10/27/26
Jay C. Brandriet
I began watching and was hooked on the NBA by 1986.
Over that time, I’ve naturally developed some favorites.
Who are the guys you cheered for or followed the most?
A list like this is an x ray of our pro basketball fandom.
I also can’t be wrong on this one.
Finally.
MY 25 FAVORITE NBA PLAYERS OF ALL TIME
(HONARABLE MENTIONS)
Mitch Richmond
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kevin McHale
Eddie Jones
Jones was so smooth, I’d notice his layups during warmups.
DeAndre Jordan
Kevin Durant
#25- ZION WILLIAMSON
Zion was awakening some of that old fan boy in me. He’s a unique talent, who produces when he’s on the floor. That said, it’s been a painful ride so far.
#24- THURL BAILEY
In the late 1980’s, my mom took me to meet our first NBA player at a Harmons grocery store in West Valley City. It was Thurl Bailey. He has always been one of the best guys in Utah. “Big T” averaged 19.6 and 19.5 points over two seasons, in the 6th man role.
#23- MICHAEL FINLEY
In this new era of being able to watch any team, I was often looking for Michael Finley. His game was nice!
#22- DEMAR DEROZAN
I was drawn in by his style. DeMar is a mid-range master.
#21- SEDALE THREATT
Not every favorite was a star. Sedale was a scrapper.
#20- A.C. GREEN
I appreciated his effort, hair, and consecutive games streak.
#19- TERRELL BRANDON
Brandon put a lot of jumpers in a lot of faces. He had a clean and deliberate game.
#18- SAM CASSELL
This 1 time All-Star, should be a 4-time All-Star. I dug Sam’s fearless vibe.
#17- LEBRON JAMES
I’m not a LeBron fan. I cheer against him every night. When you think and talk about a guy as much as I do? I can admit, it’s a complex form of a favorite.
#16- STEPHON MARBURY
Marbury had nasty skills! It seemed like most people were put off by him. I felt like his primary advocate.
#15- JOHN STOCKTON
In John’s prime, I lived a mile away from where he played his home games. Stockton was the definition of stability, unselfishness, and toughness. He was also WAY better than younger people think he was.
#14- GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
His 50-point effort (17/19 FT) in a game that ended the Finals, was such an enjoyable outcome.
#13- LARRY BIRD
As a Magic guy, it’s hard not to get Larry. The two men share the same basketball soul. I enjoy new generations learning about Bird’s incredible swagger. Tony Abbott has made sure I’ve known about his scary good peak.
#12- STEPHEN CURRY
A lady in a grocery store line once said to me, “Curry hot-dogs too much for me.” I find Steph SO likeable, he was in his 6th season before I realized he celebrated at all. Today, I find his post shot displays almost charming.
#11- PAU GASOL
The perfect fit with Kobe in every way. Pau was one of the kindest and smartest guys I’ve interviewed.
#10- RUDY GOBERT
His resume versus respect given, does not add up. Gobert is the most disrespected NBA player of the last quarter century.
#9- KEVIN GARNETT
I was all about Minnesota KG. He was an amazing NBA character. I was invested in his eventual climb out of the first round of the playoffs.
#8- JRUE HOLIDAY
Sometimes athletes can make us feel smart. I have gratitude for Jrue.
#7- BYRON SCOTT
I have audio reminders (1994-96) of just how closely I followed Byron, even post Lakers career. His outside shot was beautiful. He was born in Ogden, Utah.
#6- JAMES WORTHY
Palming the ball like it was a grapefruit. The tricky spins and his first step. The swooping transition buckets. Worthy and his goggles had major cool factor.
#5- DWYANE WADE
I loved D Wade from hello. At Wade’s very best I told Russ Riggs that Dwyane was “better than LeBron.” This created nonstop arguments for years. To add even more layers to it, the two legends became teammates in Miami.
#4- HAKEEM OLAJUWON
“Dream” is the best two-way (at apex) player I’ve seen. Jared Adams and I pulled for Hakeem from day one.
#3- MICHAEL JORDAN
My fascination with Jordan then and now, is HOW polished he was at his craft. Young people notice how old heads see MJ as having an aura like no other. What they don’t understand is, we saw him that way in real time.
#2- KOBE BRYANT
I pushed my Kobe Bryant predictions of greatness into a Utah Jazz community. The amount of energy and games I watched of Kobes, does not compare to any other athlete.
#1- EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON
In my high school yearbook, I was called “Magic” more often than Jay. Earvin’s electric game and charisma was my gateway to a lifetime of NBA love.
Jay C. Brandriet
