Oh, and the 12-time All-Star also helped initiate true free agency into the NBA through a landmark antitrust suit, an accomplishment just as impressive as his jaw-dropping on-court exploits. J Julius Erving and Skywalker David Thompson headlined the leagues first slam dunk contest in 1976, but their in-game dunks might have been even more impressive. 1. Learn more about this major update here. Hondo was the original sixth man, but by the 1970s, he was a dominant fixture in the NBA. There have been some great shooters in the past. He led the league in scoring three straight times from 1974-1976, pouring in over 30 points per game in each season. But a decade before kids wanted to Be like Mike, they wanted to operate above the rim like Dr. Courtesy of Flickr. For example, Oscar Robertson was one of the most athletic players of his erajust Google Oscar Robertson splits (Ill wait). In the 1970s Barry claimed six NBA All-Star bids, three ABA All-Star bids and three All-NBA first team nods. Overall, the NBA in the 60's was good, but I find it hard to say it was the best decade of NBA basketball. Rick Barry Career Highlights UNDERRATED! The 69 Johnson (making him the NBAs tallest point guard) not only posted the best assists-per-game mark in league history (11.2) but had a tremendous all-around game, as well. The big guy out of Duke looked like the demonic love child of John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell just after Ferrell . In 1971, the San Francisco Warriors changed cities and names, leaving the Cow Palace. Dave Cowens 9. The Lakers got one championship, while Kareem got two on his own including one with Milwaukee. In the National Basketball Association he is one of four players to have won eight championships in their playing careers; only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones have won more, with 11 and 10 championships respectively. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 15,159 Sets. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The best basketball player of the 1970s was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In 1996, he was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He was fifth in total minutes played for the decade and was also fifth in points scored.Lanier was also unusually-adept at shooting free throws for a big man, averaging 77 percent for his career. In his prime, Duncan, nicknamed The Big Fundamental by no less a nickname authority than Shaquille ONeal, was one of the most sound players of all time. It didnt. Product: Set. [7] The following is the 196970 Academic All-America Men's Basketball Team as selected by CoSIDA: Members of the 1970 Consensus All-America first team. But Maravich was so unbelievably '70s. Below is All-Decade 1970s All-Stars' 2K full team roster. Sluggers reached 40 home runs a stunning 77 times in the 1990s and 91 times in the 2000s as steroids and smaller ballparks came to dominate the game. But it was in New York, and specifically in the World's Most Famous Arena, where the '70s made their strongest impression. Yes, the man many fans (ignorantly) consider the most overrated choke artist in the league is actually the best player to ever set foot on a court. Parish was able to stick around for so long because of his great talent as a basketball player, making nine All-Star teams during his career as well as winning four NBA championships. The glory the NBA would enjoy in the '80s and '90s wouldn't be possible without players like Dr. J and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar laying the groundwork for the league in the '70s. From there, its just a short jump to comparing players from the past with present stars. The one time in his 14-year career that he was not an All-Star was in 1970, a season in which an injured Chamberlain was limited to just 12 regular-season games and yet he still managed to will his team to the NBA finals upon his return. Top 30 Greatest NBA Players Of The 1970s 1. 1970: 'Mr. Clutch' sinks a must-see 60-footer Jerry West showed he deserved his nickname when he buried a 60-foot, game-tying bomb at the buzzer in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Knicks.. Earvin Magic Johnson, Jr. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born April 16, 1947) is an American retired professional basketball player with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. The struggles and hard-won glory of pioneers such as Alice Coachman, Althea Gibson, Wilma Rudolph and Lynette Woodard helped pave the way for later generations of sports greats like Jackie. Erving then reeled off 11 straight All-Star bids in the NBA after the merger. Black and white basketball hustlers join forces to double their chances of winning money on the street courts and in a basketball tournament. Despite the creation of the National Basketball Players Association in 1954 (the first team sports players union), NBA owners held most of the power in the league until the merger. LeBron James overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBAs leading scorer in February 2023.]. The 1970s NBA. 12. Frazier had a flair for style that had been sparsely seen in the league before his debut, but once he arrived, all eyes were glued on him. One of two players, along with Stephon Marbury, who couldn't find a way to co-exist with a young Kevin Garnett in Minnesota. List of all the NBA and ABA Players Born in 1970 1969 1971 Select Year: 84 Players Active players are bold; * Indicates Hall of Famer Al Lankford, Lee Averaged a double-double through much of his career with the Generals, scoring more than 20 points per game as a senior.. The leading scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history is just the 10th-best player ever? He was never the best player in either league -- Dr. J and Kareem ensured that --. But let's face it: the old-school center has been going out of style for a long, long time, all thanks to the chaos and rebirth in the '70s. http://www.basketball-reference.com/about/bpm.html, Steph CurryThe Male Machine Gun Molly? Kareem won five of the 10 MVPs awarded in the '70s, made the All-Star team every year but '78 and only missed All-NBA first team three times in the decade. Another player who made his debut after the decade was already underway, Bob Lanier hit the ground running. He was more than just a dunker, though, and when he moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers, his play was dominant. Bet with your head, not over it. In 1970, the average player earned a $35,000 salary (equivalent to around $224,000 today). 