Best NBA Players of the 80s: Legends of Basketball’s Golden Era
The 1980s were a transformative decade for the NBA, marked by intense rivalries, the emergence of iconic superstars, and a style of play that captivated fans around the world.
This era saw the NBA grow in popularity, driven by the legendary battles between teams like the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the rise of individual talents who redefined the game. The players of the 1980s left an indelible mark on basketball history, setting the stage for the global phenomenon the NBA would become.
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
This list celebrates the 10 best NBA players of the 80s, highlighting their achievements, impact, and lasting legacies.
Table of Contents
#10: George Gervin (1976-1985)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 180 lbs
Teams: San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls
George Gervin, famously known as “The Iceman,” was one of the most prolific scorers of the 1980s. Gervin’s smooth, effortless style and ability to score at will made him a nightmare for defenders throughout the league.
During the early 1980s, Gervin won two of his four NBA scoring titles (1980, 1982) and was a perennial All-Star, earning selections every year from 1980 to 1985. Gervin was known for his signature finger roll, a move that became his trademark and one of the most iconic shots in NBA history.
He averaged over 25 points per game during his time in the ’80s, and his scoring ability helped the San Antonio Spurs remain competitive throughout the decade. Gervin’s impact on the game extended beyond his scoring, as he became a cultural icon and one of the most beloved figures in the NBA.
Accolades:
- 4× NBA All-Star
- 4× All-NBA Second Team
- NBA Scoring Champion (1980, 1982)
#9: Dominique Wilkins (1982-1994)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 230 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic
Dominique Wilkins, known as “The Human Highlight Film,” was one of the most electrifying players of the 1980s. Wilkins was renowned for his incredible athleticism, powerful dunks, and scoring ability. He was a nine-time NBA All-Star, with seven of those selections coming in the 1980s.
Wilkins was also a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, dazzling fans with his high-flying acrobatics. During the ’80s, he consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers, averaging over 26 points per game for the decade. Wilkins’ combination of flair and production made him a fan favorite and one of the most feared offensive players in the NBA.
Accolades:
- 9× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion
- NBA All-NBA Second Team (1987)
#8: Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-2002)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’0″, 255 lbs
Teams: Houston Rockets
Hakeem Olajuwon, also known as “The Dream,” was one of the most dominant centers of the 1980s. His exceptional footwork, shot-blocking, and scoring ability led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
Olajuwon was named NBA Finals MVP both times, showcasing his ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage. He is the all-time leader in blocked shots in playoff history and consistently delivered in clutch moments, making him one of the most feared and respected playoff performers.
Accolades:
- 2× NBA Champion
- 2× NBA Finals MVP
- NBA All-Time Playoff Blocks Leader
#7: Isiah Thomas (1981-1994)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs
Teams: Detroit Pistons
Isiah Thomas was the heart and soul of the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons, leading them to back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. Known for his exceptional ball-handling, leadership, and clutch performances, Thomas was one of the best point guards of the 1980s.
He was a nine-time NBA All-Star during the decade and earned Finals MVP honors in 1990. Thomas’s ability to take over games with his scoring and playmaking made him a constant threat, and his toughness and competitive spirit defined the Pistons’ gritty style of play. Thomas finished the 1980s as one of the most accomplished and respected players in the league.
Accolades:
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
- 2× NBA Champion
- 1× NBA Finals MVP
- 9× NBA All-Star
#6: Julius Erving (1976-1987)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 lbs
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers
Julius “Dr. J” Erving was one of the most influential and iconic players of the 1980s. Known for his graceful athleticism, soaring dunks, and charismatic personality, Erving was a key figure in the NBA’s rise in popularity during the decade. Dr. J was an eight-time NBA All-Star in the ’80s and led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA Championship in 1983, where he was a crucial part of the team’s success.
His aerial artistry and smooth style of play helped define the era, and he finished his career with over 30,000 points combined between the ABA and NBA. Erving’s impact on the game extended beyond the court, as he became a global ambassador for basketball and inspired countless players who followed.
Accolades:
- NBA Champion (1983)
- 8× NBA All-Star
- ABA and NBA All-Star
#5: Michael Jordan (1984-1993, 1995-1998, 2001-2003)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 216 lbs
Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, began his NBA career in the 1980s, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, Jordan won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and went on to revolutionize the shooting guard position with his scoring, athleticism, and defensive prowess.
