullets/Wizards, Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, and Philadelphia 76ers.
He also wore the number two for a couple of seasons and the number 84 with the Pistons, but the majority of his career he wore the number four.
Webber’s best season came in the 2000-2001 season when he averaged 27.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, 1.3 steals, on 48.1 percent shooting, and 70.3 percent from the free throw line.
The third best player to put on the jersey number four was Joe Dumars. He was an excellent defender and a decent scorer for the Detroit Pistons which was the only team he played for.
In his career he averaged 16.1 points, 4.5 assists, 2.2 rebounds, .9 steals, on 46 percent shooting, 38.2 percent from three, and 84.3 percent from the free throw line.
His best year came in 1990-1991 when he averaged 20.4 points, 5.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds, on 48.1 percent shooting, 31.1 percent from three, and 89 percent from the free throw line.
Jason Kidd is one of the better point guards in NBA history. Never much of a scorer, but always looking for teammates. He’s also one of the better rebounding point guards of all-time. His knack for getting triple doubles as well contributes to Kidd being the best player to wear the number five.
Kidd has also worn the number 32 and two as well. He’s had two stints with the Dallas Mavericks first stint he wore the number five, he had a stop in Phoenix, played six and a half years in New Jersey with the number five, and in his second stint with the Mavericks wore the number two.
His best year came in 2002-2003 when he averaged 18.7 points, 8.9 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals, on 41.4 percent shooting, 34.1 percent from three, and 84.1 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the number five is Guy Rodgers. Another point guard who was amongst the league leaders in assists or leading the league in assists.
He wore the number five for 10 of the 12 seasons he wore the number 25 for his first two seasons in the league.
Rodgers’ best year came in 1965-1966 when he averaged 18.6 points, 10.7 assists, on 37.3 percent shooting, and 72.7 percent from the free throw line.
Other then those two players there haven’t been that many notable players to wear the jersey number five. Juwan Howard had a solid career, but became more of a role player rather quickly.
Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks if he continues to improve his game in the next few years will overtake Rodgers as the second best player to wear the jersey number five.
There was no question of who was going to be first. Bill Russell one of the greatest big men in NBA history. Not only that part of 11 championship teams with the Boston Celtics.
He played all his 14 season with the Celtics and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975.
During his 14 year career he averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, on 44 percent shooting, and 56.1 percent from the free throw line.
Best season for Russell came in 1961-1962 where he averaged 18.9 points, 23.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, on 45.7 percent shooting, and 59.5 percent from the free throw line.
Julius Erving comes in as the second best player to wear the jersey number six. He played 11 seasons in Philadelphia wearing that number, but before that he played in the ABA wearing the jersey number 32.
In his 11 seasons with the 76ers he averaged 22 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks, on 50.7 percent shooting, 26.1 percent from three, and 77.7 percent from the free throw line.
His best season in the NBA 1979-1980 in which he averaged 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.8 blocks, on 51.9 percent shooting, 20 percent from three, and 78.7 percent from the free throw line.
Third best player to wear the number six is Neil Johnston. If he had played a little more seasons he could have been up there as the second best player to wear the jersey number six.
He played eight seasons in the NBA and averaged 19.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, on 44.4 percent shooting, and 76.8 percent from the free throw line.
Johnston’s best season came in 1954-1955 when he averaged 22.7 points, 15.1 rebounds, 3 assists, on 44 percent shooting, and 76.6 percent from the free throw line.
Only one player ever in the history of the NBA has worn the number 07. Paul Noel wore it for a season in 1951-1952. He played in a total of 52 games.
He averaged 2.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, .7 assists, on 28.2 percent shooting, and 71.1 percent from the free throw line. Now wonder why he changed to a different number the following season.
In his career he also wore the number five and 15. He played for the New York Knicks and Rochester Royals.
Kevin Johnson is one of the most under appreciated point guards in NBA history. He was a tremendous athlete was actually drafted by the Oakland A’s to play baseball, but instead chose to play basketball.
He started his career out in Cleveland but was traded to the Phoenix Suns during his rookie year. He played the remainder of his career there. He wore the number 11 in his rookie year, but then switched to seven.
Played 10 seasons with the number seven, although one year he appeared in just six games because he came out of retirement after injuries forced the Suns to look for a point guard for the playoffs.
His best season came in 1989-1990 when he averaged 22.5 points, 11.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, on 49.9 percent shooting, 19.5 percent from three, and 83.8 percent from the free throw line.
The only other number seven I could find that would remotely belong on the list would be Jermaine O’Neal. Who played a little longer than Johnson with the number seven.
O’Neal started out in Portland with the number five, went to Indiana where he had the most success of his career and wore the number seven, went to the Toronto Raptors wore the number six, but then was traded to the Heat where he got his number seven back.
His best season came in 2002-2003 when he averaged 20.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.3 blocks, on 48.4 percent from the field, and 73.1 percent from the free throw line.
Walt Bellamy heads the list as the best player to wear the jersey number eight. Like the number seven there’s only one other mention on the list of who should be right behind Bellamy and that is Kobe Bryant.
One could argue that Bryant should be on the list, but Bellamy played longer in the number eight then Kobe did. Not too mention that Bellamy is already a Hall of Famer and played every year in the NBA with the same number eight.
That means 14 year playing in the jersey number eight compared to Bryant playing 10 years with the jersey number eight. Let’s not forget that it took Bryant two to three years to become a dominant player.
When Bellamy came in the league he averaged 31.6 points, 19 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Bryant on the other hand averaged 7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
Only one season was Bellamy not putting up numbers and that was his last season in the league where he only appeared in one game, which hardly qualifies for a 14th season.
Bellamy for his career averaged 20.1 points, 13.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, on 51.6 percent shooting, and 63.2 percent from the free throw line.
His best season was his rookie season but beyond the averages already mentioned he shot 51.9 percent from the field and 64.4 percent from the free throw line.
Bryant’s best season came in the last year he wore the jersey number eight. When he averaged 35.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 steals, on 45 percent shooting, 34.7 percent from three, and 85 percent from the free throw line.
Bobby Wanzer played six seasons with the jersey number 09. He is the only NBA player in history to wear the 09 uniform. He did switch to the number nine in his final two seasons in the NBA.
He was inducted in to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.
Wanzer’s best season came in 1951-1952 when he averaged 15.7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists on 42.5 percent shooting, and 90.4 percent from the free throw line.
Pettit was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971. He wore the number nine for his entire career that lasted 11 seasons.
For his career he averaged 26.4 points, 16.2 rebounds, 3 assists, on 43.6 percent shooting, and 76.1 percent from the free throw line.
