The Answer and the Admiral: Top 50 Players in NBA History Part III

22. Rick Barry

Rick Barry is a very unique player as he spent the first part of his professional basketball career with the ABA and then transitioned into the NBA. When he entered the NBA, he won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1966 and continued his excellent play throughout the rest of his career.

He was able to rack up 25,729 points (24.8 ppg), 6,863 rebounds (6.7 rpg), and 4,952 assists (4.9 apg) for his entire career, which translated to eight NBA All-Star appearances. He played most of his career with the Golden State Warriors and ended the last two years with the Houston Rockets, but he was honored solely by the Warriors by having his #24 retired.

This small forward was never surrounded by other super talent, but the Warriors were still able to achieve great success as Barry led them to their second championship in 1975.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeusOox8EjY&feature=related

21. Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas will always be remembered as playing in the shadows of Magic Johnson, but he is actually one of the best point guards to ever play the game as he was able to rack up 9,061 assists (9.3 apg) for his career.

In addition Thomas’ offensive play, he was also great on the defensive end as he ranks ninth in the NBA with a total of 1,861 steals. Thomas was able to lead the Detroit Pistons to two NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990 by orchestrating the entire floor with his remarkable passes and drives to the basket.

He is the best player to ever wear a Pistons uniform as he is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, steals, games played and assists.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1euE0pj_JE&feature=related

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