The National Basketball Association (NBA) occupies a special place in professional sports leagues. Its popularity among spectators and sports enthusiasts around the world knows no bounds. Even though there are other strong basketball leagues besides the NBA, this organization remains the world leader.
The NBA is famous for its quality basketball and high competition. Also, online betting on basketball is very trendy as well, like online slot games. The most talented players from different countries gather here, and they show an entertaining and exciting style of play. Star names like:
- Michael Jordan;
- LeBron James;
- Kobe Bryant;
- Stephen Curry has become a global icon and attracts millions of basketball fans.
NBA as a sports brand
The NBA is a global sports brand. Its matches are broadcast in many countries, attracting a broad international audience. Over time, basketball has become popular in many parts of the world, increasing interest in the NBA and contributing to the league’s global popularity.
The competitive spirit and intensity of the game in the NBA is exhilarating. It is not uncommon for the outcome of fun to be decided in the last seconds or even moments, keeping viewers interested until the end. Basketball is a dynamic and emotional sport, which makes it attractive to viewers of all ages.
So let’s look at NBA Legends.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is a unique name in basketball. An idol for tens of millions of people on the planet. The man who changed basketball and made the game truly popular.
Jordan directly influenced the modern NBA, where there is a place for all sorts of feats and statistical records. He is the record man. But if now everyone is chasing him, then in his years, Michael was the one who conquered the peaks, walking along uncharted paths.
A real dynasty was built around Jordan in Chicago. “Bulls” became a powerful force, displacing the “Lakers” with “Boston” and eclipsing all others. One accomplishment of the Bulls’ legendary 23-game number that is nearly impossible to beat is winning six Finals series out of six. He didn’t lose at all in the most important games. And that charm of invincibility and superiority over any opponent will forever remain with Their Airness.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe is an example of a player who squeezed the maximum out of himself and his partners. It is the closest possible copy of Michael Jordan. They did not hide the fact that they became real brothers to each other during their communication. Bryant always consulted with Michael on various issues.
Although Kobe’s career was full of contradictions, he came to the Lakers as a schoolboy, where the young talent had to punch his way to playing time and star status. He scandalized Shaquille and put his partners in their place if they didn’t perform at practice. And he was always hungry for competition.
Each of Bryant’s five championships was different. The last ones happened without Shaq but with a new friend and partner – Pau Gasol.
Black Mamba – this nickname was given to Kobe for his character and indomitable will. He returned after severe injuries, worked without days off and surprised everyone with stories that he could go to matches after night training.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
His 218 centimeters of height and phenomenal flexibility allowed one of the best basketball players in history to achieve outstanding accomplishments. Abdul-Jabbar is the highest-scoring player in NBA history right now. He is the one that LeBron James is chasing after, wanting to topple him from the top.
Kareem not only embraced Islam during his career, refusing to play for the U.S. National Team, but also introduced yoga into his regimen. They allowed the centre to avoid injuries and play at a high level until 42.
Abdul-Jabbar created style. His trademark hook, practised in training to the point of automatism, allowed him to beat any opponent. Kareem’s unique look was complemented by protective goggles that shielded his eyes from damage.
It was as if Karim was ahead of his time. There is no doubt that Kareem would show a stellar level even in the current NBA, where shooting centres are especially valued.
Magic Johnson
Magic was awesome. His size allowed him to play the centre position, and his speed and agility made him a top-notch point guard. That allowed Johnson to burst into the NBA at a cosmic rate and become a star from the get-go, winning his first championship title and Finals MVP. He wasn’t the best sniper. He could have been a better passer. Furthermore, he didn’t jump above everyone else, collecting 20 rebounds a game. But he was the best on a combination of those metrics. Johnson showed how much value a player can bring.
Johnson was the first player to get a $25 million contract. He kicked out the coach. He was booed by his fans, who wore him down again after consecutive wins. More than a generation grew up with Larry Bird. Ultimately, Magic’s character showed itself in the fight against HIV. It was because of the disease that he had to quit basketball. And Johnson became the first person in the world to beat the disease!
Bill Russell
Bill Russell is one of the best defenders ever to touch a basketball. The number of blocked shots, rebounds and beautiful assists he performed, allowing his teammates to run to a fast break, made him the perfect team player. He led Boston to eight consecutive NBA titles and won 11 in his 13 years in the league. At the same time, his Celtics did not suffer a single defeat in the seventh deciding game of the finals, of which there were as many as ten under Russell.
When Bill played in the NBA, statistics on blocks and steals were not even kept. However, experts assume that the 208-centimetre centre averaged 8-12 blocked shots per game. But when it comes to his place on the list of the greatest basketball players in history, many point to his mediocre numbers and offensive play. However, with his astounding stats, even Wilt Chamberlain couldn’t beat Bill and his Boston with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. Players don’t choose the era they play in, but Russell has unequivocally become the face of his.
He overcame many challenges, including the racist attacks he faced as a civil rights activist. Russell was directly involved in creating the NBA and was the first player to change basketball truly. He lived a long life and passed away in the summer of 2022 at 88.
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