Well this is the point we have reached in quarantine life. I am such a sports fanatic that I must keep the content going, if not for you the reader, then at least to keep me from going absolutely bonkers. I have watched every single team from nearly ever single sport for as long as I can remember. I have developed such a love for each sport that I can honestly say I have a favorite player from every team in each one of those sports. The point of this article is that we all know for the most part there is an out and out clear cut pick for Each franchise’s best player. What we do not ever talk about is if that player is necessarily our favorite player. I will go through each team and each franchise with a pick for each. This way you get to know my range of knowledge as well as you get to know what kind of fan I am. I will provide a very brief explanation as to why I picked who I picked ( there is alot of teams and I plan on doing this for each sport!). So without any further ado, lets get started.
Boston Celtics–
Best Player- Bill Russell & Favorite Player-Larry Bird-Bill Russell is a 5 time NBA MVP, 12 time NBA All-Star and An 11 time NBA champion. There is really no arguing he is the Franchise’s best player. Bird is my favorite because of his play but also because of his toughness and competitive fire. His classic feud with Magic is one that will stand the tests of time and I am sure I am not the only one that when they think Celtics Basketball, they think Larry Legend.
Chicago Bulls–
Best Player Michael Jordan & Favorite Player- Michael Jordan– I mean did you expect anything else? He is His Airness, 6 time NBA Champion, Defensive Player of the Year, Slam Dunk Contest Champion, MVP, Jumpman, Michael Freaking Jordan!! Whether shoes or basketball, he is THE GOAT! Enough said.
Philadelphia 76ers–
Best Player-Julius Erving & Favorite Player- Allen Iverson-Yes I know for the most part, Dr. J played most of his career in the ABA. However, He was an All-Star all 11 seasons in Philly, Won an MVP award AND he brought a title there. Barkley and Iverson did not. Iverson was the guy every one wanted to be growing up. He was an insane scorer who led a Philadelphia team to the Finals who had no business being there besides the fact that Iverson putting them on his back and carrying them there only to get dismantled by Kobe and Shaq. Not to mention, his non chalant attitude and no bullshit game on the court just made him fun to watch.
Utah Jazz–
Best Player-Karl Malone & Favorite Player- John Stockton- It really is hard to mention one without the other. They spent 18 amazing seasons together in Utah. Malone is the franchise leader in points and rebounds while Stockton leads in steals and assists. Malone won 2 MVP awards and averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds in those 18 years but let’s be honest, he doesn’t do it without John Stockton running point.
Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets–
Best Player-Jason Kidd & Favorite Player-Jason Kidd– Jason Kidd was a triple double waiting to happen every single night. He electrified New Jersey by leading the Nets to back to back Finals appearances. He averaged 15 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists in 7 seasons there. He was Westbrook before we even knew who Westbrook was. A floor general who’s leadership was unparalleled throughout his career in Jersey.
Houston Rockets–
Best Player- Hakeem Olajuwon & Favorite Player-James Harden- A True ambassador for the game and probably the best foreign- born player in NBA history, Olajuwon delivered a couple of things Harden has not, NBA Championships. That does not take away from the fact that Harden scores at a torrid pace and is hands down their funnest player to watch. Olajuwon won back to back titles and Finals MVP awards, all while being the best defensive player in the game at the same time. If Harden delivers some championships, this conversation could change but that window may be closing fast.
Los Angeles Lakers–
Best Player-Magic Johnson & Favorite Player-Kobe Bryant– WOW!! Hands down my toughest choice. My pick for best player could have been Kareem or Kobe easily but Magic had something else during his day. Magic could play all 5 positions and play them well. He started at center in the Finals as a rookie and was the face of the showtime Lakers leading them to 5 titles. A 3 time MVP and averaged 11 assists for his career. Had he not gotten sick, we do not know the levels he could have reached. Kobe is Kobe. He gave LA 5 titles as well but during his time he only had 1 League MVP. Regardless, Kobe gave me and a ton of fans everywhere memories we will never forget. RIP Kobe.
Miami Heat-
Best Player & Favorite Player-Dwayne Wade– Yes, I know Lebron played there as well but make no mistake about it, Miami is Wade County. He delivered the Heat a title before Lebron even arrived. At the height of his career he was one of the game’s most unstoppable and can’t miss players. Wade was a 13 time all star and a 3-time NBA champion. Miami is and will always be his city.
Milwaukee Bucks
Best Player- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Favorite Player- Giannis Antetokuompo– Kareem was an absolute monster with the team he was drafted to. He brought them the only championship in franchise history in 1971 and is the franchise leader in points and rebounds averaging 30 and 15 in his career there. Add in 3 MVP’s and it leaves no doubt. Giannis is a beast and if he can deliver a title to the Bucks, he will be in the conversation for their best player ever. He may have been on his way there to had it not been for the season shutting down early. Damn you Covid-19!!!!
