Can You Get More Than 11 Right on This NBA Legends Quiz?

By: Kale Havervold
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Get More Than 11 Right on This NBA Legends Quiz?
Image: Getty Images / DigitalVision / Compassionate Eye Foundation

About This Quiz

Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been thousands and thousands of players lucky and talented enough to make it to the big leagues. These players come from all around the world, all walks of life and come in all different shapes and sizes. Some will only play for a year or two, while others will enjoy careers that span multiple decades.

However, very few of these players ever end up reaching "legend" status. Those who have been lucky enough to be seen as one of the greatest of all time have shown throughout their careers that they weren't your average NBA player. 

Whether they scored a ton of points, grabbed a lot of rebounds or won a lot of NBA championships, these players have accomplished things that very few players are ever able to. They have rewritten the history books and many have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame. 

There is no question that many legends have taken the court in NBA uniforms, but the question is, how well do you know who they are? You might know the names or what they have done, but can you recognize these 40 NBA legends by their faces? Without any further ado, get ready to test your knowledge of NBA legends. How many will you get right?

Charles Barkley
Wiki Commons by Ytoyoda
This former power forward can now be seen on TNT's "Inside the NBA," who is he?
Joe Smith
Steph Curry
Charles Barkley
Shawn Marion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Barkley was a tenacious rebounder and is often named one of the best NBA players ever to never win a championship.

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Shaquille O'neal
Wiki Commons by Therob006
Considered perhaps the most dominant and strong player in NBA history, who is this man?
Shaquille O'neal
Kobe Bryant
Kevin Durant
Steve Nash
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shaq would caused headaches for coaches everywhere as he was unstoppable in the paint, and won 3 straight Finals MVP awards from 2000-2002.

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Michael Jordan
Youtube via Raymond Butch Tan
Arguably seen as the greatest of all time, who is this player?
Anthony Davis
Michael Jordan
Jrue Holiday
Richard Hamilton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With his 6 NBA championships and numerous NBA records, Michael Jordan is one of the single most legendary players ever.

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Larry Bird
Youtube via Walter Barooshian
This sharpshooter is one of the best Celtics of all time, who is he?
Tim Hardaway
Jason Kidd
Demarcus Cousins
Larry Bird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry Bird was one of the biggest reasons for the massive success that the Celtics enjoyed throughout the 1980s.

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Tim Duncan
Youtube via NBA
This player is one of the most underrated players in history, who is he?
Klay Thompson
Dikembe Mutumbo
Tim Duncan
Leandro Barbosa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tim Duncan played his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs and helped them win a whopping 5 NBA championships.

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Kobe Bryant
Wiki Commons by Dany3000
Who is this prolific scorer who played his entire career with the Lakers?
Paul Pierce
Kobe Bryant
Blake Griffin
Joe Dumars
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kobe Bryant is perhaps the best pure scorer in league history and, along with Shaq, helped the Lakers win the NBA championship three times.

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Allen Iverson
Youtube via OfficialHoophall
Despite his short stature, this was one of the toughest players in the league, who is he?
Allen Iverson
Yao Ming
Glen Davis
Andre Miller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Allen Iverson was among the best scorers and dribblers in NBA history, and despite never winning an NBA championship, is often seen as one of the greatest ever.

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Wilt Chamberlain
Wiki Commons by Fred Palumbo
This man once scored 100 points in a game, who is he?
Devin Booker
Rick Barry
Tony Parker
Wilt Chamberlain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While he played in a much easier era, the numbers that Wilt put up throughout his career (over 30 ppg and 20 rpg) simply cannot be ignored.

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Magic Johnson
Wiki Commons by Neon Tommy
This player famously retired after being diagnosed with HIV, who is he?
Corey Maggette
Delonte West
Magic Johnson
Calvin Murphy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Magic Johnson was one of the most versatile players in history and could play all five positions with the best of them.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Wiki Commons by January/Magnus Manske
This Lakers legend was known for his hook shot, who is it?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Dwyane Wade
Kevin Garnett
Smush Parker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most decorated players in history, as he won 6 NBA championships, 6 MVP awards and made it to 19 All Star games.

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Julius Erving
Youtube via Philadelphia 76ers
Who is this high-flying NBA legend?
Nate Archibald
Earl Boykins
Julius Erving
Sidney Moncrief
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Erving was one of the most flashy players in NBA history and was a huge fan favorite in the ABA before coming to the NBA.

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Patrick Ewing
Youtube via ESPN
This player was a legend in college and NBA basketball, who is he?
Amare Stoudemire
Patrick Ewing
Jermaine O'neal
Ben Simmons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After making the National Championship three times in college, he went on to play in the NBA for 18 years, making 11 All Star teams.

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Karl Malone
Youtube via OfficialHoophall
One of the best post scorers in history, who is this Jazz legend?
Karl Malone
Kyle Korver
Kyle Kuzma
Robert Traylor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Malone, along with John Stockton, led the Utah Jazz to many amazing seasons in the 1990s. Malone won 2 MVP awards and made the All Star game 14 times.

