Written by Dylan Hunter Carter
Some of the greatest basketball players of all time came out of the 90’s decade. Now only 10 remain. The remaining 90’s players are Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Vince Carter, Elton Brand, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion, Nazr Mohammed, and Jason Terry. Each of these players have contributed immensely to the history of the NBA, but unfortunately, most of these players are facing the end of their careers. With the official announcement of Steve Nash’s retirement on early Sunday afternoon. Nash was easily one the greatest point guards of all time and an incredible personality in the NBA. Many fans have taken a step back to reflect on his monumental career and the age of legendary players to come out of the 1990’s.
Three of the greatest power forwards of all time came out of the 90’s and continue to play today. Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Garnett have each made incredible impacts of the play styles of NBA Big Men. Duncan brought the post game back to its roots, the core fundamentals and some of the craftiest footwork. Totalling 5 Championship victories and 2 MVP’s, Duncan is arguably the greatest Power Forward of all time. Nowitzki, the German sensation, revolutionized the play style of the NBA big man with his incredibly unique style. Between his impeccable 3 point sharpshooting and his unguardable fadeaway, Dirk was the first and best example of shooting big men. Dirk is a one time MVP and a one time Champion. Kevin Garnett capitalized on his incredible post moves and explosive play style. The Big Ticket won one championship and one MVP award. These 3 big men are all argued as the greatest Power Forwards of all time and are all still impactful in the NBA today.
Kobe Bean Bryant is one the greatest NBA players of all time. He’s won 5 Championship trophies and 2 MVP awards. He scored 81 points in 1 game alone. Kobe is not just another player, he’s a legend. There is nothing that Kobe cannot do on the court. Although his later years have been plagued with injury and a crumbling Lakers player core, Kobe is forever a legend and a presence in the NBA. There’s been a lot of talk about his retirement but The Black Mamba is determined to play one more strong season before he retires.
Paul Pierce, Shawn Marion, and Vince Carter have all slowed down as time has gone by, but each player is still effective in the NBA. Pierce still has the ability to perform as a shooter and a clutch scorer for the Washington Wizards after a legacy in Boston and a quick tenure in Brooklyn. Marion is currently with the Cavaliers and continues to be an elite defender. Marion and his unique athletic play style has brought him to a fantastic career with 5 different teams. Vince Carter is a hyper athletic phenomenon whose shooting has increased with time. Carter is widely considered as the greatest dunker of all time, and he’s barely slowed down. While he doesn’t play too often with the Memphis Grizzlies, he makes a huge impact when he does. Carter is a living Highlight Reel.
Varying in age, the stars of the 90’s continue their careers as the stars of today, but not for much longer. With each passing season, we get closer to the retirement of what is one of the greatest decades of basketball that’s ever been played, so make sure to embrace these incredible players for the time we have left. Each and every single one of these players is a spectacle to watch and a testament to what was an incredible era of basketball.
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