Top 5 NBA Players Before 1984: The Trailblazers of Basketball 

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The NBA was already rich in history before 1984, a pivotal year when Michael Jordan entered the league and changed the game forever. But who were the titans of basketball that dominated before his arrival? Let’s take a look at the Top 5 NBA Players prior to 1984—icons who paved the way for the game we love today.  

 5. Elgin Baylor  

– Stats: 27.4 PPG | 13.5 RPG | 4.3 APG  

– Teams: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (1958–1971)  

Elgin Baylor revolutionized basketball with his aerial artistry and smooth scoring ability. At a time when the NBA was more ground-based, Baylor’s acrobatic style stood out, inspiring generations of players to embrace finesse and athleticism. A 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, Baylor’s ability to score (including a 71-point game in 1960) made him one of the greatest small forwards in history. Though he never won a championship, his impact on the Lakers franchise and the league itself remains undeniable.  

 4. Bill Russell  

– Stats: 15.1 PPG | 22.5 RPG | 4.3 APG  

– Teams: Boston Celtics (1956–1969)  

The ultimate winner. Bill Russell defined dominance in the NBA, leading the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons. His rebounding prowess and defensive brilliance set him apart—Russell was a player who could single-handedly alter games without needing to score. As the NBA’s first Black superstar and a trailblazing player-coach, Russell’s legacy extends far beyond his statistical achievements. His 22.5 career rebounds per game remains second all-time, a testament to his relentless work on the glass. 

 3. Oscar Robertson  

– Stats: 25.7 PPG | 7.5 RPG | 9.5 APG  

– Teams: Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks (1960–1974)  

Before “triple-double” became a buzzword, Oscar Robertson perfected the art. The “Big O” averaged a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62—30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists—something no one else achieved until Russell Westbrook. Robertson’s versatility as a scorer, playmaker, and rebounder made him one of the most complete players the league has ever seen. He capped his career by leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 1971 alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  

 2. Wilt Chamberlain  

– Stats: 30.1 PPG | 22.9 RPG | 4.4 APG  

– Teams: Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers (1959–1973)  

Statistically, no player dominated like Wilt Chamberlain. From his legendary 100-point game to averaging 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season, Chamberlain rewrote the record books. He led the league in scoring, rebounding, and even assists during his career, showcasing his unique ability to adapt his game. While critics argue about the competition he faced, his numbers—like a career 22.9 rebounds per game—speak for themselves. Wilt’s two championships and four MVP awards further solidify his place among the greatest.  

 1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar  

– Stats: 24.6 PPG | 11.2 RPG | 3.6 APG  

– Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers (1969–1984 pre-Jordan era)  

Before Michael Jordan took the spotlight, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA’s most dominant force. The skyhook, Kareem’s signature shot, became the most unstoppable move in basketball history. By 1984, Kareem had already won five MVP awards, six scoring titles, and a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971. His combination of longevity, consistency, and dominance made him the NBA’s all-time leading scorer—a record that stood until 2023. Kareem’s impact transcended basketball, as he also became a prominent cultural figure during his career.  

Honorable Mentions  

– Jerry West: “The Logo” and one of the league’s greatest clutch scorers.  

– Bob Pettit: The first player to score 20,000 career points and a two-time MVP.  

– George Mikan: The NBA’s first true superstar and the blueprint for big men.  

Conclusion 

These five legends laid the foundation for the modern NBA. Their accomplishments, stats, and cultural impact continue to resonate, even decades later. From Wilt’s statistical marvels to Russell’s unmatched winning mentality, each player brought something unique to the game—setting the stage for future generations, including Michael Jordan and beyond.  

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ballersculture

I am a basketball nerd and love writing about it, join me at ballersculture.com and check my tiktok below https://www.tiktok.com/@ballersculture_
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