The best season for Pettit came in 1961-1962 when he averaged 31.1 points, 18.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, on 45 percent shooting, and 77.1 percent from the free throw line.
As for the second best player to wear the number nine that would go to Richie Guerin. Who wore the number for the first seven seasons of his career. After that he wore the jersey number 15, 18, and 19.
He started out with the New York Knicks and then the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks. Guerin’s best season came in 1961-1692 when he averaged 29.5 points, 6.9 assists, 6.4 rebounds, on 44.2 percent shooting, and 82 percent from the free throw line.
Randy Smith is the third best player to wear the number nine jersey. He played for Buffalo Braves/San Diego Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, a second stint with the Clippers, and finally finished his last season in the league with the Atlanta Hawks.
He wore the number nine for each teams except the Hawks in which he wore the number seven.
Smith’s best season came in 1975-1976 where he averaged 21.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.9 steals, on 49.4 percent shooting, and 81.7 percent from the free throw line.
This one was a tough one it was between Hardaway and Walt Frazier, but it was the ability for Hardaway to average 20 and 10 that puts him over Frazier. Not only the 20 and 10 seasons, but also Hardaway was underrated defensively.
Hardaway himself by many fans had the best crossover the NBA has ever seen. Hardaway also had one season wearing the number five and the number 14. But, for the majority of his 13 year career he wore the number 10.
He played for the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers.
His best season came in 1991-1992 when he averaged 23.4 points, 10 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 2 steals, on 46.1 percent shooting, 33.8 percent from beyond the arc, and 76.6 percent from the free throw line.
Frazier wore the number 10 for 10 of his 13 seasons in the league. After leaving the Knicks he wore the number 11 for three season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His best year came in 1969-1970 when he averaged 20.9 points, 8.2 assists, 6 rebounds, on 51.8 percent shooting, and 74.8 percent from the free throw line.
The third best player to wear the number 10 jersey was Dennis Rodman. He wore the jersey for nine seasons. He was a great rebounder, great defender, and a guy who would get underneath the skin of his opponents.
Rodman never had any kind of offensive game, so instead of scoring points he just grabbed rebounds. In only one season in his career did he average of 10 points per game.
He also wore the number 91, 73, and 70. He wore the number 10 while a member of the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, 91 was with the Chicago Bulls, 73 was with the Los Angeles Lakers, and 70 was with the Dallas Mavericks.
For Rodman his best season came in 1991-1992 when he averaged 9.8 points, 18.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, on 53.9 percent shooting, and 60 percent form the free throw line.
Elvin Hayes played 12 seasons wearing the number 11. He was an excellent scorer, rebounder, and defender. Unfortunately he played in a time where blocked shots were not counted until he was already in his sixth season in the NBA.
He played in a total of 16 seasons, but four of those years when he played for the Houston Rockets franchise he wore the number 44. Hayes was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.
Hayes’ best season came in his rookie year when he averaged 28.4 points, 17.1 rebounds,1.4 assists, on 44.7 percent shooting, and 62.6 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the number 11 was Isiah Thomas. An excellent point guard who could score, handle the ball, find open teammates, and defend.
He played all 13 seasons with the Detroit Pistons and was a member of the late Chuck Daly’s “Bad Boys” Pistons teams. Thomas in 2000 was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Thomas for his career averaged 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, on 45.2 percent shooting, 29 percent from three, and 75.9 percent from the free throw line.
Another Hall of Famer to wear the jersey number 11 was Paul Arizin. He was an excellent rebounder for his size and could score the basketball, twice he led the NBA in scoring and in points per game.
For his career he averaged 22.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, on 42.1 percent shooting, and 81 percent from the free throw line.
Arizin’s best season came in 1951-1952 when he averaged 25.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, on 44.8 percent shooting, and 81.8 percent from the free throw. Just to note the 44.8 percent field goal percentage was the best in the NBA as well.
John Stockton is up there as either the greatest point guard in NBA history or the second depending on who you ask. Stockton was fearless, he didn’t back down from a challenge, and some claimed he was dirty I would say he was ruthless.
He was an excellent passer and an excellent defender, the only thing he didn’t really do much was score, but he could shoot the basketball if he needed to. Him and Karl Malone made for one of the greatest duos of all-time in NBA history.
Stockton played all 19 seasons with the Jazz and wore the number 12 in every season. What was also amazing about Stockton was his durability only missing 22 games in his career.
He averaged 13.1 points, 10.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 steals, on 51.5 percent shooting, 38.4 percent from three, and 82.6 percent from the free throw line.
Stockton was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009.
As for his best season that was in 1990-1991 when he averaged 17.2 points, 14.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 steals, on 50.7 percent shooting, 34.5 percent from three, and 83.6 percent from the free throw line.
Besides Stockton there weren’t that many players who wore the number 12. Dwight Howard wears the number 12 but I’d currently rank him as the third best to wear that number because there is one other Hall of Famer who was a small forward .
His name is George Yardley. He started out his career playing for the Fort Wayne Pistons/Detroit Pistons and moved on to the Syracuse Nationals to end his career.
He played seven seasons in the NBA and averaged 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, on 42.2 percent shooting, and 78 percent from the free throw line.
Yardley’s best season came in 1957-1958 when he averaged 27.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, on 41.4 percent shooting, and 81.1 percent from the free throw line.
There’s truly only one player that belongs with the number 13 on this list. Chamberlain one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. Consider to be either number one or two.
He played all 14 seasons wearing the number 13. In his career he averaged 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, on 54 percent shooting, and 51.1 percent from the free throw line.
Chamberlain’s best season came in 1951-1952 when he averaged 50.4 points, 25.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, on 50.6 percent shooting, and 61.3 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the number 13 is Steve Nash. Who is still currently playing, but will never amass the stats to overtake Chamberlain.
Oscar Robertson was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980. He played with two franchises for his career the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks. He wore the number 14 for 10 years as a member of the Royals and wore the number one while a member of the Bucks.
His best season came in 1961-1962 when he averaged a triple double. His numbers looked like this 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists, on 47.8 percent shooting, and 80.3 percent from the free throw line.
There’s only one other player that can be mentioned with wearing the jersey number 14 and that is Bob Cousy. He wore the jersey number 14 in 13 of the 14 seasons he played in the league.
Cousy was consistently leading the league in assists, but his numbers do not even come close to that of Robertson’s. His best season was in 1959-1960 when he averaged 19.4 points, 9.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, on 38.4 percent shooting, and 85.5 percent from the free throw line.
Vince Carter has played 12 seasons in the NBA so far and is still not done. Although his high flying days are all but over, he’s still a very good role player that can draw fouls and hit the three pointer.
