Not everyone can have the same history as the Boston Celtics or Chicago Bulls. But still, that’s not stopping us from ranking the 15 all-time Eastern Conference starting lineups. From Michael Jordan all the way down to Kemba Walker — yes, Kemba Walker — here are the top players at every position for every East franchise.
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Boston Celtics:
Center: Bill Russell – Bill Russell is the ultimate champion. He was the main reason behind Boston’s historic successes in the ’60s. He is a true talent, and without him, the NBA would not be the same organization it is today. He was one of the toughest and most intelligent players the league has seen. Bill Russell paved the way for future centers to make names for themselves.
Power Forward: Kevin McHale – Dubbed one of the most skilled post players in league history, Kevin McHale was the greatest power forward in Boston Celtics history. His versatility as a started or sixth man was key in Boston’s success in the 1980s. His arsenal of post moves was something to marvel at, but his level of efficiency really catches the eye; he shot .554 percent from the field for his career. The three-time champion complemented Larry Bird quite nicely.
Small Forward: Larry Bird – Larry Bird was one of the best pure basketball talents the NBA has ever seen. Bird was a fierce competitor and the focal point for his three championship teams. Bird could pass, handle the ball, shoot, defend and rebound with little to no problems. The three-time champion has an abundance of accolades; one of his most impressive feats is his three straight MVP awards. His career was cut short due to a back injury, but he is still among the league legends.
Shooting Guard: Sam Jones – Sam Jones began his career as a backup. He soon became the starter for the Celtics and the train kept rolling. He was a great scorer for a defensive-minded Celtics team anchored by Bill Russell. Jones averaged 17.7 points per game on .456 percent shooting. He ended his career with ten NBA titles.
Point Guard: Bob Cousy – Bob Cousy was the pioneer of the “pure point guard.” Cousy joined the Celtics when the team was in its beginning stages. Cousy brought a new level of style to the game; his attention-grasping handles and passes made fans leave Celtics games in utter amazement. He was an important part of Boston’s first six NBA championships, and he currently holds the franchises record in assists with 6,945.
Brooklyn Nets
Center: Billy Paultz – Paultz was a great ABA center, as he was an All-Star three times in his five-year tenure with the Nets. He was a key contributor to their first championship in 1974. He is still the second-leading rebounder in franchise history and the seventh-leading rebounder in ABA history. His 15-year career was longer than most basketball big men experience and he tallied 13,099 points, 8,959 rebounds and 1,457 blocks.
Power Forward: Buck Williams – Buck Williams was the premier player for the Nets in the 1980s. From 1981 to 1989, Williams was voted to three All-Star games while posting numbers of 16.4 points and 11.9 rebounds; he also shot .550 percent from the field. He remains the Nets’ all-time leader in points and rebounds with 10,440 and 7,576 respectively.
Small Forward: Julius Erving – The Doctor… words cannot describe how mesmerizing Julius Erving was. His ability to soar through air with a majestic feel kept fans wanting more. Erving lived above the rim; the swingman could get to the basket when and how he wanted whenever he wanted. His three seasons with the Nets saw him take home three MVP awards, and two ABA championships. He scored more than 7,000 points during his tenure with the Nets. He would go on to play in the NBA, where he would win another MVP and championship.
Shooting Guard: Vince Carter – Carter played the prime of his career with the Nets from 2004-2009. He was one of the best scorers in the league every season. Carter was able to average better than 20 points per game for ten straight years and he left the Nets as the second-leading scorer in franchise history with 8,834 points. He is currently a 20K scorer and finishing up his career with the Dallas Mavericks.
Point Guard: Jason Kidd – Kidd is now retired from the game of basketball. He left behind a legacy filled with great plays and an NBA championship. He was the driving force behind the Nets’ most successful years. He carried them to back-to-back Finals appearances and set the Nets’ all-time records in assists (4,620), steals (950) and three-point baskets (813). He averaged 14.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 9.1 assists per game and was a ten-time All-Star and is on his way to the Hall of Fame.
New York Knicks
Center: Patrick Ewing – When the Knicks are a topic of conversation, the first player that comes to mind is Patrick Ewing. Not only is he the best center in Knicks’ history, he is one of the best centers in NBA history. There were not many two-way forces like Patrick Ewing. His talent on both ends was something to marvel at. The 1989-1990 season was outstanding. He posted numbers of 28.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game. He was never able to win an NBA championship, but his career leaves his name among the league’s legends.
