Can You Identify the Greatest NBA Players of All Time From an Image?

By: J.P. Naomi
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify the Greatest NBA Players of All Time From an Image?
Image: Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

About This Quiz

From downtown! Here comes the alley-oop! Are you ready to take the assist and bring your knowledge down the lane? 

We're talkin' nothin' but net with this ultimate quiz! Do you think you have what it takes to recognize the greatest basketball players in NBA history? Will you leave it all on the court or will you pack your hightop kicks and head back to the locker room? It's time to see just how well you know the Tom Bradys of the NBA - a.k.a. the GOATs!

From the days of Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the new era of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the NBA has scouted, drafted and cultivated a long list of incredible players. Sports columnists and fans for the ages will debate the question until the end of time. Who are the greatest players to have ever graced this game? Be it Michael Jordan's dunk, Shaquille O'Neal's towering presence or Ray Allen's 3-point slice of heaven, each player featured in this quiz has earned his spot. So we want to know, can you recognize them all? It's time to make your way to center court. Can you win the tip-off? Wilt you ace this quiz? Remember to play through to the buzzer and be sure not to travel!

Michael Jordan
Harpo Productions
Can you name this player who has six championship rings?
Michael Jordan
Dirk Nowitzki
Dwyane Wade
Jason Kidd
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. He not only won six NBA championships, but he was named the Finals MVP each time!

Advertisement

Moses Malone
NBA
A three-time NBA most valuable player, who is this basketball star?
Jason Kidd
Moses Malone
Karl Malone
Clyde Drexler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Moses Malone was a center in the NBA from 1974 to 1995. He was a 12-time All-Star and scored 29,580 points throughout his career. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Advertisement

Kobe Bryant
Wiki Commons via Sgt. Joseph A. Lee
A lifelong Laker, who is this basketball legend?
Clyde Drexler
John Stockton
Kobe Bryant
Kevin Garnett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Over the course of his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant scored 33,643 points and won five NBA championships! Both of his numbers, 8 and 24, were retired by the Lakers on December 18, 2017. He wore each number for 10 years.

Advertisement

Hakeem Olajuwon
Youtube via Nice Kicks
He was the 1994 NBA MVP. Who is this player?
Kevin Garnett
LeBron James
Stephen Curry
Hakeem Olajuwon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hakeem Olajuwon was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1984 NBA draft. He played 17 of his 18 NBA seasons with the Houston Rockets, and he retired with the Toronto Raptors in 2002. He had a career total of 26,946 points.

Advertisement

Oscar Robertson
Wiki Commons by The Sporting News Archives
Can you name this basketball great whose nickname is 'The Big O'?
Julius Erving
Oscar Robertson
Elgin Baylor
Kawhi Leonard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oscar "The Big O" Robinson was a point guard for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks from 1960 to 1974. A 12-time NBA All-Star, he helped lead the Bucks to the championship in 1971. He was named Mr. Basketball USA in 1956.

Advertisement

Jerry West
Wiki Commons by The Sporting News Archives
From player to coach, who is this lifelong Laker?
Jerry West
Kawhi Leonard
Bob Cousy
Magic Johnson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jerry West was a point guard and shooting guard with the Lakers from 1960 to 1974. During his career, he recorded more than 25,000 points, 5,366 rebounds and 6,238 assists. He later coached the team from 1976 to 1979.

Advertisement

Paul Pierce
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
He played in the NBA for 19 years, and that's 'The Truth.' Who is this?
Magic Johnson
Isiah Thomas
Paul Pierce
Allen Iverson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Paul Pierce was selected by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 NBA draft. Ten years later, he won the championship with the team and was named Finals MVP. Did you know that his nickname, "The Truth," was given to him by Shaquille O'Neal?

Advertisement

Karl Malone
Youtube via OfficialHoophall
He never won a championship, but he was a two-time NBA MVP. Can you name him?
Allen Iverson
Walt Frazier
Clyde Drexler
Karl Malone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Karl Malone had a decorated career in the NBA. He is a two-time league MVP and a 14-time All-Star. Considered one of the best power forwards in NBA history, he currently holds the record for most free throws attempted and made.

Advertisement

Dirk Nowitzki
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
He is a native of West Germany. Who is this power forward?
Dirk Nowitzki
Clyde Drexler
Bob Pettit
Reggie Miller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dirk Nowitzki played with the Dallas Mavericks since the beginning of his career in 1998. He retired with the team in 2019. He not only won the NBA championship with the team in 2011, but he was also named Finals MVP. He was named MVP of the league in 2007 - the same year he became a member of the 50-40-90 club!

Advertisement

Julius Erving
Wiki Commons by Sport Magazine Archives
He was a small forward from 1971 - 1987. Do you recognize this NBA 'Doctor'?
Reggie Miller
George Mikan
Julius Erving
Elvin Hayes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Julius Erving played professional basketball for 16 seasons with the Virginia Squires, New York Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. He retired, as an All-Star with a total of 30,026 points! He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He was known by his nickname, Dr. J.

