Image via Complex Original
Many consider the late '80s and the early '90s to be the NBA's Golden Era. The league struggled to compete with Major League Baseball and the NFL for many years. That was until a kid from French Lick, IN and a kid from Lansing, MI were drafted. Magic and Bird took the league off life support, appearing in every championship series in the '80s it seemed.
Then an athletic, lanky kid got drafted to the Chicago Bulls and took the league to another star system. The '90s were full of Hall of Famers and Top 50 players. Michael Jordan and the Bulls dominated the decade. Guys like Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, John Stockton and Karl Malone would've had at least one ring if it weren't for His Airness. We all know Mike is No. 1, but what other players shined in his shadow? David Robinson was a beast in the post and Dikembe Mutombo racked up the most Defensive Player of the Year honors (three). Check who else made the cut and is one of The 25 Best NBA Players of the '90s.
RELATED: The 20 Best NBA Players of the 2000s
25. Rod Strickland
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1x All-NBA, 1998 Assists Leader
Team(s): Knicks, Spurs, Blazers, Wizards
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 15.7 PPG 4.4 RPG 8.5 APG 1.7 SPG
'90s Highlights
It still amazes us that Rod never made an All-Star team. It's one of the biggest travesties in sports. Some blame it on his ego and that's fair. He once said that he wouldn't attend the 1999 All-Star game, if chosen, after being snubbed in '98. Strick also had a contract dispute with the Spurs and was sent packing. The numbers don't lie, though. During his career, Strickland was one of the most consistent points in the L. He couldn't shoot for shit, but it didn't matter because he was impossible to keep out of the lane. Strickland averaged 15+ points and 8+ assists for six straight seasons (1994-1999). He was the quintessential city point guard and he's been paying it forward to the young bucks. Rod has coached Derrick Rose, John Wall and Tyreke Evans as an assistant under John Calipari at Memphis and Kentucky.
24. Penny Hardaway
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA
Team(s): Magic
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 19.0 PPG 4.7 RPG 6.3 APG 1.9 SPG
'90s Highlights
Penny Hardaway had four great seasons to start out his NBA career. He and Shaq formed a one-two punch that was destined for greatness. They carried the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995, but were dismantled by Hakeem's Rockets in four games. Penny was a 6'7" point guard with crazy handle and an all-around game that would make Oscar Robertson jealous. When Mike retired, all the kids gravitated towards Hardaway and he deserved it. Everyone was rocking Hardaway Champion jerseys with Penny's on their feet. Unfortunately, injuries robbed him of his athletic ability and he was never able to mimic his first four seasons. People still talk about what could've been. No doubt we'll be telling our grandkids about Penny's early exploits.
23. Tim Hardaway
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA
Team(s): Warriors, Heat
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 19.4 PPG 3.6 RPG 9.0 APG 1.9 SPG
'90s Highlights
Tim didn't invent the crossover, he perfected it. His signature move, the UTEP 2-Step, was breaking ankles since AI was a wee lil lad. Tim was the ring leader of Don Nelson's high-octane offense in Golden State. Run TMC ran cats out of the gym with Tim leading the break and Mullin and Mitch on the wings. After a couple knee injuries, Hardaway was dealt to Miami after they felt like he lost a step. He proved them wrong as he helped the Heat make the playoffs every year he was there (1996-2001). Hardaway changed his game from an flashy point guard to a fundamental floor general. He was also disgustingly clutch. Tim broke the hearts of many a fan with his dagger threes from the top of the key.
22. Jason Kidd
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1995 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year, 2x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x All-Defense, 1999 NBA Assists Leader
Team(s): Mavericks, Suns
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 13.5 PPG 6.0 RPG 9.1 APG 2.1 SPG
'90s Highlights
Kidd couldn't shoot to save his life when he first came in the league, but he was still able to lead the NBA in triple-doubles his rookie year. He has an uncanny ability to make everyone around him better. Along with Jamal Mashburn and Jim Jackson, Kidd made the Dallas Mavericks relevant again (they were nice in the '80s!). For whatever reason the three couldn't get along and the band broke up. Kidd was dealt to Phoenix where he continued to rack up triple-doubles left and right. He's one of the best rebounding point guards the game has ever seen and we're pretty sure he has eyes behind his head. Jason had a couple games in his career where he didn't score on purpose. He wanted to show the world that you can make an impact by being unselfish. Kidd continued his Hall of Fame level play in the 2000s.