17 Reasons why Jordan is greater than Lebron, 16 Reasons why Lebron is greater than Jordan, The 18 greates Coaches in College Football History, The Top 21 Offensive Linemen in NFL History, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans. From baggy street clothes to signature form-fitting apparel and back to baggy, basketball uniforms have undergone transition until what has settled today is both comfortable and functional, and invokes a sense of nostalgic pride among players and fans alike. The 1970'swas a time when you had a lot of emerging sneaker companies and no one company completely dominating thesneaker market. Notable stars of the decade: Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Bill Russell. Walton was so damn good that it's impossible to imagine a world where he stayed healthy and reached his potential. His height is 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m), and his weight is 205 lb (93 kg). Who are the best basketball players of the 70s of all time? Overall, he averaged 26.6 points per game for the seventies, the third-most of any player. On May 12, 1970, CoSIDA announced the 1970 Academic All-America team. He pulled down 14 rebounds per game from 1970-1980, and any game that he finished without a double-double was a rarity.. Just kidding. Years with Cavaliers: 1973-1979 Playing a key role for the Cavs for much of the 70's, Brewer was a strong defender and rebounder. Get the best deals on 1970s Athletic Shoes for Men when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Frazier was one of the most significant point guards in NBA history. Havlicek is widely considered to have been one of the greatest players in the history of the game and was inducted as a. Elvin Ernest Hayes (born November 17, 1945) is an American retired professional basketball player and radio analyst for his alma-mater Houston Cougars. While Kareem put up a whopping 38,387 points during his playing days, I cant look past the fact that he spent a good chunk of his career receiving passes from Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, the two greatest point guards of all time. Who Is Better: Lebron James Or Wilt Chamberlain? J Julius Erving against LeBron James? Atlanta General Manager Stan. How Many Championships Does Kobe Bryant Have? Not only does he routinely pull off feats that Ive never before seen, he has consistently evolved his game to fix the relative weak spots he was previously criticized for. When it comes to the 1970s, there was no greater basketball player than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.In fact, Abdul-Jabbars game has transcended eras, as he remains one of the greatest players to ever pick up a basketball. So whether or not you believe the Rolls-Royce Backcourt could defuse the Splash Brothers or that Dr. J could take LeBron to school, theres no denying the league as we know it todayfull of three-pointers, highlight-reel dunks, and multi-millionaire free agentswas born in the 1970s. Arguably the greatest college basketball player of all time, Christian Laettner's success didn't translate well to the NBA. He is a retired professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association who played small forward (NBA). Top 21 ACC Basketball Players of All Time: Where does Michael Jordan Rank? Background. The Top Ranked Basketball Players of the 1970's Do folks give Jerry credit for building future champions as a GM?). Why did NBA players not shoot more three-pointers in the late seventies and early eighties? The anticipated plateau of salaries never arrived, and continues today. Other Links > Basketball > Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . Tall Tales and Short Shorts: Dr. J, Pistol Pete, and the Birth of the Modern NBA. Cowens was only 69 at the center position, but he was one of the most prolific rebounders of the era. A high scorer and rebounder, the purveyor of the Sky Hook and a thoughtful off-court presence, it's really a shame KAJ isn't more beloved. Dr. J isn't just symbolically important as a harbinger of the style that would arrive in the '80s: he was a two-time ABA champion and won the last three MVPs of the ABA. For better or worse, basketball fans love to compare different eras of their favorite sport. When Dr. James Naismith nailed a peach basket to a spot ten feet above the gym floor, he didnt account for dribbling, let alone slam dunks, hyper-athletic seven-footers, or J.R. Smith. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). It's famously noted that in this era the NBA Finals were on tape delay. How Many Championships Does Steph Curry Have? He is a member of the All-time ABA Team as well as the NBAs 75th Anniversary Team, and his talent as a pure scorer will be remembered forever. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Dont be fooled by his humble small-college provenance and the Hick from French Lick nicknameLarry Bird was one of the fiercest competitors and greatest smack-talkers in NBA history. The consensus 1970 College Basketball All-American team, as determined by aggregating the results of four major All-American teams. The uber-confident Bird had arguably the quickest release of anyone to ever play basketball and hed often let his defender know that the shot was going in soon after it left his hands. Nevertheless, he was an awesome force who dominated the sport for two decades and perfected the sky hook, one of the most gorgeous shots the game has ever seen. Do you have a blog? At the opposite end of the attractive play spectrum from Duncan is Shaquille ONeal. FLANNERY DISSENTS: I had Dave Cowens on my Third Team and forgot to include him on the Honorable Mention list when we pubbed this list. Though John Havlicek debuted in 1962, he was still very much in his prime when the seventies came around. Bernard King Bernard King was born in 1956 in New York. He went on to play for Brazil until 1982 before finally calling time on a glittering eighteen-year career in the yellow and green of his home country, retiring as one of the most revered Brazilian . He was also a three-time MVP in the ABA during the seventies, capturing a three-peat in the award from 1974-1976. Russell Westbrook is being left wide open on offense, and hes still hurting the Clippers. Erving was one of the defining figures of the game during the decade, combining exceptional athleticism and finesse in a style that has remained popular all these years later. During the 1970 tournament Jairzinho scored in each and every game, finishing with seven goals and a reputation as one of the world's best players. If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. The four highest all-time NBA single-season scoring averages all belong to Chamberlainin his first four professional seasons. He finished his career eighth all-time in both points and steals as a player who truly had a complete game.His ability to dominate as a wing was something the NBA had not seen much of before, and his mark on the game will always be remembered. In fact, Hubie Browns Atlanta Hawks attempted just 75 three-pointers all season (making just 13). Yes, they played the kind of slow-paced ball that put most fans to sleep by the third quarter, but there was often a thing of pure beauty hidden among the tire-fire of a 7871 final score: Tim Duncans bank shot. At their best the Knicks were a hybrid of downtown artistry mixed with old-school values. Now players could subsist without off-season work and, for the first time in league history, make life-changing money playing pro basketball. He averaged 21+ points, 6+ rebounds, and 5+ assists per game in the 1970s, in the process earning nine All-Star selections, making seven All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, and winning two titles. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati: 2,973 points (1957-58 to 1959-60) "The Big O" averaged 35.1, 32.6 and 33.7 points in his three seasons. Please play responsibly. Michael Gearon, president of the Hawks, said he believes that as many as half the players in the league may use cocaine and as many as 10 percent may use free base. Absolutely. He was a 7x All-Star and 6x All-NBA/All-Defensive selection during the 1970s. Maravich averaged 25+ points, 4+ rebounds, and 5+ assists per game in the 1970s for five All-Star selections, four All-NBA teams, and the 1976-1977 scoring title. Another, less easily explained difference, is that NBA players coming of age in the seventies grew up playing a game in which *every* shot counted for two points. Card Manufacturer: Topps. 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[25] Parish was drafted in 1976 by the Golden State Warriors and didnt retire until 1997, capping off a 21-year career. The only NBA Hall of Famer for whom a Gossip Girl character was named. This decade served as the start of the second Sooner. They were drilled at an early age to work the ball into position for a shot close to the basket. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Most famous player ever? His only title as a player came in 1972; he darn near led the Lakers to one in 1970, as well. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Julius Erving His impact didnt stop on the offensive end of the court; Havlicek also made eight All-Defensive Teams in his career, epitomizing what it meant to be a two-way player. Dr. The shirts were fastened like a current-day body suit to keep them from becoming untucked. Admittedly, Chamberlain played at a time when post players were significantly smaller and basketball wasnt drawing the types of athletic marvels we see today, but the man was so incredibly dominant that he deserves a spot in the top five regardless of context. Release Year: 1971 Kareem Abdul Jabbar was the best basketball player in the world during the early 1970's. He helped make the Adidas Jabbar High and Low famous. Founded in Boston in 1946 by Walter Brown, the Celtics were charter members of the Basketball Association of America, a . 1970 Consensus All-America team Individual All-America teams AP Honorable Mention: [6] Nate Archibald, UTEP Jim Ard, Cincinnati Dennis Awtrey, Santa Clara Henry Bibby, UCLA Bill Cain, Iowa State Corky Calhoun, Penn Jim Collins, New Mexico State Dave Cowens, Florida State Jarrett Durham, Duquesne Mike Grosso, Louisville Jeff Halliburton, Drake $44.99. Rick Barry Honorable Mentions FAQ Who are the best basketball players of the '70s of all time? Nash is one of the best, most productive point guards in the league, having won back-to-back season MVP trophies after reaching the age of 30. New technology was being used to make better sneakers for running, basketball, and skateboarding. Before 1976, NBA players were bound to their teams through a reserve clause similar to that which existed in Major League Baseball. (Russell Westbrook's head perks up.) . When Brandon Figueroa and Mark Magsayo bang gloves Michigan vs Indiana Preview W/Steve Risley: Indiana Basketball Preview, MLB Rule Changes | Can F1 Compete With NASCAR | Froggy Talkin Sports #MLB #indianahoosiers #nascar. He was a menace on the defensive side of the ball, racking up 400 more steals than any other player in the seventies.Like Gervin, he is a member of both the All-Time ABA Team and the NBAs 75th Anniversary Team. McAdoo won an MVP and five All-Star berths in the '70s as a brilliant scorer and rebounder; in that 1975 MVP season he averaged 34 and 15.