In high school, he awoke at 4:30 a.m. to do farm chores and walk two miles to school, where he had basketball practice at 7 a.m. Dennis Rodman may have been one of the strangest men to ever play in the NBA, or in any sports league for that matter, but this video goes to show just how you get the best of a bully in a big time situation. Kobe Bryant is one of the most competitive, hardest working players in NBA history. He was teased and bullied mercilessly as a child and through high school because he stuttered, and it got so bad he had to leave several schools. Bottom line: How tough was Jerry Sloan? His size, 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, was more NFL defensive end than power forward but also may have been the cause of back problems that ended his career. Roundfield toiled in relative anonymity for his entire career but still managed to make the All-NBA Defensive Team five times and made three consecutive All-Star teams, almost stealing MVP honors in 1980 with 18 points and 13 rebounds. World Cup 2022 Quiz. Havlicek died in April 2019 at 79 years old. Its kind of incredible to think of now, but McHale didnt even become a full-time starter until five years into his career, winning NBA Sixth Man of the Year twice in that stretch. Williams spent his first eight seasons with the Nets but became a household name during his seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Each. As the NHL trade deadline nears, the art of the deal is a headline . What NBA Player Do I Play Like? Teams: Charlotte Hornets (1992-95), Miami Heat (1995-2002, 2005-08), New Jersey Nets (2003-04), Key stats: 838 G, 17.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 52.7 FG%. We caught up with QB Kurt Benkert to discuss his current plans, the Scouting Combine, his Twitch career, a controversial Mount Rushmore and his predictions for Aaron Rodgers. One stat stands out more than any other. Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (1980-82), Detroit Pistons (1982-93), Key stats: 1,068 G, 12.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 49.8 FG%. At 5 foot 3, Muggsy Bogues is the shorted player in the history of the National Basketball Association. Story continues " I just think the [comfort] of the offense and the confidence in it, I guess, is the biggest . I guess I could buy both Dame and Steph being in kind of a tier 2.5. Bottom line: Its safe to say that most point guards who make it from Brooklyn to the NBA are tough. Teams: Golden State Warriors (2012-present), Key stats: 576 games, 9.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.0 APG, 43.5 FG%. But that was nothing compared to how he treated opponents. Teams: Baltimore/Washington Bullets (1968-81), Key stats: 984 G, 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 50.9 FG%. They didnt get that way because they could score or rebound. Along with Detroits Joe Dumars, NBA legend Michael Jordan said Moncrief was one of the two toughest defensive players he ever faced. Kobe Bean Bryant (/ k o b i / KOH-bee; August 23, 1978 - January 26, 2020) was an American professional basketball player. I mean, sure, the NFL still reigns supreme in terms of . Bottom line: Kevin Garnett is the highest-paid player in NBA history, with $326 million in career earnings. In order to play a decade in the NBA like Skiles did, and be that size, it takes some innate toughness. Bottom Line: Dennis Johnson was only 5-foot-9 when he graduated from Dominguez Hills High School in Compton, California, where he said he only played "one or two minutes," each game. Sloans toughness came from his hardscrabble background. How do you function when everyone is against you? Or how much you can dole out. Because 16.2 rebounds per game is just insane. Wallace was named a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 but somehow wasnt voted in, furthering the notion that the Basketball Hall of Fame is a joke and needs a complete overhaul if it wants to stay relevant. He played at least 80 of 82 regular-season games seven times, and only missed a handful of games in three other seasons. Mason was known for the wild designs he would have shaved into his head, sure, but he was more known for a bruising, physical style of play that used every square inch of his 6-foot-7, 250-pound frame. Foust, an eight-time All-Star, died in 1984 of a heart attack at 59 years old. Lucas also could ball. Bottom line: Kevin McHale gave opponents nightmares because of his arsenal of low-post offensive moves, which he called "the torture chamber," and for being a rugged, punishing defender. When McHale clotheslined Lakers forward Kurt Rambis during Game 4 of the 1984 NBA Finals, it shocked teammates and opponents alike and arguably turned the tide of the series. The mystery player will play in the Standard NBA leagues. 3. Pettit only played 11 seasons in the NBA and was a first-team All-NBA pick 10 times. The 6-foot-6 product of UMass spent the first five years of his career in the ABA before becoming arguably the most legendary player in Philadelphia 76ers franchise history, pouring in more than 18,000 points in 11 NBA seasons and over 30,000 points when you include his five seasons in the ABA. Kemba Walker 3. The toughest NBA players are known for a lot of things, such as not missing games, playing a lot of hard-nosed minutes, physicality, strength, mental resilience, never taking a play off, bending but never breaking, defending well, sticking up for teammates, and much more. Wilkins was a 6-foot-8 dunking machine and one of the most unfairly athletic wing players to ever step on an NBA court. The game of basketball had meager beginnings, with a bunch of athletically awkward guys trying to toss a ball into a peach basket. Who was the first ever NBA player to score 2,000 points in a single season? How did he do it? Teams: Indiana Pacers (1975-78), Atlanta Hawks (1978-84), Detroit Pistons (1984-85), Washington Bullets (1985-87), Key stats: 813 G, 14.