Carter for his career has averaged 22.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, on 44.5 percent shooting, 37.5 percent from three, and 79.9 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 2000-2001 when he averaged 27.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks, on 46 percent shooting, 40.8 percent from three, and 76.5 percent from the free throw line.
Carmelo Anthony would be the second best player to dawn the number 15 jersey. Anthony is a tremendous scorer, but needs to improve on his rebounding numbers, assist numbers, and needs to pick up his defense before he can overtake Carter.
Eventually Anthony will overtake Carter, but not anytime soon because Carter has the longevity and is still playing.
Anthony so far has averaged 24.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, on 45.9 percent shooting, 30.8 percent from three, and 80.1 percent from the free throw line.
His best season was in 2006-2007 when he averaged 28.9 points, 6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals, on 47.6 percent shooting, 26.8 percent from three, and 80.8 percent from the free throw line.
Hal Greer beats out Tom Heinsohn for the third spot as the best player to wear the jersey number 15. He wore the number for his entire 15 year career.
He averaged 19.2 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, on 45.2 percent shooting, and 80.1 percent from the free throw line for his career. He was also elected into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
Greer’s best season came in 1961-1962 when he averaged 22.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, on 44.7 percent shooting, and 81.9 percent from the free throw line.
Bob Lanier was the best player to wear the number 16 and it’s by a pretty substantial margin because the only other player that even comes to mind in terms of the jersey number 16 is Pau Gasol.
Lanier is a Hall of Famer who played 14 years in the NBA and he was inducted in 1992. He wore the number 16 for his entire career. He played for the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks.
In his career he averaged 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.1 steals, shot 51.4 percent from the field, and 76.7 percent from the free throw line.
The best season for Lanier was in 1971-1972 when he averaged 25.7 points, 14.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, on 49.3 percent shooting, and 76.8 percent from the free throw line.
As for the second best player in Gasol there’s really not much of a comparison. He’s averaged 18.8 points, 9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, .5 steals, on 52.1 percent shooting, and 74.3 percent from the free throw line.
Sure, the numbers look comparable, but Lanier had an average of 20 and 10 seven times in his career while Gasol has come close with one season he’s never been able to get to that point.
Peja Stojkaovic is the third best player to wear the number 16 jersey, but his time where he was actually scoring was for a brief period. Injuries played a big part of that as well.
I was going to let my bias get in the way by putting Havlicek number two, but in the end Havlicek has a bit better numbers than the second best player to wear the jersey number 17.
Keep in mind the runner up for best player to wear number 17 is the only other player in the Warriors franchise history to average 25 point and and at least five rebounds in five consecutive seasons.
Havlicek wore the number 17 for his entire career with Boston that spanned 16 seasons. In his career he averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, on 43.9 percent shooting, and 81.5 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1970-1971 when he averaged 28.9 points, 9 rebounds, 7.5 assists, on 45 percent shooting, and 81.8 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the jersey number 17 was Chris Mullin like Havlicek he played 16 seasons, but Mullin played for two teams the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers.
In his career he averaged 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals, on 50.9 percent shooting, 38.4 percent from three, and 86.5 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1988-1989 when he averaged 26.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals, on 50.9 percent shooting, 23 percent from three, and 89.2 percent from the free throw line.
No other player to wear the jersey number 17 comes close to Havicek or Mullin.
Again another number that only had two players that really come to mind who wore the jersey. Dave Cowens was the best player to wear the number 18.
Cowens for his career wore the 18 for 10 of his 11 seasons in the league. He played for the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
His best season came in 1972-1973 when he averaged 20.5 points, 16.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, on 45.2 percent shooting, and 77.9 percent from the free throw line.
Howell the second best player to wear the number 18 played for the Detroit Pistons, Baltimore Bullets, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. He worse the 18 jersey as well as the 15, and the 16 jersey.
In nine of the 12 seasons in the league he wore the 18 jersey. His best season came in 1960-1961 when he averaged 23.6 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, on 46.9 percent shooting, and 75.3 percent from the free throw line.
Again a number with only two players. Willis Reed is the best player to wear the jersey number 19. He wore for his entire 10 year career in which he played for the New York Knicks.
Reed averaged in his career 18.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, on 47.6 percent shooting, and 74.7 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1968-1969 when he averaged 21.1 points, 14.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, on 52.1 percent shooting, and 74.7 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the number 19 was Vern Mikkelsen who played his entire career with the Minneapolis Lakers. He also played 10 seasons in the NBA as well.
For his career he averaged 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, on 40.3 percent shooting, and 76.6 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1957-1958 when he averaged 17.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, on 41 percent shooting, and 78.6 percent from the free throw line.
There have been plenty of players to wear the jersey number 20. There’s truly only two players that were able to make this list and the guy in second place isn’t even close to Gary Payton who is the best player to wear the jersey number 20.
Payton was underrated offensively, but defensively he’s among the best defensive point guards ever to play in the NBA, he even won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the 1995-1996 season.
Not only that Payton didn’t back down from anyone either.
Besides wearing the number 20 he also wore the number two but that was only the first two seasons of his career. So, for 15 of his 17 years in the league he wore the number 20.
He also played for the Seattle Sonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and the Miami Heat.
Payton’s best season came in 1999-2000 when he averaged 24.2 points, 8.9 assists, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, on 44.8 percent shooting, 34 percent from three, and 73.5 percent from the free throw line.
The only other player worth mentioning for the jersey number 20 is Manu Ginobili who has become one of the best role players in NBA history. He’s played eight seasons in the NBA so far
With his best year coming in 2007-2008 when he averaged 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, on 46 percent shooting, 40.1 percent from three, and 86 percent from the free throw line.
Tim Duncan is considered by many NBA fans as the greatest power forward in NBA history. Although, his game has never been the most exciting he’s still the most fundamentally sound player in the NBA.
Even though his limits have been reduced since he’s now 33 years old he still has the ability to put up big numbers.
In his career so far he’s averaged 21.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.3 blocks, on 50.8 percent shooting, and 68.7 percent from the free throw line.
Best season for Duncan in his career was 2001-2002 when he averaged 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.5 blocks, on 50.8 percent shooting, and 79.9 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the number 21 is Kevin Garnett. He wore the number 21 for all 12 seasons he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves only changing his number to five when he went to the Boston Celtics.
Garnett’s best year came in 2003-2004 where he averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2.2 blocks, 1.5 steals, on 49.9 percent shooting, and 79.1 percent from the free throw line.
The third best player to wear the number 21 was Dominique Wilkins. He was an excellent scorer, could rebound the basketball, and was one of the best dunkers of all-time.
