As he took the stage, Howard was escorted by Shaquille O’Neal, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, and Patrick Ewing, four legends of the game who represented the very standard he had spent his career chasing.

Howard acknowledged the impact of those who inspired him early in his career. “And I’m able to be walked out here by some of the greatest NBA legends ever. So first I want to shout out to the Chief. My grandma used to love the Chief, and you were one of my biggest inspirations when I started. Thank you.”

He then turned to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, naming him his personal GOAT. “Kareem, I wish you could be here because you are my GOAT. You are the only player in NBA history to have two Hall of Fame careers, one as Lew Alcindor and the other as Kareem. I’m gonna get me a new name to come back and play y’all.”

Why Kareem is the GOAT for Dwight Howard

Howard’s argument for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s GOAT centers on a unique factor that no one else possesses: being the only player to have two Hall of Fame-worthy careers. As Lew Alcindor, he dominated college basketball at UCLA and won an NBA championship. Then, after changing his name to Kareem, he embarked on a second career in Los Angeles that turned him into a global icon and multiple-time NBA champion.

This duality of success is what separates Kareem from Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Howard’s mind. While Jordan and LeBron had consistently dominant careers, Kareem’s is seen as two distinct and legendary phases.

His longevity and sustained excellence over decades, without a significant decline, is the key factor that leads Howard to place Kareem above other greats. The combination of dominance, adaptability, and historical impact makes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar his ultimate choice for the greatest player of all time.

Howard names his favorite players

Beyond Kareem, Howard highlighted other players he considers the best in their roles. He praised Dennis Rodman as the greatest rebounder and Bill Russell for his leadership and strategic influence on the game.

“Shout out to Bill Russell. May he rest in peace. This year marks 50 years since his enshrinement. Your book, Russell Rules, taught me about leadership and the importance of staying committed to my goals,” Howard said.

Howard also honored Rodman’s impact on his career. “Dennis Rodman, I know you couldn’t make it today, but you were one of my favorite players and the greatest rebounder ever. Watching you helped me lead the league five times. It ensured that every time I dominated the glass.”

Finally, Howard acknowledged one of the best defenders in NBA history. “Also rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo. One of the greatest defenders and shot blockers ever. You motivated me to challenge every shot and battle for every rebound. Thank you.”

“If I had to choose one guy? I would say Kareem,” Frazier said in a 2008 interview with Slam Magazine. It’s a logical pick from the Knicks icon, who spent years going up against Abdul-Jabbar in battles against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

During that stretch, Abdul-Jabbar won one NBA title with the Bucks in 1971 and five league MVPs. He later captured five more championships with the Lakers between 1980 and 1988, along with a sixth MVP award—by then, Frazier had already retired.

Clyde praised Kareem’s dominance across all aspects of the game: “He won at every level. He dominated in this game. He has six rings. He has the scoring title without even trying,” Frazier said, before comparing him to another Lakers legend, Wilt Chamberlain. “If he had Wilt’s mindset, he would have had 50K points. He was very team-oriented in what he did.”

Frazier says Jordan isn’t the GOAT

Frazier has repeatedly made it clear that he doesn’t place Michael Jordan at the top of the all-time list. Instead, he’s often highlighted legends from earlier eras, while pointing to what he sees as media-driven bias surrounding the Chicago Bulls legend.

“He had exposure. At the time Jordan played, the NBA was bigger than football. Ratings were higher than football. That’s why they say he is the greatest,” Clyde said during a 2024 appearance on The Buster Show.

“They talk about Jordan, how many times he’s scored 50, 60 points,” the Knicks legend added. “38 times? Wilt Chamberlain did that like 138 times… Who saw Wilt Chamberlain? How many people are alive that saw him play? It’s the same thing with the Heisman trophy; the guys on the West Coast weren’t winning it because we were sleeping. In the East, when they’re playing, the people that vote are sleeping.”