Power Forward: Dave DeBusschere – DeBusschere was a defensive monster. He was usually tasked with defending the opposition’s best player every night. He finished his career with six consecutive All-Defensive First Team selections. His most memorable defensive stand was the 1970 NBA Finals. Willis Reed was not at full health, and DeBusschere had to defend Wilt Chamberlain. He did his job; the Knicks won the game, and their first of two NBA championships.
Small Forward: Bernard King – Bernard King anchored the team in the mid-1980s. He scored at will from the middle of the floor and the post. He averaged 26.5 points while shooting .543 percent from the field over 206 games with the Knicks. King was considered one of the best scorers in NBA history, and if it was not for injury he would have been able to add on to his 19,655 scoring total.
Shooting Guard: Earl Monroe – “The Pearl” is not talked about enough. Monroe started at shooting guard for the Knicks in the ’70s. His wizard-like moves with the ball allowed him to penetrate opposing defense at will. He used a fantastic midrange game and combined it with a rare post-game to devastate opposing shooting guards. He was a member of the most recent Knicks title team in 1973. Monroe finished his career with 17,545 points scored.
Point Guard: Walt Frazier – The Knicks do not win two titles in the ’70s without Walt Frazier. He was the epitome of a great point guard. His court vision and shooting ability made him too much for defenses to handle. Frazier’s skills went beyond offense; his quick hands and feet made him a terror on defense. If the rare occasion of him getting beat ever occurred, he had Dave DeBusschere waiting at the rim. Frazier averaged 19.3 points during his tenure with the Knicks.
Philadelphia 76ers
Center: Wilt Chamberlain – Wilt was the ultimate athlete… before ultimate athletes existed. His superior size, strength, speed and ability made a statistical-based monster. He could score at will, block any shot that came to the rim and out-rebound the opposition. His legacy as a player is among the best players in the game, but his reputation as a lady-slayer might be greater than his name on the hardwood.
Power Forward: Charles Barkley – Barkley had moves, power, speed and an attitude. His Philadelphia days were loaded in highlights plays and high expectations. In only his second year, he became the team’s leading rebounder and number two scoring option. Moses Malone‘s departure saw Barkley take the helm. Julius Erving was the final years of his career, so it was only fitting that he passed the torch to Barkley. During his eight seasons in Philadelphia, Barkley became a household name and he would continue to cement his legacy from there.
Small Forward: Julius Erving – Erving’s name has appeared on this column previously due to his work with the Nets. His dynamic ability transferred over to the NBA, and he helped lead the 76ers over the Lakers to win the NBA title in 1983.
Shooting Guard: Hal Greer – Greer was a deadly long-range shooter. His work from the perimeter was the main reason he averaged 22.1 points per game. He retired as the franchise leader in points with 21,586. Some might see Hal Geer instead of Iverson and raise an eyebrow. Allow me to explain: Iverson is more than likely going to the Hall of Fame, but he had a disappointing end to his career. Greer is a proven champion and already enshrined into the Hall, so I give him the edge.
Point Guard: Mo Cheeks – Cheeks was one of the league’s premiere defenders. He was a true floor general, always finding ways to get the job done. He aided Julius Erving and Moses Malone in winning the 1983 NBA championship. He was a model of consistency and hard work and his dedication to the game made him one of the more respected players in NBA history.
Toronto Raptors
Center: Antonio Davis – Davis is not the most known name among NBA fans, but his work down low for the Toronto Raptors is commendable. He is not the flashiest post player the NBA has seen, but he always worked hard and did his job. He was an imposing presence and a great rim protector; he was widely regarded as a true center and was a part of some of the organization’s best teams.
Power Forward: Chris Bosh – Bosh brought style and flare back to the power spot in Toronto. His silky smooth midrange game and his ability to post up made him a matchup nightmare. At his best, Bosh was averaging 24 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 51.8 percent shooting. He carried the team to the playoffs in the ’06-07 and ’07-08 seasons. It is fair to say that Bosh did all he could for a less than stellar Raptors team. He has earned his spot as one of Toronto’s greats.
Small Forward: Morris Peterson – Peterson was never a true superstar, but he was a high-character, high-motor guy. He was able to average 16 points per game in a season. He ranks first in games played for the Raptors and second in total minutes played.