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Scottie Pippen
Youtube via ESPN
One of the best defensive forwards ever, who is this NBA legend?
James Harden
Scottie Pippen
Nikola Jokic
Jimmy Butler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to winning 6 NBA titles with Jordan, Pippen also made eight straight 1st team NBA All-Defense teams, proving his tenacity on the defensive side of the ball.

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Moses Malone
Youtube via TheCrunchySopa
Who is this NBA legend who specialized in offensive rebounding?
Serge Ibaka
Robert Horry
Deshawn Stevenson
Moses Malone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to being an outstanding rebounder, Moses Malone was also a capable scorer and won 3 MVP awards and an NBA championship back in 1983.

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Hakeem Olajuwon
Youtube via Nice Kicks
A model for the modern day big man in the NBA, who is this legend?
Isaiah Thomas
Hakeem Olajuwon
Eric Snow
Damian Lillard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hakeem Olajuwon was a large man, but was capable of moving as quickly and effortlessly as men much smaller than him. He helped the Rockets win 2 NBA championships in both 1994 and 1995.

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Bill Russell
Wiki Commons by unknown author
The most decorated NBA champion of all time with the Celtics, who is this player?
Brian Scalabrine
Gilbert Arenas
Bill Russell
Luke Walton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

All Bill Russell does is win. At nearly every level of basketball he has played at, he has been victorious many times. For example, he won 11 NBA championships, including 8 in a row from 1959-1966.

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John Stockton
Youtube via Utah Jazz
This player was one of the best pure passers ever, who is he?
John Stockton
Kwame Brown
Lonzo Ball
Jeff Teague
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stockton has wide leads in both the Most Assists and Most Steals NBA records, and we will likely never see either of them get beaten.

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Jerry West
Youtube via Jerry West
One of the most clutch and well-respected players in history, who is he?
Jerry West
Jayson Tatum
Donyell Marshall
Damon Stoudemire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

West made 14 NBA All Star teams in his career and had the unique pleasure of having his silhouette featured in the NBA logo.

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David Robinson
Wiki Common by LBJ Library
This man is the only person from the Naval Academy to play in the NBA, who is he?
Robert Traylor
Chris Bosh
Grant Hill
David Robinson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robinson played his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs and made 10 All Star Teams, won 1 MVP award and helped the Spurs to win 2 NBA championships.

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Elgin Baylor
Youtube via ESPN
He was one of the most athletic NBA players ever and could do it all on the court, who is he?
Ricky Davis
Elgin Baylor
Manute Bol
Shawn Kemp
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Elgin Baylor not only dazzled Lakers fans with his acrobatics and skills, but also wasn't afraid to get down and dirty for rebounds. Through his career, he was an 11-time All Star.

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Dennis Rodman
Youtube via Good Morning Britain
Who is this eccentric and wild NBA legend?
Seth Curry
Dennis Rodman
Joe Ingles
Rudy Gobert
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While many know him for his off-the-court antics and relationships, Rodman was an outstanding rebounder and defensive presence on every team he played for.

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Kevin McHale
Youtube via Mr. T
This Celtics great took up coaching after his playing career, who is he?
Kevin McHale
Rajon Rondo
Javale McGee
Kendrick Perkins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After playing his entire career for the Celtics, and winning 3 NBA championships to go along with 7 All Star appearances, he had a multi-year coaching stint with the Houston Rockets.

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Bill Walton
Youtube via ESPN
While his career was ravaged by foot injuries, this player still went on to two NBA championships, who is he?
Kawhi Leonard
Jusuf Nurkic
Bill Walton
Deandre Ayton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After a successful collegiate career at UCLA, Bill Walton achieved a lot of success in the NBA, despite his injuries. He would win two NBA titles, win an MVP award and even make a few All Star games.

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Robert Parish
Youtube via CLNS Media Network
No one played more career NBA games than this man, who is he?
Robert Parish
Markelle Fultz
Shawn Bradley
Greg Oden
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Parish played in the NBA from 1976 to 1997 and played a total of 1,611 regular season games. He won 4 NBA titles and was known for his strong defense and clutch rebounding.

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Dominique WIlkins
Youtube via NBA on TNT
This high-flying dunker was one of the flashiest players in league history, who is he?
Patrick Mills
Dominique Wilkins
Kemba Walker
Rick Fox
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While primarily known for his outstanding dunks, Wilkins was also a great scorer as he averaged nearly 25 points a game throughout his career, which helped him make All Star teams 9 different times

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Clyde Drexler
YouTube via Fox Sports
Known for his speed and athleticism, who is this former NBA All Star and Olympian?
Dwight Howard
Clyde Drexler
Alex Len
David Lee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to making 10 All Star teams, winning an NBA Championship and taking home several other accolades, Clyde Drexler also was a member of the 1992 U.S Olympic Men's basketball team, known as the Dream Team.