Michael Jordan’s influence extended beyond the court, as his signature Air Jordan sneakers became a global phenomenon. First released in 1985, the Air Jordan line revolutionized the sneaker industry and remains one of the most iconic and successful brands in history, making Jordan not only a basketball legend but also a cultural icon.
In the ’80s, Jordan won his first NBA MVP award in 1988 and also captured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year that same year—a rare and prestigious double achievement. Jordan was a five-time NBA All-Star during the decade and made the All-NBA First Team three times (1987-1989). He led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1987-1989), averaging over 32 points per game during that span.
Jordan’s impact on the game and the culture of basketball was profound, as he became the face of the NBA heading into the 1990s.
Accolades:
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
- NBA MVP (1988)
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
- 5× NBA All-Star
- 3× All-NBA First Team
- 3× NBA Scoring Champion (1987-1989)
#4: Moses Malone (1974-1995)
Position: Center / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 260 lbs
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Bullets, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers
Moses Malone was one of the most dominant big men of the 1980s, known for his incredible rebounding, scoring, and relentless work ethic. Malone won two NBA MVP awards during the decade (1982, 1983) and was a six-time All-NBA selection.
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
His crowning achievement came in 1983 when he led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA Championship, earning Finals MVP honors for his dominant playoff performance. Malone was a 12-time NBA All-Star, with eight of those selections coming in the 1980s. He was also the league’s leading rebounder for six consecutive seasons (1980-1985), showcasing his prowess on the boards.
Known for his famous “Fo’, Fo’, Fo'” prediction during the 1983 playoffs, which nearly came true as the Sixers lost only one game en route to the title, Malone’s impact on the game was immense, and he is remembered as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
Accolades:
- 2× NBA MVP
- NBA Champion (1983)
- 12× NBA All-Star
- 6× NBA Rebounding Leader
#3: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969-1989)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’2″, 225 lbs
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the most dominant center of the 1980s and one of the most accomplished players in NBA history. During the decade, Abdul-Jabbar won two NBA MVP awards (1980, 1985) and led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA Championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). Known for his unstoppable skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar was a six-time NBA All-Star in the ’80s and made the All-NBA First Team four times.
He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team twice during the decade. Kareem finished his career as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record he held for nearly 40 years. His combination of skill, longevity, and leadership helped the Lakers become the most dominant team of the 1980s, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is unquestionable.
Accolades:
- 6× NBA Champion
- 2× NBA MVP
- 4× All-NBA First Team
- 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team
#2: Larry Bird (1979-1992)
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 lbs
Teams: Boston Celtics
Larry Bird was the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics during the 1980s, leading the team to three NBA Championships (1981, 1984, 1986) and becoming one of the most iconic players in NBA history.
Bird won three consecutive NBA MVP awards (1984-1986), showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership. Known for his incredible shooting, passing, and basketball IQ, Bird was a nine-time NBA All-Star and made the All-NBA First Team nine times during the decade. He was also a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, demonstrating his prowess on both ends of the court.
Bird’s legendary rivalry with Magic Johnson defined the era, and his clutch performances and competitive spirit made him one of the most revered figures in the sport. Bird’s impact on the game and his role in revitalizing the NBA during the 1980s cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Accolades:
- 3× NBA Champion
- 3× NBA MVP
- 9× NBA All-Star
- 9× All-NBA First Team
- 3× NBA All-Defensive Team
#1: Magic Johnson (1979-1991, 1996)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
Magic Johnson was the ultimate playmaker of the 1980s, leading the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA Championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and revolutionizing the point guard position. Known for his incredible court vision, flashy passing, and leadership, Magic was a three-time NBA MVP (1987, 1989, 1990) and a nine-time NBA All-Star during the decade. He was also a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection.
Magic’s ability to orchestrate the offense and make clutch plays in the postseason set him apart. His versatility and basketball IQ elevated the Lakers’ playoff performances, making him a true legend in the NBA.
Accolades:
- 5× NBA Champion
- 3× NBA Finals MVP
- 12× NBA All-Star
