In this article I will be discussing my top 5 favorite NBA players of the 90's, based on pop culture impact and talent.
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5. Shaq
7' 1"
325 pounds
Shaq was probably only the 2nd or 3rd best center in the 90's on the court. But he was fun to watch when he was with the Orlando Magic. He could run the floor pretty well, but in the low post he was unstoppable because of his size, strength, and speed. Once he got in position, you might as well put up 2 points. But that wasn't the only reason I liked him as a kid. His effect on pop culture was great. The guy was good friends with Hulk Hogan. As a kid that was also a wrestling fan, that earned some major points with me at the time. And he was Kazaam and Steel, both horrible movies but with the kid goggles on not so bad. Even now that I am a mature adult, I still watch these movies sometimes.
4.Dennis Rodman
6'7"
220 pounds
Dennis Rodman has a ton of problems, but he makes the list for being a great defender and easily the best rebounder of his era. I mean, he averaged 18 rebs a game at 6'7, when the next closest to him was Hakeem. A guy who was a good 5 inches taller and a great rebounder in his own right, yet was 5 rebs per game behind him. That is crazy to me, and watching how he would get the rebounds over all the giants through jumping ability and great timing, was crazy. And his stunts on the court were better than a hockey fights.
Charles Barkley
6'6"
252 pounds
Sir Charles, the "Round Mound of Rebound", the leaning tower of pizza. He was, in my opinion, the best power forward ever. Here was another undersized power forward who would rebound with the big guys and trade licks with anyone. Just a lot of toughness on the court and all around good player. He could rebound and score in the low post like any other great PF but he could also run the floor and pass very well, and even shoot the three when most PFs couldn't. That versatility and toughness is what makes him the best PF ever, but what gets him on the list is his post game interviews. He was always funny and spoke his mind, not caring whether anyone liked it or not.
2. Scottie Pippin
6'8"
228 pounds
Scottie Pippen was one of the most underrated basketball players ever. He did a little bit of everything. He would score, rebound, assist, and most importantly defend. Scottie was probably the single best on ball defender of all time. He could guard 4 positions and would harass the best player on the other team to the point of insanity. And he was always "reliabull", lol. I'm so sorry for that, but I had to do it. He did what Jordan didn't. If Mike needed that little extra scoring because he was sick or hurt, Pippen brought that. If Jordan needed to focus on scoring, Pippen would guard the best player on the other team so Mike would not wear himself out on defense. He always knew his spot on the team and played it well.
1. Micheal Jordan
6'6"
216 pounds
Oh who else could it have been. The greatest of all time. The guy beat a team of aliens with Bill Murray and Bugs Bunny! And he was the most popular athlete of his era, if not all time. The only thing bigger than his effect on pop culture was his effect on the game of basketball. He brought it to new heights. We had never seen it before. He was almost as good on defense as he was on offense and played with unbeatable heart and drive to win. He was the most clutch and he embarrassed the league when it was at it's peak. Well, right after it was at it's peak, but still a tough era of basketball. He dominated the game left, for 18 months, came back and did it again, then he walked away for 3 years, came back and averaged 20 ppg at 40 years old, and was the oldest player to ever score 50 pts at that age. He was the only player to ever score 40 pts after the age of 40 and after he retired he said he was holding back with his run with the Wizards. I would have liked to see him try harder, if that's true.
But, anyways, that's the list. Agree? Disagree?
