The 12 Best NBA Players In The 70s

#12: Pete Maravich (1970-1980)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 197 lbs

Pete “Pistol” Maravich was one of the most electrifying players of the 1970s. Known for his incredible ball-handling, passing, and scoring ability, Maravich dazzled fans with his flair and creativity on the court. 

During the 1970s, he played for the Atlanta Hawks, making the All-Rookie First Team in 1971, and the New Orleans Jazz. Maravich led the league in scoring during the 1976-77 season, averaging 31.1 points per game, and was a five-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team selection. 

He was also named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams.

#11: George Gervin (1976-1985)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 180 lbs

George “The Iceman” Gervin was one of the coolest and most prolific scorers of the 1970s. Known for his smooth style and deadly finger roll, Gervin made scoring look effortless and was a constant offensive threat.

Gervin began his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs after the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s top scorers, leading the NBA in scoring average four times during his career, including twice in the 1970s. His best season came in 1977-78, when he averaged 27.2 points per game, earning him his first scoring title. Gervin was a nine-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA First Team selection.

His unique blend of size, agility, and scoring ability made him one of the most difficult players to defend and a beloved figure in San Antonio and the NBA as a whole. Gervin was also named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

#10: Willis Reed (1964-1974)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 235 lbs

Willis Reed is best remembered for his inspiring leadership and resilience, epitomized by his heroic return in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, which led the New York Knicks to their first championship. Reed’s combination of strength, skill, and determination made him one of the dominant centers of the era.

Reed’s 1970 season was particularly outstanding, as he won the NBA MVP award and led the Knicks to a championship, earning Finals MVP honors in the process. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection, including two First Team nods. Reed’s tenacity and clutch performances earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams.

#9: Dave Cowens (1970-1983)

• Position: Center / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 230 lbs

Dave Cowens was a versatile and relentless competitor who played a crucial role in the Boston Celtics’ success in the 1970s. Known for his all-around game and relentless hustle, Cowens could score, rebound, and defend with the best of them.

Cowens won the NBA MVP award in 1973 and led the Celtics to two championships in 1974 and 1976. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection, including two First Team honors. Cowens’ ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made him one of the most respected players of his era.

#8: Bob McAdoo (1972-1986)

• Position: Center / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 210 lbs

Bob McAdoo was one of the most dominant scoring big men of the 1970s. His combination of shooting touch and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. McAdoo was a prolific scorer, leading the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons from 1974 to 1976.

McAdoo won the NBA MVP award in 1975 and was a five-time NBA All-Star. His career averages of 22.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game highlight his offensive prowess and rebounding ability. McAdoo’s versatility and scoring ability set him apart as one of the premier big men of his time.

#7: Rick Barry (1965-1980)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 205 lbs

Rick Barry was one of the most unique and prolific scorers in NBA history, known for his unorthodox underhand free throw technique and scoring prowess. Barry led the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship in 1975, earning Finals MVP honors.

Barry was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA First Team selection. He led the league in scoring in 1967 and was known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court. Barry’s fiery competitiveness and scoring ability made him one of the standout players of the 1970s.

#6: Bill Walton (1974-1988)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’11”, 210 lbs

Bill Walton was one of the most skilled and versatile centers of the 1970s, known for his exceptional passing, rebounding, and defensive abilities. Walton’s impact on the game went beyond the stat sheet, as he was a key component of the Portland Trail Blazers’ success.

Walton led the Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship in 1977, earning Finals MVP honors. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA MVP award in 1978. Despite his career being marred by injuries, Walton’s talent and impact on the game were undeniable.

#5: Elvin Hayes (1968-1984)

• Position: Power Forward / Center
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 235 lbs

Elvin Hayes was a dominant force in the paint throughout the 1970s, known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability. Hayes was a 12-time NBA All-Star and a six-time All-NBA selection, including three First Team honors.

Hayes led the Washington Bullets to an NBA championship in 1978 and was consistently among the league leaders in scoring and rebounding. His career averages of 21.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game highlight his dominance on both ends of the floor. Hayes’ toughness and productivity made him one of the standout players of the decade.

#4: Walt Frazier (1967-1980)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 200 lbs

Walt “Clyde” Frazier was one of the smoothest and most stylish players of the 1970s, known for his excellent defense, playmaking, and clutch performances. Frazier was a key figure in the New York Knicks’ two championships in 1970 and 1973, and his Game 7 performance in the 1970 Finals remains legendary.

Frazier was a seven-time NBA All-Star and a six-time All-NBA selection, including four First Team nods. He was also a seven-time All-Defensive First Team selection, showcasing his prowess on both ends of the court. Frazier’s ability to control the game and come through in crucial moments made him one of the premier guards of his era.

#3: John Havlicek (1962-1978)

• Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 203 lbs

John Havlicek, known as “Hondo,” was one of the most versatile and durable players in NBA history. His tireless work ethic, scoring ability, and defensive skills made him a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ success during the 1970s. Havlicek won eight NBA championships with the Celtics, including two in the 1970s.

Havlicek was a 13-time NBA All-Star and an 11-time All-NBA selection, including four First Team honors. He was also an eight-time All-Defensive First Team selection. Havlicek’s career averages of 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game highlight his all-around contributions to the game. He was named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams, solidifying his place among the greats.

#2: Julius “Dr J” Erving (1976-1987)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 lbs

Julius “Dr. J” Erving was one of the most influential and electrifying players of the 1970s. Known for his incredible athleticism and above-the-rim play, Erving brought a new level of excitement to the game. He was a major star in the ABA before the merger, and his impact carried over to the NBA when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers.

He led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals three times, including once in 1977. Erving was an All-Star in each of his 11 NBA seasons and earned All-NBA honors in his first two years in the league, making the First Team in 1978 and the Second Team in 1977.

Erving’s NBA averages during the 1970s were 23.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, highlighting his all-around brilliance. He was named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams, underscoring his legacy as one of the game’s most iconic figures.

#1: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969-1989)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’2″, 225 lbs

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor, was the most dominant player of the 1970s and arguably the greatest center in NBA history. His patented skyhook shot was nearly unstoppable, and his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities were unparalleled.

During the 1970s, Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the game was profound. He won five NBA MVP awards in the decade (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977), a testament to his dominance. He also led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 1971 and was named Finals MVP. In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he continued to excel, further cementing his legacy.

In the 1970s alone, Abdul-Jabbar was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a six-time All-NBA First Team selection. His averages during the decade were an impressive 28.6 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, showcasing his all-around game and dominance in the paint.

Abdul-Jabbar was named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in basketball history.