25 NBA Stars Every Fan Should Know (And 10 Only Diehard Fans Can Name)
- by Joey Haverford
- – on
- in Sports
The NBA is currently booming thanks to the superstars appealing to viewers all over the world. Other sports leagues like the NFL and MLB have immensely struggled to create new stars in recent years. While it’s an issue for many leagues, the NBA is one sports home that can easily create new stars. Everyone knows LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry even if they don’t follow basketball due to the high profile of their star power. There are dozens of superstars in the league that have face and name recognition due to their play. Even role players tend to have bigger followings than major stars in other sports.
This quiz will test the knowledge of both diehard and casual fans alike. There will be 25 NBA stars that any fan should be able to name with ease. If a fan watches a few basketball games per year or just highlights, these players should be able to name. Many non-fans could guess them with ease as well. However, there will be another ten players at the end of the quiz that will up the difficulty. Only diehard fans would be able to guess them easily. Find out where you rank by trying to guess 25 NBA stars all fans should know and 10 only diehards will.
What is the name of this NBA player?
This NBA star has been in the news over the past few months due to being involved in a shocking trade. The Toronto Raptors lied to him about his future with the team before dealing him to the San Antonio Spurs. He was upset to be manipulated and see his time as a franchise player end with this organization. The talent level of this player is rather high after he started in last season’s All-Star Game. Which of the following NBA stars is the person shown here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The All-Star shown here has already had a successful career with many more years left to give. He has been a part of three NBA Championship rosters. Despite being a top tier star, he is not known for his scoring or offensive game. The superb defense makes him a force making things difficult for opposing players. Many fans know him for the attitude issues he presents due to many technical fouls and ejections accredited to his name. Which NBA star is this?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The career of this superstar has gone to the next level over the past season. Most fans never thought twice about him until he joined the Indiana Pacers in a trade. The initial reaction to the trade was that the Pacers lost the trade due to the lack of respect for this player. He proved all his doubters wrong by leading the Pacers to respectability and it won him the Most Improved Player of the season. Which of the following players is shown here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
Boston Celtics fans have fallen in love with this player due to his strong work ethic on the court and the humility shown off the court. Unlike most other All-Stars, this player is never involved in controversial headlines for talking trash or having drama going on with his career. He just shows up and helps the team win. Boston fell one game short of the NBA Finals while dealing with multiple injuries thanks to his play leading them. Who is he?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The player shown here made the biggest impact this past season in going from a relatively unknown prospect into a budding superstar. He took the Utah Jazz past the Oklahoma City Thunder for a shocking first-round playoff win where he held his own against superstar point guard Russell Westbrook. The future of the franchise is bright with this young talent hopefully improving to become the first Utah superstar in many years. Which of the following NBA stars is the one shown and discussed here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This point guard had a tremendous recent postseason emerging as one of the most underrated guards in the league. He played superb basketball for the New Orleans Pelicans as they swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first-round despite being the underdog. The player showed he could compete at a high level on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. New Orleans hopes he is good enough to be a superstar as they hope to contend. What is the name of this NBA star?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The Denver Nuggets believe they have their face of the franchise with this talented player making an impact for them in a major way. Despite being a 7-foot-tall center, he plays well at every aspect of the game leading to many triple doubles in his young career. The ability to score, rebound, pass and defend with the best of them at his position makes him a standout performer. Which of the following NBA stars is the correct one described and shown in the picture here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
One young budding superstar worth paying attention to is the shooting sensation pictured here. The Phoenix Suns recently signed him to an extension with the hope of him leading them back to relevance in the loaded Western Conference. Despite playing on a losing team for his entire young career so far, he has impressive accomplishments like winning the Three Point Shooting Contest and having a 70-point scoring night in the regular season. What is the name of the Suns star here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
Things have become complicated for this NBA star as he tries to find a new home. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason in a shocking move. Injury issues prevented him from making an impact, and Cleveland gave up on him mid-season by dealing him to the Los Angeles Lakers. This recent offseason saw him take a cheap one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets as he hopes to prove his value to the league. Who is this point guard?
What is the name of this NBA player?