Washington Wizards-
Best Player- Wes Unseld & Favorite Player- Bradley Beal-Unseld led the then Bullets to the NBA Finals 4 times in his career and delivered them their only NBA Championship as well. I know Jordan played there too but that laughable considering how past his prime he was. Beal is just a special player. He is constantly underrated and overlooked while leading the Wizards even in their worst of years. The way he is so dismissed is what probably what makes him my favorite. Keep doubting him and he will keep killing it every time on the floor.
Phoenix Suns
Best Player-Steve Nash & Favorite Player- Amare Stoudamire– Steve Nash led the Suns in the 200’s, winning back to back MVP awards and numerous playoff appearances including all those memorable battles with the Lakers. he shot 50 percent from the field with Phoenix and 44 percent from 3. Stoudamire is a big reason Nash was so succesful and vice versa. I loved the power of a dunk stoudamire threw down off a lob from Nash. Amare played with high intensity and was a force to be reckoned with his entire tenure there. Nash is definitely the best player but Amare’s big play ability made him my favorite hands down.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Best Player & Favorite Player-Kevin Garnett-Kevin Garnett is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Period. Granted, Kevin Love had a great run there but no where near the impact Garnett did on the franchise itself. Garnett made Timberwolves basketball must watch tv no matter what the matchup was. The most intense player to ever wear the jersey hands down. He is the franchise leader in games, minutes, points, steals, assists, rebounds and free throws. Animal.
New York Knicks
Best Player- Walt Frazier & Favorite Player-Allan Houston– Walt Frazier gets my pick because he did something Ewing could not and that was bring 2 titles to New York. He also was a 7 times defensive player of the year and 7 time All Star. Alan Houston hit one of the most memorable jumpshots in Knicks history but he is my favorite simply because I got to interview the man and he is a genuinely great person. Take notes current and former Knicks, do an interview and get a spot on my list ! That’s like the equivalent of winning an ESPY, right?
Sacramento Kings
Best Player-Oscar Robertson & Favorite Player- Jason Williams– Oscar Robertson obviously did most of his work for the franchise when it was still the Cinncinati Royals. He won an MVP and averaged 29 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in his career there. Jason Williams or “WHite Chocolate” was a walking highlight reel. He had ridiculous ball handling skills and seemingly could find his open teammates no matter how impossible the situation seemed. He was a jaw dropping show that was impossible to ignore and that’s why he is my favorite King above Chris Webber.
Golden State Warriors
Best Player & Favorite Player- Stephen Curry– Curry is hands down the best shooter in NBA history. The reason he is both in my opinion though is the way he transcended the entire league with his play. He can get to the rack with ease and can pull up from literally anywhere on the court. A couple of titles and league MVP awards certainly helps his case. I only hope his health rights itself so we can continue to watch him shock us all with his big shot and big play capabilities.
Los Angeles Clippers-
Best Player- Blake Griffin & Favorite Player- Chris Paul-Blake Griffin changed the entire culture of Clippers Basketball. Before he arrived, they were a laughing stock. As soon as he burst onto the scene, more and more players wanted to go there and soon they were perennial contenders. blake started the movement known as Lob City but it is only right I include his PIC, Chris Paul. Blake had a considerable amount of posters developed from Paul lobs or assists, and CP3 is the best floor general point guard maybe the league has ever seen in terms of controlling a game. Paul also accomplished 20 assists in a game with no turnovers as a Clipper, a feat that no one else has ever accomplished.
Atlanta Hawks
Best Player- Dominique Wilkins & Favorite Player- Spud Webb– The Human Highlight Reel was the star of the show for his entire career in Atlanta. He averaged 26 pointer per game, won a scoring title and led the Hawks to 8 playoff appearances. He is also the only player to ever beat MJ in a dunk contest which I find is worth noting. As for Spud, A guy that was shorter than me that could dunk like that?!….yeah, no brainer.
Portland Trail Blazers
Best Player- Clyde Drexler & Favorite Player- Damian Lillard-Clyde is definitely the most accomplished Trailblazer of all time. He is the franchise leader in points, steal , free throws and offensive rebounds. He led the team to a finals but was yet another victim of the Jordan Era. Lillard is so much fun to watch. He never backs down from a challenge whatsoever. He has shown time and again that he can pull up from anywhere across half court in the biggest moments and come through consistently. Always overlooked, he is by far my favorite Blazer ever.
Orlando Magic–
Best Player- Shaq & Favorite Player- Dwight Howard-Although not as accomplished as when he was a Laker, Shaq still was a dominant superstar during his time in Orlando. He led the Magic to the Finals but ultimately fell to Hakeem and The Rockets. He broke a ton of backboards as well. Dwight Howard led a team that had absolutely no business being there to the NBA Finals. Dwight was a block and rebound machine when in orlando and easily the most dominant since Shaq. He was pretty damn fun to watch during The Dunk Contest too.