Frazier compares Jordan with Russell, Chamberlain and Robertson

In the same conversation, Frazier expanded on why he believes Jordan falls short of other all-time greats in certain key areas. “I always say, what’s the criteria,” he asked. “If you’re talking about the most dominant, Wilt Chamberlain. The guy has all the records. You’re talking about versatility, Oscar Robertson, a guy who almost averaged a triple-double almost for his whole career. You talk about winning, it’s Bill Russell. The man has 13 world championships,” Clyde explained.

“Michael Jordan is not the leading scorer in the history of the game. He’s not the winningest player in the history of the game. He’s not the most versatile player in the history of the game. How could you say he’s the greatest player?” Frazier concluded.

Frazier defends Wilt Chamberlain’s legacy

Though he named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest ever, Frazier has always spoken highly of Wilt Chamberlain. In a 2000 interview with Slam Magazine, he pushed back against the notion that Chamberlain’s lack of championships should hurt his legacy. “Some have suggested that Wilt was not the greatest player ever because he only won two titles, as opposed to Jordan’s six. This is simply unfair,” Walt said.

He then pointed to the unique challenges Wilt faced during his prime: “If it weren’t for the Celtics dynasty, Wilt would likely have ended up with nine rings,” Frazier argued. “Jordan had no true rival.”

The remarkable career of Walt Frazier

Frazier’s opinion carries weight given the impact he had during his playing days. Selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1967 Draft, the point guard launched a storied career with the Knicks that included the franchise’s only two championships, in 1970 and 1973.

After 10 seasons in New York—where he earned seven All-Star selections, four All-NBA First Team honors, and seven All-Defensive First Team nods—Clyde finished his career with two seasons on the Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring in 1979 at age 34.

Since then, he’s received numerous accolades: his No. 10 jersey was retired by the Knicks, he was named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.

In a 2024 conversation with his former Lakers teammate Byron Scott, Worthy was tasked with putting together his ultimate team based on players he watched before, during, and after his own career. Naturally, the former forward leaned toward players he either played alongside or faced on the court.

“Magic at one,” James began, in a pick that was almost a given. Earvin Johnson is considered by many—including Michael Jordan—the greatest point guard of all time. It makes sense that one of his Lakers teammates would echo that sentiment. Together, Magic and Worthy won three titles in 1985, 1987, and 1988. Before that, the guard had also won championships in 1980 and 1982.

“MJ at two,” the former forward continued, referring to the shooting guard in his imaginary lineup. In this case, he admitted it wasn’t an easy call between Jordan and Bryant. “Oh, I left Kobe out. It’s hard. I love Kobe, but MJ… I got to touch MJ a little bit before Kobe.”

“My small forward? I need me a scorer, man. I got to go with Larry,” Worthy said next. The pick highlights how impactful Bird was during his playing years, especially considering the Boston Celtics were the Lakers’ main rivals in the 1980s.

When it came to power forward, James voiced his dilemma. “It’s between Tim Duncan or Karl Malone,” he said. The debate underscored a key question: whether to go with a rival from his playing days, like Malone of the Utah Jazz, or a younger star like Duncan. “I’m going to go with Karl Malone at four.”

For the final spot, Worthy didn’t hesitate. “Kareem is my center,” he said, in another obvious pick given Abdul-Jabbar’s impact and enduring legacy in the NBA. Still, he acknowledged it wasn’t an easy choice: “That’s a tough decision because there’s some bad (expletive) out there.”

After naming his all-time NBA starting five, James Worthy was asked to pick his all-time Lakers team. Unsurprisingly, he repeated two of the names from his previous list, while adding a few more: “Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor… That would be my five,” said the three-time NBA champion.

With a championship win and standout performances in the Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander could become only the fourth player in NBA history to win the MVP award, the scoring title, and the Finals MVP in the same season.

