Most Influential Players In NBA History

Significance of These Players

Over the years there have been many people who have played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Only a select few have impacted and changed the game of basketball forever. These players had such impactful careers that rules were changed and the way the game was played was changed. These players are the reason for where the game of basketball is today: a fast paced, very-skillful, and fun to watch brand of basketball. Some of these players who changed the game are Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Manu Ginobili, Dirk Nowitzki, and Stephen Curry. Wilt Chamberlain was a dominant big man that had many rules changed because of how much better he was compared to his competition. Michael Jordan was the first athlete to become endorsed and really make a name for inself, on the court and through advertisements. Iverson changed the direction the game of basketball was going in and he started the small-ball movement. Allen Iverson created a sense of style that the NBA has never seen before, he brought the street life to the basketball. So much so that the NBA created a dress code that players need to follow. He was the first player to really embrace having tattoos, cornrows, and headbands changing the way players dressed. Iverson was also influential on the court, for he was the first point guard that was a true scorer. Before him, big men were the scorers on the team and the most dominant players. Manu Ginobili was a player who revolutionized international players in the NBA and created an unstoppable move. Dirk Nowitzki was one of the first bigs that was able to shoot threes, causing many big men in the game today to be able to shoot threes. He was also one of the first successful European players in the NBA, opening the door for many new international players to join the NBA. 
Stephen Curry has been one of the most influential to how the game of basketball is played
today. Teams value the three pointer now more than they ever had before, this phenomenon was created by Curry. Curry launches three from the parking lots of arenas and still makes them, and because of him teams now average 30 three-pointers per game.