Shooting Guard: Vince Carter – Carter is the best shooting guard in Raptors and Nets history. He is the best dunker the league has seen and his arsenal of offensive weapons would place him on the top of opposing team’s scouting reports. He is second in points scored and has the franchise record for most points scored in a game with 51. All hail Vince!
Point Guard: Damon Stoudamire – If we are being straight forward, Damon is one of the more talented point guards in Raptors’ history. He was a fantastic passer and had an unreal level of quickness. He averaged 20 points and nearly nine assists per game in one season and while he was sent to Portland midway through his third year with Toronto, Stoudamire had true talent.
Chicago Bulls
Center: Artis Gilmore – Artis Gilmore came to the Bulls after he displayed utter dominance in the ABA. In Chicago, he averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds per game for six years. ABA and NBA combined, he scored 24,941 points and recorded 16,330 rebounds. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2011, and is without a doubt the best center in Bulls history.
Power Forward: Dennis Rodman – Rodman never really had an offensive game, but for everything he lacked offensively he made up for it with defensive and rebounding. He was the muscle for the Bulls’ championship teams. He lead the league in rebounding seven consecutive years. He was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year twice and made eight All-Defensive teams.
Small Forward: Scottie Pippen – Pippen was one of the best defenders the NBA has seen. His offensive game was underrated; he could score from almost anywhere on the floor. When Jordan retired, he almost took the Bulls to the NBA championship. He averaged 17 points per game for his career. Without Scottie, it is unclear how many titles Jordan would have won.
Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan – The greatest player the NBA has ever seen. Michael Jordan had it all; he could defend and score at will. Jordan would get into anyone’s head and alter their game on the court. The legend himself holds numerous NBA records. It will be interesting to see if anyone can surpass him.
Point Guard: Reggie Theus – The Bulls, in all their greatness, have a weakness… the point guard spot has yet to produce legendary players. Yes, Derrick Rose might be on his way, but at the moment Reggie Theus is the Bulls’ best point guard. He finished with 6,453 assists… this places him in the top 25.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Center: Brad Daugherty – He was a perennial All-Star with an abundance of talent. Injuries slowed down his growth as a player, but he is still the best center in Cavaliers history. He posted fantastic numbers in points (19.0) and rebounds (9.5) for his career. Daugherty also recorded four double-double seasons, and three of them were 20-10 efforts. Although he only played eight years, he was the first Cavalier to reach both 10,000 points and 5,000 rebounds.
Power Forward: Larry Nance – Nance was a three-time All-Star. The second-half of his career was in as a Cavalier. He had phenomenal athletic ability; this translated to him being an outstanding offensive talent and a nightmare on defense. Nance was also an outstanding dunker and shotblocker, as he recorded more than 2,000 blocked shots to rank in the top 20 all time.
Small Forward: LeBron James – Before he was the King of South Beach, LeBron sat on his throne atop the city of Cleveland. He is the most dominant player in Cavaliers history. He led them to their first and only NBA Finals appearance in 2007. Along the way, LeBron won the Rookie of the Year, two MVP awards, three All-Defensive First Teams and won two MVP awards. He left Cleveland averaging 27.8 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals.
Shooting Guard: World B. Free – Along with his awesome name, World B. Free had four great years with Cleveland. Free was an exceptional athlete and a rangy shooter. If his jumpshot was off, he could get to the rim and finish with ease. He maintained a career average of more than 20 points per game.
Point Guard: Mark Price – Price was the ideal point guard. He could execute the pick-and-roll and he was a great passer in various situations. Price’s scoring ability was something most coaches and scouts had trouble dealing with. The four-time All-Star averaged 16.4 points and 7.2 assists per game. Price’s addition turned the Cavs around, as prior to his arrival, the Cavs made the playoffs only once in the previous eight season; with him, they reached the postseason in seven of nine seasons.
Detroit Pistons
Center: Bob Lanier – Lanier and his monstrous feet were a force during the ’70s. For Detroit, the big man averaged over 21 points and 11 rebounds in seven consecutive seasons, which is mind-bogglingly good. He also made seven All-Star Games with Detroit and won a Rookie of the Year.
Power Forward: Bailey Howell – Howell, in a nutshell, was a double-double machine for the Pistons in the ’60s. He played five seasons in Detroit and averaged 21.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The Hall of Fame power forward regularly ranked in the top 10 in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.