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 48.2 FG%. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Thurmond set the NBA record with 18 rebounds in one quarter, was the first NBA player to record a quadruple-double but only played in the NBA Finals once, losing to Chamberlain and the 76ers in 1967. They dont call you the Human Highlight Film for nothing, and in the case of Dominique Wilkins, it sums up pretty nicely why he was so incredibly difficult to check defensively. Its ironic that Dumars, who has the NBA Sportsmanship Award named after him, was such a key part of Detroits "Bad Boys" teams that won NBA titles in 1989 and 1990. Hes also the author of one of the single greatest moments in NBA history which revolved around his toughness. The 6-foot-1 guard played his last college season for Arkansas in 2007-08, then bounced around foreign pro leagues until 2013, when he made his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets. Van Lier died unexpectedly in 2009 at 61 years old, the same day as former Bulls coach Johnny "Red" Kerr. In his first 13 seasons, he missed just four games and only missed 22 in his career, with 17 of those coming at the start of the 1997-98 season as he recovered from an injured MCL. 10) In 2007, which kicker broke the record for the most field goals in a single game, with 8? Mark Jackson can make an argument for being one of the toughest. This quiz has 2 formats: you can play it as a Timed Quiz Game or as shown below. Stockton, the NBA career leader in assists and steals, was as durable as any player in NBA history. But at the end of the day, thats precisely why he was such an unguardable force no one could stop him from physically dominating them and getting those dunks anytime he wanted. At only 6-6, Hayes is listed as a center on the Sacramento Kings roster, which means on a nightly basis he's going against players five . Thats not to say that other players didnt also possess those qualities, just that virtually no one possessed them in addition to having the skill set of a perimeter player. You dont find many players who didnt average double figures in scoring or rebounding for their career that can say they were a two-time All-Star and five-time pick for the All-NBA Defensive Team. So whether it's now or in . That Silas did it with aplomb and earned a reputation for never losing his cool speaks to more than just being tough. Anthony Edwards is the most intriguing player on the T'Wolves because, despite being only 21 years old, it is unquestionably his team. 3 min read. When he first entered the NBA, Michael Jordan was a freakish athlete who relied on his superior speed, quickness, leaping ability, and body control to beat defenders into the lane and finish with authority. Teams: Los Angeles Lakers (1973-77), Boston Celtics (1977-78), San Diego Clippers (1978-79), Portland Trail Blazers (1979-82), Golden State Warriors (1987), Key stats: 507 G, 9.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 52.6 FG%. Since he doesnt rely on pure athleticism to get his buckets, he could very well be the first NBA player to ever reach 40,000 points in a career. "If you played Monday through Saturday and didn't have a fight, you knew you had to be ready for Sunday because you'd surely have a fight. Many players have natural talent they cultivate after gaining a better understanding of where hard work will get them. Hes also one of just four players to win both Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year. 1. At age 32, he's the oldest player in NBA history with a 70-point game, and the only player age 30 or older to accomplish the feat, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Find the Countries of Europe - No Outlines Minefield. Don't trust the colours as they have been manipulated. Originally Answered: Was Michael Jordan the hardest working NBA player in the NBA's history? Bottom line: When you make it into a Beastie Boys song "I got my hair cut correct like Anthony Mason" its safe to say youve made it into some sort of rare air of sports celebrity. The mental aspect is just as important. As the first black superstar in NBA history, he had to endure racism at almost every turn but handled it with grace and aplomb. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and scorers of all time, Bryant won five NBA championships, was an 18-time All . Unlike many of the players on this list, Larry Bird was seldom the best athlete to step out on the floor. Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images. Lanier, at 6-foot-11, was one of the best all-around big men in NBA history and averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds for his career. There might not be anyone in NBA history with a sports background quite like Nash, which helps explain why he always seemed to have blood on his jersey. Famed broadcaster Howard Cosell summed up Americas feelings toward Reed in the winning locker room after the game. NBA players Boris Diaw, Nicolas Batum, and Dominique Wilkins were all born in which country? Bottom line: Sidney Moncrief was the first NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1986, then won it again in 1987. Bottom line: There are few tales as tragic as Kermit Washingtons in the history of the NBA. Wilkins was a 6-foot-8 dunking machine and one of the most unfairly athletic wing players to ever step on an NBA court. Hes not even 30 years old yet and hes already poured in more than 23,000 points, and despite people knocking his jump shot, hes a career 34.1% shooter from long distance. Just remember when we say the Hardest NBA Logo quiz, we really mean