He made six All-Star teams (2005-2008, 2010, 2012), five All-NBA teams (2005-2008, 2010), led the league in assists five times (2005-2007, 2010, 2011), and won two Most Valuable Player Awards in 2005 and 2006.. Stats: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG in 14 seasons with Buffalo Braves. Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80 to 1990-91; 1995-96). The 2022 All-Star Game is once again slated to return to Cleveland as a nod to that moment. 18 due to his subpar postseason play. Active Greats : L. James , G. Antetokounmpo , C. Paul , J. He played the most games (988) and minutes (27,203) in team history as well as grabbed the most rebounds (6,937), dished out the third most assists (4,012), registered the most steals (1,289), and scored the second most points (13,910).While his career may not have been Hall of Fame worthy, he certainly is one of the best Suns ever. Looking at the current roster, it will take a wild turn of events for that to change before the team celebrates its 50th anniversary.Do not be fooled, however. Kevin Durant becomes 3rd NBA player to sign lifetime deal with Nike The 13-time All-Star joins Michael Jordan and LeBron James in inking a lifetime contract with Nike. Listed below are the ten greatest players in Suns history. He shot a ridiculous 47.8 percent from deep, draining 177 triples in the process. Both first seasons for Paul featured All-Star and all-NBA appearances continuing his legendary run as a point guard. While it is certainly not clear cut, Steve Nash deserves the nod as the greatest Sunof all time. For the first time in Stephen Curry's career he went down 0-2 in a playoff series. Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG in 19 seasons with Orlando Magic (1992-93 to 1995-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-97 to 2003-04), Miami Heat (2004-05 to 2007-08), Phoenix Suns (2007-08 to 2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10) and Boston Celtics (2010-11). Finally, West appeared in every single game during his six years with the Suns, making him the ninth-most prolific Suns player of all-time (the rest of the top 10 appears higher on this list). Phoenix trading away Kidd turned out to be a bad move when Stephon Marbury was a downgrade. Barkley's Suns never won a title, but that's a burden that every player on this list sharesand one that his 26.5 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.7 SPG and 1.0 BPG in the postseason essentially free him fromand that he is one of only two Suns players to hold a claim as the NBA's best player throughout a season. Still on the search for their first championship, the Phoenix Suns have had some fantastic players who have been the greatest in franchise history. The Phoenix Suns are one of the NBA teams still searching for their first NBA Championship victory. They entered the NBA in 1968 and have had their fair share of winning seasons. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA. Stats: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG in 10 seasons with New York Knicks (1964-65 to 1973-74). The greatest player of all time. The primary reason that Cliff Robinson beats out his close competitors for this final spot is his two-way game and the impact that it had on his Suns. Stats: 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG in 20 seasons with Milwaukee Bucks (1969-70 to 1974-75) and Los Angeles Lakers (1975-76 to 1988-89); NBA's career leader in total points. It has been 25 years since the league unveiled its list of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, which tipped off a season-long celebration of the NBA's 50th anniversary in 1996. The five-year stint of Jason Kidd with the Phoenix Suns saw him becoming arguably the best point guard in the NBA. Stats: 16.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.7 APG in 15 seasons with St. Louis Hawks (1960-61 to 1967-68), Seattle SuperSonics (1968-69 to 1971-72), Cleveland Cavaliers (1972-73 to 1973-74) and Portland Trail Blazers (1974-75). The starting backcourt consists of the dynamic combination of Steve Nash and Paul Westphal. Who Are the Best Phoenix Suns Basketball Players of All Time? In his Phoenix career, Westphal comes in at number seven in made free throws with 1,961, number eight in assists with 2,429, number six in steals with 753, number nine in points scored with 9,564, and number nine in made field goals with 3,785.Westphal went on to have a coaching career in the NBA, coaching ten total seasons in the league that included four with the Suns.He was the head coach of the team that made the Finals in 1993, losing to the Bulls.When combining his coaching and playing days, Westphal made it into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. Tom Chambers, Formed in 1968, the Phoenix Suns have had a long history of success. In relatively limited time with the team compared to most on this list, Chambers made the eighth most free throws (1,944), grabbed the ninth most defensive rebounds (1,941), had the