Played 15 years for five different teams. Started out with the Atlanta Hawks, then went to the Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Orlando Magic. Only in his time spent with the Celtics did Wilkins not wear the number 21 he was the number 12 as a Celtic.
Wilkins best season came in 1985-1986 when he averaged 30.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.8 steals, on 46.8 percent shooting, and 81.8 percent from the free throw line.
There’s been a tremendous amount of talent that had worn the number 22. Two of the players were battling for the number one position, but as they say the numbers prove who’s number one and who’s number two, and for that matter who’s number three.
Elgin Barylor was a tremendous player for the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. He played all 14 years in the organization. He was an outstanding scorer and outstanding rebounder. Was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977.
For his career he averaged 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, on 43.1 percent shooting, and 78 percent from the free throw line.
Baylor’s best season came in 1960-1961 when he averaged 34.8 points, 19.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, on 43 percent shooting, and 78.3 percent from the free throw line.
Clyde Drexler was the man vying for the top spot, but ultimately didn’t make it because Baylor’s numbers were superior to Drexler’s. He was a tremendous talent in his own right a great scorer, could rebound the ball, and was underrated defensively. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2004.
He wore the number 22 for the two teams he played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets. He played a total of 15 seasons in the NBA.
Drexler averaged 20.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2 steals, on 47.2 percent shooting, 31.8 percent from three, and 78.8 percent from the free throw line.
His best season in the league came in 1988-1989 when he averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.7 steals, on 49.6 percent shooting, 26 percent from three, and 79.9 percent from the free throw line.
The third best player to wear the 22 jersey was Dave DeBusschere another Hall of Famer he was inducted in 1983.
He was an excellent rebounding forward and a solid scorer. He wore the 22 in all 12 seasons in the NBA. He played for the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks.
DeBusschere for his career averaged 16.1 points, 11 rebounds, 2.9 assists, on 43.2 percent shooting, and 69.9 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1967-1968 when he averaged 17.9 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, on 44.2 percent shooting, and 66.4 percent from the free throw line.
Michael Jordan was the best ever to put on the jersey number 23. There’s really no one even close to Jordan. He also wore the jersey number 45 for the Bulls as well, but went back to his preferred 23. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
He played for two organizations the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. His best season came in 1988-1989 when he averaged 32.5 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds, 2.9 steals, on 53.8 percent shooting, 27.6 percent from three, and 85 percent from the free throw line.
As for the man who came in second for the best player to wear the jersey number 23 that would belong to Jason Richardson. He’s been a solid player in the NBA he can score and is one of the better rebounding guards, but his claim to fame is his ability to dunk the basketball.
Lebron James is the second best player to wear the number 23. Even though it looks like he’ll just have seven years in that jersey. When he plays for Miami he’s going to be wearing the number six.
James in his career with the jersey number 23 averaged 27.8 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1.7 steals, on 47.5 percent shooting, 32.9 percent from three, and 74.2 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in the 2009-2010 season when he averaged 29.7 points, 8.6 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1 block, on 50.3 percent shooting, 33.3 percent from three, and 76.7 percent from the free throw line.
The third best player to wear the jersey number 23 is Calvin Murphy. He played all 13 seasons with the Rockets franchise.
Murphy averaged 17.9 points, 4.4 assists, 2.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, on 48.2 percent shooting, and 89.2 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1975-1976 when he averaged 21 points, 7.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals, on 49.3 percent shooting, and 90.7 percent from the free throw line.
Murphy was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993 and is one of the better scorers who were under six feet tall.
Rick Barry is the best player to wear the number 24 in the NBA. He was a tremendous score and could shoot the basketball.
Wore the number 24 for all eight years he was with the Warriors franchise also played in the ABA as well. He wore the number two and four while he played for the Houston Rockets.
Barry’s best season came in 1966-1967 when he averaged 35.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, on 45.1 percent shooting, and 88.4 percent from the free throw line,.
He as inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.
The second best player to wear the jersey number 24 is Sam Jones. He played 12 seasons with the Boston Celtics and finished his career averaging 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, on 45.6 percent shooting, and 80.3 percent from the free throw line.
Jones’ best season in the league was in 1964-1965 when he averaged 25.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, on 45.2 percent shooting, and 82 percent from the free throw line.
Jones is also in the Hall of Fame having been inducted in 1984.
The third best player to wear the jersey number 24 is Tom Chambers. He played for the San Diego Clippers, Seattle Supersonics, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers.
He wore the number 24 for 10 of his 16 seasons in the league. Really it was 15 because he only appeared in one game for the 76ers.
Chambers best year came in 1988-1989 when he averaged 25.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals, on 47.1 percent shooting, 32.6 percent from three, and 85.1 percent from the free throw line.
Gus Johnson wore the jersey number 25 for nine plus seasons in the NBA. Mostly with the Baltimore Bullets. He did wear the number 13 for the Phoenix Suns until he was traded to the Indiana Pacers where he wore the number 25 again.
He’s been inducted in the Hall of Fame as of 2010. Johnson was an excellent rebounder as a forward.
Johnson’s best season came in 1970-1971 when he averaged 18.2 points, 17.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, on 45.3 percent shooting, and 73.8 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the number 25 was Mark Price. In his prime he was better than Steve Nash, he wasn’t as flashy as Nash, but he was a tremendous defender, and shot the ball well especially from the free throw line.
He started his career in Cleveland, went to Washington, Golden State, and Orlando. Wore the number 25 for 10 of the 12 seasons he was in the NBA. the other jersey number he wore was five and 15.
Best season for Price came in 1989-1990 when he averaged 19.6 points, 9.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, on 45.9 percent shooting, 40.6 percent from three, and 88.8 percent from the free throw line.
Chet Walker played 13 seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers franchise and Chicago Bulls. Wore the number 25 for his entire career.
His career average is 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, on 47 percent shooting, and 79.6 percent from the free throw line.
Walker’s best season came in 1963-1964 when he averaged 17.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, on 44 percent shooting, and 71.1 percent from the free throw line.
There’s only been 41 players to ever wear the jersey number 26. Only two names have been worthwhile players in the NBA. Kyle Korver and Hedo Turkoglu, the only difference is that Korver has worn 26 for his entire career while Turkoglu has only one season with the number and it was an awful one for him.
Korver has played for two teams Philadlephia and Utah, but just signed with the Bulls making it his third team. He’s worn the 26 jersey for all seven seasons he’s played.
Has a career average of 9.9 points, 3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, on 43.1 percent shooting, 41 percent from three, and 87.9 percent from the free throw line.