21. Grant Hill
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1995 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year, 4x All-Star, 4x All-NBA
Team(s): Pistons
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 20.7 PPG 8.1 RPG 6.5 APG 1.6 SPG
'90s Highlights
Like Penny, Hill was on his way to a Hall of Fame-type career. He was putting up LeBron numbers before LeBron. Homie was a triple-double machine and was a top five player in the late '90s. That was until an ankle injury during the 2000 playoffs almost ended his career. Grant is one of four players to rack up 9,000+ points, 3,000+ rebounds and 2,000+ assists in his first six seasons. The others? Oh, just some dudes named Larry, Oscar and LeBron. Hill did everything for the Pistons which probably led the front office to believe they didn't have to build a real team around him. With all his stats, Detroit never got out of the first round during his time there.
20. Dominique Wilkins
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA
Team(s): Hawks, Clippers, Celtics, Spurs, Magic
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 23.5 PPG 6.6 RPG 2.6 APG 1.1 SPG
'90s Highlights
Nique ran wild in the late '80s and he continued to run wild in the '90s regardless of the team he played for. He wasn't as explosive as he once was, but that didn't mean he forgot how to score. Wilkins started the '90s with a bang by winning the 1990 dunk contest while wearing this new shoe called the Pump. And even after a ruptured achilles in '92 forced the Hawks to deal him to the Clippers, 'Nique was still able to instill fear in the hearts of defenders. Wilkins averaged 22 points a game after the injury and ventured off to Europe to play for Panathinaikos and helped them win the '96 Euroleague title.
19. Mitch Richmond
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA
Team(s): Warriors, Kings, Wizards
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 23.0 PPG 4.0 RPG 3.8 APG 1.3 SPG
'90s Highlights
Mitch is one of the most underrated. Michael Jordan feels the same way. His Airness claims Richmond was one of the hardest guys he ever guarded. Mitch was a talented scorer that didn't miss a jumper. He shot for 49% in consecutive seasons ('90 & '91), that's almost unheard of for guards. Under the guidance of Don Nelson, Richmond and the rest of Run TMC blew teams out of the water, but that style of play never translated into playoff wins. Injuries slowed down what could've been a Hall of Fame career.
18. Kevin Johnson
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 3x All-Star, 4x All-NBA
Team(s): Suns
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 18.8 PPG 3.3 RPG 9.3 APG 1.5 SPG
'90s Highlights
KJ was a tough lil' guy. He was an all-around point guard that liked to do everything himself. Johnson averaged 20 points and 9 dimes four times during the '90s. During his first two years in Phoenix ('89 and '90), Kevin helped the Suns make two straight Western Conference Finals appearances. When he finally got help in the form of Charles Barkley in 1993, the Suns finished with a league best 62-20 record, but lost to the Bulls in the Finals in six games. Kevin was a fearless slasher. He penetrated the paint and either dished it to Sir Charles or hit "Thunder" Dan Majerle for a three. He had the ability to take over a game with his scoring and he played pretty good defense too. The 6'1" guard took 7 free throw attempts a game during the '90s and preferred to get three points the old fashioned way. He was a leader on and off the court. Kevin is currently the Mayor of Sacramento.
17. Shawn Kemp
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 6x All-Star, 3x All-NBA
Team(s): Sonics, Cavs
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 16.7 PPG 9.5 RPG 1.9 APG 1.2 SPG 1.5 BPG
'90s Highlights
The lockout-shortened season of 1999 ruined the Reignman's career. He came back out of shape and developed a taste for booger sugar. But we're talking the '90s and in the '90s Kemp was one of the best and most marketable stars in the league. He and Gary Payton put on a show on a nightly basis while playing for the Sonics. We don't think Kemp ever made a jumper, all he did was dunk on fools and make posters out of them. The Reignman got a double-double on a bad day. His Reebok Kamikaze's were the shit too. After a contract dispute with Seattle, he was traded to the Cavs where he put up 18 and nine in three seasons.