The first player to achieve this rare feat was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971, back when he was dominating for the Milwaukee Bucks. That season, the big man led his team to its first NBA title while averaging 31.7 points per game to secure the scoring title. His brilliance on the court earned him both the regular-season MVP and the Finals MVP awards.

It took two decades before another player replicated the accomplishment. Michael Jordan was the second to achieve it, leading the Chicago Bulls to their first championship in franchise history in 1991. Jordan went on to repeat the feat three more times in 1992, 1996, and 1998, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

The last player to join this exclusive club was Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. During his dominant season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaq led the league in scoring with 29.7 points per game, won the regular-season MVP.

He then delivered a legendary Finals performance against the Pacers. In the Finals, he averaged an astonishing 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, earning the Finals MVP as the Lakers secured the title.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to end the drought

Now, Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a golden opportunity to achieve this rare trifecta, something that hasn’t been done in 25 years. SGA earned the regular-season MVP over Nikola Jokic and claimed the scoring title with a remarkable 32.7 points per game.

In the playoffs, he has been the driving force for the Thunder, particularly during the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in the series, earning him the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP award.

Many might have expected Abdul-Jabbar to name his longtime Lakers teammate Magic Johnson or modern-day superstar Stephen Curry. But in a 2023 interview with Justin Walters of New York’s WPIX-TV, the six-time MVP offered a different perspective.

“I don’t think you’re going to want to hear this,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Oscar Robertson. The Big O. I only had the chance to play with him at the end of his career, but he was awesome.”

Robertson, a 12-time All-Star and former MVP, spent most of his 14-year career with the Cincinnati Royals before finishing his career with the Milwaukee Bucks—where he and a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, won the 1971 NBA championship together.

A championship partnership in Milwaukee

Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were teammates during the early years of Kareem’s career, playing together in Milwaukee from 1970 to 1974. Though their time as teammates was relatively brief, it proved to be transformative for both players and for the Bucks franchise. Robertson, already established as one of the league’s premier point guards, brought leadership, poise, and elite playmaking that helped elevate a young Abdul-Jabbar into superstardom.

Their impact was immediate. In their first season together (1970–71), the Bucks dominated the league, finishing with a 66–16 record and capturing the NBA championship by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in the Finals. Abdul-Jabbar, in just his second season, earned MVP honors, while Robertson—acquired via trade from Cincinnati—played the perfect complementary role with his floor generalship and veteran presence.

During their four seasons together, Robertson and Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to the playoffs every year, including another trip to the NBA Finals in 1974, where they fell in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Boston Celtics. Though they didn’t win another title, the duo firmly established Milwaukee as a powerhouse in the league. Abdul-Jabbar emerged as the NBA’s next generational superstar, while Robertson closed out his Hall of Fame career on a high note.

Their partnership was short-lived, but it left a lasting mark on NBA history. Abdul-Jabbar has repeatedly credited Robertson as a key influence in his development as a professional before he came to the Lakers, praising his intelligence, calm demeanor, and masterful control of the game. Together, they ushered in a new era—blending the promise of youth with the wisdom of experience in a way that still resonates in basketball lore.

“Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a great physics player…Kobe’s that kind of player. He studies space and steps, and whatever it takes to give him an edge. And I think that’s what he does that puts him up and beyond most players,” James Worthy said, via the Washington Post.

During his 1.560 NBA games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar averaged 24.6 points. He also added 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Beyond the numbers, he established his dominance with a legendary résumé. He earned six MVP awards and shattered scoring records. His all-time scoring mark stood firm for 38 years, cementing his status among the greatest.

Moreover, both legends influence extended beyond the court. James Worthy, a Lakers icon himself, has repeatedly named Abdul-Jabbar the greatest of all time. However, he still acknowledges the lasting impact Kobe made. He recognizes the legacy Kobe built across 20 unforgettable years with the franchise.

Kobe Bryant played 1.346 games within the franchise and averaged 25 points. He contributed 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest. More importantly, his relentless discipline and mental toughness transformed the Lakers. He changed the team’s identity and inspired a new competitive standard.

