Julius Erving Research Paper

On the court, he redefined the center position with his combination of size and skill, paving the way for other big men to expand their games beyond the post. His dominance in the paint forced opposing teams to adjust their defensive methods and game plans, opening up opportunities for his teammates to excel. Off the court, Shaq brought a larger-than-life personality to the sport, helping to popularize basketball and attract new

forward from the University of Massachusetts. As a three time NBA champion, eleven all-star games, two-time all-star MVP four MVP’s, and three NBA season scoring titles, Julius Erving is one of the best players to ever play. While he didn’t win as many championships as some players, he changed the game by introducing a new style of play and, by staying humble

KD is becoming the world's greatest player,the stats show that KD is pass Lebron James. He is hardworking and will not stop working hard until he retires from the NBA. All that he has accomplished is because he work hard and does not give up. KD pushes himself to be the best player because he knows his limits and pushes them. KD

When the Oklahoma City Thunder play I watch the high flying MVP, Russell Westbrook. I watch him because he has a positive influence on me and he is one of my favorite players.

Most people know him as an 11 time NBA Champion, 5 time MVP, 12-time All-Star and he were the centerpieces of the Celtics dynasty during his 13-year career. Bill Russell ended up as the most successful player in the history of the NBA and formed the centerpiece of the greatest dynasty in the history of the league. For his accomplishments in the Civil Rights Movement on and off the court, Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. Bill was outstanding at everything he ever put his mind to. For all that he accomplished on and off the field, Bill Russell is definitely one of the all-time great players of Basketball.

King of the Court: Bill Russell and the Basketball Revolution brings a fresh perspective to the life of one of the National Basketball Association’s most iconic and prominent players of all time. Bill Russell is known for his tenacious and innovative style of basketball play, but rarely does his background get much attention. Aram Goudsouzian takes a detailed look into the life of 6’10” Bill Russell, making note of not only his authority on the court, but also his background, culture, and attitude off the court.

He was known for his man to man defense. He helped Boston Celtics win eight consecutive championships. Bill Russel could not be doing anything off the court physically, so he won on the court. Demolishing all his opponents and winning tons of games. He was a superstar with a superstar salary. Bill Russel had won eleven rings in total and becoming the first black coach for Boston Celtics. Everything he has accomplish was historical. It was a wonderful thing to see happen for an African American because Africans usually don’t break history in this sport but Bill Russel

Bird had a rough road to success, “when Larry Bird entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) he was the Hick from French Lick, a country boy coming to live in the big city” (“Larry Bird”). Throughout Bird’s basketball career he was known as the white boy that came out of the heart of the Indiana basketball world (Katzeff). Scouts believed that he wasn’t extremely fast, not tall enough, and not a primetime jumper. Bird proved scouts and critics all over the world wrong due to his extreme dedication to the game. He shot five-hundred free throws on a daily basis because he knew that if he committed to becoming great, he would indeed do so. Bird spent hours upon hours studying the finer details of the game. To become a good rebounder, he learned all he could about how the ball would deflect off of the backboard, studying every angle possible until he mastered the art of the rebound (“Larry Bird,” 3). Larry never thought that he was skilled enough, so he would use every off-season to work through his weaknesses and strengthen his strengths. Even though he rapidly established himself as an NBA superstar, he always hustled for loose balls, played rugged defense, and dominated inside the paint (under the hoop). Most big time NBA players are remembered solely for their offensive play, but not Larry Bird. Larry described his work ethic in one of his most famous quotes, “Push yourself again and again. Don't give an inch until the final buzzer sounds” (“Larry Bird”) Bird was truly an inspiration to all, without hardly any naturally given talents, he was able to prove to the entire world that a little bit of practice can go a long way. With a work ethic like no other, Larry Bird will be remembered for an eternity by friends, family, fans, and people all over the

In conclusion Allen Iverson inspired many put many in their places accomplished so many crazy things gave his whole heart to the game and changed it

Wilt Chamberlain was a 7’1 gentleman who had a big heart for other things except basketball. He never really had an interest in playing any kind of sports; he’s adopted, so the family he has been with all his life have never really told him that he could be good at anything he does. Wilt never told anyone this until he got in high school but he was always drawing something. Like a flower or a person, the one thing Wilt loved to draw was a Lion. That’s only because the lion is the king of the jungle and everyone knew about the lion but nobody knew about young Wilt Chamberlain.

Elgin Baylor, drafted the same year as Wilt Chamberlain, can be accredited for having the most hands on approach of fighting racial issues and prejudices in the league. While Bill Russell made change by winning, Wilt Chamberlain with his superior talent, Elgin Baylor made change with his resiliency and star power. Baylor’s road to the NBA began during one of his college games for Seattle University. John Kundla, The Los Angeles Lakers head coach, was attending the game with the purpose of scouting players for his struggling team. While watching the game, Kundla took notice of Elgin Baylor and his ability to effortlessly score the ball. John Kundla wrote in his scouting report that Elgin Baylor was ‘By far the best player,’ From that point on Elgin had his future set as the Lakers continued to keep tabs on him the rest of his college career and were determined to draft him.

Michael Jordan is arguable the best basketball player who ever played the game. A phenomenal athlete with the unique combination of fundamental soundness, grace, speed, power, artistry, and an unquenchable competitive desire, Jordan single-handedly redefined the NBA superstar. The thing that separated Jordan from the rest of the all-time greats was his compulsive need to win. Jordan was and is still known for his intense competitiveness and will to win, but that has not translated to his ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Imagine you are at a 97-98 Chicago Bulls game, and the announcer said “coming to the court number 23 Michael Jordan”, and the crowd screams loudly “Jordan, Jordan, Jordan”. Your friend right next to you that Jordan is one of the best. I am here today to tell you about the greatness of a legend, a Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, and reasons why he is the best. There is no doubt in my mind that Michael Jordan is the best person to ever play the game called basketball.

Durant was a leader through his actions for the Thunder. He never really voiced his opinions to his teammates, but he gave it all he had while on the court and that made his Thunder team play harder. Durant now plays a complete leadership role in which he leads through his actions and words. Durant says “he is part of Stephen Curry’s team, but he will continue to lead in areas that Curry doesn’t lead in” (Smith). Durant knows that he helps this team by being a leader on and off the court. He also does not mind taking criticism from other leaders on the team such as Curry and Green. Durant’s leadership has taken the Warriors to a new level of team chemistry. Each guy on the team is accountable for his own mistakes, but Durant is not afraid to tell his teammates what they are doing wrong. This role that Durant is playing is a major key for the Warriors in their winning ways. He completes the team as the veteran superstar leader they have been searching for.

Shaquille O'Neal. What do people think of when they hear that name? Do they think of basketball? Or maybe they just think about a famous person? Shaq has been all over the sports news for many years. When people talk about Shaquille O'Neal they normally say things about how great of a center he is. Shaq is easily one of the top ten greatest centers of all time. Shaq is a team player and works hard for what he wants. Shaquille O'Neal is not only a marvelous basketball player, but a rapper, actor, and a dedicated father.