Small Forward: Grant Hill – Hill was a five-time All-Star and First Team All-NBA forward with the Pistons. He was one of the league’s elite talents before ankle injuries derailed his growth into a legend. The savvy midrange game combined with a keen ability of finding the open player made Hill an absolute beast on the court. In a point-forward role, Hill dished out 2,720 assists with the Pistons. Injuries and all, Hill was able to tally 16,545 points, 5,949 rebounds, 1,196 steals and 4,119 assists.
Shooting Guard: Joe Dumars – He was a great complement to Zeke Thomas. His intensity on both ends of the floor elevated the Pistons’ guard play to new heights. Dumars won a Finals MVP award in 1989, the Pistons first championship. In 1,018 games played for Detroit, Dumars recorded 16,401 points and a franchise record 990 three-pointers.
Point Guard: Isiah Thomas – Thomas is the most iconic player in Pistons history. His greatest accomplishments as a player came in the late ’80s with the Bad Boy Pistons. He is the owner of the all-time assists record with 9,061. An Achilles injury would hamper him for the last stages of his career, but it is safe to assume that Thomas, without the injury, would have added to an already impressive career.
Indiana Pacers
Center: Mel Daniels – Daniels enjoyed a nice six-season run with the Pacers. He was the cornerstone of the Pacers’ three ABA titles. The two-time ABA MVP averaged more than 15 rebounds per game in his first six years as a pro. He was the ABA leader in rebounds three times. Daniels’ ability to rebound allowed him to set an all-time record in Pacers’ history for rebounding with 7,643.
Power Forward: Jermaine O’Neal – O’Neal spent his best years with the Pacers. He was traded to Indiana in 2000, and since then he cemented his name as one of the best post players. He won the Most Improved Player in 2002 and went to six straight All-Star Games. O’Neal holds a franchise record of 1,245 blocked shots in 514 games.
Small Forward: Roger Brown – Roger Brown did his damage in the ABA. He was key in their three ABA titles in the ’70s. His savvy one-on-one scoring ability allowed him to drop buckets from almost any spot on the floor. His best years were with the Pacers; the four-time All-Star is one of the few players in the ABA to score 10,000 points and one of just a few Pacers to reach the team milestone.
Shooting Guard: Reggie Miller – Reggie Miller was the face of the Pacers for nearly two decades. His battles with Starks and the Knicks are among some of the greatest NBA storylines. Miller’s ability to find open spaces within the defense with or without the ball made him a threat at all times. Aside from all his statistical achievements, Reggie Miller’s ability to mentally antagonize his opponent made him just a little more dangerous every night.
Point Guard: Freddie Lewis – Lewis was the backcourt general for the Pacers’ three ABA titles, posting stats of 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and four assists per game. The decorated All-Star was one of the ABA’s top career leaders in a number of categories such as points (11,660), assists (2,883), three-pointers (275) and free throws made (3,063).
Milwaukee Bucks
Center: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – The greatest center of all time began his legacy as Lew Alcindor with the Milwaukee Bucks. He won three of six MVP awards and one of his two Finals MVP awards during his time in Milwaukee. He remains the Bucks’ all-time leading scorer with 14,211 points. His 19 All-Star appearances are the most by any player and he accumulated 15 All-NBA and 11 All-Defensive honors.
Power Forward: Terry Cummings – The two-time All-NBA forward Terry Cummings played five great years with the Bucks. His versatility allowed him to be a volume scoring forward, and he would create his own offense from almost anywhere on the floor. Cummings averaged 21.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He led the team to nothing short of the Eastern Conference Semifinals four times in five years.
Small Forward: Glenn Robinson – “Big Dog” was a go-to guy for the Bucks in the mid ’90s all the way to the early 2000s. Milwaukee decided to make Robinson the first draft pick in a class loaded with talent such as Jason Kidd and Grant Hill. His midrange ability made offense easy to him. He totaled 12,010 points with the Bucks.
Shooting Guard: Sidney Moncrief – Moncrief was the best player for the Bucks in the ’80s. He is not spoken of a lot, but his defense is some of the best. Moncrief was awarded the first two Defensive Player of the Year awards. The five-time All-Star was not just a stout defender; he could score with best of them. He averaged 16.5 points per game while leading the Bucks to the postseason in each of his ten season with the team.
