The Most Exciting Player to Watch in Every NBA Franchise’s History

Sure, we can compare stats, rings, and accolades among players for eternity but the reason we tune in to watch our favorite squad suit up 82 nights a year isn’t so we can tell our grandkids that we watched Detlef Schrempf average 16.7 points per game in Indiana and make the case that he was the greatest Pacer power forward of all time. No, the reason we watch the NBA is for the highlight, the spectacular play that brings us to our feet, the unbelievable feat of skill and athleticism that transcends comprehension. That is why we watch basketball. So with that in mind let’s take a look at, not the best player in each team’s history, but the most exciting. [tps_start_button label="Start slideshow" style="" class=""] [tps_title]Atlanta Hawks[/tps_title] Dominique Wilkins There is likely no easier pick on the list than Dominique “The Human Highlight Film” Wilkins. For a franchise relatively void of superstar players, Nique serves as the historic centerpiece of the franchise. The Highlight thrilled fans with monster dunks and big numbers. And a couple of slam dunk titles never hurts in the exciting player department. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhMNPuiwyI [tps_title]Boston Celtics[/tps_title] Larry Bird Larry wasn’t the most athletic player on the court which makes the fact that he could be the most exciting player in a franchise as storied as the Celtics that much more impressive. With an off the charts on court IQ, unbelievable play-making ability, and a strong inclination for the clutch play, Bird was as fun to watch as they come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lt1x-k3QGU [tps_title]Brooklyn Nets[/tps_title] Julius Erving Disclaimer: Technically when Erving played for the Nets, they were still an ABA team, but it is the same franchise so we’re counting it. Dr. J was too smooth. He essentially made dunking cool and if that doesn’t qualify you as the most exciting player in your franchise’s history then I don’t know what does. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAqpkjFPbVY [tps_title]Charlotte Hornets[/tps_title] Muggsy Bogues When the New Orleans Hornets rebranded to the Pelicans they returned the Hornets name, records, and official history (spanning 1988–2002) back to Charlotte. So we will stick with that in choosing Muggsy. I know I know, I can hear you shouting Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning through the computer screen. But Muggsy was the shortest player in NBA history and he played the game better than most. An extremely creative passer, he had no choice but to put on a good show to be able to compete in the NBA. Plus, he gets the Space Jam bump. Bogues was delightful and it’s no secret as to why he’s still a fan favorite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOGj8qM6hQ0 [tps_title]Chicago Bulls[/tps_title] Michael Jordan It would be pretty tough to go against the greatest of all time. He dominated the game in a way that will likely never be seen again. He scored, he defended, and he won games when it mattered most. MJ was as fun as he was dominant. With a flair for the dramatic, MJ delivered excitement again and again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL--gQ2AvJY [tps_title]Cleveland Cavaliers[/tps_title] Lebron James As much as I would love to leave Lebron off the list for refusing to compete in the slam dunk contest year after year, I would probably have to forfeit my sports writer license (totally legitimate) if I tried to make the case for anyone else. Sheer dominance in the athletic category, as well as an extremely high understanding of the game, allows the King to put up highlights that defy logic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFL3_WkOa9M [tps_title]Dallas Mavericks[/tps_title] Dirk Nowitzki The only player to earn 25,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 1,000 3-pointers, 1,000 steals and 1,000 blocks in NBA history. I know I said I didn’t want to discuss stats but this well-rounded game is what made the German so much fun. He revolutionized the game by showing that a big man could step out to the 3-point line and do it well. And who couldn’t watch his one-legged, mid-range fade aways all day? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDebdnDG6jA [tps_title]Denver Nuggets[/tps_title] Dikembe Mutombo One of the few players to make the list because of defense rather than offense. Mutombo made watching defense exciting as he repeatedly sent shots into the stands followed by his signature finger wag. In today’s NBA, a monstrous rejection is as celebrated as much as a monstrous dunk thanks in large part to Dikembe’s work in the paint. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWL5tf-HfPQ [tps_title]Detroit Pistons[/tps_title] Isiah Thomas The leader of the Bad Boys and face of the franchise, Isiah was the best player in franchise history in the best period of franchise history. He was the head villain on a team of villains and for a fan base that embraced that persona, it makes him the most fun player in franchise history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuPWoH9pxPM [tps_title]Golden State Warriors[/tps_title] Stephen Curry Entertainment at its finest in the modern NBA. Steph uses otherworldly skill to deliver breathtaking ball handling exhibitions, circus shots around the rim, and of course 3-point shots that never cease to amaze. The man even draws crowds to his warmup routine. There’s no competition in the fun to watch department for the baby-faced assassin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLnkUX7KaVw [tps_title]Houston Rockets[/tps_title] Hakeem Olajuwon Quite possibly the most skilled big man to ever play the game, Hakeem The Dream was nearly indefensible with his vast array of fakes and spin moves combined with his touch around the rim. His game was unrecognizable from any other big man in the league and his seemingly endless number of moves, including the famous Dream Shake, made him a must-watch show every time he stepped onto the court. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-OdHyp2cwY [tps_title]Indiana Pacers[/tps_title] Reggie Miller Reggie Miller was a fierce competitor and a deadly shooter. This combo made for entertaining matchups night in and night out as he thrived on silencing his rivals. And often times he did so in a spectacular fashion such as when he dropped 8 points in 8.9 seconds to shock the Knicks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs5VwW76FVA [tps_title]Los Angeles Clippers[/tps_title] Blake Griffin Just as dunking seemed to be losing its luster, Blake Griffin burst onto the NBA scene in 2010 and reminded everyone what a one-handed tomahawk slam over two people looked like. He’s even taken his entertainment off the court with video shorts and stand-up comedy . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40V3P5artVo [tps_title]Los Angeles Lakers[/tps_title] Magic Johnson He didn’t carry the nickname Magic for nothing. He led the charge in the Showtime era of the Lakers with flashy passes and lethal fast breaks. The team was designed to be entertaining and Magic never disappointed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrC5x3UEx5s [tps_title]Memphis Grizzles[/tps_title] Mike Conley For a team traditionally known for its prowess in grinding games out with stout defense, highlight reel plays can sometimes be difficult to come by. However, Mike Conley is a well-rounded enough player to fit into that scheme while also possessing the offensive skills to light up an unprepared defender. Although a perpetually underrated point guard, Conley gives fans a reason to watch every night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i99HnD1yvug [tps_title]]Miami Heat[/tps_title Dwyane Wade Even though Wade finally left his second home in Miami for his first home in Chicago, there are few players who can be more easily declared the face of a franchise. Wade led his Miami team for thirteen years and brought fans to their feet constantly. There was never a shortage of Sportscenter material as long as his knees were under him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJxhJgMbcYc [tps_title]Milwaukee Bucks[/tps_title] Oscar Robertson The Big O is often referred to as the greatest all-around player of all time. The supremely talented guard is the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double and even that fact does not do justice to just how dominant and efficient Oscar truly was. A once in a lifetime talent, Robertson was a marvelous spectacle when he stepped onto the court. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPdQ7EhCYa8 [tps_title]Minnesota Timberwolves[/tps_title] Kevin Garnett Forget his on-court dominance and his ability to make opposing teams look like children, Garnett is watchable for just his competitiveness alone. Few players have ever brought the same fire and energy that KG brings on a nightly basis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s0BFrlwjqs [tps_title]New Orleans Pelicans[/tps_title] Chris Paul Playing in the Hornets era of the franchise, Chris Paul’s playmaking ability was the only thing that made New Orleans watchable during his tenure. Dead-eye shooting, creative passing, tight ball handling, and an unparalleled command of the floor makes CP3 a joy to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk-sztkqUmA [tps_title]New York Knicks[/tps_title] Walt “Clyde” Frazier Perhaps the only thing cooler that Clyde on the court was Clyde off the court. The renowned NBA fashion icon was a precursor to the style wars of today’s NBA. But don’t let