Advertisement

Stephen Curry
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
He has been a Golden State Warrior since the 2009 draft. Can you name this player?
Stephen Curry
Elvin Hayes
Patrick Ewing
Shaquille O’Neal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stephen Curry is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and he is only 10 years into his career. He has already won three NBA championships with the Warriors and was named NBA MVP in 2015 and 2016.

Advertisement

LeBron James
Wiki Commons by Tim Shelby
Do you recognize this Mr. Basketball USA of 2002 and 2003?
Shaquille O’Neal
Larry Bird
Tim Duncan
LeBron James
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

LeBron James is the present day Michael Jordan if you will! The No. 1 draft pick of 2003, James has won three championships, three Finals MVP awards, four NBA MVP awards and was named an All-Star 15 out of 16 seasons thus far. Will he reach six championships like Jordan? Time will tell.

Advertisement

Charles Barkley
Wiki Commons by Ytoyoda
They call him 'The Round Mound of Rebound.' Who is this NBA great?
Charles Barkley
Tim Duncan
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Bill Russell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Along with his successful NBA career, Charles Barkley was a member of the U.S. Olympic "Dream Team" that won gold in 1992 and 1996. Did you know that he has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice? Once in 2006 for his own career, and again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team."

Advertisement

Chris Paul
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
He played college basketball at Wake Forest and was drafted in 2005. Who is this player?
Bill Russell
Chris Paul
Dominique Wilkins
Dwight Howard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chris Paul is a nine-time NBA All-Star and earned the title of All-Star Game MVP in 2013. He was also the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year. He has also been the president of the National Basketball Players Association since 2013.

Advertisement

Scottie Pippen
Youtube via ESPN
He was a teammate of Michael Jordan. Who is this six-time NBA champion?
Dwight Howard
Elvin Hayes
Dolph Schayes
Scottie Pippen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Scottie Pippen is considered one of the best small forwards of all time. He played 17 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the Chicago Bulls who retired his No. 33 on December 9, 2005.

Advertisement

John Stockton
Wiki commons
He was drafted 16th overall in 1984. Who is this 10-time All-Star?
Dolph Schayes
John Stockton
Tim Duncan
Kevin McHale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Stockton played his entire 19-year career with the Utah Jazz. He holds the records for most career assists and steals. Throughout his career, he had 15,806 assists and 3,265 steals.

Advertisement

Kevin Durant
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
A four-time NBA scoring champion, do you recognize this basketball player?
Kevin Durant
Kevin McHale
Dwight Howard
Walt Frazier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kevin Durant was selected second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA draft. He went on to become the 2008 Rookie of the Year and joined the 50-40-90 club in 2013. He is a two-time NBA champion and a Finals MVP!

Advertisement

Dwyane Wade
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
An NBA shooting guard since 2003, which three-time champion do you see here?
Walt Frazier
Dwyane Wade
Reggie Miller
Ray Allen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dwyane Wade has played in the NBA since 2003, mostly with the Miami Heat. He is Miami's all-time leader in points, games, shots made, shots taken and steals. He also has three NBA championships and one Finals MVP award.

Advertisement

Kevin Garnett
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
He retired after 21 seasons and one NBA title. Who is he?
Ray Allen
Wilt Chamberlain
Patrick Ewing
Kevin Garnett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Did you know that Kevin Garnett was the first NBA player in 20 years to be drafted directly out of high school? He was selected by the Timberwolves in 1995 and retired in 2016 with 26,071 points, 14,662 rebounds and 5,445 assists.

Advertisement

David Robinson
Wiki Commons by R. D. Ward
A native of Key West, he played college ball at Navy. Who is he?
Oscar Robertson
Stephen Curry
David Robinson
Patrick Ewing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Robinson played his entire 15-season career as a center for the San Antonio Spurs. A decorated player, he helped the Spurs win championships in 1999 and in his final year, 2003. His No. 50 was retired by the Spurs that same year.

Advertisement

Steve Nash
Wiki Commons by scott mecum
Born in South Africa in 1974, he was drafted by the Suns in 1996. Who is he?
Steve Nash
Oscar Robertson
Kawhi Leonard
Chris Paul
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Steve Nash was a point guard in the NBA for 18 seasons. He played with the Suns, Mavericks and Lakers, and is a four-time member of the 50-40-90 club. He was named NBA MVP in 2005 and 2006.

Advertisement

Jason Kidd
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
He was once a player and now a coach. Who is this NBA great?
Chris Paul
Jason Kidd
Moses Malone
Dwyane Wade
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jason Kidd was the NBA assists leader five times during his 19-year playing career? Immediately following his retirement in 2013, he became the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Advertisement

Wilt Chamberlain
Wiki commons
A four-time NBA most valuable player, who is the legend seen in this photo?
Dwyane Wade
Elgin Baylor
Wilt Chamberlain
LeBron James
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wilt Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game. On March 2, 1962, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the New York Knicks 169 - 147. Chamberlain scored 100 of the Warriors' points during that game. In addition to his many accomplishments, "Wilt the Stilt" was also a two-time NBA champion.