Centers have a different role today compared to the past era of big men in the NBA. They can no longer camp out in the paint and slowly get to the hoop with strength and size. The game is faster, and centers now must have the athleticism and versatility to find success at every aspect of the game. This Utah Jazz big is doing a great job with his elite defense and impressive offense each improving every season. Which NBA star is this?
What is the name of this NBA player?
One center to make a big move this past summer is the big man shown here. He decided to sign with the Dallas Mavericks as a free agent in hopes of making the franchise his new home. We will see just how good he is with a roster of young prospects and talented role players all playing around him as the top guy. His dunks, paint scoring ability and defense are his strengths. The inability to shoot is a glaring weakness that could haunt him. Who is he?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The legendary veteran shown here is already a future Hall of Famer, but he is still playing in his 40s today. A decision was made to come back for at least one more season when he signed with the Atlanta Hawks this summer. He hopes to continue getting playing time while giving back to the league by helping mentor the young talents on the roster. Many longtime fans remember his dominance in the early 2000s, especially for his iconic dunks. Who is this former superstar?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This point guard spent a few years in the NBA as a talented reserve. However, the past five years have seen him rise in the pecking order from a solid bench player to a legitimate All-Star. Miami Heat fans saw him step up as their best player as the team made a good run in the second half of the season to snag a late playoff seed. He fits into their long-term plan as the point guard running the offense. What is his name?
What is the name of this NBA player?
Los Angeles Lakers fans were upset last season when this rookie failed to live up to the expectations set for him ahead of the NBA Draft. Magic Johnson made a bold move trading another young point guard just to open the spot for him to get the role. One disappointing season later, and he is now going to be teaming with LeBron James next season. This may be his final chance to prove his talent before the team looks to trade him. Who is he?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This veteran has seen his career perception change dramatically over the past five years. He was once an All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers before making a few moves in his career. Most teams viewed him as a starter, but he agreed to come off the bench for the Golden State Warriors. It ended with him winning the 2015 NBA Finals MVP along with three total NBA Championship rings. He is hoping to add a couple more before his career ends. What is his name?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The career of this player has seen him continue to develop a reputation for being one of the best bench players in NBA history. He has won two Sixth Man of the Year Awards over the past four years. Despite being arguably the best player on the Los Angeles Clippers roster, he comes off the bench due to having the ability to take over the game when coming in towards the end of the first quarter. Who is this NBA player?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This Denver Nuggets may be the most underrated basketball player today if a poll was done asking fellow NBA stars to pick one person. He is a four-time All-Star with overall great play on both sides of the court leading him to success. Last season was a disappointment due to injury issues causing him to miss time, but many believe Denver would have made the playoffs if he was healthy. A great return to prominence next season is expected from this player. Can you name him?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The former All-Star pictured here had a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Lakers due to coach Luke Walton giving him limited playing time to try to develop the younger players. He is still considered among the better scoring centers in the league. The Milwaukee Bucks signed him to a one-year deal with the hope of his addition making them contenders in the Eastern Conference. It will be a huge season for his career moving forward. Who is this NBA player?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This player has been a very underrated piece for a couple of teams in his career. The Detroit Pistons recently dealt him to the Los Angeles Clippers to land Blake Griffin. He was not happy about being viewed as an expendable asset and wants to show it in Los Angeles. The Clippers fan base want him to progress into their next superstar as the franchise rebuilds. His skill set, and athleticism gives him the tools to succeed if he can put everything together. Who is this?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The defensive play of this power forward made him a top tier big man in the league for a few seasons. Toronto Raptors fans hoped his addition would be enough to lead them past LeBron James in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. It didn’t work out that way and his play has regressed a bit over the past couple of years. He is still a relevant big man in the league as the Raptors give it one more try this season. What is his name?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The shooting skills of this player helped him become a valuable commodity in the NBA throughout the years, especially in recent seasons with outside shooting being more important than ever. He currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers as the veteran in the starting lineup with many of the younger assets trying to create legacies. His role on the team is highly important and can help them develop a contender for the rest of his career. Which NBA star is shown here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The Miami Heat have fallen out of love with this big man. His career once appeared to be on the track to become an All-Star level center for many years to come. Unfortunately, the evolution of the league has seen him fail to catch up to the other centers with his poor shooting. Both he and the Heat organization are unhappy with each other, but his contract is not one any other teams want to trade for. Who is this NBA player?