it. Mainly because he wasnt a bully. Will the Warriors be able to reboot and make another run at a title? Bottom line: Xavier McDaniel set a baseline for what it meant to be tough when he was still playing for Wichita State University and became the first player in NCAA history to lead the nation in points and rebounds in 1984-85. Gervin averaged 26.2 points during his NBA career, pumping in more than 30 points-per-game twice. The physically dominant power forward was one of the biggest, strongest, and most intimidating figures to ever play the game at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, and his superior fitness and athleticism allowed him to run past defenders and finish with authority. Whats unique about his career was that style of play, at that time, was ahead of its time feed the ball to one player and let the game hinge on that. Dirk Nowitski has long been one of the league's toughest players to match up against, but it has become time for him to pass the torch to Kevin Durant, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili can still break down defenders with the dribble, but their explosiveness no longer rivals Chris Paul's and their strength doesn't measure up to that of James Harden. The five-time NBA Most Valuable Player needed to define toughness to succeed in his era, with his direct counterpart none other than Wilt Chamberlain, the only other player besides Russell to grab 50 rebounds in a single game. On that same night who was the next . Bottom line: At one point in NBA history, no player was tougher or more intimidating than Larry Johnson, the No. Helpful clues! Myself, I liked to get my fight over on Monday or Tuesday and not worry about it the rest of the week.". Bottom line: There is one statistic that underlines Alvin Robertsons toughness better than all others he is still the NBAs career leader with 2.7 steals per game. Test your NBA player knowledge in this challenging trivia! The most important thing to remember about Dumars as far as gauging his toughness is that Michael Jordan called him the best defender he ever faced and the "Jordan Rules" established by Pistons coach Chuck Daly in the 1990s centered around Dumars unique defensive ability. NBA star Ja Morant 'flashed a gun at a 17-year-old after punching him 12 to 13 times' at his Tennessee mansion days after 'threatening' a Memphis mall security guard last summer, according to a . Boston Celtics (2015-17), Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-18), Los Angeles Lakers (2018), Denver Nuggets (2018-19), Washington Wizards (2019-present), Key stats: 525 G, 18.1 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 5.0 APG, 43.6 FG%. Chamberlain was simply too much for anyone from his era not named Bill Russell to handle, setting records like an average of 50.4 points-per-game during his third season and pouring in 100 in a single game. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Key stats: 1,504 G, 13.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 10.5 APG, 51.5 FG%. Four times during his career, the Answer averaged more than 30 points-per-game, all despite being beaten and rarely getting the benefit of calls from officials who didnt treat him much like a star due to his attitude. Some of the numbers Malone put up were absolutely silly by todays standards, such as when he boasted per-game averages of 31.1 points and 14.7 boards during the 1981-82 season. Pettit also was the first NBA Most Valuable Player in 1958 and is tied with Kobe Bryant for most NBA All-Star MVP awards with four. Bottom line: When you go down the list of the greatest enforcers in NBA history, make sure you put some respect on Maurice Lucas name. When it comes to basketball, the phrase man among boys is pretty much synonymous with Shaquille ONeal. Mahorns toughness seemed to flow directly from his inability to jump very well and what he had to do to make up for that. "Just like that. If Wilt could have made free throws, theres no telling how many points he would have scored in his career (Ditto for Shaq). Kobe has always been a divisive player, but its hard to argue against the incredible scoring prowess of a guy who once pumped in 35.4 points-per-game in the modern era of professional basketball. Who Is The HARDEST NBA Player To Guard? The iconic image of teammate Scottie Pippen helping him off the floor is burned into the memories of basketball fans the world over. For the 1990s video-game kids, he also was one of three players on the original "NBA Jam" who could consistently rebound. That makes the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 15-time All-NBA pick one of the toughest and most durable players of all time. Teams: St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks (1964-69), Phoenix Suns (1969-72), Boston Celtics (1972-76), Denver Nuggets (1976-77), Seattle Supersonics (1977-80), Key stats: 1,254 G, 9.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43.2 FG%. Teams: Detroit Pistons (1962-1968), New York Knicks (1968-1974), Key stats: 875 G, 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 43.2 FG%. Bottom line: The mystery behind Chauncey Billups career lies within the mulitude of inexplicable trades that let him play on seven different teams over his 14-year career. Why is Jokic the only player in history to not suffer from voter fatigue? Drafting a professional player from a foreign territory When it comes to Pete Maravich, people tend to remember his untimely death and the fact that he averaged 44 points-per-game in college, and they just kind of gloss over the fact that he had a heck of an NBA career as well, averaging 24.2 points to go along with 5.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds in his career. 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