Remember The 90s? Name These NBA Players!
- by Joey Haverford
- – on
- in Sports
The 90s era of the NBA provided some of the greatest stories in sports history. We witnessed the rise of Michael Jordan becoming an iconic sports figure winning six NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls. The rivalries between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat led to fights breaking out on the court. Legends like Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and others created legacies that allow them to still make a living in basketball today. Most fans to see the 90s era of basketball like to consider themselves the most knowledgeable era of NBA viewers.
We are going to test that theory when it comes to the decade you love so much in NBA history. You will have to correctly guess the name of the following NBA player shown in each question. It will range from legends to All-Stars to role players. All these guys found a way to have a successful career in one of the toughest eras of the game. Only a true 90s NBA fan will be able to correctly guess them all. A few small clues will be given as you attempt to get a great score. Find out how you rank as the ultimate 90s NBA fan by naming these basketball stars from the era.
Name the NBA star
We are starting off with an easy one as this Hall of Famer was a huge part of the 90s. He played for the Chicago Bulls dynasty as one of the main reasons they dominated the NBA. The all-around play on both sides of the court saw him get respected for his offense and defense. One memorable moment featured him psyching out Karl Malone at the free throw line in the NBA Finals. Can you name this 90s basketball legend?
Name the NBA star
The Utah Jazz did not win any NBA Championships in the 90s, but they at least gave their fans a great team to support. A couple of memorable players played for the franchise during their best years. This player pictured may have been the most beloved for his style. He was extremely humble off the court and unselfish on the court. The assists were highly impressive as he made sure all his teammates had chances to contribute. Who is the Jazz 90s star pictured here?
Name the NBA star
The Houston Rockets managed to win two NBA Championships in the 90s behind the leadership of this man. Everyone in the league wanted to take advantage of Michael Jordan leaving the sport for a season and a half. Houston won the title in both years where it was wide open. This center was the back-to-back Finals MVP. Many argue he’s the greatest of all-time thanks to his dominant offense and defense. Which of the following NBA stars is pictured above?
Name the NBA star
Another center to dominate in the 90s is the big man shown here. The New York Knicks built their franchise around him after drafting him in the 90s. He led the Knicks to relevance in the 90s as they contended almost every season. Unfortunately, they always fell just a little short of reaching the promise land. His best chance came when falling to the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of the 1994 Finals. Knicks fans still miss him as the franchise has been a mess since he left. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
The Seattle SuperSonics had an impressive run in the latter half of the 90s thanks to this man. They had a few emerging stars, but the point guard pictured here was clearly their best player. His defense stifled the opposing point guards. The offense of his game didn’t lack either as he scored and assisted with impressive efficiency. He was known for being one of the greatest trash talkers in NBA history that got into his opponents’ heads. Can you name this Sonics star?
Name the NBA star
NBA fans currently know the San Antonio Spurs as an elite franchise that contends for an NBA Championship every season. However, that didn’t truly happen until the end of the 90s and the beginning of the 2000s. This man helped play a huge role in creating the culture that the Spurs are still benefiting from today. His biggest individual accolades are winning a regular season MVP Award and having a career high of 71 points. Who is this Spurs center?
Name the NBA star
Another franchise that is currently thriving today but struggled in the 90s is the Golden State Warriors. NBA fans never truly believed Golden State was a title contender at any point in the 90s despite having a very talented roster at different points. This specific player had a great college career at St. Johns and brought his skills to the Warriors. Three-point shooting was his biggest strength as Golden State stars seem to always love the deep shots. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
Indiana Pacers fans witnessed this superstar spend his entire career with them. While Pacers fans adored him, opposing players and fans hated him as much as anyone else in the era. His theatrics of talking trash, flopping and being a general pest made him quite memorable in the 90s. At one point, he event got into it with a celebrity at Madison Square Garden before destroying the Knicks in a very memorable performance. Can you name this sharpshooting Pacers legend?