Denver Nuggets-
Best Player- Alex English & Favorite Player- Carmelo Anthony- Alex English is hands down the best player in Nuggets history. Yes I said Hands down. English outscored every other NBA superstar in the 1980’s, the entire decade, including Jordan and Bird. He was a 8 time All Star, a scoring champion and the franchise leader in points and field goals. That is not to say Carmelo was not fun to watch and a force to be reckoned with. Melo played like a man possessed with prolific scoring, crazed intensity and yes, a solid defensive presence especially his battles with Kobe and Lebron. I also loved him coming straight out of Syracuse so that contributed to him being one of my favorite players to watch.
Detroit Pistons
Best Player- Isaiah Thomas & Favorite Player-Ben Wallace-Thomas was the leader of the Detorit Bad Boys team playing with a fire inside him that no opponent or injury or cheap shot could extinguish. He is the franchise leader in points assists and steals and easily one of the 50 greatest players of all time even if he did have teammates like Laimbeer and Dumars. Ben Wallace was just plain old fun to watch. He was a ferocious rebounder and shot blocker. He made the defensive side of the ball so fun to watch and gave opponents nightmares just with his presence. He was also never one to back down from a fight a la The Malice At The Palace. He was a key part of the Pistons title run as well.
San Antonio Spurs-
Best & Favorite Player- Tim Duncan- 5 titles. Thats enough right there to give Duncan the title of the franchises best player but couple that with the fact that he did it while being ridiculed and bashed because he was “boring” is why he wins both spots on this one. He was a nightmare for your typical down low presence and changed the game by making bigs step out more with his ability to knock down his mid range jumper. He is also a 15 time all NBA team and defensive team member. 3 Finals MVPs and 2 Season MVP’s. Yeah, not so boring after all.
Charlotte Hornets-
Best Player & Favorite Player- Kemba Walker- Yeah I am crazy or am I? Alonzo and Larry Johnson were great but Kemba did it for longer with Charlotte and meant way more to the franchise in my opinion. He was a 3 time all star and is currently the franchise leader in points. Considering how bad those teams he had were, he is overlooked as the best but statistically and longevity wise, there is no doubt.
Dallas Mavericks
Best Player & Favorite Player- Dirk Nowitski- He spent his entire 20 year career with the same organization. He single handedly took over the Playoffs en route to his only title. He had a nearly impossible step back fadeaway jumper and was an asbolute sniper from 3 point range….at 7 feet tall! Franchise Leader in points, and he was the man who knocked off Lebron’s Heat in that 1st year they were together as the Big 3. Everyone except Heat fans can thank him for that one. Also being a Mavericks fan, he was awe inspiring to watch, defying the odds at every turn in his career.
Memphis Grizzlies-
Best Player-Mike Conley & Favorite Player-Marc Gasol- Honestly, I would not mind if these two were flip flopped but when I think of the Memphis Grizzlies, I think of these 2, period. Conley is the franchise leader in points and assists while Gasol is the leader in blocks and rebounds. You cannot have one without the other in any way, shape or form. The Grizzlies success would not have been what it was for the last decade had it not been for the grit and leadership of these two.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Best Player & Favorite Player- Lebron James- Do I really need to explain this one or are we all on the same page? Good.
Indiana Pacers
Best Player & Favorite Player- Reggie MIller– Have you figured out yet that a lot of my favorite players are lights out shooters? Miller is no different. He did it with a cocky swag though that got under his opponents and their fans skin so deep, it made everyone want to fight him. Especially the way he could break your heart in just seconds. Sorry Knicks fans, and especially you Spike. Reggie was the face of many feuds but let’s be real , none were more fun than the rivalry he brewed up with New York. He scored over 25,00 points in 18 seasons and is one of the few retired players I think would be even more accomplished in today’s era of run and gun.
OKC Thunder/Seattle Supersonics-
Best Player-Russell Westbrook & Favorite Player-Shawn Kemp– Westbrook is far and away the most accomplished in franchise history. Averaging a triple-double for 2 entire seasons is pretty damn insane and kind of cements that one for me. Gary Payton certainly has the numbers to give him a run for that spot though. Kemp is my favorite because of his sheer brute power when finishing a slam dunk. It was most of the time downright disrespectful but oh so fun to watch.
Toronto Raptors-
Best Player & Favorite Player- Vince Carter- You can argue this one all you want but you will never change my mind. Vince brought prominence and pride to the Raptor culture. He was a one man show night in and night out every single time he stepped on the court. Vince’s mythological abilities really took shape in Toronto and had he not been such a draw in his career, I do not know if we are still talking about a team even existing in Canada. Vince is an all time Raptor, even if he left what I consider to be too soon.
To The Rack With Mac 