List of the 15 best UCLA basketball NBA careers in Bruins history.
These players all had what is considered successful NBA careers by many people who follow the NBA. Including but not limited to, here are the criteria for those on the list: Winning championships, earning All-Star honors, and making significant contributions to their teams while playing in the NBA.
They are all considered to be among the best players in UCLA basketball history, and their accomplishments have helped to make the Bruins one of the most successful programs in college basketball. Let’s take a look at some of the specific criteria and traits which make these 15 players who had careers in the NBA separate from other players who were not included in this list.
Some many traits and reasons can be made for these former UCLA Bruin players’ success in the NBA. Some of the most important include but are not limited to the following nine traits.
Physical attributes: Most of these players were and are at the top of their physical game when they played and or are still currently playing in the NBA, and they needed it to be able to compete at a high level athletically. This includes speed, strength, jumping ability, and agility, allowing them to have good if not great careers in the NBA.
Shooting ability: In the NBA, shooting is essential for any player who wants to be successful. These 15 players needed to be able to make shots from all over the court, including from three-point range or for some of these players on this list who played before the installation of the three-point line, making mid to long-range jump shots. Some exceptions like traditional centers are on this list but were not great outside jump shooters.
Ball-handling skills: NBA players need to be able to dribble the ball effectively to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. This is especially true for the guards on this list whose ball-handling skills allowed them to excel in the NBA. Most of these players also needed and or are still showing the ability to be able to make quick decisions with the ball in their hands.
Passing ability: Good passers are essential in the NBA, as they can help to create open shots for their teammates as most of these players on the list have shown during their time as a NBA player. These players were and for those still playing in the NBA can make accurate passes in traffic or while posting up and finding their open teammates.
Defensive skills: These former and current NBA players on this list were able to defend at a high level to be successful. This includes them being able to guard multiple positions, stay in front of their man, and rebound. Even for the centers on this list, to be able to guard various big men in the paint and even sometimes on the perimeter.
Mental toughness: The NBA is a demanding league, and players current and present needed to be able to handle the pressure and stay focused to be effective and efficient on both ends of the court. They also needed to be able to bounce back from mistakes and keep their composure and being able to contribute in the fourth quarter.
Leadership qualities: Some of the best former and current NBA players on this list are and were also leaders on their teams. They were able to motivate their teammates and set a good example to follow for the team to have success on the court.
Hardworking and dedicated: These players were willing to put in the time and effort to improve their game throughout their NBA career and some of the current players on this list may continue to improve on these two traits.
Coachable: To be and have been successful in the NBA, these players were and are willing to listen to feedback from their coaches and teammates and accept constructive criticism and grow and improve from the suggestions that were given to them on how to be a better player on the court.
Resilient: One of the most overlooked factors in being able to be successful in the NBA is to be resilient and to overcome any obstacle and or challenge to play multiple meaningful seasons in the NBA. Most of these players were able to overcome setbacks and kept working towards their goals.
Of course, not all of the former UCLA basketball players who were very successful as a Bruin had all these traits while in the NBA. Many other factors contribute to a player’s success and or non-success, such as injuries, the team they were drafted to, and their personal development on the court. However, having the right combination of these nine traits and qualities gave these 15 players the opportunity and tools to succeed in the NBA after they had played at UCLA.
There are 15 former UCLA basketball players who by most accounts are considered the 15 players who had the most successful NBA careers. They are other players who had excellent basketball careers at UCLA but did not have as much success in the NBA as the 15 players listed here.
Top three traits: Ball-handling skills, physical attributes, and passing ability.
NBA
Lonzo Ball is a two-time All-Star and a member of the 2017 NBA All-Rookie First Team. He has played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls during his NBA career.
In the 2017-2018 season, Lonzo Ball was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, recognizing his impressive performance as a rookie.
On January 13, 2018, Lonzo Ball became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double at the age of 20 years and 15 days. He achieved this milestone during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ball has shown improvement in his three-point shooting throughout his career. In the 2020-2021 season, he set a career-high in three-point shooting percentage at 37.8%, displaying his development as a shooter.
He is known for his rebounding and playmaking abilities. He has consistently contributed in these areas, often recording double-digit rebounds and assists in games.