Name the NBA star
The story of this player is a bit depressing compared to the rest when looking at his potential. Many believed he could have been among the best players of his generations if not for injuries. Before his body started to break down and diminish his game, he was a perennial All-Star often impressing for the Detroit Pistons. His game had everything needed to succeed from shooting to driving to the lane to playing superb defense. Do you remember his name?
Name the NBA star
Another story of injury hurting an NBA player’s career is the star pictured here. The combination of him and Shaquille O’Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995. Unfortunately, they were swept and could never return to the top of the Eastern Conference once Michael Jordan returned. This player suffered a few injuries to hurt his overall potential. We saw a glimpse of how special he was as a top tier guard at his peak. Can you name the Magic star?
Name the NBA star
This controversial figure had two sides to his career in the 90s. The biggest story featured him getting suspended for choking his head coach on the Golden State Warriors. It was a shocking story that could have ruined his career. To his credit, he was able to rebound in impressive fashion when joining the New York Knicks. The New York fan base welcomed him as he helped lead them to the 1999 NBA Finals for an improbable run. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
The talent level of this power forward could have seen him become a legend if he wanted it enough. His best years took place during his stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Seattle SuperSonics. He played a huge role in the Sonics getting to the 1996 NBA Finals. They may have had a chance most seasons, but a matchup with the 72-10 Chicago Bulls doomed them. This player was not just dominant as he had a bit of style with great dunks. Can you name him?
Name the NBA star
This guard is considered one of the most underrated players of the 90s. His all-around play allowed him to contribute in multiple aspects of the game. The 90s saw him play for the Los Angeles Lakers as their top shooting guard before Kobe Bryant joined the team leading to him having to find a new home. He played for the Charlotte Hornets to end the 90s and start the next millennium. Do you remember the name of this talented shooting guard?
Name the NBA star
The 90s star pictured here was the first overall pick of the 1990 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. He spent the rest of the decade playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets. His numbers often featured double double averages in the 90s as one of the most underrated big men of his time. While he never lived up to his potential as a franchise changer, he was good enough to be the second option on a very good team. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat each saw this man play impressive basketball for them in the 90s. As a point guard, he was able to score and pass the ball to great success. An underrated aspect of his game was the ability to make clutch shots. Opposing teams were in fear every time he had the ball in his hands late in the game. He often crushed the New York Knicks as a member of the Heat during the rivalry. Do you remember his name?
Name the NBA star
This power forward had success on and off the court in the 90s. The Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks saw him help lead both teams to the playoff picture. His better play took place in Charlotte, but he played a huge role in New York getting to the 1999 NBA Finals. Knicks fans still talk about his game-winning four-point play in a playoff game today. His off-court success came when playing the character Grandmama in commercials and sitcom appearances. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
Fans of the 90s should remember this star at first glance. He became a bit of a cult favorite for his underrated work contributing to winning teams. Both the Indiana Pacers and Seattle SuperSonics reached the postseason thanks to this forward being one of their better players. His popularity has continued long past retirement as bands have named songs after him and sitcoms have given him cameo appearances. Can you name this beloved 90s NBA star?
Name the NBA star
The early Chicago Bulls dynasty saw this talented player contribute to three NBA Championships. His work ethic made him arguably the third most important player on the team after Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The effort for rebounding and going after every loose ball made him a beloved member of the team. A move to the Orlando Magic saw him celebrate eliminating his former team in the 1995 Playoffs as his new teammates lifted him on their shoulders. Do you remember the name of this 90s forward?
Name the NBA star
This player was one of the most underrated guards of the 90s. The fact that he never played for a contender hurt his legacy from reaching a higher status, but fans of the era witnessed just how great he was. His best work came with the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings in the 90s. He averaged 20+ points per game most seasons in the 90s thanks to his superb shooting skills. Can you name this Hall of Fame shooting guard?
Name the NBA star
The Phoenix Suns witnessed this guard play with them for the entirety of the 90s. He played a huge role in the Suns getting to the 1993 NBA Finals before falling just short to the Chicago Bulls. The points and assists average for this point guard impressed every season in the 90s. Phoenix fans embraced him as the heart and soul of their franchise. His post-NBA life has seen get involved in politics. Do you know the name of this 90s guard?
