Legends by Position Part V - Pillars & Foundations

Legends by Position (Part V)

20. Peja Stojaković (1998–2011)

Stats & Accolades: 17.0 PPG, 3× All-Star, NBA Champion (2011).
Legacy: One of the deadliest shooters of the 2000s, Peja was the offensive spark of the Sacramento Kings’ near-dynasty. His quick release and range stretched defenses long before the modern three-point revolution. He capped his career with a championship in Dallas, validating his place among elite small forwards.

19. Shawn Marion (1999–2015)

Stats & Accolades: 15.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 4× All-Star, NBA Champion (2011).
Legacy: “The Matrix” was one of the most versatile forwards ever—a lockdown defender who could guard all five positions and a relentless rebounder despite his size. While his jump shot was unorthodox, his effectiveness was undeniable. His contributions were crucial to Dallas’ 2011 title run.

18. Grant Hill (1994–2013)

Stats & Accolades: 16.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 7× All-Star, Rookie of the Year (1995).
Legacy: At his peak in the ’90s, Hill was a LeBron prototype—a 6’8” do-it-all forward who could score, rebound, and facilitate. Injuries robbed him of a Hall-of-Fame-level prime, but his talent was undeniable, and his comeback as a veteran role player showed his resilience.

17. Chris Mullin (1985–2001)

Stats & Accolades: 18.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 5× All-Star, Dream Team member.
Legacy: A member of the legendary “Run TMC” trio with Golden State, Mullin was one of the purest shooters of his era. His crafty scoring, high basketball IQ, and role on the 1992 Dream Team solidify his spot among the greatest small forwards.

16. Adrian Dantley (1976–1991)

Stats & Accolades: 24.3 PPG, 6× All-Star, 2× Scoring Champion, Hall of Famer.
Legacy: One of the most efficient scorers in NBA history, Dantley thrived on post-ups and free throws despite being only 6’5”. Often overlooked due to his quiet demeanor and lack of team success, his numbers speak for themselves—a relentless offensive force.

15. Bernard King (1977–1993)

Stats & Accolades: 22.5 PPG, 4× All-Star, 2× All-NBA First Team.
Legacy: A scoring machine with a deadly midrange jumper, King was nearly unstoppable before devastating knee injuries cut his career short. His 60-point Christmas Day game remains iconic, and at his peak he was as lethal as any forward in history.

14. Alex English (1976–1991)

Stats & Accolades: 21.5 PPG, 8× All-Star, 1983 Scoring Champion.
Legacy: The quiet assassin of the Denver Nuggets, English scored more points than anyone in the 1980s. His silky midrange jumper and consistency made him a nightmare matchup. Though under-appreciated in his time, he is the definition of sustained excellence.

13. Carmelo Anthony (2003–2022)

Stats & Accolades: 22.5 PPG, 10× All-Star, 6× All-NBA, Olympic scoring king.
Legacy: One of the most gifted scorers of his generation, Melo could fill it up from anywhere. His jab step became legendary, and his Olympic dominance made him an international icon. Though he never reached the Finals, his scoring brilliance earns him a place among the greats.

12. Paul Pierce (1998–2017)

Stats & Accolades: 19.7 PPG, 7× All-Star, NBA Champion (2008), Finals MVP (2008).
Legacy: “The Truth” was a clutch scorer who thrived in big moments. Pierce led Boston to the 2008 title, out-dueling LeBron and Kobe along the way. His blend of scoring, toughness, and leadership made him one of the defining forwards of the 2000s.

11. James Worthy (1982–1994)

Stats & Accolades: 17.6 PPG, 7× All-Star, 3× Champion, Finals MVP (1988).
Legacy: “Big Game James” lived up to his nickname with legendary playoff performances, including a 36-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist masterpiece in Game 7 of the 1988 Finals. A key cog of Showtime, his ability to shine brightest under pressure secures his place just outside the top 10.