Legends by Position Part III - Pillars & Foundations

Legends by Position (Part III)

20. Lou Hudson (1966–1979)

Stats & Accolades: 20.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6× All-Star, 2× All-NBA.
Legacy: “Sweet Lou” was one of the most consistent scorers of the late ’60s and ’70s, carrying the Atlanta Hawks with his smooth midrange game. While he never captured a title, his steady excellence and underrated efficiency earn him recognition as one of the best pure scorers of his era.

19. Bill Sharman (1950–1961)

Stats & Accolades: 17.8 PPG, 4× Champion, 8× All-Star, Hall of Fame player & coach.
Legacy: A foundational figure of the early Celtics dynasty, Sharman was one of the NBA’s first true jump shooters, ahead of his time. Later, he became a legendary coach as well, winning a title with the Lakers in 1972. His influence as both player and coach gives him a unique legacy.

18. Sidney Moncrief (1979–1991)

Stats & Accolades: 15.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2× DPOY, 5× All-Star, 5× All-Defensive 1st Team.
Legacy: Known as the best perimeter defender of the 1980s, Moncrief was relentless. Michael Jordan himself said Moncrief was the toughest defender he ever faced. While injuries shortened his prime, his two Defensive Player of the Year awards make him the prototype of a two-way guard.

17. Joe Dumars (1985–1999)

Stats & Accolades: 16.1 PPG, 4.5 APG, 6× All-Star, Finals MVP (1989), 2× Champion.
Legacy: The quiet assassin of the Bad Boys Pistons. Dumars was a lockdown defender and clutch scorer, famously earning Finals MVP in 1989. His steady presence alongside Isiah Thomas was crucial to Detroit’s back-to-back titles, and he remains one of the most respected players of his generation.

16. Mitch Richmond (1988–2002)

Stats & Accolades: 21.0 PPG, 5× All-NBA, 6× All-Star, Hall of Famer.
Legacy: The overlooked superstar of the ’90s, Richmond was a scoring machine stuck mostly on mediocre Sacramento Kings teams. His jumper was lethal, and his consistency (averaging 20+ PPG for 10 straight seasons) makes him one of the best guards of his era.

15. David Thompson (1975–1984)

Stats & Accolades: 22.7 PPG, 4× All-Star, 2× All-NBA, All-Star Game MVP (1979).
Legacy: “Skywalker” was Michael Jordan’s idol. His explosive athleticism and high-flying dunks made him a precursor to the modern slashing guard. Though his career was shortened by off-court issues, his peak was sensational, and his influence on future generations was enormous.

14. Hal Greer (1958–1973)

Stats & Accolades: 19.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 10× All-Star, NBA Champion (1967).
Legacy: The all-time great of the Philadelphia 76ers, Greer was a model of durability and consistency. He played in a record 10 straight All-Star Games and was a key part of the 1967 championship team that dethroned Bill Russell’s Celtics.

13. Tracy McGrady (1997–2012)

Stats & Accolades: 19.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 7× All-Star, 2× Scoring Champion.
Legacy: One of the smoothest scorers in NBA history. At his peak, T-Mac was unstoppable—a 6’8” guard who could score from anywhere. Injuries and playoff struggles keep him out of the very top tier, but his talent was legendary. His “13 points in 35 seconds” remains one of the greatest moments in NBA history.

12. Vince Carter (1998–2020)

Stats & Accolades: 16.7 PPG, 8× All-Star, Rookie of the Year, longest career in NBA history (22 seasons).
Legacy: “Vinsanity” was basketball’s ultimate showman, electrifying fans with his dunks and redefining the slam dunk contest. But Carter wasn’t just highlights—he was a reliable scorer for decades, reinventing himself into a valuable role player later in his career. Longevity and cultural impact seal his place among the best SGs ever.

11. Manu Ginóbili (2002–2018)

Stats & Accolades: 13.3 PPG, 4× Champion, 2× All-Star, 6th Man of the Year (2008).
Legacy: More than stats, Manu brought creativity, flair, and sacrifice. A key piece of the Spurs dynasty, he accepted a bench role despite being capable of starting anywhere else. His Eurostep changed basketball, and his clutch plays helped deliver four titles. Ginóbili is proof that greatness isn’t always about numbers.