Korver’s best season has been his 2006-2007 season when he averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, on 44 percent shooting, 43 percent from three, and 91.4 percent from the free throw line.
Jack Twyman wore the 27 jersey for five years. He also wore 31 and 10. Other then that there were only 45 players who wore the number 27. Twyman is the only one worth mentioning.
His best season came in 1959-1960 when he averaged 31.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, on 42.2 percent shooting, and 78.5 percent from the line.
The number 28 is not a popular number only worn by 25 total players. Andrew Lang played the longest and was a role player throughout his 13 seasons in the NBA.
He wore the number 28 for his entire career he played for the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks.
Lang averaged 6 points, 4.8 rebounds, .6 assists, 1.5 blocks, on 47 percent shooting, and 74.4 percent from the free throw line for his career.
His best season came in 1995-1996 when he averaged 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, .9 assists, 1.8 blocks, on 44.7 percent shooting, and 80.1 percent from the free throw line.
Paul Silas wore the jersey number 29 and is the best player to wear it. Not many NBA player have worn that number with only 24 players ever wearing it.
He also wore the number 12, 35, and 36. He played for the Hawks in St. Louis and Atlanta, Phoenix, Boston, Denver, and Seattle.
Silas wore the number 29 for eight seasons. His best season came in 1971-1972 when he averaged 17.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, on 47 percent shooting, and 77.3 percent from the free throw line.
Bernard King was an excellent scorer and more importantly he was one of the most efficient scorers for his size. He wore the 30 jersey for 10 of the 14 seasons he played in the NBA. He played for New Jersey, Utah, Golden State, New York, and Washington.
His best season came in 1983-1984 when he averaged 26.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1 steal, on 56.6 percent shooting, and 70.5 percent from the free throw line.
The second best player to wear the number 30 is Goerge McGinnis. He played his first few years in the ABA and then played seven seasons in the NBA with Philadelphia, Denver, and Indiana.
He wore the number 30 throughout his career and he averaged 17.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.7 steals, on 44.8 percent shooting, 65.1 percent from the free throw line.
For the third best player to wear the number 30 that would go to Rasheed Wallace. Became a solid NBA defender and was a big man who could stretch the floor because he could shoot the three.
Wallace wore the number 30 for 11 out of the 14 seasons he was in the league. His best season came in 2001-2002 when he averaged 19.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks, on 46.9 percent shooting, 36 percent from the three point line, and 73.4 percent from the free throw line.
Again a number with not a lot of player to choose from. In fact there’s only two players worth mentioning Reggie Miller who comes in at number one and Shawn Marion who comes in at number two.
Miller was known for his deadly shooting ability and his ability to score. He played his entire 18 year career for the Indiana Pacers wearing the number 31.
For his career he averaged 18.2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.1 steals, on 47.1 percent shooting, 37.5 percent from three, and 88.8 percent from the free throw line.
Miller’s best season came in 1989-1990 when he averaged 24.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, on 51.4 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from three, and 86.8 percent from the free throw line.
Marion as mentioned before is the only other player worthy of mention. He was a tremendous defender guarding anyone on the court for the Phoenix Suns, and he could score and rebound.
Marion wore the number 31 for just over nine seasons. He has played for the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and is currently on the Dallas Mavericks.
His best season came in 2005-2006 when he averaged 21.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2 steals, 1.7 blocks, on 52.5 percent shootings, 33.1 percent from three, and 80.9 percent from the free throw line.
If you’re going by career accomplishments then it would be Magic Johnson, but in terms of longevity and numbers being put up throughout then it’s Karl Malone. That is why he’s number one and Magic Johnson is number two.
Malone played 18 seasons wearing the number 32 and Johnson wore the number 32 for 12 seasons and part of another season. Another difference between the two is that Malone stayed healthy throughout his career. Malone was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010 and Johnson in 2002.
In total Malone played 19 years only changing numbers when he went to the Los Angeles Lakers where he wore the jersey number 11.
His best season came in 1990-1991 when he averaged 29 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, 1 block, on 52.7 percent shooting, and 77 percent from the free throw line.
Johnson again comes in at number two barely. For his career he averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals, on 52 percent shooting, 30.3 percent from three, and 84.8 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1986-1987 when he averaged 23.9 points, 12.2 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, on 52.2 percent shooting, and 87.1 percent from the free throw line.
Billy Cunningham is the third best player to wear the 32 jersey. He played nine seasons in the NBA all with Philadelphia. He averaged 20.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4 assists, on 44.6 percent shooting, and 72 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1969-1970 when he averaged 26.1 points, 13.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, on 46.9 percent shooting, and 72.9 percent from the free throw line.
There’s no question of who is the best player to wear the number 33 and that is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Larry Bird gives Abdul-Jabbar a run for his money but he doesn’t have anywere near the longevity that Abdul-Jabbar had.
Abdul-Jabbar wore the number 33 for his entire 20 year career. His career numbers are 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.6 blocks, on 55.9 percent shooting, and 72.1 percent from the free throw line.
His career best season came in 1971-1972 when he averaged 34.8 points, 16.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, on 57.4 percent from the field, and 68.9 percent from the free throw line.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.
Bird played his entire career for the Boston Celtics and that lasted 13 seasons before injuries forced him to retire. He averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals, on 49.6 percent shooting, 37.6 percent from three, and 88.6 percent from the free throw line.
His best season came in 1984-1985 when he averaged 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, on 52.2 percent shooting, 42.7 percent from three, and 88.2 percent from the free throw line.
Bird was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
The third best player to wear the number 33 is another Hall of Famer in Patrick Ewing.
Ewing had a long career as well, but also played for a couple of different franchises before retiring. He wore the 33 jersey throughout his career except for his last year in the league where he wore the number six.
His best season came in 1989-1990 when he averaged 28.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal, on 55.1 percent shooting, and 71.6 percent from the free throw line.
Hakeem Olajuwon was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. He played 18 years in the league. He was one of the greatest centers of all-time. He had amazing footwork, he was a great scorer, tremendous rebounder, and great defensively.
Based on his longevity he beats out Charles Barkley as the best player to wear the jersey number 34. In all 18 seasons he wore the number 34.
His career numbers are 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.1 blocks, 1.7 steals, on 51.2 percent shooting, and 71.2 percent from the free throw line.
Olajuwon’s best season came in 1989-1990 when he averaged 24.3 points, 14 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.1 steals, 4.6 blocks, on 50.1 percents shooting, and 71.3 percent from the free throw line.