Advertisement

Clyde Drexler
Wiki Commons by University of Houston
He was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. Who is this former shooting guard?
Clyde Drexler
LeBron James
Scottie Pippen
George Mikan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Clyde Drexler was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1983 and finished his career with the Houston Rockets in 1998. He is a 10-time NBA All-Star and helped lead the Rockets to victory in the 1995 title series!

Advertisement

Patrick Ewing
Wiki Commons by Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum/White House
Standing 7 feet tall, this center was the No. 1 pick of the 1985 draft. Who is No. 33 in this photo?
George Mikan
Jerry West
Kevin Durant
Patrick Ewing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Patrick Ewing attended Georgetown University and was part of the NCAA championship team in 1984. Though he never won an NBA title, he played in the NBA for 17 seasons and scored 24,815 points. His No. 33 was retired by the Knicks in 2003.

Advertisement

Walt Frazier
Wiki Commosn by Scott Mecum
They called him Clyde. Can you recognize this legendary Knickerbocker?
Kevin Durant
Walt Frazier
Jason Kidd
Clyde Drexler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Walt Frazier was selected fifth overall by the New York Knicks in the 1967 NBA draft. As a point guard, he helped lead the team to two championships, in 1970 and 1973. He retired with a total of 15,581 points, 4,830 rebounds and 5,040 assists.

Advertisement

John Havlicek
Wiki Commons by Unknown
Do you have a clue as to the identity of this 'Hondo'?
Clyde Drexler
Hakeem Olajuwon
John Havlicek
Rick Barry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Havlicek is one of three NBA players who have won eight championships. A career-long small forward and shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, he helped lead the team to eight titles: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 (his first four years in the league0, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976. His nickname, Hondo, is said to have been inspired by the John Wayne movie of the same name.

Advertisement

Shaquille O’Neal
Wiki commons
He was a 15-time NBA All-Star whose number was retired by the Lakers and the Heat. Who is this legend?
Rick Barry
Shaquille O’Neal
Steve Nash
Julius Erving
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shaquille O’Neal was the 1993 Rookie of the Year, and the remainder of his career sure lived up to it. Throughout his 19 years in the NBA, he earned four championship titles, three Finals MVP awards, and he was twice-named league scoring champion.

Advertisement

Isiah Thomas
YouTube by Ryan Van Dusen
His No. 11 was retired by the Detroit Pistons in 1996. Can you identify this player?
Julius Erving
Bob Cousy
Allen Iverson
Isiah Thomas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Isiah Thomas played his entire career with the Detroit Pistons. He was the NBA assists leader in 1995 and won two championships with the team, in 1989 and 1990. He later became the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and then of the New York Knicks.

Advertisement

Bob Cousy
Wiki Commons by Sport Magazine Archives
A six-time NBA champion and league MVP, who is this legendary player?
Allen Iverson
Chris Paul
Bob Cousy
Scottie Pippen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bob Cousy finished his 13-year career with 16,960 points, 4,786 rebounds and 6,955 assists. He was the first president of the National Basketball Players Association, a labor union formed in 1954 to represent NBA players.

Advertisement

George Mikan
Wiki Commons by Bowman Gum
His nickname was Mr. Basketball. Can you identify this player?
George Mikan
Scottie Pippen
Dirk Nowitzki
Kobe Bryant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Mikan was such a force on the court that the NBA had no choice but to introduce two new rules. The first was the "Mikan Rule" - also known as the goaltending rule - and the other was the creation of the shot clock. Mikan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959.

Advertisement

Rick Barry
Wiki Commons by The Sporting News
Remembered for his underhand free throw shot, who is this former player?
Kobe Bryant
Oscar Robertson
Rick Barry
Paul Pierce
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rick Barry was a small forward who played for the Warriors, Oaks, Caps, Nets and Rockets during his career, which spanned from 1965 to 1980. He was famous for his underhand free throw shots and made nearly 90 percent of them throughout his career! He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.

Advertisement

Earvin "Magic" Johnson
YouTube by Dunkman827
His first name is Earvin, but he's better known as _______.
Magic Johnson
Paul Pierce
Kawhi Leonard
Kobe Bryant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Magic Johnson played with Los Angeles from 1979 to 1991, did a year-long stint as their coach in 1994 and returned as a player in 1996. He is a five-time champion, three-time Finals MVP and three-time league MVP.

Advertisement

Dolph Schayes
Wiki Commons by Sport Magazine Archives
He was elected to the NBA Hall of Fame in 1972. Do you recognize this legend?
Dolph Schayes
Kobe Bryant
Karl Malone
Kevin Garnett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dolph Schayes played 16 seasons in the NBA, from 1948 to 1964, and was a 12-time All-Star. He won the championship with the 76ers in 1955. Schayes was the 1951 rebounding leader.

Advertisement

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Wiki Commons by New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer
He played 20 seasons in the NBA, first with the Bucks and then with the Lakers. Can you name him?
Kevin Garnett
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Elgin Baylor
John Stockton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor) is a six-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP. He was the first overall pick out of UCLA in 1966 and retired in 1989 with a total of 38,387 points and 17,440 rebounds!

Advertisement

You Got:
/35
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison