Basketball is one of the most popular games worldwide. Even those who don’t enjoy gambling know common casino games on this topic. Yet, there are some players who inspire young sportsmen or fans more than others. These are 3 greatest basketball players who are known by everyone. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

In 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks won the Association for the first time in their history. Lewis Alcindor was the Most Valuable Player of the regular season and final series that season. Not many basketball fans know about Alcindor, but probably everyone has heard of the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Meanwhile, it’s the same man. 

Alcindor’s name slowly faded into history, in his 20 seasons in the NBA Abdul-Jabbar was the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, 6 times MVP of the season,  and 6-time Association MVP with the Milwaukee Bucks and Lakers. 

Michael Jordan

Jordan has won six NBA championships with Chicago, and has consistently been named Finals MVP. Jordan is a five-time Association regular season Most Valuable Player and two-time Olympic gold medalist. He also won the overhead shot contest twice, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. It’s hard to name a title that wouldn’t be in his collection.

No doubt Jordan would have been the most prolific player in NBA history, but he ended his career several times and returned, thus spending only 15 seasons in the Association.

There can be no doubt about his legendary status, but there are doubts about his human qualities. Near-perfect in terms of his game, Jordan gave himself to the basketball. He made no allowances for anyone, often calling opponents names and taunting teammates, bringing them to tears and losing faith in themselves. 

Bill Russell

Bill Russell was one of the first African Americans to make it in the NBA. He earned the right to not only play in the Association, but to be called a star in the league. In a 13-year career, Russell was a champion 11 times. He wasn’t Boston’s leader in scoring, but he was known for his good play on defense and industrial scale rebounding. After finishing his career, he permanently cemented his place in the NBA’s top 2 rebounders in history. Since 2009, the NBA Finals MVP award has been named in his honor.

In 2011, Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his civil rights accomplishments.