Charles Barkley comes right in after Olajuwon as the second best player to wear the number 34. He also wore the number four while with the Houston Rockets and the number 32 for a season in Philadelphia. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
The best season for Barkley was the 1986-1987 season when he averaged 23 points, 14.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks, on 59.4 percent shooting, 20.2 percent from three, and 76.1 percent from the free throw line.
For the third best player to wear the number 34 that goes to Shaquille O’Neal. He has also worn the number 32 and 33. His best season came in 1999-2000 when he averaged 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3 blocks, on 57.4 percent shooting, and 52.4 percent from the free throw line.
Number 35 is again a number not many NBA stars have worn. The choices were Loy Vaught or Clarence Weatherspoon for players who had longevity in the end thought it went to Kevin Durant.
So far in his career he’s averaging 25.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, on 46.2 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from three, and 88.2 percent from the free throw line.
His best season has been the 2009-2010 season when he averaged 30.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1 block, on 47.6 percent shooting, 36.5 percent from three, and 90 percent from the free throw line.
The only other player to even come close to Neal was Rasheed Wallace who played just over four plus seasons while Neal played over six plus seasons with the number 36.
Wallace was the better scorer, but Neal was the better rebounder. So, Neal took the spot based on his longevity with the number.
For his career he averaged 11.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, on 48.5 percent shooting, and 67.2 percent from the free throw line.
Neal’s best season came in his rookie year in 1972-1973 when he averaged 13.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, on 49.4 percent from the field, and 63.8 percent from the free throw line.
Only three players have worn the number 37 and the best player of the group was Ron Artest. The only other candidate was Nick Van Exel but he only played in 39 games in his one season of wearing the number 37 while Artest played in 77 games.
In his only season in the 37 uniform Artest averaged 11 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals, on 41.4 percent shooting, 35.5 percent from three, and 68.8 percent from the free throw line.
Not really many players to choose from with the number 38 only seven have worn the jersey. Based on longevity and appearing in more games the best player to wear the number 38 has been Viktor Khryapa.
Khrapa has career averages of 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1 assists, on 44.3 percent shooting, 29.2 percent from three, and 65.8 percent from the free throw line.
His best season was in 2005-2006 when he averaged 5.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, on 46.2 percent shooting, 33.3 percent from three, and 69.2 percent from the free throw line.
Only three players in NBA history have worn the number 39 those were Greg Ostertag, Zeljko Rebraca, and Tom Tolbert. Of the group Rebraca was the best player having played the most seasons.
He also wore the numbers 12 and 11 after leaving the Detroit Pistons. His best season came in 2001-2002 when he averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, .5 assists, 1 block, on 50.5 percent shooting, and 77.1 percent from the free throw line.
Again not a lot of players to chose from even though 152 players have worn the number 40. The one player that stood out from the rest was Shawn Kemp. One of the most explosive athletes in his time Kemp was a solid player for the Seattle Supersonics.
Wore the number 40 for 11 out of the 14 years he was in the league. Played for Seattle, Cleveland, Portland, and Orlando.
Best year for Kemp was in 1995-1996 when he averaged 19.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, on 56.1 percent shooting, and 74.2 percent from the free throw line.
For the jersey number 41, Dirk Nowitzki is arguably the best player to wear the jersey. In his 12 year career so far, he’s averaged 22.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, a block, on 47.3 percent shooting, 38 percent from three, 87.6 percent from the free throw line, and has an MVP Award.
Coming in second for the best player to wear the number 41 is Wes Unseld. If he had scored a little bit more, he may have taken over Nowitzki for the top spot.
In Unseld’s 13-year career, he averaged 10.8 points, 14 rebounds, 3.9 assists, on 50.9 percent shooting, 63.3 percent from the free throw line, has an MVP Award, a Finals MVP award, and one championship ring.
Glen Rice is the third best player to wear the number 41. He played 15 years in the NBA. He was one of the better shooters in NBA history, but could have used a little bit more of an all-around game to top this list.
In his career, he averaged 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, a steal, on 45.6 percent shooting, 40 percent from three, and 84.6 percent from the free throw line.
There was some competition at least for the number two and three spots for players who wore the jersey number 42. Number one there really was no doubt and that was Nate Thurmond.
Quite possibly one of the truly underrated big men to ever play the game and a great scorer and rebounder, Thurmond entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.
In his career he averaged 15 points, 15 rebounds, 2.7 assists, on 42.1 percent shooting, and 66.7 percent from the free throw line.
James Worthy is the second best player to wear the jersey number 42. He was a member of the Showtime Lakers teams that was so dominant in the 80s.
In his career Worthy averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, on 52.1 percent shooting, 76.9 percent from the free throw line, has a Finals MVP award, and was a member of three championship teams.
The third best player to wear the number 42 is Elton Brand. Although, injuries have slowed down his career as of late, he was a tremendous player and, if he had an owner to spend money around him, he’d have more playoff appearances than just one.
Brand, in his career so far, has averaged 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, two blocks, on 50.1 percent shooting, 73.6 percent from the free throw line, and has a Rookie of the Year Award.
While 43 wouldn’t seem to be a popular number to wear, there have been three outstanding players to have worn the jersey. One of the players, if he hadn’t had his career cut short by injuries, would have been number one instead is number two.
With that being said the best player to wear the number 43 is Jack Sikma. In his 14-year career, he averaged 15.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, a steal, on 46.4 percent shooting, 32.8 percent from three, 84.9 percent from the free throw line, and was a member of one championship team.
Brad Daugherty comes in as the second best player to wear the number 43. He played in just eight seasons, but in his career, he averaged 19 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, .8 blocks, on 53.2 percent shooting, and 74.7 percent from the free throw line.
Mychal Thompson played 13 seasons, but his last five were as a role player, so he didn’t put up big numbers, which is why he’s not over Daugherty, even though Thompson played longer.
In his career Thompson averaged 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, on 50.4 percent shooting, 65.5 percent shooting, and was a member of two championship teams.
There really wasn’t much doubt who was going to be number one, but there were a few players that could have made the list as number two and number three. Jerry West is the best player to wear the jersey number 44. It’s hard to argue, considering he is the silhouette of the NBA’s log.
In 14 years in the NBA, West averaged 27 points, 6.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, on 47.4 percent shooting, 81.4 percent from the free throw line, has a Finals MVP award, and one championship ring.
George Gervin was the second best player to wear the number 44. He started his career in the ABA and moved to the NBA. His combined stats in his 14-year career was 25.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals, on 50.4 percent shooting, and 84.1 percent from the free throw line.
Dan Issel is the third best player to wear the number 44 jersey. Like Gervin, he started off in the ABA and moved to the NBA. He combined to average 22.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, a steal, on 49.9 percent shooting, 79.3 percent from the free throw line, has a Rookie of the Year Award in the ABA, and was a member of one ABA championship team.