16. Alonzo Mourning
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1999 Defensive Player of the Year, 4x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x All-Defense
Team(s): Hornets, Heat
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 21.1 PPG 10.1 RPG 1.5 APG 3.1 BPG
'90s Highlights
Zo often gets forgotten because of the era he came up in. Many forget that he was in the same draft as Shaq and also played in the shadows of the Dream, Patrick, and the Admiral. Mourning was one of the best defensive centers the game has ever seen. When the Hornets drafted him second overall to play alongside a young Larry Johnson, they had visions of banners hanging from the rafters. That marriage didn't last long as the two young stars never got along. Mourning was dealt to Miami after only three years in Charlotte. There he found success, making the playoffs consistently while establishing himself as one of the top pivots in the game and getting into epic battles (literally) with Grandmama's Knicks. After a short stint with the Nets, Alonzo returned to South Beach to back up Shaq and won a ring in 2006.
15. Chris Mullin
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA
Team(s): Warriors, Pacers
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 19.0 PPG 4.6 RPG 3.6 APG 1.6 SPG, 40.1 3P%
'90s Highlights
The kid out of Brooklyn with the buzz cut was one of the purest shooters to pick up a basketball. After shitting on cats when he was at St. John's, Mullin continued to do the same in the NBA. Along with Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway, they formed Run TMC and averaged 116 points a game over the course of two seasons ('90-'91). Mully was also a member of the 1992 Dream Team aka the greatest team ever assembled.
He averaged 25 and 5 for four consecutive seasons until the injury bug hit. When his numbers took a dip, the Warriors dealt him to Indiana where he helped the Pacers make two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 1998 and 1999. Injuries were minor compared to his battle with alcoholism early in his career. Those setbacks didn't stop Chris from becoming a Hall of Famer.
14. Reggie Miller
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA
Team(s): Pacers
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 21.0 PPG 3.1 RPG 3.2 APG 1.2 SPG, 40.5 3P%
'90s Highlights
Reggie wasn't the fastest and wasn't the quickest, but what does that matter if you can't miss? Miller was one of the most clutch performers in sports history. The god relished in the big moments. He was the all-time leader in three pointers until Shuttlesworth passed him up in 2011 and is top ten all-time in free throw percentage. All Reggie needed was a little day light and he was making the shot. Larry Brown had him constantly running through screens to get free so he can take his funky jump shot, exactly how Brown used Rip Hamilton. Reggie had legendary clutch moments that included scoring 8 points in 8.9 seconds to beat the Knicks in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, which put his epic beef with Spike Lee into the national spotlight. He also won a gold medal in 1996. Everyone knew it was "Miller Time" when the game was on the line.
13. Gary Payton
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1996 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 5x All-Star, 6x All-NBA, 6x All-Defense
Team(s): Sonics
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 16.3 PPG 3.8 RPG 6.8 APG 2.3 SPG
'90s Highlights
GP established himself as the best defensive point guard early on. During his first two seasons ('91-'92), he snatched two cookies a game while turning the middle of the pack Sonics into contenders. Gary wasn't the best shooter and still managed to put up 20 a game between 1995 and 1999. He broke defenders down and penetrated the lane with ease. Most of his points either came in the paint or from the foul line. If he didn't lay it up, he either kicked it out to Detlef or hit Kemp with a sick alley-oop. Payton hung is hat on defense, though. He's one of only four guards to ever win the Defensive Player of the Year Award (1996) and his nickname was "The Glove" because of his propensity for thievery of basketballs.
12. Dennis Rodman
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 2x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, 7x All-Defense, 7x NBA Rebounding Champion, 4x NBA Champion
Team(s): Pistons, Spurs, Bulls, Lakers
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 6.8 PPG 15.1 RPG 2.0 APG
'90s Highlights
The Worm was a rebounding machine his entire career. Rumor has it that he used to watch hours of film and study how missed shots bounced off of the rim. Hearing that explains how the 6'7", 210 lbs forward averaged 13.1 boards for his career. He was also a top-notch defender, winning two straight Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1990 and 1991. Controversy aside, Dennis was a winner. He won titles with the Bad Boy Pistons and won titles with the Bulls. If it weren't for Rodman's antics vs. Karl Malone, Chicago might've dropped a series to Utah.
11. Dikembe Mutombo
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 3x Defensive Player of the Year, 5x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 4x NBA All-Defense
Team(s): Nuggets, Hawks
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 12.9 PPG 12.1 RPG 1.5 APG 3.6 BPG
'90s Highlights
Mt. Mutombo dominated on the defensive end during the '90s. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards during the decade and helped the Nuggets become the first eighth seed to beat a first seed in NBA playoff history in 1994. Mutombo averaged a double-double during his rookie season and made the All-Star team. He comes from a long line of defensive Georgetown centers that includes Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning. Dikembe rarely got dunked on and remained a defensive threat until his retirement in 2009.
