The 1990s were a golden era for the NBA, filled with legendary players who defined the game and pushed it to new heights. Here’s a ranking of the 13 best NBA players of the ’90s.
13. Alonzo Mourning
Alonzo Mourning was one of the premier centers of the decade. Known for his incredible defense and shot-blocking prowess, Mourning was a force in the paint, as well as a reliable offensive contributor.
12. Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo was a defensive juggernaut in the ’90s. Known for his shot-blocking, Mutombo was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and anchored several playoff teams.
11. Reggie Miller
There’s no question Reggie Miller was one of the most clutch shooters in NBA history. As the face of the Indiana Pacers, his long-range shooting was ahead of its time and remains a hallmark of his legacy.
10. Clyde Drexler
Clyde “The Glide” Drexler was an electrifying scorer and one of the most consistent players of the decade. After playing with the Portland Trail Blazers, he joined Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston to win his first NBA championship.
9. Gary Payton
Known as “The Glove” for his tenacious defense, Gary Payton was the heart and soul of the Seattle SuperSonics throughout the ‘90s. In fact, it was his fiery competitiveness and unmatched defensive prowess that earned him a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996.
8. Charles Barkley
Despite never winning a championship, Charles Barley was one of the greats. Few players matched his blend of skill, strength, and charisma. His MVP season in 1993 was a testament to his greatness.
7. Patrick Ewing
There’s no question New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing was a dominant force in the paint throughout the ’90s. Ewing led the Knicks to consistent playoff appearances, including two NBA Finals, though he, unfortunately, never secured a championship.
6. Karl Malone
Karl Malone, aka “The Mailman,” delivered consistency and excellence throughout the decade. In fact, he led the Utah Jazz to back-to-back Finals appearances, though they came up short against the Bulls.
5. David Robinson
David “The Admiral” Robinson was a dominant two-way player who combined athleticism and skill with incredible intelligence. He won the 1995 MVP award while being a defensive anchor for the San Antonio Spurs.
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4. Scottie Pippen
The ultimate do-it-all player, Scottie Pippen was the perfect complement to Michael Jordan. His versatility, defense, and ability to lead the Bulls when Jordan retired in 1993 made him one of the decade’s most valuable players.
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3. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon was arguably the most skilled center of all time. “The Dream” led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 and he managed to dominate during Jordan’s brief absence.
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2. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal entered the NBA in 1992 and quickly became a dominant force. His combination of size, strength, and agility was unprecedented, and he was nearly impossible to stop in the paint.
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1. Michael Jordan
Sorry, but there’s no debate about who ruled the ‘90s, and the man’s name is Michael Jordan. He was not only the best player of the decade but arguably the greatest of all time, winning six championships.
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