NBA
Here are some of his accomplishments, awards, and achievements in the NBA:
NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 2018
NBA Summer League MVP: 2017
The youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double: 2017
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
An All-American in 2017
He was All-Pac-12 in 2017
Pac-12 Freshmen of the Year 2017
He was the NCAA Assist Leader in 2017
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 14.6
Assists per game: 7.6
Field Goal %: 55.1
Three-point %: 41.2
Rebounds per game: 6.0
Top three traits: Mental toughness, shooting ability, and resilient
Zach LaVine is a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion and has been selected to two NBA All-Star Games. He is a dynamic scorer who can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. He is also a good rebounder and defender.
NBA
Here are some of his accomplishments, awards, and achievements in the NBA:
Two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion: 2015, 2016
Two-time NBA All-Star: 2021, 2022
NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 2015
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Pac-12 All-Freshman Team: 2014
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 9.4
Assists per game: 1.8
Field Goal %: 52.4
Three-point %: 37.5
Rebounds per game: 2.5
LaVine was drafted with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played for the Timberwolves for four seasons before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2017. He has been a key part of the Bulls’ resurgence in recent years. He helped lead the Bulls to the playoffs in 2021 for the first time since 2017.
Top three traits: Hardworking and dedicated, ball-handling skills, and passing ability
Baron Davis was a two-time NBA All-Star, made the All-NBA Third Team in 2004, and led the NBA in steals twice. He was drafted with the third overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He also played in the NBA for the New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks.
NBA
Here are some of his accomplishments, awards, and achievements in the NBA:
Two-time NBA All-Star: 2002, 2004
All-NBA Third Team: 2004
Two-time NBA steals leader: 2004, 2007
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
First-team All-Pac-10 (1999)
Pac-10 Freshman of the Year (1998)
Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (1998)
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 13.6
Assists per game: 5.1
Field Goal %: 50.3
Three-point %: 32.8
Rebounds per game: 3.8
Davis was a dynamic point guard who was known for his athleticism, passing skills, and ability to create his shot. He was also a strong defender and led the league in steals twice. Davis was a key part of the Golden State Warriors “We Believe” team that made the NBA playoffs in 2007 after missing the playoffs for 13 straight seasons. He also helped lead the New York Knicks to the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2012.
Top three traits: Defensive skills, shooting ability, and coachable
Jrue Holiday has been selected to two NBA All-Defensive Second Teams (2013, 2018) and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2021. He was also named to the NBA All-Star Game in 2021.
In 2021, Holiday helped the Milwaukee Bucks win their first NBA championship in 50 years. He was named the NBA Finals MVP after averaging 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in the series.
NBA
Here is a list of some of his accomplishments, awards, and achievements in the NBA:
NBA champion: 2021
Three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team: 2018, 2021, 2023
Two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team: 2019, 2022
Two-time NBA All-Star: 2013, 2023
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Pac-10 All-Freshman Team: 2009
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 8.5
Assists per game: 3.7
Field Goal %: 45
Three-point %: 30.7
Rebounds per game: 3.8
Holiday is a talented and versatile player who has made significant contributions to his teams on both ends of the court. He was a key part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship team.
Top three traits: Shooting ability, coachable, and resilient
Kiki Vandeweghe: NBA All-Star: Vandeweghe was selected to the NBA All-Star Game three times. He earned this honor in the following seasons: 1983, 1984, and 1985. Vandeweghe’s scoring ability and offensive prowess were recognized through these selections.
In his rookie season in 1981, Vandeweghe was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. This recognition highlights his impactful debut season.
He led the NBA in scoring during the 1983-1984 season, averaging 29.4 points per game. His scoring prowess earned him the scoring title, demonstrating his offensive abilities.
Vandeweghe enjoyed consistent success as a scorer throughout his NBA career. He finished his career with an average of 19.7 points per game, showcasing his offensive efficiency and impact on the court.
