The NBA is known and appreciated worldwide for having a diverse talent pool. The North American Basketball League welcomes players from all different faiths, races, and ethnicities. However, one race has dominated the NBA scene since the dawn of time. The NBA has produced some of the most powerful and exemplary black athletes in sports history. Let’s discuss some of the most dominant black athletes who have left a lasting mark on the NBA landscape.
Renown Black Athletes in NBA
Outlined below is a list of the most renowned black athletes in sports who are recognized for their contributions to the field of basketball:
LeBron James
LeBron James is a name that almost everyone is familiar with. Also known by many as the ‘King,’ LeBron James is a revolutionary NBA figure who proved his skill and excellence in basketball at the age of 38. He is known for his agility and strength, some of the skills that have landed him among the high-scoring basketball players from time to time. LeBron also holds the record of being the only player in history to rank in the top 100 for assists, rebounds, points, three-pointers, steals, and blocks.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is known as the greatest NBA player of all time. He has played in the NBA for 15 seasons and won six NBA championships during that time. He is also considered an important personality due to his contribution to making basketball a popular sport in the 1980s. Michael Jordan is awarded the title ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ for his ability to perform exceptionally well on the defensive side. He also possesses the record for the highest number of scoring titles in the history of the NBA.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Kareem Abdul Jabbar, also known as the skyhook shot, is another prominent figure in the history of the NBA. Jabbar played for around 20 seasons, during which he achieved some exceptional milestones. He holds the record of being given the title of the most valuable NBA player around six times throughout his career. During his time as an NBA player, Kareem Abdul Jabbar managed to set the record of making 38,387 points. LeBron James later broke this record.
Jabbar was an esteemed member of around six NBA championship teams. He was a member of four of these teams and served as the coach for the other two. Jabbar was also called the greatest NBA player by renowned figures like Isiah Thomas and Pat Riley.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant ranks high among the black athletes in sports who left a lasting mark in basketball history. Bryant was a two-time Olympic gold medalist and won the NBA championship five times. He inspired his generation and captivated fans with his ‘Mamba Mentality,’ which represented a strong work ethic. He was the face of the Lakers team and was a highly recognized member who constantly strived for success. Unfortunately, his time on earth was cut short when he tragically died in a helicopter crash on 26 January 2020.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is a highly respected NBA player who achieved remarkable success as a baseball player. He made history in his first championship by winning the Lakers championship. This win also secured him the title of the first rookie to win the NBA championship. He won several other awards and designations, like the League MVP and NBA All-Star.
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