ninth highest free throw percentage (84.4%), and averaged the seventh most points per game (20.6) in Suns history. They've made 29 trips to the postseason, and their all-time winning percentage is .552.That's the fourth-best in NBA history, behind the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.That isn't to say that Phoenix has the history of those three teamswho have won a combined 37 titlesbut so much consistent winning over decades and decades means that this is one of the most competitive top 25 lists in the league.In order to select the greatest Suns of all time, I used the following primary criteria: seasons spent with the Suns, statistical averages and playoff success. The following Phoenix players deserve to be called the best in franchise history. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, two-time NBA champion. But even while in his 30s, Lucas managed to average 15.4 points and 9.7 rebounds on 48.2 percent shooting. Amare Stoudemire, 40 3. View player profile, bio, stats, news and video highlights. Stats: 18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG in 18 seasons with Milwaukee Bucks (1996-97 to 2002-03), Seattle SuperSonics (2002-03 to 2006-07), Boston Celtics (2007-08 to 2011-12) and Miami Heat (2012-13 to 2013-14); NBA's all-time leader in career 3-point field goals. Chambers became a pivotal part of the core with his best season featuring a shocking 27.2 points per game. Below is All-Time Toronto Raptors' 2K full team roster. Phoenix has taken part in some of the most memorable games in NBA history featuring some of the greatest players of all time. The Suns have a rich tradition, currently Phoenix has showcased some of the best players of their era, along with names that were more loved as a role player. Such is life for a championship-less franchise. Certain calculations had Nash leading the leagues top offense for nine straight years, and even if his two MVP awards sparked some controversy, hes undoubtedly one of greatest offensive players ever. WebOn NBA 2K23, Kawhi Leonard is All-Time Toronto Raptors' highest rated player, followed by Vince Carter in second place, and Chris Bosh in third. The complete list of players is in alphabetical order below. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year, 2016-17 Most Improved Player, 2021 Finals MVP, 2021 NBA champion. He has fewer win shares than Focus on Sport/Getty Images On April 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar received an entry pass from Magic Johnson. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, 10-time NBA champion. The NBA is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout the 2021-22 season, and part of that celebration includes the unveiling of the list of the greatest players in NBA history. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 2013-14 MVP, 2007-08 Rookie of the Year, two-time All-Star MVP, two-time Finals MVP, four-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion. Alvan Adams spent his entire NBA career with Phoenix, and his averages with the team are brought down by his later years. Stats: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG in 13 seasons with Boston Celtics (1979-80 to 1991-92). All times listed are Eastern. Any longtime Phoenix fan will ultimately think of Westphal among the most important figures for having two drastic levels of success. Nash led the Suns from a secondary playoff team fighting to stay in, to a title contender often contending for the one seed. The All-Time Phoenix Suns team is exactly what youd expect them to be. RELATED: 10 Best Players In Oklahoma City Thunder History. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Defensive team, 1994 All-Star MVP, 1994-95 steals champ, six-time NBA champion. The list is endless, controversial, and versatile, including historical players like Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant. Mark West is a return to the Gar Heard-model with a little Paul Silas thrown in. However, even though Hawkins was one of the best PFs in the league, his Suns made only one playoff appearance and his ranking suffers because of it. There have been many great players in the history of the NBA who have made significant contributions to the game and achieved a high level of success. WebPhoenix Suns All-Time Players. Despite the number of outstanding players who have worn the Phoenix Suns uniform, none have been inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Suns player. Amare Stoudemire was a risky draft pick by the Phoenix Suns taking a player out of high school in the lottery. *All stats/accomplishments for active players are entering the 2021-22 season. Where he clearly makes his distinction from Johnson is on the defensive end. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, two-time scoring champ, 2015-16 steals champ, three-time NBA champion. Curry is averaging a team-high 31 points with 4.7 assists per game in the 2023 NBA playoffs. Until then, voteor rerank this list according to who you think is the greatest Phoenix Suns player in franchise history. Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG in 19 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1997-98 to 2015-16). But the one thing that the franchise continues to chase is its first NBA championship. The Suns viewed Chambers as one of their most reliable players when on an upswing. Deep. Stats: 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG in 14 seasons with Cincinnati Royals (1960-61 to 1969-70) and Milwaukee Bucks (1970-71 to 1973-74). Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 2000-01 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, 1996-97 Rookie of the Year, four-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ. Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG in 10 seasons with Atlanta Hawks (1970-71 to 1973-74), New Orleans/Utah Jazz (1974-75 to 1979-80) and Boston Celtics (1979-80). Rookie seasons can be deceiving. After averaging over 20 points and 10 assists during his first three seasonsa feat only done before by Oscar Robertson and Isaiah Thomasand nearly his fourth, Johnson played in only 339 of 492 possible games. Another great player on the early 2000s Suns teams was power forward Shawn Marion.Yet another ninth overall pick in the draft, the Suns took Marion with that pick in the 1999 edition.His first nine seasons in the league came with the Suns (1999-2008), and he was named to the All-Rookie Second team after his first season.Moreover, he made four All-Star teams (2003, 2005-2007) and two All-NBA teams (2005, 2006) during his time there. Two of the greatest Suns players ever are Steve Nash and Charles Barkley.They are among the greatest players to never win a championship. Both won league MVP awards (Nash won it in back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006) and carried Phoenix deep into the playoffs. The nine-time All-Star also has limitless range. Charles Barkley only spent four total seasons with the Phoenix Suns, but he was a superstar for the entire stint. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, four-time NBA champion. The NBA's all-time leader in assists and steals, Stockton led the NBA in assists per game for nine consecutive seasons between 1987 and 1996. A big issue will be the defensive performance of their starting lineup. While on the Suns, the Hall of Famer showed off his all-around game by averaging 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks on 45.5 FG shooting and 80.7 FT shooting. Only five other players have ever had a 50-40-90 season, and Nash averaged that over eight years in Phoenix, all while being the most dangerous passer in the NBA by a mile. On the surface, Charlie Scott looks like one of the greatest Suns of all time. A player who really took off once he got to Phoenix is Kevin Johnson.Johnson was initially drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers but was traded to Phoenix during his first season in 1988.He went on to play all twelve of his NBA seasons in Phoenix (1988-1998, 1999-00).His first full season in the desert, he won the 1989 MVP Award, increasing his point production from around 9 per game to over 20 per game.Furthermore, he made five All-NBA teams (1989-1992, 1994) and three All-Star teams (1990, 1991, 1994).. LeBron James has become the player with the most playoff series won in NBA history, tied with Derek Fisher at 40. The playing career of Westphal featured his best success in Phoenix making four All-Star appearances and receiving four all-NBA selections each. During that time, he also was named to the All-NBA team, was named the 1993 MVP, and had the third-highest game score average in team history. Considering that his five All-Star and four All-NBA appearances came despite all his health problems, it's fair to say that Amar'e Stoudemire was the most talented player to ever put on a Suns' uniform. The forward averaged 20.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in Phoenix, making the All-Star team every single year. Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG in 14 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1989-90 to 2002-03). Stats: 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG in 12 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1962-63 to 1968-69) and New York Knicks (1968-69 to 1973-74). Another member of the 1993 NBA Finals team, Tom Chambers is the tenth-best Suns player of all time.Chambers first played for the San Diego Clippers and the Seattle SuperSonics before joining the Suns in 1988.In five seasons with the team (1988-1993), Chambers made three All-Star teams (1989-1991) and two All-NBA teams (1989, 1990), along with helping the team make the aforementioned Finals in 1993, where they lost to the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.. While the team ultimately came up short in the 1993 Finals, Chambers' skills and leadership played a key role in getting them there. The Phoenix Suns franchise changed when Steve Nash joined in free agency after a great Dallas Mavericks stint. Kidd made four All-Star appearances and received three all-NBA team selections to show how high he ranked compared to others. Stats: 18.