NBA
Here is a list of some of his accomplishments, awards, and achievements in the NBA:
Five-time NBA All-Star:1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991
Two-time All-NBA Third Team:1 984, 1985
NBA Scoring Champion: 1984-85
NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award: 1991
NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1981
NBA All-Defensive Second Team: 1985
NBA All-Star Game MVP: 1985
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Key member of Pac-12 Champion teams: 1977, 1978, 1979
All-Pac-10: 1979
Introduced to the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1994
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 12.2
Assists per game: 1.3
Field Goal %: 57
Free Throw %: 77.6
Rebounds per game: 5
Top three traits: Coachable, shooting ability, and resilient
Walter Raphael “Walt” Hazzard Jr. was an American professional basketball player and college basketball coach. He played in college for the UCLA Bruins and was a member of their first national championship team in 1964. He also won a gold medal that year with the US national team at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Hazzard was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1964 NBA draft. He played for the Lakers for three seasons, then played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Atlanta Hawks, Buffalo Braves, and Golden State Warriors. He retired from professional basketball in 1974.
In 1984, Hazzard returned to UCLA as its men’s basketball coach. He coached for four seasons, winning 77 out of 125 games. The 1984–85 UCLA Bruins basketball team won the NIT championship. The 1986–87 Bruins won both the Pac-10 regular season championship as well as the inaugural Pac-10 tournament. However, after the 1987–88 Bruins finished only two games above .500—the closest they had come to a losing record in 40 years—Hazzard was relieved of his duties as the head coach.
NBA
Walt Hazzard’s accomplishments, awards, and achievements
NBA All-Star: 1968
Led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 1971 NBA championship
Led the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1974 Western Conference Finals
Scored 15,040 points in his NBA career
Averaged 14.4 points per game in his NBA career
Played in 10 NBA seasons
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Key contributor to the NCAA national championship team: 1964
Two-time All-Pac-12 member: 1963, 1964
NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player: 1964
Introduced to the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame: 1984
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game:16.1
Field Goal %: 43.2
Free Throw %: 70.6
Rebounds per game: 5.5
Hazzard was a skilled and versatile player who could score, pass, and defend. He was also a good leader and a respected teammate. He was a key contributor to UCLA’s first national championship team and he also had a successful coaching career at UCLA. Hazzard was a talented and accomplished basketball player and coach who left a lasting legacy on the game.
Top Three Traits: Shooting ability, defensive skills, and mental toughness
Sidney Wicks was a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1971 to 1981. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics, and San Diego Clippers. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1972.
Wicks was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers as the second overall pick in the 1971 NBA draft. He quickly made an impact in the NBA, averaging 22.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in his rookie season. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game.
NBA
His accomplishments, awards, and achievements
NBA Rookie of the Year: 1972
Four-time NBA All-Star: 1972–1975
NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1972
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
NCAA Final Four MOP: 1970
Sporting News Player of the Year: 1971
USBWA Player of the Year: 1971
Two-time Helms Foundation Player of the Year: 1970, 1971
Consensus first-team All-American: 1971
Consensus second-team All-American: 1970
Two-time First-team All-Pac-8: 1970, 1971
Three-time NCAA champion: 1969–1971
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game:15.8
Field Goal %: 51.1
Free Throw %: 63.5
Rebounds per game: 9.9
Top three traits: Defensive skills, shooting ability, and physical attributes.
Jamall Wikes: He was a four-time NBA champion, three-time NBA All-Star, and two-time All-Defensive Team selection. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1975.
Wilkes was a key member of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers during their championship runs in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and defend. He was also a clutch performer, often coming up big in big games.
Wicks was a two-time All-Star and a member of the 1975 NBA All-Rookie First Team. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers during his NBA career.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
Member of NBA Championships teams: 1975, 1980, 1982, 1985
NBA All-Star Selections: 1976, 1981, 1983
Named to the NBA All-Defensive Teams: 1976, 1977
Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 1975
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Inducted into the Pac-10 Men’s Basketball Hall of Honor: 2007
Member of two NCAA Championship teams: 1972, 1973
Member of three Pac-12 Championship teams: 1972, 1973, 1974
An All-American: 1973, 1974
UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1984
#52 Jersey Retired: 2013
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game:15
Field Goal %: 51.4
Free Throw %: 75
Rebounds per game: 7.4
Top three traits: Leadership qualities, shooting ability, and mental toughness
Marques Johnson was a two-time All-Star and a member of the 1977 NBA All-Rookie First Team. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers during his NBA career.
