The 12 Best NBA Players of The 90s

#12: Reggie Miller (1987-2005)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 195 lbs

Reggie Miller was one of the most prolific and clutch shooters of the 1990s, known for his exceptional three-point shooting and his ability to perform under pressure. Playing his entire career with the Indiana Pacers, Miller was the face of the franchise throughout the decade. 

He was a five-time NBA All-Star in the 90s and consistently ranked among the league leaders in three-point field goals made and percentage.

Miller’s most iconic moments came during the playoffs, where he had several memorable performances, including his legendary 8 points in 9 seconds against the New York Knicks in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

He averaged over 20 points per game in the 1990s and was named to the All-NBA Third Team three times. Miller’s sharpshooting and competitive spirit made him one of the defining players of the 90s.

#11: Clyde Drexler (1983-1998)

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

Unknown date 1992; Portland, OR, USA: FILE PHOTO; Portland Trail Blazers guard Clyde Drexler (22) drives to the basket during the 1992 season at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Clyde “The Glide” Drexler was one of the most versatile and athletic players of the 1990s. During this decade, he was a key player for the Portland Trail Blazers and later for the Houston Rockets, where he won an NBA championship in 1995. 

Drexler was an eight-time NBA All-Star in the 90s and was named to the All-NBA Team five times during this period.

Drexler’s all-around game included scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, as he averaged around 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game throughout the decade. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his leadership on the court made him one of the most respected players of his era.

#10: John Stockton (1984-2003)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 170 lbs

John Stockton was the epitome of consistency and excellence at the point guard position throughout the 1990s. He led the NBA in assists per game for nine consecutive seasons, including every year from 1990 to 1997. 

Stockton was a nine-time NBA All-Star during the decade and was named to the All-NBA Team multiple times. His ability to run the offense and his pinpoint passing helped the Utah Jazz become one of the top teams in the Western Conference. 

He averaged around 14 points and 12 assists per game in the 90s and is the all-time leader in assists and steals. Stockton’s leadership and playmaking were crucial to the Jazz’s back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.

#9: Gary Payton (1990-2007)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 180 lbs

Gary “The Glove” Payton was known for his defensive prowess and competitive fire throughout the 1990s. As the leader of the Seattle SuperSonics, Payton was a nine-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Team multiple times during the decade. 

He was also the 1996 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the only point guard to win the award.

Payton averaged around 19 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals per game in the 90s, consistently ranking among the top defenders and playmakers in the league. His intense defense and ability to score and distribute the ball helped the SuperSonics reach the NBA Finals in 1996.

• #8: Patrick Ewing (1985-2002)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 240 lbs

Patrick Ewing was the cornerstone of the New York Knicks throughout the 1990s, known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. Ewing was an eight-time NBA All-Star during the decade and was named to the All-NBA Team multiple times. He averaged around 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game in the 90s.

Ewing led the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1994 and consistently had them as contenders in the Eastern Conference. His physical presence and leadership on the court made him one of the most dominant centers of the decade.

#7: Scottie Pippen (1987-2004)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs

Scottie Pippen was the perfect complement to Michael Jordan, playing a crucial role in the Chicago Bulls’ dominance during the 1990s. Pippen was a seven-time NBA All-Star during the decade and was named to the All-NBA Team multiple times. 

He was also an eight-time NBA All-Defensive Team member in a row in the 90s, showcasing his elite defensive skills.

Pippen averaged around 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in the 90s and was instrumental in the Bulls winning six NBA championships. His versatility, defense, and playmaking ability made him one of the most complete players of the decade.

#6: David Robinson (1989-2003)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 235 lbs

David Robinson, known as “The Admiral,” was one of the most dominant centers of the 1990s. Playing his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs, Robinson was a nine-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Team multiple times during the decade. He was the 1995 NBA MVP and led the league in scoring in 1994.

Robinson averaged around 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game in the 90s, consistently ranking among the league leaders in all three categories. His combination of athleticism, skill, and leadership helped transform the Spurs into a perennial contender, culminating in an NBA championship in 1999.

#5: Charles Barkley (1984-2000)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 252 lbs

Charles Barkley, known as “Sir Charles,” was one of the most dominant and dynamic power forwards of the 1990s. His unique combination of strength, agility, and skill allowed him to overpower opponents despite being undersized for his position. Barkley was an eight-time NBA All-Star in the 90s and was named to the All-NBA Team seven times during the decade.

In 1993, Barkley won the NBA MVP award and led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals. He averaged around 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in this decard, showcasing his all-around game. Barkley’s charismatic personality and tenacious play made him one of the most beloved and influential players of his era.

#4: Shaquille O’Neal (1992-2011)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 325 lbs

Shaquille O’Neal, often referred to as “Shaq,” was a force of nature in the 1990s, revolutionizing the center position with his combination of size, power, and agility. O’Neal was a seven-time NBA All-Star in the 90s and was named to the All-NBA Team six times during the decade.

Shaq began his career with the Orlando Magic in 1992, where he quickly became one of the league’s most dominant players, leading them to the NBA Finals in only three years. He averaged around 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in the 90s. 

After moving to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, Shaq continued to dominate, laying the foundation for future championships. His imposing presence on the court and larger-than-life personality off it made him a central figure in the NBA throughout the decade.

#3: Karl Malone (1985-2004)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 250 lbs

Karl Malone, known as “The Mailman,” was one of the most consistent and durable players of the 1990s. Playing his entire prime with the Utah Jazz, Malone was a nine-time NBA All-Star during the decade and was named to the All-NBA Team ten times. He won two NBA MVP awards in 1997 and 1999, highlighting his dominance in the league.

Malone averaged around 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the 90s, leading the Jazz to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998. 

His relentless work ethic, scoring ability, and physicality made him one of the most feared power forwards in NBA history. Malone’s pick-and-roll partnership with John Stockton was one of the most effective in NBA history, making the Jazz perennial contenders throughout the decade.

#2: Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-2002)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 255 lbs

Hakeem Olajuwon, also known as “The Dream,” was one of the most skilled and versatile centers of the 1990s. Playing for the Houston Rockets, Olajuwon led the team to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP honors both times. He was a nine-time NBA All-Star in the 90s and was named to the All-NBA Team six times during the decade.

Olajuwon averaged around 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game in the 90s. His remarkable footwork, defensive prowess, and scoring ability, including his signature “Dream Shake” move, made him a dominant force on both ends of the court. 

Olajuwon won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1993 and 1994, with the second award coupled with his first MVP, achieving the rare and prestigious double achievement. His impact on the game and his ability to elevate his play in crucial moments solidified his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

#1: Michael Jordan (1984-2003)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 216 lbs

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, and his dominance in the 1990s is a significant part of that legacy. Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships during the decade, earning Finals MVP honors each time. 

He was an seven-time NBA All-Star in the 90s and was named to the All-NBA First Team every year he played in the decade. Jordan’s averages of around 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in the 90s underscored his scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive drive. 

He won four NBA MVP awards in the decade (1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) and was also named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1988. Jordan’s clutch performances, including iconic moments like the “Flu Game” and his game-winning shot in the 1998 Finals, cemented his status as a basketball legend. His influence extended beyond the court, making him a global icon and elevating the popularity of the NBA worldwide.