that distract you from the fact that Frazier possessed some of the quickest hands and smoothest finishes which ultimately carried him to being one of the best and most beloved Knicks of all time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVaCNzvvNf0 [tps_title]Oklahoma City Thunder[/tps_title] Kevin Durant The Slim Reaper is certainly an oddity in basketball. Standing at a big man’s height, he has more point guard skills than most point guards. This lethal combination of size and skill make him one of the most dangerous and fun to watch players in today’s game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UDsiaNvyEs [tps_title]Orlando Magic[/tps_title] Shaquille O’Neal Although The Big Aristotle’s tenure in Orlando was relatively short-lived, there’s no denying that they were the most watchable years in the franchise’s history. The Diesel’s self-proclaimed title as the most dominant ever is disputed by few as he lived up to it even in his early years as a Magic. Another player whose fun to watch persona transcended the court, he can still be seen on commercials, half-times, and internet video shows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkrPBAhVFn0 [tps_title]Philadelphia 76ers[/tps_title] Allen Iverson AI attacked the rim the same way if it was wide open as he would if all five defenders were standing under it. And the reason he was so much fun is because he would usually make it. The king of crossover was often polarizing off the court ( Practice?! ) but there was no denying that Iverson could light up a score board as much as he could light up a highlight reel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuW-QG2vRtY [tps_title]Phoenix Suns[/tps_title] Charles Barkley Sir Charles spent a lot of time getting down and dirty in the paint but he was certainly no stranger to the highlight reel. Aside from monster dunks, the Round Mound of Rebound had the skills to throw beautiful around the back passes, wrap around dribbles, and impressive finishes around the rim on a consistent basis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBuvZ5cSDs0 [tps_title]Portland Trailblazers[/tps_title] Clyde Drexler Another player who perfectly embodied his nickname, Clyde The Glide Drexler was one of the smoothest players in NBA history. He made even the most difficult attacks on the basket look effortless as he dazzled fans with his poetry in motion style of play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTzfJP6PeFY [tps_title]Sacramento Kings[/tps_title] Peja Stojaković It seemed as though Peja was hitting clutch 3’s on a nightly basis during his time in Sacramento. An eternal fan favorite for good reason, Stojaković threw down some impressive dunks, threw some beautiful passes, and hit buzzer beater after buzzer beater as a King. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDtYeF2IsXg [tps_title]San Antonio Spurs[/tps_title] George Gervin Tim Duncan is the greatest Spur of all time. Tim Duncan is also the least fun to watch Spur of all time. In steps George Gervin whose “schoolyard basketball” style of play (a term used by his own coach) transformed their lineup into an exciting fast-break offense. The Iceman’s iconic silky smooth finger roll was known to drop in from as far away as the free-throw line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EjHZJL6Jj8 [tps_title]Toronto Raptors[/tps_title] Vince Carter Few players in the history of the league could get fans out of their seat the way Vinsanity could. In just over a one-year span, Vince won the rookie of the year award, the slam dunk contest (which many contend was the greatest performance in the event of all time) and an Olympic gold medal. His unreal dunking ability made him one of the most impressive shows on Earth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMrPjl-927Q [tps_title]Utah Jazz[/tps_title] Pete Maravich Pistol Pete was the epitome of entertainment in basketball. He performed Harlem Globetrotter type antics at an NBA level. No amount of words could describe his game as well as his very own "If I have a choice whether to do the show or throw a straight pass and we're going to get the basket, either way, I'm going to do the show." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq1oUk7sgRY [tps_title]Washington Wizards[/tps_title] Earl Monroe A member of the Bullets era of the franchise, The Pearl dazzled fans with his unorthodox style of play. He had a seemingly endless number of hesitation dribbles, pump fakes and circus shots that made him one of the least desirable defensive assignments in the league. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIt0CZnMB1o

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The Most Exciting Player to Watch in Every NBA Franchise’s History

Julius Erving

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