Johnson was selected to the NBA All-Star Game five times. He earned this honor in the following seasons: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, and 1986.
Johnson was recognized for his outstanding performances by being named to the All-NBA Team three times. He received All-NBA Second Team honors in 1979 and 1980, as well as All-NBA Third Team honors in 1981.
.Johnson holds several records in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in field goal percentage and ranks among the top players in various statistical categories.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
Five-time NBA All-Star: 1979–1981, 1983, 1986
All-NBA First Team: 1979
Two-time All-NBA Second Team: 1980, 1981
NBA Comeback Player of the Year: 1986
NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1978
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
A valuable member of the NCAA championship team (1975)
National college player of the Year (1977)
Consensus first-team All-American (1977)
Second-team All-American – NABC (1976)
John R. Wooden Award Winner: 1977
All-Pac-8: 1969, 1970
Pac-8 Player of the Year: 1977
UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1988
#54 Jersey Retired: 1996
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 14.4
Field Goal %: 56.8
Free Throw %: 69.2
Rebounds per game: 7.8
Assists per game: 1.8
Top three traits: Passing ability, hardworking and dedicated, and coachable
Kevin Love is a two-time All-Star and a member of the 2008 NBA All-Rookie First Team. He has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers during his NBA career.
Love won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, contributing to the team’s historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Love has been selected as an NBA All-Star five times in his career. He earned All-Star nods while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is an All-NBA Second Team in 2012 and 2014 and Love was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice in recognition of his outstanding performance during the respective seasons.
In 2011, Love received the NBA Most Improved Player award for his significant improvement and contributions to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 20.2 points and 15.2 rebounds per game during that season.
Somewhat surprisingly, Love with his shooting skills won the NBA Three-Point Contest during the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend. He was also the NBA rebounding leader in 2011.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
Five-time NBA All-Star: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018
Two-time All-NBA Second Team: 2012 and 2014
NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 2009
NBA Most Improved Player: 2011
NBA Three-Point Contest champion: 2012
NBA rebounding leader: 2011
A key member of the NBA championship team: 2016
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Consensus first-team All-American: 2008
First team All-Pac-10: 2008
Pac-10 Player of the Year: 2008
Member of the Pac-10 regular season and tournament champions: 2008
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 17.5
Field Goal %: 55.9
Free Throw %: 76.7
Rebounds per game: 10.6
Assists per game: 1.9
Top three traits: Shooting ability, passing ability, and ball-handling skills:
He had a successful career in the National Basketball Association, where he achieved several notable accomplishments.
Goodrich won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won the title in 1972 with the Los Angeles Lakers as a key contributor to that team.
Goodrich was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game five times throughout his career. He earned All-Star nods in 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1976.
During the 1973-1974 season, Goodrich led the NBA in scoring, averaging 25.9 points per game. This achievement showcased his scoring prowess and offensive skills.
Goodrich was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1974. These honors recognized him as one of the top players in the league during those respective seasons.
Goodrich’s contributions to the Los Angeles Lakers were recognized when he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1996. This honor acknowledged his impact and accomplishments during his time with the franchise.
Goodrich was a five-time All-Star and he played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets during his NBA career.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
A key member of the NBA championship: 1972
Five-time NBA All-Star: 1969, 1972–1975
All-NBA First Team: 1974
No. 25 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
UCLA
Member of the NCAA Championship teams: 1964, 1965
A key contributor to the Pac-8 Championship teams: 1963, 1964, 1965
An All-American: 1965
Named to the All-Pac-8 team: 1964, 1965
Named conference Player of the Year: 1965
UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1984
His #25 Jersey was Retired: 2004
Before entering the NBA, Goodrich had a successful college basketball career at UCLA. He helped lead the UCLA Bruins to the NCAA championship in 1964 and 1965. Goodrich’s contributions played a significant role in UCLA’s success during that era.
Goodrich was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984, recognizing his exceptional basketball career at the university.
Top three traits: Physical attributes, passing ability, and ball-handling skills.
Russell Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star, a nine-time All-NBA selection, and a two-time scoring champion. He has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets during his NBA career.
Westbrook was named the NBA MVP for the 2016-2017 season. He became the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double for an entire season, with 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game.