James Worthy gives high praise on Kobe Bryant’s impressive work ethic ‘Kobe had an old-school mentality’

Beyond his championships and stats with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant built a lasting legacy through an unmatched work ethic. His teammates, including Shaquille O’Neal, often said he arrived early to practice and stayed long after it ended. This mindset was not just routine; it was his identity. He called it the ‘Mamba Mentality,’ a personal code focused on hard work, chasing dreams, and constantly getting better.

That commitment stood out to legends who came before him. In a 2003 interview with The Washington Post, Lakers great James Worthy explained what made Kobe different. “Kobe has an old-school mentality…His work ethic is second to none, and I think he’s totally aware of what he’s had to do to get better each year…A lot of guys depend on their athleticism and what they’ve done in the past. He does a lot to make himself better.“

“The best guy I played against might have been Larry Bird…People don’t appreciate Larry Bird enough. They think he was a chubby White guy. But he would wear us down. The muscle that was between his ears was the best because he made three points, assisted, rebounded and had steals. He was always in the right place at the right time. He is, without a doubt, one of the best players I’ve ever played against,” stated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as reported by The Washington Times on 2022.

Despite Larry is a well-known legend within Boston Celtics, his name is not usually picked among the greatest of all time debate. During his 897 games, he averaged 24.3 points contributing with 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Also, he was on the MVP debates for along 9 straight years showcasing his talent winning the award 3 times. Besides, he led the franchise to three championships-1981, 1984 and 1986.

Even Hall of Famer James Worthy admitted he preferred guarding Michael Jordan over Larry Bird. The Celtics legend approached the game like a strategist. Bird constantly analyzed plays and anticipated moves before they happened. He did not lack physical capacity, but his edge came from his basketball IQ that made him a nightmare to defend.

Larry Bird opens up about his departure from the Boston Celtics front office

After retiring in 1992, Larry Bird returned to the Boston Celtics as a special assistant to CEO Dave Gavitt. His arrival sparked excitement in Boston, where fans still viewed him as an icon. Bird’s return became one of the most anticipated moves in the city’s sports scene.

However, the situation began to shift during the 1995–96 season. The team’s decision to trade Sherman Douglas raised concerns. Many questioned Bird’s role and future with the franchise after that move.

Bird later opened up about the turning point in his relationship with the team. “I knew my days with the Celtics were over when I told our owner that Sherman Douglas was the most valuable guy on our team, and then he traded him a month later…(They) would ask my advice about certain personnel moves, then turn around and do whatever they wanted,” confessed Larry Bird as reported by Basketball Network.

“I played with Kareem, who I think is the greatest player to ever play the game,” Worthy said during a 2019 interview with Uninterrupted. He was teammates with Abdul-Jabbar for seven seasons, from his arrival in the Lakers in 1982 until the center’s retirement in 1989.

“To me, Kareem (is the GOAT). Not too many people won three national championships in college and held the (scoring) record for 39 years without shooting a three. People say, ‘He wasn’t athletic. Blah Blah.’ Kareem and Wilt (Chamberlain) were extremely athletic,” James said during a 2024 appearance on Byron Scott’s Fast Break.

“The discipline, the yoga, the meditation,” Worthy listed as some of the things that helped Abdul-Jabbar remain at basketball’s elite level. “Kareem went through a few decades, you know… Nate Thurman, to this day Kareem says he was the best defensive player ever. Then he goes through Patrick Ewing and (Hakeem) Olajuwon and keeps moving. So, he went through five decades of some of the best centers and survived till the end. So, say what you want, but he gets my vote.”

Speaking about the personality of his former Lakers teammate, the three-time NBA champion shared with the New York Times in 2022: “Most people wouldn’t mess with Kareem. You could prank him now and then, but man, he was gonna get redemption. It’s hard to get Kareem to open up. But if you talk about history or jazz, you’ve got him. And you’ve got him for a long time.”