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 7.4 APG in 13 seasons with Cincinnati Royals/KC-Omaha/Kansas City Kings (1970-71 to 1975-76), New York Nets (1976-77), Boston Celtics (1978-79 to 1982-83) and Milwaukee Bucks (1983-84). After spending the first part of his career in Philadelphia with the 76ers, Barkley came to Phoenix in 1992.He would play four seasons with the Suns (1993-1996), and he made the All-Star teams and an All-NBA team each of those years.He also was named the Most Valuable Player of the league in 1993.That same year, he led the Suns to the Finals, where they lost to the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan. Tom Chambers was another offensively talented big man, and Alvan Adams, one of the great passing centers ever, rounds out the bench. "My top five is LJ [LeBron James] No. He also appeared in four All-Star games and on two All-NBA teams during his five seasons in the desert. While the league has not yet announced the winner of the Michael Jordan Trophy, the finalists are Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Zach Lavine - All-Time Chicago Bulls. Shawn Marion, 44 6. Both players were part of the most entertaining teams in the NBA. On an episode of Throwing Bones in December, Green listed his top five players of all time, and Curry ranked fourth on the list. Stats: 18.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.9 APG in 13 seasons with Baltimore Bullets (1967-68 to 1971-72) and New York Knicks (1971-72 to 1979-80). Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1995 NBA champion. The only current Suns player on this list, Devin Booker has been a terrific scorer during his time in Phoenix. WebNBA Classic Teams: Players Added to All-Time Teams in NBA 2K22. Please rank the players based only on their time with the Suns, greatest players to never win a championship. Devin Booker, 26 1. WebComplete listing of all NBA Players and team rosters. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG in 17 season with Chicago Bulls (1987-88 to 1997-98; 2003-04), Houston Rockets (1998-99) and Portland Trail Blazers (1999-00 to 2002-03). Gar Heard's 6.7 PPG and 6.9 RPG are not the stuff of legend. All-Time Phoenix Suns, Top 10 Lists Greatest and Worst of All Time. 10 Jason Kidd Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports The five-year stint of Jason Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1994-95 Rookie of the Year, five-time assists champ, 2011 NBA champion. His limited offensive game and minutes led to averages of only 6.9 points and 6.0 rebounds in 21.6 minutes with Phoenix, but he did shoot an outstanding 62.5 percent from the field (in contrast to Heard). Stats: 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG in 13 seasons with New York Knicks (1967-68 to 1976-77) and Cleveland Cavaliers (1977-78 to 1979-80). Harden , S. Curry The 13-time All-Star joins Michael Jordan and LeBron James in inking a lifetime contract with Nike. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1993-94 MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Finals MVP, two-time rebounding champ, three-time blocks champ, two-time NBA champion. Among active players, Andre Iguodala is second with 26. During his time in the desert, Stoudamire grabbed the third most rebounds (4,613), scored the seventh most points (11,035), made the third most free throws (3,044), and played the ninth most minutes (17,686) in team history.Stoudamire and Nash may not have quite had the team success they wanted, losing in the Western Conference Finals three times (2005, 2006, 2010), but they still created some great memories for Suns fans of the early 2000s. Kevin Johnson was a dynamic playmaker who has a legitimate Hall-of-Fame case. Even when projected over 36 minutes, His 11.1 points and 10.8 rebounds aren't too impressive considering his 41.5 shooting percentage. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, 1986-87 All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time Sixth Man of the Year, three-time NBA champion. Glenn Robinson - Milwaukee Bucks. This page features a list with the leaders in points in NBA history Notes: - These stats were updated on May 1, 2023- Three-pointers were implemented in 1979-80. WebGeorge Mikan held the record from 1952 to 1958 and was the first player to eclipse 10,000 career points. Ranking the Top 25 Players in Phoenix Suns History 1. Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time NBA champion. It's one thing to read those stats next to each other, but the sheer absurdity of Marion's all-around dominance is perhaps better described the following way. One of the longest-tenured players in team history, the best pure center in Suns history is Alvan Adams.A member of the Suns for thirteen years, Adams was a Sun from 1975 to 1988.
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