Westbrook has been selected to the NBA All-Star Game multiple times throughout his career. He had been selected to the All-Star Game nine times, representing his exceptional skills and popularity among fans.
He has been named to the All-NBA Team multiple times. He earned All-NBA First Team honors twice (2016, 2017) and All-NBA Second Team honors five times (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018).
Westbrook has won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award twice. He received this honor in 2015 and 2016, showcasing his impact and performances in the exhibition game.
Westbrook has led the league in scoring on two occasions. He won the NBA scoring title in the 2014-2015 season with an average of 28.1 points per game and again in the 2016-2017 season with an average of 31.6 points per game.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
NBA Most Valuable Player: 2017
Two-time NBA scoring champion: 2015, 2017
Three-time NBA assists leader: 2018, 2019, and 2021
Nine-time NBA All-Star: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2015, 2016
Two-time All-NBA First Team: 2016, 2017
Five-time All-NBA Second Team: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018
Two-time All-NBA Third Team: 2019, 2020
NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2009
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Third Team All-Pac-10: 2008
Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year: 2008
Key contributor to Pac-10 Championship teams: 2007, 2008
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 8.3
Field Goal %: 46.4
Free Throw %: 68.5
Rebounds per game: 2.4
Assists per game: 2.5
Top three traits: Shooting ability, leadership qualities, and hardworking and dedicated
Reggie Miller is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA history and had a highly successful career spanning 18 seasons with the Indiana Pacers. Here are some of his notable accomplishments, honors, and achievements:
Miller was selected as an NBA All-Star five times during his career. He represented the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game in 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, and 2000.
In 1996, as part of the NBA’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, Miller was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
At the time of his retirement, Miller ranked second in NBA history for career three-point field goals made, behind only Ray Allen. He also finished his career with 25,279 points, which placed him in the top 25 on the all-time scoring list.
Miller spent his entire NBA career with the Indiana Pacers from 1987 to 2005. He was a key figure in the team’s success during the 1990s and early 2000s. He led the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000, where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. Although they lost in the Finals, reaching that stage was a significant achievement for Miller and the Pacers.
Miller was known for his clutch shooting and ability to perform under pressure. He had numerous memorable playoff performances, including his eight points scored in 8.9 seconds against the New York Knicks in the 1995 NBA Playoffs.
In 2006, the Indiana Pacers retired Reggie Miller’s No. 31 jersey, honoring his contributions to the franchise. In 2012, Miller was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career and impact on the game.
Reggie Miller’s achievements on the court solidify his status as one of the all-time greats and a legendary figure in NBA history.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
Five-time NBA All-Star: 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000
Three-time All-NBA Third Team: 1995, 1996, 1998
Member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: 2012
Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team: 2021
His No. 31 retired by Indiana Pacers: 2006
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
An All-American: 1986
Named to the All-Pac-10 team: 1986. 1987
Key member of the Pac-10 Championship team: 1987
UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1998
#31 Jersey Retired: 2013
One of few members of the UCLA 2000 Points Club
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 17.2
Field Goal %: 54.7
Free Throw %: 83.6
Rebounds per game: 4.2
Assists per game: 2.0
Top three traits: Physical attributes, defensive skills, and shooting ability
Bill Walton won two NBA championships, one with the Boston Celtics and another with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was also an NBA MVP and a two-time NBA All-Star.
Bill Walton, known for his exceptional skills as a center, Walton achieved several accomplishments, received numerous honors, and garnered several achievements throughout his NBA tenure.
Walton won two NBA championships during his career. The first came in 1977 with the Portland Trail Blazers, and the second was with the Boston Celtics in 1986.
He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1977 when he led the Trail Blazers to their first-ever championship. He averaged 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game during the finals series.
In 1978, Walton was honored with the NBA MVP award. He had a remarkable season, averaging 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game.
He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game twice in his career, in 1977 and 1978. He was a key contributor in both All-Star appearances.
Walton earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP honors in 1978, where he had a dominant performance, recording 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks.
In the 1985-1986 season, Walton received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award while playing for the Boston Celtics. He played a crucial role as a reserve, providing valuable contributions off the bench.
Walton was selected to the All-NBA First Team twice in his career, in 1978 and 1979. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1977.