Chuck Person was one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history, another player who was truly underappreciated in his career. He played 13 seasons in the NBA.
He averaged 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, .7 steals, on 45.8 percent shooting, 36.2 percent from three, 72.3 percent from the free throw line, and has a Rookie of the Year Award.
A.C. Green was the definition of a role player. He wasn’t counted on to score primarily, but he was always in the lineup. He would bang and grab big rebounds, and was a solid defender.
In his 17-year career he averaged 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, .8 steals, on 49.4 percent shooting, 73.4 percent from the free throw line, and was a member of three championship teams.
Purvis Short is the third best player to wear the number 45, although he didn’t play his entire career wearing the number. He spent 10 of his 12 seasons in the NBA wearing the number 45.
His best season came in 1984-1985, when he averaged 28 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.5 steals, on 46 percent shooting, and 81.7 percent from the free throw line.
The number 46 was not a popular number, as only four players have ever worn the jersey. The best player to wear the jersey was Dennis Bell of the New York Knicks, who played just three season in the NBA.
In his career, he averaged 2.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, .4 assists, .4 steals, on 37.4 percent shooting, and 53.5 percent from the free throw line.
The number 47, like 46, is not a popular number, as there have been just five players ever to wear the number 47. Only Andrei Kirilenko is worth mentioning.
Kirilenk, by far, has had the best career wearing the jersey number 47. So far he has averaged 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, on 47.1 percent shooting, 30.7 percent from three, and 76.3 percent from the free throw line.
Only one player has ever worn the jersey number 48 and that was Walt Gilmore of the Portland Trail Blazers all the way back in the 1970-1971 season when the Trail Blazers were first starting out in the NBA.
Gilmore only lasted a season averaging 2.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, .4 assists, on 42.6 percent shooting, and 46.2 percent from the free throw line.
Only two players have worn the jersey number 49 in NBA history. The only player to wear it for more than one season was Shandon Anderson.
Anderson did not start off his career wearing the number 49. In his first five seasons he wore the number 40. It was the last five seasons playing for the Knicks and then the Miami Heat that he wore the number 49.
His best season came in 2002-2003, when he averaged 8.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, .9 steals, on 46.2 percent shooting, 37.1 percent from three, and 73.2 percent from the free throw line.
There really wasn’t much competition with the number 50, even though there’ve been 106 players ever to wear the number. David Robinson was simply the best player to don the jersey.
In his career, he averaged 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 3 blocks, on 51.8 percent shooting, 73.6 percent from the free throw line, has a Rookie of the Year Award, Defensive Player of the Year Award, an MVP award, and was a member of two championship teams.
The second best player to wear the jersey number 50 is Zach Randolph, who has had an interesting career, to say the least. He has averaged 17.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, .8 steals, on 46.9 percent shooting, 77.1 percent from the free throw line, and has a Most Improved Player Award.
Corey Maggette is the only other player worth mentioning. He’s a good scorer one-on-one, but isn’t much of a passer or defender. In his career he’s averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, .8 steals, on 45.6 percent shooting, 32.1 percent from three, and 82.1 percent from the free throw line.
Not many players have worn the jersey number 51 and, if they did play for a while, these players were mostly role players, so no big numbers from any of them.
The best player to wear the number 51 is Lawrence Funderburke, who, in his career, averaged 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, .6 assists, on 50.6 percent shooting, and 67.5 percent from the free throw line.
There was a solid list of players who wore the number 52. Buck Williams edged out Jamaal Wilkes and Happy Hairston for the best player to wear the jersey because Williams wore the jersey for all 17 seasons. Williams’ numbers look lower then they actually were because, towards the end of his career, he became a role player.
In his career, he averaged 12.8 points, 10 rebounds, 1.3 assists, .8 blocks, .8 steals, on 54.9 percent shooting, 66.4 percent from the free throw line, and has a Rookie of the Year Award.
Wilkes played nine seasons wearing the number 52, though he started his career with the number 41. His best season came in 1980-1981 when he averaged 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals, on 52.6 percent shooting, 75.8 percent from the free throw line, and was a member of two championship teams.
Like Wilkes, Hairston did not start out his career wearing the number 52. For Hairston, his best season came in 1969-1970, when he averaged 20.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2 assists, on 49 percent shooting, 80.3 percent from the free throw line, and a member of one championship team.
There really wasn’t much of a question of who was going to be the best player to wear the number 53. Artis Gilmore, who should be in the Hall of Fame, was one of the strongest centers in NBA history.
He started his career in the ABA and then the NBA. Combined, he averaged 18.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.4 blocks, on 58.2 percent shooting, 69.8 percent from the free throw line, has an ABA Rookie of the Year Award, an ABA MVP award, an ABA Playoffs MVP award, and was a member of an ABA championship team.
The second best player to wear the number 53 is Darryl Dawkins. In his career, he averaged 12 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, on 57.2 percent shooting, and 68.5 percent from the free throw line.
Mark Eaton is the third best player to wear the number 53, although not a scorer by any means. Eaton changed the game by his ability to block shots.
In his career, he averaged six points, 7.9 rebounds, an assist, 3.5 blocks, on 45.8 percent shooting, 64.9 percent from the free throw line, and has two Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
There were quite a few players who have worn the number 54, most of whom were role players, including the guy who’s the best to wear 54 and that is Horace Grant.
Grant averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, a steal, a block, on 50.9 percent shooting, 69.2 percent from the free throw line, and was a member of four championship teams.
Only two players were worth mentioning who wore the jersey number 55. Kiki Vandweghe and Dikembe Mutombo. The edge went to Mutombo because, even though he wasn’t an elite scorer, he was an elite defensive player.
In Mutomobo’s 18-year career, he averaged 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, an assist, 2.8 blocks, on 51.8 percent shooting, 68.4 percent from the free throw line, and won the Defensive Player of the Year Award four times.
Vandeweghe, the second best player to wear the number 55, averaged 19.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, on 52.5 percent shooting, and 87.2 percent from the free throw line.
Francisco Elson played the first three seasons of his career with the Denver Nuggets and wore the number 56. He has switched from that number.
His best season came in 2005-2006, when he averaged 4.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, .7 assists, .8 steals, on 53.2 percent shooting, and 66.2 percent from the free throw line.
Walt Kirk played only in 14 games wearing the number 60 jersey. In that same season, another player on the same team wore the number 60. Kirk, though, had better numbers in his 14 games.
He averaged 4.9 points, .9 assists, 36.1 percent shooting, and 75.8 percent from the free throw line.
There were only two players to ever wear the jersey number 61. Dave Piontek was the best player and both players only wore it for a season. He did not start out his career wearing the number 61, as he wore 5, 12, 25, and 33 as well.
Piontek averaged 2.7 points, 2 rebounds, .5 assists, on 38 percent shooting, and 62.5 percent from the free throw line.
Only two players have worn the number 62 in their careers and Scott Pollard played three times the seasons as the only other player. Pollard did not start his career or end his caree,r wearing the number 62.
His best season came in 2005-2006, when he averaged 3.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, .5 assists, .8 steals, on 45.5 percent shooting, and 76.3 percent from the free throw line.
Only one player has worn the number 65 and that was for one season by George Ratkovicz in his rookie year. After that, he switched to a different number.
In his only season, he averaged 8.6 points, 2 assists, on 36.9 percent shooting, and 60.6 percent from the free throw line.
Price Brookfield and, since the only recent player that has worn 66 was Scott Pollard.
Brookfield, like the two others to wear number 66, only wore the number for the season. He averaged 8.2 points, 2.5 assists, on 27.6 percent shooting, and 72 percent from the free throw line.
Moe Becker played only one season, but played for three different teams and had three different numbers five, six, and 67. He appeared in 20 games for the Detroit Falcons.
He averaged 2.1 points, .8 assists, on 17.8 percent shooting, and 30 percent from the free throw line.
Another Detroit Falcon who made the list, Milt Schoon played two years, but in his first season wore the number 68. He averaged 2.9 points, .3 assists, on 21.6 percent shooting, and 42.5 percent from the free throw line.
There have been five other players to wear the number 70 and even, though Dennis Rodman barely played, he still is the best player in the group.
In Rodman’s lone season in Dallas wearing the number 70, he averaged 2.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, on 38.7 percent shooting, and 71.4 percent from the free throw line.
Willie Naulls wore the number 71 for part of a season after going to the San Francisco Warriors. He had the best season of any player wearing the number 71.
He averaged 11 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, on 42 percent shooting, and 79.3 percent from the free throw line.
Jason Kapono is the only player to wear the number 72 in NBA history. So far, he’s only worn it for one year. He averaged 5.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, .7 assists, on 41.9 percent shooting, 36.8 percent from three, and 60 percent from the free throw line.
Dennis Rodman played one season with the Los Angeles Lakers and chose the number 73, which had never been worn before. He didn’t play in many games for the Lakers, either.
He averaged 2.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, on 34.8 percent shooting, and 43.6 percent from the free throw line.
Much like most of the numbers now, the number 76 was never worn before. It’s understandable why Bradley chose, it seeing how he’s 7’6″, but it didn’t bring him much luck.
His best season wearing the 76 jersey came in 1994-1995 when he averaged 9.5 points, 8 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, on 45.5 percent shooting, and 63.8 percent from the free throw line.
Vladimir Radmanovic is not the only player to wear the number 77, but he certainly is the best and longest tenured of them all. Seattle is where he made a name for himself. He then went on to wear the number seven and 10 before reverting back to 77, when he came to the Golden State Warriors.
His best season wearing the number 77 came in 2003-2004 when he averaged 12 points, 5.3 rebounds,1.8 assists, a steal, on 42.5 percent shooting, 37.1 percent from three, and 74.8 percent from the free throw line.
Chris Webber is the only NBA player ever to wear the number 84, which seems to be a recurring theme with the numbers as they got up. Webber only wore the number for one season with Detroit.
He averaged 11.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3 assists, on 48.9 percent shooting, and 63.6 percent from the free throw line.
Nicolas Batum is the second player ever to wear the number 88. He’s played two seasons so far with the Portland Trail Blazers. He’s an excellent defender, can shoot the three, and has made Rudy Fernandez expendable, since he’s better than Fernandez.
In his career so far, he’s averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, an assist, .6 steals, on 47.7 percent shooting, 38.7 percent from three, and 82.5 percent from the free throw line.
Clyde Lovellette is the only player to wear the number 89, which he did in his rookie year, then changed his number. He averaged 8.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, .7 assists, on 42.3 percent shooting, and 69.5 percent from the free throw line.
Drew Gooden is the only player in NBA history to wear the number 90. He’s worn it for the majority of his career, but he’s also worn zero and nine.
His best season wearing the number 90 jersey came in 2004-2005, when he averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, .9 blocks, on 49.2 percent shooting, and 81 percent from the free throw line.
Dennis Rodman makes the list again, thanks to not having much competition or being the only one to wear the number. Only one other player has worn 91 and that was Ron Artest for a year. Rodman wore it for three years, while with the Bulls.
His best season came in 1996-1997, when he averaged 5.7 points, 16.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, on 44.8 percent shooting, and 56.8 percent from the free throw line. Also, he was a member of three championship teams while wearing the 91.
Deshawn Stevenson was traded to the Mavericks last year, where he tried to shake off his bad year by switching to the number 92. That didn’t really help him, but he did become the only player to wear the number.
He averaged 2 points, 1.1 rebounds, .5 assists, on 28.3 percent shooting, 32 percent from three, and 70 percent from the free throw line.
Ron Artest did make the list for wearing the number 93. He is the second player ever to wear the jersey and he wore it three times longer than the only other player, P.J. Brown.
His best season wearing the number 93 came in 2007-2008, when he averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals, on 45.3 percent shooting, 38 percent form three, and 71.9 percent from the free throw line.
Ron Artest makes the list again because, when he joined the Rockets, he chose the number 96. There was one other player to wear the number 96, but he didn’t even come close to the season that Artest had in his only year in Houston.
He averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.5 steals, on 40.1 percent shooting, 39.9 percent from three, and 74.8 percent from the free throw line.
Chet Aubuchon played just one season and averaged 2.2 points, .7 assists, on 25.3 percent shooting, and 54.3 percent from the free throw line.
George Mikan revolutionized the center position with his hook shot. He was the NBA’s first dominant post player and his numbers reflect that. Not many players have chosen to wear the number 99. Mikan, though, is by far the greatest player to wear the number.
He wore it throughout his relatively brief career, during which he played just seven seasons. In his career, he averaged 23.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, on 40.4 percent shooting, and 78.2 percent from the free throw line.
The second part of the slideshow can be found here.
Singarju Krishnachaitanya: Essay writing regularly assigned work that has a great significance in...
Josh Dhani: ...
Anonymous: talented kid for sure but to the wiazrds....defense anyone?...
Anonymous: I thought they were in New York the way the crowd was cheering for Lin...
Anonymous: The hell with Clippers..DAVID STERN did alot of teams DIRTY.......