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This young talent is trying to take his game to the next level from very good starter to borderline All-Star. Washington Wizards fans will need him to step up if they contend for an NBA Championship next season. His athleticism is superb which could see him become a force if he develops the play making and defensive aspects of his game each. Washington believes in him stepping up. Which of the following NBA stars is the one pictured and described here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The point guard shown here is the starter for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the roster being loaded with superb talents at almost every position, they barely made the playoffs after clinching the eighth seed on the final game of the season. Things must change this upcoming season if they want to stay together. This point guard will be the key as he must play at a high level leading the offense. Which of the following players is the one described here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This wing player is a huge part of the future for the Philadelphia 76ers. He emerged as a third scoring option for the team this past season as they made the jump from lottery team into an Eastern Conference contender. His evolution along with the other teammates improving could make them an NBA Finals representative within the next season or two. He can play good defense and shoot from outside which makes him extremely valuable. Who is the NBA star shown here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
Time to start the difficult NBA players to predict! This young point is more known for his unique hairstyle than anything he’s done on the court. His career has been a disappointment since entering the league with the Orlando Magic. The fact that he’s still quite young will give him the chance to prove his worth again. New Orleans Pelicans management signed him with the hope of his emergence playing alongside the likes of Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis. Who is he?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The Brooklyn Nets are doing a good job rebuilding a young core of talent while freeing up cap space for a potential huge 2019 offseason. This young player is among the most important pieces for the future of the team. His defense has been impressive since entering the league as a rookie. However, the questionable offense improved to becoming a strong suit last season with more room to grow. Which of the following NBA players is the one shown here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This role player has been a good reserve off the bench at the center/power forward position. He has been a part of four different teams throughout his career. Oklahoma City Thunder fans currently have him on their team. The hope is that he will add more depth and play more minutes with Carmelo Anthony no longer on the roster. His defense could help them out a lot to contend in the Western Conference. Which of the following NBA players is he?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The role player here has been in the NBA for fourteen seasons. While he has never reached star territory, he is a capable athlete that does a good job coming off the bench or spot starting. Charlotte Hornets fans currently have him on their team as they look to return to the playoff picture next season. Many contenders could use a player like him off the bench which makes him interesting trade bait if Charlotte has a poor season. Who is he?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This player is an important piece for the Boston Celtics. With Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward injured last postseason, he stepped up in a bigger role as the team fell just one game short of winning the Eastern Conference. The toughness and defensive intensity of this player made him a big addition to the Celtics roster. Every contender wants someone like him on their roster come the postseason. Which of the following NBA players is the one pictured and described here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The Golden State Warriors have arguably the greatest NBA super team of all time. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and now DeMarcus Cousins are all on the roster with a chance to become future Hall of Famers. This young player joined the team when drafted back in 2017. The Chicago Bulls drafted him and sold him to the Warriors. This talented player has the chance to become a future relevant player. Who is this player?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This player received some playing time for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season in between the various trades. He looked impressive in limited time but did not get much of a chance in the postseason. With LeBron James no longer a part of the Cavaliers, it is likely he will get a bigger role on the team going forward next season. Time will tell if he makes a name and earns the opportunity to play clutch minutes. What is the name of this NBA player?
What is the name of this NBA player?
Diehard NBA fans will know this young player for his recent introduction into the league getting drafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Dallas Mavericks selected him before a draft-night that sent him to the Atlanta Hawks for another rookie. Atlanta believes this rookie will be their franchise player to lead them into the future. Some experts believe he is the most talented player from the draft class. Which of the following NBA players is this Hawks prospect shown here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
The Los Angeles Lakers have a core of young stars on the roster along with LeBron James and the other role players recently joining the team. One of the young players is shown here. He had a great showing in the Summer League along with a few standout moments towards the end of the regular season. It remains to be seen if he has the skills to become a consistent NBA player. Which of the following NBA players is described here?
What is the name of this NBA player?
This role player has been trying to make a name in the league over the past seven seasons. New York Knicks fans have appreciated his effort on the team despite their lack of success. The hard work endears him to fans as a capable reserve player. Time will tell if he can ever get to another level improving his overall reputation. If not, teams need depth and he provides that. What is the name of this lesser known NBA player?