Best NBA Players First Names That Start With R: The Top Stars With This Initial
Here at Sortie Sports, we enjoy mixing things up with quirky and unique lists, and this one is no exception. As part of our series ranking top athletes by their first initials, we’ve turned our attention to the NBA.
The letter “R” has been represented by some of the most iconic and influential players in basketball history. From record-breaking performances to unforgettable moments on the court, these athletes have shaped the game in remarkable ways.
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Join us as we count down the 10 best NBA players first names that start with R, celebrating their contributions to the sport and the legacy they’ve built in the basketball world.
Table of Contents
#10: Ralph Sampson (1983 – 1992)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’4″, 228 lbs
Teams: Houston Rockets, Washington Bullets, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns
Ralph Sampson was a towering presence known for his incredible height and shot-blocking ability. His early career was marked by dominance on both ends of the court, earning him NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1984.
Despite injuries limiting his career, Sampson’s partnership with Hakeem Olajuwon formed one of the most formidable duos in NBA history. His unique skill set for a player of his size made him one of the most memorable big men in the league.
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Accolades:
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1984)
- 4× NBA All-Star
- NBA All-Rookie First Team
#9: Rolando Blackman (1981 – 1994)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 190 lbs
Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Seattle SuperSonics, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Miami Heat
Rolando Blackman was a consistent scorer with a smooth shooting stroke, earning him four NBA All-Star selections. He was a key figure in the Mavericks’ rise during the 1980s and led the team to several playoff appearances.
Blackman’s composure and deadly mid-range game made him a respected player throughout the league. After his NBA career, he continued to impact international basketball, leaving a lasting legacy.
Accolades:
- 4× NBA All-Star
- All-NBA Second Team (1986)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1986)
#8: Rasheed Wallace (1995 – 2013)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’11”, 230 lbs
Teams: Washington Bullets, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks
Rasheed Wallace was a versatile big man known for his scoring and defensive prowess. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Pistons to the 2004 NBA Championship.
Wallace’s ability to shoot from the perimeter and play strong defense made him a matchup nightmare. His fiery personality and skill set left a significant mark on every team he played for.
Accolades:
- NBA Champion (2004)
- 4× NBA All-Star
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2003)
#7: Rudy Gobert (2013 – Present)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’1″, 258 lbs
Teams: Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert, nicknamed “The Stifle Tower,” is a premier defensive player with four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. His shot-blocking and rim protection have transformed team defenses wherever he plays.
Gobert’s presence in the paint makes him a constant threat to opponents, altering countless shots each season. He continues to be a key figure in the modern era of the NBA, elevating his teams’ defensive standards.
Accolades:
- 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 5× NBA All-Star
- 3× All-NBA Defensive First Team
#6: Rajon Rondo (2006 – 2022)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs
Teams: Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers
Rajon Rondo is known for his exceptional court vision and defensive tenacity. He played a pivotal role in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 NBA Championship and later won another title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Rondo’s ability to orchestrate the offense and his knack for clutch playoff performances set him apart. His high basketball IQ and leadership have solidified his reputation as one of the best point guards of his era.
Accolades:
- 2× NBA Champion
- 4× NBA All-Star
- 2× All-NBA Third Team
#5: Robert Parish (1976 – 1997)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’0″, 230 lbs
Teams: Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls
Robert Parish, known as “The Chief,” was a cornerstone of the Celtics’ dynasty, winning four NBA championships. His durability and efficient scoring made him a vital component of his teams.
Parish’s ability to anchor the defense and his soft shooting touch earned him a place among the league’s elite centers. His longevity and consistency set the NBA record for most games played.
Accolades:
- 4× NBA Champion
- 10× NBA All-Star
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1984)
#4: Reggie Miller (1987 – 2005)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 185 lbs
Teams: Indiana Pacers
Reggie Miller was a lethal shooter known for his clutch performances, including his iconic eight points in nine seconds against the Knicks. He became the Pacers’ all-time leading scorer and a five-time All-Star.
Miller’s ability to hit big shots in critical moments was legendary, especially in the playoffs. His fierce competitiveness and leadership made him a key figure in the Indiana Pacers’ history.
Accolades:
- 5× NBA All-Star
- All-NBA Third Team (1997)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1993)
#3: Rick Barry (1965 – 1980)
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 205 lbs
Teams: San Francisco Warriors, Oakland Oaks (ABA), Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors
Rick Barry was a dynamic scorer known for his underhand free throws and game-winning performances. He led the Warriors to the 1975 NBA Championship and was named Finals MVP.
Barry’s unorthodox free-throw technique and relentless scoring ability set him apart. His competitive spirit and unique style made him a fan favorite and an influential player in both the NBA and ABA.
Accolades:
- NBA Champion (1975)
- NBA Finals MVP (1975)
- 8× NBA All-Star
#2: Ray Allen (1996 – 2014)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 205 lbs
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat
Ray Allen is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, holding the then-record for most three-pointers made. He won two NBA championships and was a 10-time All-Star.
Allen’s smooth shooting stroke and clutch performances, including his iconic three-pointer in the 2013 NBA Finals, have cemented his legacy. His work ethic and dedication to perfecting his craft made him a model of consistency and excellence.
Accolades:
- 2× NBA Champion
- 10× NBA All-Star
- NBA Three-Point Contest Champion (2001, 2002)
#1: Russell Westbrook (2008 – Present)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs
Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets
Russell Westbrook is renowned for his explosive athleticism and triple-double prowess, averaging a triple-double for an entire season four times. He won the MVP award in 2017 and continues to be a dynamic force with the Denver Nuggets.
Westbrook’s relentless energy and ability to impact the game in multiple facets have made him one of the most dynamic and polarizing figures in NBA history. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding sets him apart as one of the league’s most versatile players.
Accolades:
- NBA MVP (2017)
- 9× NBA All-Star
- 11× NBA All-Defensive Team
