Myleke Boeski
Jan 30, 2023
Today, we give flowers to five legends who deserve a place in the GOAT discussion but don't always get their due respect.
When talking about the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in the NBA, the conversation almost always circles back to Michael Jordan and LeBron James. While their dominance, accolades, and cultural impact are undeniable, the league has seen several all-time greats whose brilliance often gets overlooked in mainstream debates. Today, we give flowers to five legends who deserve a place in the GOAT discussion but don't always get their due respect.
1. Alex English – The Silent Scorer
Often forgotten in the conversations of all-time scorers, Alex English was an offensive machine. English was the epitome of consistency, averaging 25.9 points per game (PPG) over 811 games, with a silky-smooth mid-range game. He wasn’t flashy, but his 21,018 career points in just over 800 games speak volumes. Shooting 51% from the field, English was a pure bucket-getter who led the Denver Nuggets through an era of high-scoring basketball.
2. Moses Malone – The Rebounding Beast
When we talk about dominant big men, Moses Malone should be at the forefront. A 3-time MVP, Malone’s ability to clean the glass was legendary, averaging 13.2 rebounds per game (RPG) and leading teams with his relentless work ethic. With over 10,000 total rebounds, he controlled the paint on both ends. He also dropped 24.5 PPG, proving he was more than just a defensive presence. His dominance in the paint and championship pedigree solidify him as one of the best to ever do it.
3. Adrian Dantley – The Efficient Scorer
If efficiency had a Hall of Fame, Adrian Dantley would be its president. Averaging 26.5 PPG on an astonishing 55% shooting, Dantley was an unstoppable force inside the arc. Despite standing only 6’5”, he had an elite ability to get to the line, shooting 82% on free throws while consistently dominating bigger defenders. His unique playing style made him one of the most underrated scorers in NBA history.
4. Larry Bird – The Ultimate Competitor
Larry Bird is well-respected, but in GOAT talks, his name sometimes gets overshadowed. Bird averaged 25 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 6.1 APG, proving he was one of the most well-rounded players ever. His elite shooting, trash-talking, and leadership led the Celtics to three NBA titles, and his legendary battles with Magic Johnson helped shape the NBA we know today. Bird's impact on the game goes beyond numbers; his winning mentality and clutch performances solidify his place among the greatest.
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – The Longevity King
Though many recognize Kareem as a legend, his GOAT credentials sometimes get pushed aside. The all-time leading scorer until recently, Kareem’s unstoppable skyhook made him one of the most dominant forces in NBA history. Averaging 20.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 2.8 APG while maintaining 57.2% field goal efficiency, his ability to dominate well into his late 30s showcases unmatched longevity and skill.
Final Thoughts
While Jordan and LeBron have rightfully earned their place in history, the GOAT debate should extend beyond just two players. Alex English, Moses Malone, Adrian Dantley, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar each brought something unique to the game, and their greatness deserves to be celebrated. Let’s continue to honor ALL the legends who made the game what it is today!
Who do you think is the most overlooked NBA GOAT? Let’s talk in the comments!