Worthy calls out younger fans who never saw Kareem play

In that same conversation with Byron Scott, Worthy addressed the GOAT debate and how some people overlook Abdul-Jabbar’s accomplishments. “How you gonna say whose the greatest without seeing Kareem’s full body of work?” the forward began.

“How you gonna say, ‘It’s Michael (Jordan).’ Because you were born in 1995? Or ’80, still you haven’t seen people’s full bodywork,” James added. “People who hadn’t seen Kareem, they need to stay out of the question here unless you have seen all that.”

Michael Jordan’s greatness, according to Worthy

Before being selected by the Lakers with the first overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, James Worthy spent three years playing at the University of North Carolina. There, he was teammates with Michael Jordan, giving him a firsthand look at someone who would become one of the sport’s global icons.

“I was better than him… for about three weeks,” Worthy told Byron Scott. “And I enjoyed those three weeks, ’cause I saw something in that boy that he didn’t have it quite yet. He was learning. But he would seek out the best in everything: chess, backgammon. And if he lost, he was irately made like he just lost a Game 7.”

The Lakers legend, however, realized early on that MJ was destined for greatness in the NBA. “I knew he was going to be an All-Star, but I didn’t know he was going to be, possibly, the best player ever,” he told AAC Digital Network in 2017.

Worthy’s favorite player

While Worthy considers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the greatest of all time—and even puts Michael Jordan in a similar category—he chose another superstar as his personal favorite in a 2019 interview with Uninterrupted. “If I had to choose one player, I would choose Magic,” James said about Johnson.

“He enhances everybody three times more than you could ever. He wills stuff, he wills games. When he has to perform, he’s done it. He’s a winner. When you need that guy that can will stuff, that’s what he does. That’s why I would choose him,” explained Worthy, who played alongside Magic for 10 seasons.

Worthy highlights two current stars in the GOAT debate

Worthy clearly holds deep respect for the players from his era, but he’s not stuck in the past. In fact, he’s mentioned two current stars as serious contenders in the GOAT debate: Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

“If you’re talking like top seven guys who can be the greatest of all time, he’s in there, in my opinion,” Worthy said of Durant in a 2024 interview with ClutchPoints. “He’s just a phenomenal player who has impacted the game in ways few others have.”

As for LeBron, he spoke to All The Smoke in 2023: “His ability to will reminds me of Magic. You’re comfortable with him on the floor because you know something is going to happen good. An assist guy, scorer. So, I like his body of work and obviously he’ll be mentioned in the top three or four.”

The career of James Worthy

After being selected with the first overall pick of the 1982 NBA Draft, James Worthy became a key piece of the Showtime Lakers, who dominated the league in the 1980s and played out unforgettable rivalries with Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics. Over his 12-year professional career, the forward won three titles (1985, 1987, and 1988) and played in four other NBA Finals.

Worthy’s talent and winning mentality also earned him individual recognition. He was the Finals MVP in 1988, a seven-time consecutive All-Star, named to both the 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary Teams, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003, and had his No. 42 jersey retired by the Lakers.

“Kareem is the best player I ever played against, period,” Parish said of Abdul-Jabbar in a 2024 interview on the Showtime Podcast with Michael Cooper. “The best thing I could ever say about Kareem is that no one ever devised a defense that could stop him. He figured out a way to exploit every defensive scheme ever thrown at him.”

Robert is well-positioned to speak on the subject, having spent much of his career playing in the same era as Kareem. The two clashed in numerous high-stakes matchups between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 1980s, a rivalry that helped define the decade.

Part of Parish’s admiration for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar comes from a humbling early experience during his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors in 1976–77. “I did not play a lot my rookie year until the playoffs,” the former center recalled in his conversation with Michael Cooper.