Walton was recognized for his defensive prowess and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1977 and 1978. He was an exceptional shot-blocker and a dominant force on the defensive end of the court.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
NBA Most Valuable Player: 1978
NBA Finals MVP: 1977
Two-time NBA champion: 1977 and 1986
All-NBA First Team: 1978
All-NBA Second Team: 1977
Two-time NBA All-Star: 1977 and 1978
Two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team 1977 and 1978
NBA rebounding and block leader: 1977
NBA Sixth Man of the Year: 1986
Named to the NBA anniversary teams for the 50th and 75th
No. 32 retired by Portland Trail Blazers: 1989
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Key contributor to two NCAA Championship teams: 1972 and1973
Member of three Pac-8 Championship teams: 1972, 1973, 1974
Three-time All-American: 1972, 1973, 1974
Three-time National Player of the Year: 1972, 1973, 1974
Three-time Consensus first-team All-American: 1972–1974
Two-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973
UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1984
#32 Jersey Retired: 1990
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 20.3
Field Goal %: 65.1
Free Throw %: 64.2
Rebounds per game: 15.7
Before joining the NBA, Walton had an outstanding collegiate career at UCLA, where he won two consecutive NCAA championships from 1972 to 1972. He was also named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player twice.
Basketball Hall of Fame: In 1993, Bill Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport of basketball at both the college and professional levels.
Top three traits: Shooting ability, physical attributes, and mental toughness
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his legendary career in the NBA, he achieved numerous accomplishments, received various honors, and earned numerous accolades. Here are some of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s notable accomplishments and achievements:
He retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, amassing an incredible 38,387 points throughout his career. This record stood until this year when Lebron James became the all-time leading scorer.
Abdul-Jabbar won a total of six NBA championships throughout his career. He won five titles with the Los Angeles Lakers (1980,1982,1985, 1987, and 1988) and one with the Milwaukee Bucks (1971).
He won the NBA MVP award six times (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980). Abdul-Jabbar was selected to the NBA All-Star Game a remarkable 19 times during his career, showcasing his consistent excellence and dominance in the league.
He was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player twice (1971, 1985) in recognition of his outstanding performances in the championship series. Abdul-Jabbar earned All-NBA First Team honors ten times during his career, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Abdul-Jabbar showcased his defensive prowess by being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team five times. In his debut season in 1969-1970, Abdul-Jabbar was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, making an immediate impact on the league.
Abdul-Jabbar was rightfully recognized as one of the greatest players in NBA history and was selected to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996. Abdul-Jabbar was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the basketball elite.
NBA
His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:
Six-time NBA champion: 1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988
Two-time NBA Finals MVP: 1971 and 1985
Six-time NBA Most Valuable Player: 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980
Sixth-time NBA scoring champion: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977
Nineteen-time NBA All-Star: 1970–1977, 1979–1989
NBA rebounding champion: 1978
Four-time NBA blocks leader: 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980
NBA Rookie of the Year: 1970
Named to three NBA anniversary teams: 35th, 50th, 75th
Had his No. 33 retired by Milwaukee Bucks
He had his No. 33 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: 1995
Fifteen-time All-NBA First Team: 1971–1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
One-time All-NBA Second Team: 1978
Five-time NBA all-Defensive Team: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1980
UCLA
Important Achievements and Accomplishments:
Three-time NCAA Champion: 1967, 1968, 1969
Three-time Pac-8 Champion: 1967, 1968, 1969
Three-time named All-American: 1967, 1968, and 1969
Two-time named to the All-Pac-8: 1969, 1970
National Player of the Year: 1967, 1968, 1969
Three-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player: 1967–1969
One of the few members of the UCLA 2000 Points Club
Became a member of UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1984
Had his #33 Jersey Retired: 1990
Career Stats while Playing at UCLA
Point per game: 26.4
Field Goal %: 63.9
Free Throw %: 62.8
Rebounds per game: 15.5
Before his NBA career, Abdul-Jabbar had an illustrious college basketball career at UCLA. He won three NCAA championships with the Bruins in 1967, 1968, and 1969. He was also a three-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player as well as he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four three times (1967, 1968, 1969), an achievement unmatched in college basketball history.
These accomplishments, honors, and achievements highlight Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s incredible impact on the game of basketball and solidify his place as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the NBA.