10. Shaquille O'Neal
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1993 Rookie of the Year, 1995 NBA Scoring Champion, 6x All-Star, 6x All-NBA
Team(s): Magic, Lakers
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 27.1 PPG 12.2 RPG 2.5 APG 2.6 SPG
'90s Highlights
Shaq dominated in two decades. When he was drafted into the L, no one wanted to play against him. Even Charles Barkley wanted no parts when he first saw O'Neal in person. The Diesel was the biggest, strongest player the game had ever seen. He broke backboards and sent shots into the third row. In just his third season, Shaq led the Magic to the 1995 Finals vs. Houston with the help of Penny Hardaway. After two disappointing seasons, he bolted for Hollywood and the rest is history. Along with Phil Jackson and Kobe, the Lakers won three straight to set off the new millennium.
9. Clyde Drexler
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1x Champion, 7x All-Star, 4x All-NBA
Team(s): Trail Blazers, Rockets
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 20.9 PPG 6.4 RPG 5.7 APG 1.8 SPG
'90s Highlights
Clyde the Glide was so smooth. Just imagine if the Blazers would've took Jordan instead of Sam Bowie. Portland would've won multiple titles with those two. He was mainly a slasher and was a good defender. He was one of the best finishers in the business and ran the break like a gazelle. He's another guy that would've had multiple rings had it not been for Jordan and the Bulls. Drexler had chances to get a ring in 1990 and 1992, but lost to the Pistons in five and the Bulls in six, respectively. He finally broke through in 1995 as a member of the Rockets. Clyde was also a member of the Dream Team.
8. Patrick Ewing
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 8x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, 1x All-Defense
Team(s): Knicks
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 24.1 PPG 11.0 RPG 2.2 APG 0.9 SPG 2.7 BPG
'90s Highlights
Patrick is like most players on this list. He had the misfortune to play in the Jordan era. Ewing was a warrior that played injured for most of his career. Pat was an anchor in the middle and carried the Knicks on his bad knees. They were always in the mix, but ran into Chicago and lost in heart breaking fashion every time. Pat was an old school center. He was good offensively, especially from 15-18 feet out—the corner jumper was always water—but he championed himself on the defensive end. The Knicks never brought in another star, instead opting to surround the Madison Square Guardian with other defensive-minded players; often getting into brawls with the opposing team. Ewing was also a part of the Dream Team and is in the Hall of Fame.
7. John Stockton
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 8x All-Star, 9x All-NBA, 7x NBA Assists Leader, 4x NBA All-Defense
Team(s): Jazz
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 14.9 PPG 2.9 RPG 11.9 APG 2.3 SPG
'90s Highlights
John Stockton was a joy to watch. He was as efficient as they come. Stockton rarely took a bad shot and seldom turned the ball over. He and Karl Malone helped the Utah Jazz make the playoffs every year during the '90s. If you want to teach aspiring points how to run a pick and roll, pop in some Stockton game film. He was annoying as fuck on the defensive end too. Stockton constantly nagged defenders and annoyed fans with his short shorts. He's the all-time leader in assists and steals. Like damn near half this list, Stockton was also a member of the fabled Dream Team and is a Hall of Famer.
6. Charles Barkley
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1x MVP, 8x All-Star, 7x All-NBA
Team(s): Suns, Rockets
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 22.4 PPG 11.6 RPG 4.2 APG 1.5 SPG
'90s Highlights
Chuck was a freak of nature. Listed at a generous 6'6", Barkley played the power forward position as if he were 6'10". Mainly because of his jumping ability. He was also blessed with long arms that allowed him to guard bigger opponents. Charles was one of the toughest motherfuckers to ever lace 'em up and was part of the Dream Team. He played like he was angry and he usually was because he played with bums early in his career. The 76ers could never build a team around him and after eight seasons, he wanted out. He was dealt to Phoenix before the '93 season. That was the best thing to happen to him. Barkley had an MVP season, the Suns had a league best 62-20 record and had the honor of facing Jordan's Bulls in the Finals. The Round Mound of Rebound averaged a double-double for his career and won two gold medals ('92 and '96).