“In the playoffs, we played the Lakers, back then it was best-of-3. I’m feeling pretty good about myself because I thought I was all that in college,” Parish continued. “Then I went up against Kareem. The big fella averaged 39.9 and, I think, like 15 or 16 rebounds. Humbling. Welcome to the NBA… Very humbling.”

Parish compares Kareem to Jordan

When the GOAT conversation comes up, Michael Jordan is usually the first name mentioned. But Robert Parish offers a different view. “I don’t agree with the usual assessment,” he said in a 2020 interview with Celtics All Access, before pointing to what he sees as Kareem’s clear edge.

“Michael was great in his time, and you have to give him credit for winning six championships in a row. You know, two three-peats,” Parish said. “I acknowledge that, and I respect that but as good as Michael was — and he was an exceptional talent — Kareem’s skyhook was unstoppable. The jump hook and the skyhook are in my opinion, the two most unstoppable weapons in basketball.“

What Parish thinks Jordan lacked in the GOAT debate

Reflecting on Jordan’s career in a 2017 interview on In The Post with Elvin Hayes, Parish pointed out what he sees as a major shortcoming in the Chicago Bulls legend’s resume. “Michael didn’t beat great teams, in my opinion,” the former center said. “Now think about this: When Larry (Bird), Kevin (McHale), and myself were in our heyday, he couldn’t beat us.”

“He couldn’t get past the Pistons until Joe Dumars and Isiah (Thomas) got old. He couldn’t beat the Lakers in their prime. When he beat Phoenix, they only had one Hall of Famer,” Parish added, referring to Charles Barkley in the 1993 NBA Finals.

Parish reflects on his relationship with Michael Jordan

Parish ended his career with the Chicago Bulls in the 1996–97 season and had the opportunity to play alongside Jordan. In an interview with NBC Sports, he recalled how their dynamic unfolded. “We were scrimmaging. Phil (Jackson) put me with the second unit. We proceeded to kick their butts like four straight games. And Michael took offense to it, so I asked him how did he like that butt whooping,” Parish recounted.

“He took offense to it because clearly no one ever manned up to him, you know, challenged him,” continued the four-time NBA champion. “So he said if I wasn’t careful, he was going to kick my butt. And I told him, ‘I’m not as enamored with you as these other guys. I’ve got some rings, too.’ At that point, he told me, ‘I’m going to kick your butt.’ I took one step closer and said, ‘No, you really aren’t.’ After that, he didn’t bother me.”

Who was the better leader, Jordan or Bird?

During his NBA career, Robert Parish played alongside two of the league’s most influential figures: Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. In that interview with NBC Sports, the former center reflected on their contrasting leadership methods.

“Everybody got their own style, and the way they lead. Michael was in your face, he challenged his teammates,” Parish said of Jordan. “Some nights you don’t want to hear what he got to say.”

He then made clear his preference for Bird’s approach: “I respect both leadership styles, but I prefer Larry’s style the best… He led by example. You know, he wasn’t a vocal leader, he let his play dictate how we should play. I think Larry’s style and philosophy makes the best leaders, because if you are a yeller and a screamer, after a while your voice fall on deaf ears and players just kinda tune you out, don’t hear what you got to say.”

The amazing career of Robert Parish

Robert Parish was one of the most durable players in NBA history. He was drafted by the Warriors in 1976 and stayed with the franchise until 1980, when he was traded to Boston in a deal that also allowed the Celtics to draft Kevin McHale.

The center spent 14 years with the franchise, winning three NBA championships (1981, 1984, and 1986). He was selected to nine NBA All-Star Games, and his No. 00 jersey was retired by the organization after his playing days ended. In 1994, Parish left Boston and played two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before ending his career with the Chicago Bulls in 1996–97, winning a fourth title.

With 21 seasons under his belt, Parish still holds the record for most regular-season games played in NBA history, with 1,611 appearances. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.

The NBA Finals are where legends are made, and only a rare few have reached that stage countless times. From dynastic Celtics to modern superstars, the Finals have long been a proving ground for greatness — and for winners.