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George Gervin
YouTube via KSAT 12
One of the most pure and proficient scorers in NBA history, who is this legend?
Ben Wallace
Lebron James
John Wall
George Gervin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Gervin, whose nickname is the Iceman, was one of the coolest and most collected players in history. He was capable of scoring in bunches and would always remain level-headed. His scoring and focus helped him become a 9-time All Star.

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Walt Frazier
Youtube via MSG Networks
This player helped lead the Knicks to their only two championships, who is he?
Walt Frazier
Kristaps Porzingis
Carmelo Anthony
Lonzo Ball
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Walt Frazier spent a decade with the New York Knicks and it was arguably the best period in the team's existence. He was a great all-around player who scored, assisted, rebounded well and made 7 All Star games in his career.

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Reggie Miller
Youtube via OfficialHoophall
While he is currently an NBA commentator, this player used to hit clutch 3-pointers for the Pacers, who is he?
Roy Hibbert
Robert Covington
Reggie Miller
Brandon Jennings
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Reggie Miller was about as clutch as any 3-point shooter in history, especially against the Knicks. While he never won a title and made only 5 All Star games, many believe he is the greatest player to ever play for the Pacers.

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Paul Pierce
Youtube via ESPN
This man played for the Celtics for a decade before finally winning an NBA championship in 2008, who is he?
Lamar Odom
Paul Pierce
Brandon Ingram
Kyrie Irving
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While he might not be the most decorated Celtics players of all time, he is one of the most popular. Paul Pierce was a prolific scorer for Boston and was one of the best players of the 2000s.

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Kevin Garnett
Youtube via NBA on TNT
He is one of the best and most versatile big men of the last 25 years, who is he?
Kevin Garnett
Muggsy Bogues
Anthony Bennett
Elfrid Payton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whether you needed defense, scoring or a leader, Kevin Garnett was your guy. He made 15 All Star teams in his career and led the Timberwolves to eight straight appearances in the playoffs, before going to Boston and winning a championship with the Celtics.

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Ray Allen
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Arguably the best 3-point shooter in NBA history, who is this legend?
Josh Smith
Larry Johnson
Draymond Green
Ray Allen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While he was also capable athletically, Ray Allen was known most for his three-point shot, which featured an incredibly quick release. Despite a title escaping him for the first decade of his career, he would end up winning two in his career, in 2008 and 2013.

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Oscar Robertson
Youtube via NBA
This player was the first ever to average a triple double in a season, who is he?
Jimmy Butler
Oscar Robertson
Aaron Mckie
Ricky Rubio
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oscar Robertson is one of the most well-rounded players in history, as evidence by the fact the averaged a triple double. In addition to making the All NBA first team nine times, he also took home an MVP award in 1964 and a championship in 1971.

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LeBron James
Nike / Andjelka L.E. via YouTube
While this player is still active today, many believe he is the best basketball player of all time.
Lebron James
James Posey
Michael Beasley
John Henson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lebron James has basically done it all on the basketball court and to many, he is the greatest of all time. He can score, he can pass, he can rebound and do everything in between.

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Hal Greer
Youtube via Drew Grahn
This legend unfortunately passed away earlier this year, who is he?
Bob Petit
Wesley Matthews
Hal Greer
Reggie Bullock
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hal Greer made 10 straight All Star games as a member of the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers, and even won a championship with the 76ers in 1967, with some help from Wilt Chamberlain.

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Wes Unseld
Youtube via Washington Wizards
Despite his height, very few people could bring rebounds down like this player, who is he?
Wes Unseld
Yao Ming
Joel Embiid
Doug Christie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite being only 6'7", which is relatively small compared to many in the NBA, Unseld grabbed 10 rebounds a game in nearly every season he played in the NBA.

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Ben Wallace
Wiki Commons by Jauerback
He is perhaps the best defender in NBA history, who is he?
James Harden
Ben Wallace
Josh Jackson
Avery Bradley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ben Wallace went from being an undrafted free agent to being one of the best blockers, rebounders and defenders in this history of the NBA. He also helped the Pistons win the 2004 NBA championship.

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Isaiah Thomas
Youtube via Derek Spallone
Not only was this man a talented point guard, but also worked as an executive in the NBA after his playing career, who is he?
Bill Laimbeer
Keith Bogans
Isiah Thomas
Samuel Dalembert
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As one of the leaders of the "Bad Boys"-era Pistons teams, Thomas won back to back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. After his playing career, Thomas worked as a coach and executive for different teams, most notably the Knicks.

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James Worthy
Youtube via The Score
There are few players more clutch than this man in big games, who is he?
James Worthy
Mike Miller
Mike Dunleavy
Chris Anderson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nicknamed "Big Game James", Worthy would always show up for his team when they needed him most. This helped him win 3 NBA championships and make 7 All Star game appearances during his career.

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Getty Images / DigitalVision / Compassionate Eye Foundation