The 90s in the NBA showcased some of the greatest basketball talents ever, and the numbers they put up were just astounding. Michael Jordan stands at the pinnacle with six NBA championships, winning the Finals MVP each time. Jordan’s extraordinary feats include averaging 30.12 points per game over his career, which remains the highest in NBA history. Additionally, during the 1995-1996 season, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to a record 72-10 season, which was an unprecedented achievement until the Golden State Warriors surpassed it in 2015-2016 with 73 wins.
Scottie Pippen, often seen as Jordan’s right-hand man, was much more than a sidekick. In the 1994-1995 season, Pippen had to carry the Bulls while Jordan briefly retired. He averaged 21.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists that season. Pippen’s versatility, evident through his defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions, established him as one of the best two-way players of all time. His career averages of 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game encapsulate his all-around contributions to the game.
Charles Barkley, affectionately known as “Sir Charles,” had an indomitable presence on the court. Despite being an undersized power forward at 6’6″, Barkley averaged career figures of 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. His 1992-1993 MVP season with the Phoenix Suns solidified his legendary status, where he led his team to the NBA Finals before succumbing to Jordan’s Bulls. Barkley’s unique ability to combine brute strength with agility enabled him to dominate both ends of the court.
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his sheer size and strength, was another towering figure of the 90s. Shaq, standing 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, was a force to be reckoned with in the paint. He began his career with the Orlando Magic and quickly made an impact, averaging 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game during his rookie season in 1992-1993. His dominant play earned him the Rookie of the Year award, catapulting him to stardom. His combination of size, speed, and skill set him apart, making him one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.
Hakeem Olajuwon, another big man who dominated the 90s, was known for his incredible footwork and defensive mastery. Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, winning Finals MVP both times. During his career, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. He remains the all-time leader in blocked shots with a total of 3,830 career blocks. Olajuwon’s signature “Dream Shake” move became legendary and is still cited by contemporary centers as a profound influence on their game.
Karl Malone, “The Mailman,” also deserves mention as an outstanding player of the era. Malone scored 36,928 points in his career, the most by any power forward and second overall in league history. His excellent pick-and-roll game with John Stockton at the Utah Jazz era is often referenced as a classic example of basketball teamwork. Malone averaged 25.0 points and 10.1 rebounds per game over his career. Despite his storied career and consistent performance, one critical area where Malone fell short was winning an NBA championship, largely due to the Jordan-dominated Bulls.
John Stockton, Malone’s partner in crime, was the ultimate point guard of the 90s. Stockton leads the NBA all-time in assists with 15,806 and steals with 3,265, showcasing his extraordinary playmaking and defensive abilities. Throughout his career, he epitomized efficiency, leading the league in assists for nine consecutive seasons (1987-1996) and playing all 82 games in 17 different seasons with the Jazz. His durability and skill made him a standout player of the decade.
Patrick Ewing, the dominant center for the New York Knicks, stands out for his consistency and leadership. Ewing averaged 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game over his career. In the 1993-1994 season, Ewing led the Knicks to the NBA Finals, though they were defeated by Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Rockets. Ewing remains a revered figure in Knicks history, known for his outstanding shooting touch for a big man and his formidable defensive presence.
David Robinson, also known as “The Admiral,” was another cornerstone of 90s basketball. Robinson’s 1993-1994 season is particularly noteworthy; he averaged 29.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, earning him the NBA MVP award. His athleticism, agility, and defensive capabilities made him a formidable center. Additionally, Robinson led the San Antonio Spurs to their first NBA championship in 1999, teaming up with a young Tim Duncan.
Clyde Drexler, known as “The Glide,” made his mark with the Portland Trail Blazers and later the Houston Rockets. Drexler, renowned for his smooth moves and athleticism, averaged 20.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game over his career. He won an NBA championship with the Rockets in 1995 when he teamed up with Hakeem Olajuwon. His slashing style of play and ability to finish at the rim made him a fan favorite and a key player during the decade.
Dikembe Mutombo, famous for his shot-blocking and finger-wagging, was a defensive powerhouse in the 90s. Mutombo won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001). His career averages of 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game underscore his impact, particularly on the defensive end. Mutombo’s shot-blocking prowess and his charismatic personality made him one of the most memorable centers of the 90s.
The list of top NBA players of the 90s is incomplete without mentioning Reggie Miller, one of the greatest shooters in the history of the game. Miller, known for his clutch performances and three-point shooting, scored 25,279 points in his career. In the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, Miller famously scored 25 points in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks, leading the Indiana Pacers to a critical victory. His career 39.5% three-point shooting percentage and ability to perform under pressure make him a standout player of the decade.
Gary Payton, “The Glove,” was arguably the best defensive guard of the 90s. Payton won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996, the only point guard ever to do so. He was known for his tenacious defense, trash-talking, and playmaking abilities. Payton led the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1996, where they lost to Jordan’s Bulls. His career averages of 16.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game highlight his all-around contributions to the sport.
Lastly, Alonzo Mourning made a significant impact in the 90s with his defensive prowess and scoring ability. Mourning won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice (1999, 2000) and averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game over his career. His intensity and ability to change the game on both ends made him one of the most respected centers of his era.