Across decades, some players have redefined what it means to chase championships, appearing on the biggest stage again and again. Whether through resilience or pure talent, these icons carved their names into NBA lore.

Their journeys tell a story of determination, sacrifice and glory, shaping the narrative of the league itself. As the Finals spotlight shone brightest, these all-time greats kept finding their way back, season after season.

Bill Russell – 12 appearances

Bill Russell holds the all-time record for NBA Finals appearances with 12 trips to the championship round, all with the Boston Celtics. His dominance in the 1950s and 1960s helped define the NBA’s early years, and he secured an astonishing 11 championships in those 12 appearances — a record that remains untouchable.

He was known for his incredible defensive presence, shot-blocking, and leadership, which were the backbone of Boston’s dynasty. Beyond the stats, his legacy goes far deeper.

He was a pioneer for African American athletes and a civil rights advocate, using his platform to speak out against racism during a turbulent era in American history. Even today, his influence is felt, and the NBA Finals MVP trophy is named in his honor.

Sam Jones – 11 appearances

Sam Jones, often called “Mr. Clutch”, appeared in 11 NBA Finals, all with the Celtics alongside Bill Russell. Known for his deadly bank shot and ability to deliver in crucial moments, he was one of Boston’s most reliable scorers.

With 10 championships under his belt, he ranks second only to Russell in rings won, making him a key figure in one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. Despite not being as famous as some of his teammates, his impact was enormous.

His cool demeanor and ability to rise to the occasion in critical games made him a player coaches and teammates trusted. Without his scoring prowess, many of those Celtics championships would not have been possible.

LeBron James – 10 appearances

LeBron James has reached the NBA Finals 10 times over a career spanning two decades, playing for the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers. His Finals journey is marked by resilience and adaptability, facing off against dynasties like the Spurs and Warriors.

With 4 championships so far, his Finals record is sometimes debated, but few deny his greatness and consistent ability to carry teams to the biggest stage. His legacy is not just about wins and losses — it’s about longevity, versatility, and rewriting what’s possible for a basketball player.

Whether leading massive comebacks, like the 2016 Finals against Golden State, or winning a title in the bubble with the Lakers, he has cemented his place among the greatest ever.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 10 appearances

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made 10 Finals appearances with the Bucks and Lakers, winning 6 championships and establishing himself as one of the most dominant centers in history. Famous for his skyhook shot, he was a model of consistency and excellence, performing at a high level well into his late 30s.

His Finals runs spanned nearly two decades, a testament to his conditioning and skill. Off the court, he was a thoughtful and outspoken athlete, engaging in social and political issues and becoming an intellectual figure in sports.

His impact on the game is felt both through his records — including being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for nearly 40 years — and his contributions to culture and society.

Magic Johnson – 9 appearances

Magic Johnson’s nine NBA Finals appearances all came with the Lakers during the 1980s, where he led the “Showtime” era to five championships. Known for his dazzling passing, infectious charisma and clutch performances, he transformed the point guard position and became one of the most marketable stars in NBA history. His Finals battles against Larry Bird’s Celtics are legendary.

His impact extended beyond the court. His public announcement of his HIV diagnosis in 1991 changed the conversation around the disease, and his business ventures after retirement made him a global figure. His Finals performances and leadership made him a cornerstone of NBA history.

Jerry West – 9 appearances

Jerry West, famously nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” reached the NBA Finals nine times with the Lakers but won only one championship in 1972. Despite the tough Finals losses, often to the Celtics, he remains one of the most respected players in league history.

Remarkably, he’s the only player to win Finals MVP (1969) while playing on the losing team. His competitive fire, leadership, and scoring ability defined his era.

After his playing career, he became one of the most successful executives in NBA history, helping to build Lakers dynasties in the 1980s and early 2000s. His silhouette is literally the NBA logo, a testament to his lasting influence.

