The 25 Greatest NBA Players of the '80s

The '80s saved the NBA. After merging with the more exciting ABA in 1976, the league was struggling to get attention. The NFL, NHL and MLB were all more popular. That was until a kid from French Lick, IN and a kid from Lansing, MI took the league by storm. With that, they ushered in a new era of great basketball. The '80s were rough, rugged and raw. Fights happened regularly and a clothesline was just considered a hard foul. The Lakers and Celtics took home eight of the 10 titles during the decade. But Larry and Magic weren't the only guys to play well during this stretch. Guys like Adrian Dantley and Alex English made scoring look easy. Even old heads like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving also made the cut after conquering the '70s. Check out the rest of The 25 Greatest NBA Players of the '80s.

RELATED: The 25 Greatest NBA Players of the '90s

RELATED: The 20 Best NBA Players of the 2000s

25. Ralph Sampson

Accomplishments (1983-1984 - 1988-1989): 1984 Rookie of the Year, 4x All-Star, 1x All-NBA
Team(s): Rockets, Warriors, Kings
Stats (1983-1984 - 1988-1989): 16.5 PPG 9.2 RPG 2.4 APG 0.9 SPG 1.7 BPG
'80s Highlights

For a brief period, Ralph Sampson was an alien. While balling for the Virginia Cavaliers and his first three seasons in the L, he managed to change the game. He's the reason guys like Kevin Garnett exist and why having two capable, starting 7-footers is a recipe for success. Towering at 7'4", he came into the league as a center, but his tall, lanky frame and style of play was better suited for the power/point forward position. So after taking Sampson in 1983 with the first pick, the Rockets took Hakeem with the first pick in the 1984 Draft. They became immediate contenders and made it all the way to the Finals the next season in 1986—with the help of a buzzer beater by Sampson. Knee injuries plagued his career after his third season and he was never able to regain his form.

24. Micheal Ray Richardson

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1985-1986): 4x All-Star, 2x All-Defense, 3x Steals Leader, 1x Assists Leader
Team(s): Knicks, Warriors, Nets
Stats (1979-1980 - 1985-1986): 16.1 PPG 5.8 RPG 7.6 APG 2.8 SPG
'80s Highlights

What could've been. Sugar Ray Richardson is one of five players to lead the league in assists and steals. After he was drafted by the Knicks with the fourth pick in the 1978 Draft, Ray took New York and the L by storm with his flamboyant on-court style and off-court troubles. Richardson received a lifetime ban by David Stern and only played eight seasons. In less than a decade, Ray drew comparisons to Clyde Frazier and might've lived up to them had it not been for his drug problem.

23. Buck Williams

Accomplishments (1981-1982 - 1988-1989): 1982 ROY, 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x All-Defense
Team(s): Nets
Stats (1981-1982 - 1988-1989): 16.4 PPG 11.9 RPG 1.5 APG 0.9 SPG 1.1 BPG
'80s Highlights

Til this day no one knows his real name. What we do know is that Buck Williams played like a man's man. Everyday he grabbed his lunch pail, put on his hard hat and went to work. He was built like a rock and at 6'8", rebounded like he was built like Shaq. Williams grabbed twelve boards a game during his first six seasons and scored off of pure will.

22. Jack Sikma

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 6x NBA All-Star, 1x All-Defense
Team(s): Sonics, Bucks
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 16.8 PPG 10.3 RPG 3.4 APG 1.1 SPG 1.0 BPG
'80s Highlights

Dwight Schrute calls him "the best center to ever live." It's hard to argue with that assessment. Jack Sikma was consistent. He used footwork to make defenders look silly in the post. Former Sonics' GM Zollie Volchok was asked if he would consider trading Sikma for Moses Malone. His reply? "I wouldn't trade Jack Sikma for the resurrection of Marilyn Monroe in my bedroom." That's how ill Sikma was to Sonics fans. Mainly because he helped them win their only title in 1979. Jack put up 17 and 11 between 1980-1987. Sikma went to work everyday and killed them softly with fundamentals.

21. Clyde Drexler

Accomplishments (1983-1984 - 1988-1989): 3x All-Star, 1x All-NBA
Team(s): Blazers
Stats (1983-1984 - 1988-1989): 19.8 PPG 5.9 RPG 5.6 APG 2.3 SPG
'80s Highlights

Drexler was so nice the Blazers passed on Michael Jordan because they already had a shooting guard. He led Portland to the playoffs every year he played during the '80s. Clyde the Glide had a complete game. He easily got to the basket with his freakish athleticism and got buckets on the perimeter. Drexler put up 27 points per game in consecutive seasons ('88 & '89) and stepped it up in other aspects of his game during the playoffs. That's what separates the real from the fake. All the early postseason exits during the '80s prepared him for what was to come. Clyde made three Finals appearance during the '90s, finally winning one with the 1995 Houston Rockets.

20. Mark Aguirre

Accomplishments (1981-1982 - 1988-1989): 3x All-Star, 1x Champion
Team(s): Mavs, Pistons
Stats (1981-1982 - 1988-1989): 24.1 PPG 5.6 RPG 3.7 APG 0.9 SPG
'80s Highlights

Aguirre was one of the best scorer's during the '80s. His office was down on the low block where he used his quickness on bigger defenders and backed down smaller ones. He was the first option on those high octane '80s Dallas Mavericks teams that consistently made the playoffs and were among the leading teams in scoring. He was only 6'6", but at 232 pounds, Aguirre played like a 6'10" power forward. Mark was almost too tough for those Dallas teams, so when he was dealt to the Pistons in 1989 it was a perfect marriage. His style fit right in with the Bad Boys and he was instrumental in their two back-to-back titles.

19. James Worthy

Accomplishments (1982-1983 - 1988-1989): 4x All-Star, 1x Finals MVP, 1x All-NBA, 3x Champion
Team(s): Lakers
Stats (1982-1983 - 1988-1989): 17.9 PPG 5.7 RPG 2.8 APG 1.1 SPG 0.9 BPG
'80s Highlights

Big Game James is what they call him. Worthy often flew under the radar playing alongside Magic and Kareem, but don't get it fucked up. James was just as important to the Showtime Lakers, especially in—yup, you guessed it—big games. He averaged four more points during the postseason than he did in the regular season. Worthy was the perfect small forward. He scored when needed, rebounded, and played tough defense. Many of Magic's assists went to Worthy on the break where he finished with his signature tomahawk slam.

18. Sidney Moncrief

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 5x NBA All-Star, 2x DPOY, 5x All-NBA, 5x All-Defense
Team(s): Bucks
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 16.7 PPG 5.0 RPG 3.9 APG 1.3 SPG
'80s Highlights

Sidney was the winner of the first two Defensive Player of the Year awards, but he wasn't just a great defender. The Squid was one of the best all-around player of the '80s. His Milwaukee Bucks teams made the playoffs every year he was there. The 6'4" Moncrief was able to guard guys bigger than him with ease. Michael Jordan was quoted as saying, "When you play against Moncrief, you're in for a night of all-around basketball. He'll hound you everywhere you go, both ends of the court. You just expect it." Moncrief is another guy that should be in the Hall and isn't.

17. Bernard King

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 3x All-Star, 3x All-NBA, 1x Scoring Champion
Team(s): Jazz, Warriors, Knicks, Bullets
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 22.6 PPG 5.3 RPG 4.2 APG 0.9 SPG
'80s Highlights

It's a shame Bernard isn't considered worthy of the Hall of Fame. Even with all his debilitating knee injuries, King retired averaging over 20 points per game. Matter of fact, the ghost of Bernard King is now wearing No. 7 for the Knicks. You want to know what King's game was like? Watch highlights of Carmelo Anthony in the post. Bernard was unstoppable there and his mid-range was water. My man dropped 44 on the Bad Boy Pistons with dislocated middle fingers in each hand in a deciding playoff game and won.

16. Robert Parish

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 7x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, 3x Champion
Team(s): Warriors, Celtics
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 17.9 PPG 10.4 RPG 1.8 APG 1.7 BPG
'80s Highlights

The Chief played until he was 85. Well, he actually played until he was 43 but that's basically 85 in basketball years. Boston acquired him and a first-round pick that turned into Kevin McHale from the Warriors before the '81 season for a couple of draft picks. Like many of the Celtics' moves, it panned out. There, he teamed with Larry Bird and McHale to form the greatest front court in history. Parish had a soft touch around the rim and his high-arching mid-range jumper was money. He was the anchor in the middle on three championship teams.

15. Dennis Johnson

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 4x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 8x All-Defense, 2x Champion
Team(s): Sonics, Suns, Celtics
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 15.3 PPG 3.9 RPG 5.6 APG 1.3 SPG
'80s Highlights

DJ was one hell of a floor general. What he lacked in size, he gained with heart. One of the toughest defenders the game has ever seen, Johnson helped the Celtics win two titles in the '80s. Offensively he did a little bit of everything. He hit the mid-range, was tough around the basket and was as clutch as they come. The baller out of Compton, CA was Boston's wild card during their deep playoff runs, always in the action.

14. Charles Barkley

Accomplishments (1984-1985 - 1988-1989): 3x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 1x Rebounding Leader
Team(s): 76ers
Stats (1984-1985 - 1988-1989): 22.1 PPG 12.0 RPG 3.5 APG 1.6 SPG 1.2 BPG
'80s Highlights

Sir Charles brought a much needed attitude to the game and the fact that he was drafted by Philly made all the sense in the world. His personality matched that of the city and he learned the game from greats like Dr. J, Moses Malone and Mo Cheeks. Barkley often played against guys bigger than him and he was still able to dominate. His insane hops and athleticism embarrassed cats on a nightly basis. He also rebounded like a man possessed and was able to put the team on his back when the game was on the line. After Doc, Mo, and Moses left, the Sixers never put a real team around Chuck. So in the summer of 1992, they dealt him to Phoenix where he won the 1993 MVP and reached the Finals for the first time.

13. Hakeem Olajuwon

Accomplishments (1984-1985 - 1988-1989): 5x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 4x All-Defense
Team(s): Rockets
Stats (1984-1985 - 1988-1989): 23.0 PPG 12.1 RPG 2.0 APG 1.9 SPG 3.1 BPG
'80s Highlights

When you think of the best centers ever, think of Akeem. The Dream used his soccer skills on the basketball court. The athletic big man had unfathomable footwork for a man his size. After drafting Ralph Sampson in 1983, the Rockets surprised everyone by taking Olajuwon with the first pick the very next year. A season later, Houston found themselves in the Finals battling the Celtics in an epic series. Although, they lost in six games, the Rockets now had a franchise center for years to come.

12. George Gervin

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 6x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 2x Scoring Champion
Team(s): Spurs, Bulls
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 26.0 PPG 4.3 RPG 2.7 APG 1.0 SPG
'80s Highlights

The Ice Man was a great scorer with the prettiest layup in the game. Gervin's name is synonymous with the finger roll. He was a two-time scoring champ during the '80s and he did it effortlessly. George was as graceful as it gets and probably could still drop 30 on a rookie. He made the impossible look possible which hindered his appeal compared to other players in his era because he made it look so damn easy.

11. Adrian Dantley

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 6x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, 2x Scoring Champion
Team(s): Jazz, Pistons
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 26.5 PPG 5.4 RPG 3.2 APG 0.9 SPG
'80s Highlights

Adrian Dantley was one of the smartest scorers the game has ever seen. He was often a step ahead of his opponent, hitting them with pump fakes left and right. Dantley averaged 30+ for four consecutive seasons between '81-'84. He could punish cats in the post and never missed a jumper. He finished his career shooting a mind-boggling 54 percent from the field.

10. Alex English

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 8x All-Star, 3x All-NBA, 1x Scoring Champion
Team(s): Pacers, Nuggets
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 25.9 PPG 5.9 RPG 4.4 APG 1.0 SPG
'80s Highlights

When the Nuggets drafted Carmelo Anthony, Denver fans had visions of Alex English. He was an unstoppable scorer in his day, always among the leaders in points. He was the first player to score at least 2,000 points in eight straight seasons and finished his career shooting 50 percent from the field. That's unheard of for a man his size. English's mid-range game was second to none. He had one of the sweetest touches ever. Alex is often considered to be the best scorer of the '80s.

9. Dominique Wilkins

Accomplishments (1982-1983 - 1988-1989): 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA, 1x Scoring Champion
Team(s): Hawks
Stats (1982-1983 - 1988-1989): 26.0 PPG 6.8 RPG 2.4 APG 1.5 SPG
'80s Highlights

'Nique earned his nickname "The Human Highlight Film" during this decade. He didn't just get his points from rim rocking jams, though. Wilkins was also capable of scoring from anywhere and when he was on fire nobody was safe. He took home the scoring title in '86 and had legendary duels with the likes of Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. Often an afterthought because of the era he played in, Dominique will always be appreciated in these streets.

8. Kevin McHale

Accomplishments (1980-1981 - 1988-1989): 5x All-Star, 2x Sixth Man of the Year, 1x All-NBA, 5x All-Defense, 3x Champion
Team(s): Celtics
Stats (1980-1981 - 1988-1989): 18.5 PPG 7.6 RPG 1.8 APG 1.8 BPG
'80s Highlights

Charles Barkley said Kevin McHale was his toughest opponent. McHale had unusually long arms that allowed him to get creative offensively, especially around the basket, and his abnormal wingspan also allowed him to guard taller players. He was all about the team, too. With the skills to start on any squad in the league, Kevin gladly took on the role as sixth man, winning the award twice in consecutive seasons (1984, 1985). That didn't matter to him, though. He played starter's minutes and had his fair share of clutch moments during Boston's five championship appearances in the '80s.

7. Michael Jordan

Accomplishments (1984-1985 - 1988-1989): 1985 ROY, 1x DPOY, 1x MVP, 5x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 2x All-Defense, 3x Scoring Champion, 1x Steals Leader
Team(s): Bulls
Stats (1984-1985 - 1988-1989): 32.6 PPG 6.2 RPG 5.9 APG 2.4 SPG
'80s Highlights

Like many stars that come out of UNC, Mike had to tame his game under Dean Smith. After winning every college Player of the Year award, the Bulls made the Earth sick with the third pick in the 1984 Draft. Jordan averaged 28 points and won Rookie of the Year honors during his first year. He only played 18 games his second year due to a broken leg. Something must've happened during the healing process because he turned into a super hero. Between '87-'89, MJ put up a disgusting 35, 6 and 6. He also hit Larry Bird for 63 in a Game 2, First Round Double OT lost in 1986. But he had to battle Isiah and the Bad Boy Pistons before he cemented his legacy. The rest, as they say, is history.

6. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 10x All-Star, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 6x All-NBA, 3x All-Defense, 1x Blocks Leader, 5x Champion
Team(s): Lakers
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 20.6 PPG 7.6 RPG 2.8 APG 2.0 BPG
'80s Highlights

When you look up 'consistency', a picture of Kareem in his signature goggles is right next to it. During the '80s, he wasn't the same rebounder he once was during the '70s, but the patented 'Skyhook' remained unguardable. It's the reason why Jabbar was able to play for 20 seasons and be the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. Kareem also played a bit of defense and protected the rim during five title runs. When he retired, the Cap was the all-time leader in blocks as well. He should've been one of the first with a statue outside of the Staples Center!

5. Julius Erving

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1986-1987): 8x All-Star, 1x MVP, 5x All-NBA, 1x Champion
Team(s): 76ers
Stats (1979-1980 - 1986-1987): 22.0 PPG 6.4 RPG 3.8 APG 1.8 SPG 1.6 BPG
'80s Highlights

The good doctor not only ran shit during the '70s, he also ran shit during the '80s. He did things on the basketball court that have yet to be duplicated. Dr. J was the reason the ABA and NBA merged. Just look at his line during the '80s, the Doc did it all and he did it with class too. The only person to rival his hang time was Jordan. He seemingly mocked the laws of physics with each dunk and layup. His battles with Larry Bird and the Celtics are legendary.

4. Isiah Thomas

Accomplishments (1981-1982 - 1988-1989): 8x All-Star, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 1x Assists Leader, 1x Champion
Team(s): Pistons
Stats (1981-1982 - 1988-1989): 20.3 PPG 3.7 RPG 9.8 APG 2.1 SPG
'80s Highlights

Nevermind his unfortunate career as an executive, Zeke was a cold-hearted killer on the basketball court. He stood at 6'1", but one couldn't tell by his play. Thomas often played injured and was the captain of the Bad Boy Pistons army. He was able to take over games when the going got tough. Thomas scored when he saw fit and was also unselfish—he averaged 13.8 assists during the 1984-1985 season. Thomas was the type of guy that smiled at you before the game and didn't hesitate to throw 'bows when it was time to close the show. The Baby-Faced Assassin relentlessly drove into the teeth of opposing defenses to wreak havoc and possibly start a fight or two.

3. Moses Malone

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 10x All-Star, 2x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 7x All-NBA, 1x All-Defense, 5x Rebounding Leader, 1x Champion
Team(s): Rockets, 76ers, Bullets, Hawks
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 24.5 PPG 13.2 RPG 1.5 APG 0.9 SPG 1.4 BPG
'80s Highlights

Moses is the original gangster of "straight outta high school" pros. He was a beast. A center's center so to speak. He had supreme rebounding skills (emphasis on offensive boards), could score in the post multiple ways and was a gritty defender. The god averaged 31 and 15 during the '82 season with the Rockets. He turned that season into a nice contract with the 76ers.

That decision proved to be the right one as Malone helped the '83 Sixers reach the promise land. He even predicted that they wouldn't lose in the playoffs with his, "Fo, Fo, Fo" quote. He was almost right, Philly only lost one game on their way to a championship.

2. Larry Bird

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 1980 ROY, 3x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 9x All-Star, 9x All-NBA, 3x All-Defense, 3x Champion
Team(s): Celtics
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 25.0 PPG 10.2 RPG 6.1 APG 1.8 SPG
'80s Highlights

Larry Legend wasn't the fastest, couldn't jump the highest, but he was one crafty baller. He was the real-life Billy Hoyle, looking like a chump. A lot of folks let appearances fool them, though. The Hick from French Lick made every shot he took, whether it be a three, a mid-range jumper, free throw, dunk (once in a blue), or layup. Bird often made passes behind his head for assists, made game-winning steals and grabbed 10 boards a game. All while being the slowest man on the court. He's the Chuck Norris of basketball.

1. Magic Johnson

Accomplishments (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 9x All-Star, 8x All-NBA, 4x Assists Leader, 2x Steals Leader, 5x Champion
Team(s): Lakers
Stats (1979-1980 - 1988-1989): 19.5 PPG 7.4 RPG 11.2 APG 2.0 SPG
'80s Highlights

Duh. This should be a no brainer. Magic and Larry saved the NBA from obscurity. Johnson had a game unlike the world had ever seen. At 6'9", he was the greatest point guard to ever play. His basketball IQ is second to none and he proved it by helping the Lakers win the Finals during his rookie year. From '83-'89, Johnson put up 20 points and 12 dimes while the Lakers won three chips. When he abruptly retired due to being infected with the HIV virus, Magic was the all-time leader in assists.