You can't talk about the NBA in the 80s without mentioning Magic Johnson. This guy ran the show for the Los Angeles Lakers, turning the team into a dynasty. Magic led the Lakers to five NBA championships in the 80s, and his unique combination of size and playmaking ability redefined the point guard position. Imagine a 6'9" point guard tearing defenses apart with his court vision and passing skills. Johnson averaged 11.2 assists per game over his career, with seasons where he dished out over 13 assists per game. That's mind-boggling efficiency.
Then, of course, there's Larry Bird. Known for his deadly shooting and fierce competitiveness, Bird was the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics. The guy could do it all: pass, shoot, and rebound. Bird led the Celtics to three NBA titles in the 80s, and he was a three-time MVP in consecutive years, from 1984 to 1986. He regularly averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility and consistency. He once scored 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks, a franchise record that still stands today.
For me, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deserves a spotlight too. Playing primarily for the Lakers, he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record he still holds with 38,387 points. During the 80s, even in his 30s, he continued to dominate the paint. His "Skyhook" shot was virtually unstoppable. Abdul-Jabbar helped the Lakers secure five NBA championships, being a key contributor in each run. In terms of longevity and impact, he played 20 seasons in the NBA, a testament to his fitness and skill.
And how could we ignore Isiah Thomas, the fearless leader of the Detroit Pistons? Thomas wasn’t the tallest or the fastest, but he had heart and a will to win like no other. He led the Pistons to two NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, and he was the Finals MVP in 1990. He averaged over 20 points and 10 assists per game multiple seasons. Isiah’s intensity and leadership set the tone for the "Bad Boys" era, a time when Detroit was known for its rugged, physical defense.
Hakeem Olajuwon also made waves in the 80s, although he truly shined in the 90s. Drafted in 1984 by the Houston Rockets, he immediately became a force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. The Dream averaged over 20 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game during his rookie season. Imagine dominating the league in rebounding and shot-blocking right from the start! Hakeem's footwork and shot-blocking abilities made him one of the best centers of that era.
For pure scoring ability, George Gervin, aka "The Iceman", has to be mentioned. Playing mostly for the San Antonio Spurs, Gervin was a scoring machine. He won four scoring titles during his career, with two of them in the 80s. His finger roll is still one of the most iconic shots in NBA history. Gervin averaged over 25 points per game in his career, consistently putting up numbers that left fans in awe.
But let's not forget Julius Erving, or "Dr. J". By the time he joined the NBA, he was already a legend from his ABA days. Dr. J played for the Philadelphia 76ers and was known for his crazy athleticism and high-flying dunks. He led the Sixers to an NBA championship in 1983 and was known for his clutch performances. Erving averaged over 20 points and seven rebounds per game, making him a multi-dimensional threat on the court.
What about Clyde Drexler? While he hit his peak in the 90s, Drexler began making a name for himself in the 80s with the Portland Trail Blazers. Drafted in 1983, Drexler showcased his elite athleticism and versatility. He often flirted with triple-doubles, and his high-flying dunks energized the crowd. In several seasons, he averaged over 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game, a testament to his all-around game.
And I can't ignore Dominique Wilkins, known as the "Human Highlight Film". This guy's dunks were something else, always bringing fans out of their seats. Playing mostly for the Atlanta Hawks, Wilkins was a scoring machine, winning the scoring title in 1986. He consistently averaged over 25 points per game throughout the mid-80s. His battles with Larry Bird, particularly in the playoffs, are still talked about as some of the best matchups in NBA history.
Additionally, there's Karl Malone, the "Mailman", who started his NBA journey in 1985 with the Utah Jazz. While he reached his peak in the 90s, his impact in the late 80s was undeniable. Malone consistently averaged over 20 points and ten rebounds per game even as a young player. His physicality and relentless play made him one of the most dominant power forwards early in his career.
Detlef Schrempf may not be as celebrated as others on this list, but he began his career in the 80s and made significant contributions. Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1985, Schrempf brought versatility as a forward who could shoot, pass, and rebound. Though his best years came later, he laid a solid foundation in the 80s, becoming one of the league's most reliable sixth men.
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