Tom Heinsohn – 9 appearances

Tom Heinsohn reached the NBA Finals nine times with the Celtics, winning eight championships during Boston’s golden era. As a power forward, he brought toughness, scoring, and rebounding, making him an essential piece of the team’s dynasty. After his playing days, he continued to influence the team as a coach and longtime broadcaster.

His love for the Celtics spanned over six decades, making him one of the most beloved figures in franchise history. His passion for the game and his team’s success helped set the tone for generations of Celtics players and fans alike.

Michael Cooper – 8 appearances

Michael Cooper appeared in eight NBA Finals with the Lakers, serving as a defensive anchor and utility player during the “Showtime” era. Renowned for his perimeter defense, he was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best scorer, making crucial stops in key moments.

His contributions helped the Lakers win five championships in the 1980s. His role on the Lakers was invaluable even though his stats didn’t always jump off the page.

His versatility and ability to impact games without needing the ball in his hands made him the ultimate teammate and one of the most respected role players in NBA history.

Dennis Rodman – 8 appearances

Dennis Rodman reached eight NBA Finals with the Pistons, Bulls and Spurs, winning five championships. Known as one of the greatest rebounders and defenders ever, his relentless hustle and ability to get inside opponents’ heads were his trademarks. His Finals battles, especially during the Bulls’ second three-peat, cemented his legacy as a key piece of championship teams.

Off the court, he became a pop culture icon, known for his eccentric personality, tattoos, piercings, and tabloid headlines. But on the floor, he was a tireless competitor and an irreplaceable glue guy on some of the best teams ever assembled.

Frank Ramsey – 8 appearances

Frank Ramsey played in eight NBA Finals with the Celtics, winning seven championships. Often called the NBA’s first “sixth man”, he came off the bench to provide scoring punch and versatility, redefining the value of a reserve player. His selflessness and adaptability were key to Boston’s incredible run of success.

His role set a precedent for future generations, proving that being a bench player didn’t mean being any less important. His contributions were crucial to the Celtics’ dynasty, and he remains a celebrated figure in the team’s history.

Unlike James Harden, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his first NBA title in only his second season, during the 1970-71 campaign. That same year, he also earned MVP honors. He averaged 31.7 points, 16 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game at age 23. His dominance did not stop there. He went on to win five more championships, claiming his last at age 40. As a result, he built a legacy that still follows him today. That legacy keeps him in the conversation as one of the greatest players of all time.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry needed six seasons to win his first title. He finally did it in 2014-15 with the Golden State Warriors. That season, he averaged 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. He also secured his first MVP award at age 26. More importantly, he broke the team’s 40-year championship drought. After that, he added three more titles and became one of the greatest players in franchise history.

LeBron James also took time to win his first ring. He needed nine seasons to achieve it. At 27, he led the Miami Heat to the 2012 championship, ending a five-year title drought for the team. The following year, he did it again and won back-to-back titles. His story did not end there. He later earned two more championships, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and another with the Los Angeles Lakers. That cemented his status as one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

Has James Harden lived up to expectations with the Los Angeles Clippers?

The Los Angeles Clippers built a roster to chase an NBA championship. They brought together James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook. Despite their talent, the team came up short. Westbrook took most of the blame and eventually left. With him gone, the Clippers hoped to bounce back this season. However, fate had other plans. In a twist, it was Westbrook’s Denver Nuggets who eliminated them in the first round.

In Game 7, Harden played 35 minutes but struggled to stand out. He recorded 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists. Even so, criticizing him solely for that game seems unfair. He remained a key part of the offense throughout the series. He helped the Clippers stay in the fight against a tough Nuggets team.

Harden is 34 years old, not a young star with the legs to lead a revolution. He joined the Clippers to contribute, not carry the team. Blaming him ignores bigger issues. The roster did not support him well enough. The defeat speaks more about the team’s shortcomings than one player’s performance.