Point Guard: Oscar Robertson – His MVP years were behind him. Oscar was not averaging triple-doubles anymore, but he did help Kareem Abdul-Jabbar take the Bucks to the 1971 NBA title. At his older age, Robertson was averaging 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 288 games with Milwaukee.
Atlanta Hawks
Center: Dikembe Mutombo – The defensive stalwart that is Mutombo spent five great seasons in Atlanta. The perennial shotblocker won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times as a member of the Hawks. His talents earned him eight All-Star nods, and he ranks second on the all-time blocks list with 3,289.
Power Forward: Bob Pettit – Bob Pettit is the best big man in Hawks’ history. He was the first player to score 20,000 points. The Hall of Fame mogul spent his entire career with the Hawks from 1954 to 1965 and was elected to the All-Star game in every season he played. The Hawks’ power forward took home the NBA’s first ever MVP award in 1956 and won it a second time in 1959. His career averages of 26.4 and 16.2 rebounds rank him among the NBA leaders.
Small Forward: Dominique Wilkins – Wilkins was the Hawks’ go-to guy from 1982 to 1993. His athletic ability made him tough player to defend. He could score in a variety of ways; in fact it was that level of offensive ability that won him the scoring title with 30.3 points per game in 1985-86. His high-flying dunks landed him two Slam Dunk Contest titles in 1985 and 1990. The Hall of Fame small forward ended his career with 26,668 points scored.
Shooting Guard: Pete Maravich – Maravich was a dynamo with the basketball. His offensive game was so advanced, he made some of the league’s best players look like they did not belong. His career 24.2 points per game average ranks him among the NBA’s great players. Injuries slowed him down, but he was still able to salvage his career and become a serviceable guard for the remainder of his career.
Point Guard: Lenny Wilkens – Wilkens helped the Hawks reach the playoffs seven times in eight seasons. He was the first player to record 3,00 assists for the Hawks. He was a decorated All-Star will a well-rounded offensive game. He tried his hand in coaching and had the record for coaching wins until Don Nelson surpassed him.
Charlotte Bobcats
Center: Emeka Okafor – Okafor was the first player ever drafted by the Bobcats. He was awarded Rookie of the Year honors in 2004-2005 and was a great piece for the Bobcats. He is the leading rebounder and shotblocker in franchise history with 3,516 boards and 621 blocks.
Power Forward: Boris Diaw – Diaw came to Charlotte in December of 2008 along with Raja Bell and Sean Singletary from the Suns in exchange for Jared Dudley, Jason Richardson and a 2012 second-round pick. The Frenchman brought a new dynamic of experience and ability to stretch the floor as a 4-man.Diaw is third on the Bobcats’ career list with 1,382 rebounds. Diaw is the only power forward in Charlotte’s history to play 250 games.
Small Forward: Gerald Wallace – Gerald Wallace is the best player in the Bobcats’ young history. He was an All-Star in 2010 and an All-Defensive First Team selection. He is the Bobcats’ leader in points (7,437), steals (827) and games (454).
Shooting Guard: Stephen Jackson – He only played two seasons with Charlotte, but Jack helped lead the team to its only postseason appearance in franchise history, averaging a team-high 21.1 points per game in 2009-10. That year, coached by Larry Brown, the Bobcats actually went 44-38, and even though they were swept in the playoffs, Capt’n Jack scored at least 18 in those four games.
Point Guard: Kemba Walker – With this, I could have said Raymond Felton, but Kemba Walker is already better than Felton’s best effort. Yes, Kemba is young, but he is already one of the top point guards in the NBA.
Miami Heat
Center: Alonzo Mourning – Some might say Shaq, but other than D-Wade and LeBron James, there is not another more important piece to Miami’s history than ‘Zo. In his prime, he was the defensive anchor for the Heat and an underrated offensive weapon. His pairing with Tim Hardaway was the main reason Miami was able to contend in the late ’90s and into the new century. His second stint with the Heat was a more leadership-based role where he played limited minutes and tutored the younger talent on the team. After a career of fighting for a title, he finally won his first ring as a member of the 2006 Miami Heat.
Power Forward: Chris Bosh – Chris Bosh is currently the third option for the Miami Heat, but do not let that shadow the ability Bosh has. His versatility as a big stymies defenses on a nightly basis. Bosh’s ability to shoot, perform dribble-drive moves and post up gives him the edge over most defenders. The Heat have won two straight championships; Bosh had an underappreciated role in the second title, but without his presence on the court it is uncertain if the Heat beat San Antonio.