5. David Robinson
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 1x Champion, 1990 NBA Rookie of the Year, 1x Defensive Player of the Year, 1x MVP, 8x All-Star, 8x All-NBA, 8x All-Defense
Team(s): Spurs
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 24.4 PPG 11.5 RPG 3.0 APG 1.6 SPG 3.4 BPG
'90s Highlights
The Admiral was one of the most athletic big men the game has ever seen. He could score, rebound and defend at nuclear levels. He once scored 71 points during the last game of the 1994 season to steal the scoring title from Shaq. San Antonio went from 21-61 in 1989 to 56-26 in 1990 after drafting Robinson, which was the biggest single-season turnaround in history (at the time). Robinson was a beast on the boards and blocked 3 shots a game for his career. He was unable to carry the Spurs to the promise land until they drafted Tim Duncan in 1997 Draft and won a title during the lockout-shortened season of 1999.
4. Scottie Pippen
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 6x Champion, 7x All-Star, 7x All-NBA, 9x All-NBA Defense
Team(s): Bulls
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 19.2 PPG 7.2 RPG 5.9 APG 2.2 SPG 0.9 BPG
'90s Highlights
Scottie mostly played second fiddle to Jordan and wasn't appreciated as much as he is now. He took pride in his defense and played it at an all-time level. He was a great scorer too. Mostly a slasher, once Pip developed a jumper, it was a wrap. The Bulls dominated the '90s, winning six titles. Scottie was a mainstay on the NBA's All-Defensive team and was a perennial All-Star. And when Jordan retired, Scottie proved to be a first option, but still needed Mike to get to that next level; only reaching the second round the year Mike retired. Scottie is a member of the Hall of Fame and the Dream Team. Not bad for a "sidekick."
3. Karl Malone
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 2x MVP, 9x All-Star, 10x All-NBA, 3x All-Defense
Team(s): Jazz
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 27.4 PPG 10.7 RPG 3.6 APG 1.4 SPG 0.9 BPG
'90s Highlights
Karl Malone and John Stockton are joined at the hip. They played 1,412 regular season games together. Stockton is the all-time leader in assists while Malone is second all-time in points. You think they benefited from each other? Karl kept himself in great shape and only missed significant time twice in his career. He had a decent post-up game, but it was his corner jumper that payed the bills. If Stockton got it to him in the right spot, it was an automatic assist. Malone was also one of the game's toughest players. Everyone cleared out of the way when he came down with a board so they wouldn't get smacked with an elbow. Malone was also a member of the Dream Team.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 2x Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 1x MVP, 7x All-Star, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 8x All-NBA, 6x NBA All-Defense
Team(s): Rockets
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 23.9 PPG 11.6 RPG 3.0 APG 1.8 SPG 3.5 BPG
'90s Highlights
When Michael Jordan retired, folks really started to appreciate Hakeem. He didn't give people much of a choice by winning back-to-back titles in '94 and '95, besting Ewing's Knicks and Shaq and Penny, respectively. The Dream revolutionized the center position with his soft touch and unexplainable footwork. The "Dream Shake" was and probably still is, unguardable. So much so that today's NBA players pay top dollar for Olajuwon's basketball knowledge. Hakeem was a bad man. He couldn't be stopped on the offensive end and he played lockdown defense on the other side, winning back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in '92 and '93. If your name wasn't David Robinson, Patrick Ewing or Shaquille O'Neal, you might as well call it a night and even the players mentioned got outplayed by the Dream on many occasions.
1. Michael Jordan
Accomplishments (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 6x Champion, 6x Finals MVP, 4x MVP, 7x All-Star, 7x All-NBA, 7x NBA All-Defense
Team(s): Bulls
Stats (1989-1990 - 1998-1999): 30.8 PPG 6.3 RPG 5.1 APG 2.3 SPG
'90s Highlights
Duh. We should really just leave it at that. Where do we start? MJ spent the '80s winning a National Player of the Year award (and a chip) at North Carolina and losing in the NBA playoffs; most notably to the Pistons. But something happened when the Bulls beat the Lakers in the '91 Finals. The super-competitive star got a taste of success and desperately wanted more. He led the Bulls to two more titles, left to play baseball, came back, and won three more. Jordan and Bill Russell are the only two players to dominate their eras the way they did.
Mike mesmerized fans with graceful, yet powerful dunks and an ability to shatter dreams. After he retired the first time, Mike came back with an unstoppable fade away. The difference between Jordan and everyone else was his will to win. He wanted to win so much he punched Steve Kerr in the face during practice. When the game was on the line, the entire building knew MJ wouldn't let the Bulls lose. He played with a fire that has yet to be matched. The game was over once the tongue came out.