Small Forward: LeBron James – LeBron graced Miami with his presence in a brutal-mannered TV special. The good news: that whole fiasco is in the past. LeBron has done his part by delivering NBA titles to South Beach. The King is currently looking to add more rings and build on an already historic career. He has the option to opt out of his current contract, which he will more than likely do to seek another max contract.
Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade – D-Wade has put his championship stamp on the NBA. He has three rings, and is looking to add a fourth this season. Prior to LeBron’s arrival, Wade was Miami’s number one scoring option and emotional leader. He was always among the league leaders in points and defensive statistics. Wade means more to the city and the fans than any other Heat player can. It appears that Wade will finish out his career in South Beach, which is only fitting since he is a Pat Riley guy.
Point Guard: Tim Hardaway – This was an easy pick, Tim Hardaway had one of the greatest crossover dribbles in NBA history. His three-point shot was not pretty, but it worked for him. Hardaway was a special talent… his ability to run the floor and see plays before they happened made the Heat lethal in the ’90s.
Orlando Magic
Center: Shaquille O’Neal – Shaq’s imposing style of play all began in Orlando. Without him, the Magic are not the franchise they are today from a historic standpoint. They would not have had the same level of greatness if Shaq never put on an Orlando uniform. His numbers were jaw dropping, and the scary part about it is he would become an even better center in Los Angeles. Shaq is the stick fans measure every Magic center by, even Dwight Howard, and it is going to be hard to duplicate his level of dominance and success.
Power Forward: Horace Grant – Horace Grant did not have the insane statlines like other powerhouse players. This is just a simple selection… Michael Jordan and Shaq gave Horace Grant endless amounts of praise. His ability to protect the rim and spread the floor on offense aided Shaq to put up the numbers he did. Horace Grant does not get enough credit for his work in Orlando, but it is fair to place him at number one at this position.
Small Forward: Dennis Scott – Scott was the deadliest three-point shooter Orlando has ever seen. During his tenure in Orlando, the sharpshooting Scott found himself inside the top four in three-point field goals made three separate times. Scott was never dubbed a superstar, but he was one of the better role players the team has seen.
Shooting Guard: Tracy McGrady – McGrady was meant to play alongside Grant Hill, and even though that never really happened, McGrady found himself as the best shooting guard in Magic history. He was one of the most gifted players the Magic and the NBA has seen. His skill-set almost won him an MVP award on a seventh ranked team in the Eastern Conference. His time in Orlando ended in a bitter way, but to his credit McGrady had to carry a team that was not built to win. His talents really carried poorly constructed Orlando teams.
Point Guard: Penny Hardaway – Hardaway was the lightning to Shaq’s thunder. Hardaway developed into one of the league’s elite players as the Magic grew into a 50-win powerhouse in the East. Knee problems ruined what would have been a historic career for Hardaway. The First Team All-NBA guard was as explosive, versatile and talented as any player.
Washington Wizards
Center: Wes Unseld – Wes Unseld was the defensive stalwart for the Bullets. He was physically imposing and used his superior size to set some stout screens to free up his teammates. He did not have the most impressive stats, but he was always one of the defensive bigs at all times.
Power Forward: Elvin Hayes – Hayes is the best power forward and the best player in Washington’s history. Hayes paired up with Unseld to form one of the most imposing forward-center duos in NBA history. Hayes was a dominant tow-way player. His play propelled him among the league greats. Hayes is the franchise leader in points and blocks.
Small Forward: Bernard King – King was on the tail end of his career by the time he ended up with the Bullets in 1987. Despite that, he still averaged 17.2, 20.7, 22.4 and a surprising 28.4 points per game in four years with the franchise.
Shooting Guard: Phil Chenier – Phil Chenier was a great all-around player for the Wizards. He had a heavy task of picking up the offensive slack when Monroe was traded to the Knicks. In 1978, he suffered a back injury that forced him to sit out most of the season. He never fully recovered from the injury and went into a serviceable player role for the remainder of his career.
Point Guard: Earl Monroe – Monroe is more known for his play with the Knicks, but some of his greater years were with the Bullets. He averaged more than 20 points per game each of his four seasons with the Bullets. The combination of Monroe and Unseld help provide recognition for the Bullets.
What do you think?
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