Name the NBA star
New York Knicks fans fell in love with this guard when he became a surprise star for them. The three-point shooting star was undrafted but found a successful role in the NBA when joining the Knicks. His work ethic made up for the talent he lacked. He was a huge reason that the Knicks made the 1994 NBA Finals. Unfortunately, a horrible shooting performance in Game 7 helped sink the team. He still beloved in New York today. Who is it?
Name the NBA star
This man was remembered for being the shortest player in NBA history. The Charlotte Hornets gave him a chance to prove his worth and he gave them one of the biggest surprise stories in the sport. His success didn’t last in the long run, but his peak saw him become a household name. He even received a spot in the infamous Space Jam film starring Michael Jordan and other NBA stars. Can you remember the name of this 90s guard?
Name the NBA star
Today’s NBA game is all about three-point shooting. This wasn’t as important in the 90s where the game still revolved around driving into the lane or posting up in the paint. However, this star found success as a shooter. His biggest moment in the NBA was winning the All-Star Game MVP. Charlotte Hornets fans saw his best years, but he also played for the Miami Heat. His career would have been even bigger if he came into the current climate of the league. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
This player spent most of the 90s with the New York Knicks as a beloved figure. His numbers weren’t the greatest, but he made up for it with his tough-nosed playing style. Very few players would outwork him for rebounds and loose balls. He also was known for being an enforcer that was not afraid to get physical with opposing players. A recent story saw him get kicked out of Madison Square Garden by Knicks owner James Dolan which upset fans that still love him. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
The 90s saw this shooting guard become one of the most underrated players at his position. Both Miami Heat fans and Atlanta Hawks fans got to witness him play extremely well in his role. He averaged 20+ points per game quite a few seasons throughout the 90s. His outside shooting made him a valuable commodity at a time when efficient three-point shooters were rare. He is currently an analyst for TNT and NBA TV. Can you name this 90s guard?
Name the NBA star
This is another current broadcaster for NBA TV and TNT that played in the league during the 90s. He wasn’t the most dominant player at all, but he was a very successful role player. The Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Seattle SuperSonics saw him on their team in the 90s. His most memorable moment in the league came when he won the 1996 Slam Dunk Contest in improbable fashion. Do you remember the name of this 90s player?
Name the NBA star
The talent point guard shown here made a name in the 90s for his entertaining play. His best years came with the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards often averaging among the best numbers at his position in scoring and assists. He was viewed as one of the most underrated players in the league during his better seasons. Fans of the Blazers and Wizards fan base still refer to him when discussing their favorite retired players. Do you remember his name?
Name the NBA star
This point guard bounced around the league starting for various teams in the 90s. The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers each had him on their roster at different points. Pacers fans remember him fondly for his role on their best teams in the late 90s. The basketball intelligence of this player allowed him to continue working in basketball as a coach and now broadcaster today. Can you name this talented point guard of the 90s?
Name the NBA star
Talented big men were extremely important in the 90s. Most teams needed a center or power forward to dominate in the paint if they wanted to win. This player was huge for the Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle SuperSonics in the 90s. He averaged 20+ points per game a few times and would get double double averages a couple of seasons. His peak ended earlier than expected leading to money issues when he left the league. Do you remember the name of this big man?
Name the NBA star
This player was very underrated in the 90s for contributing to various teams. His time with Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers saw him put up impressive numbers. He averaged as much as 20 points per game as a shooting guard. The Utah Jazz signed him for the latter half of the 90s to end his career. He played a huge role in the team getting to back to back NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 before falling short to the Chicago Bulls. His job today is an active coach in the league. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
This sharpshooter was a talented player in the NBA during the 90s, but he is known today for having a son in the league. While his son is extremely talented, he should be respected for his own career. The Charlotte Hornets saw him on their roster for most of the 90s as one of the top bench players in the league. He would light it up from three-point range whenever entering the game. Do you know the name of this 90s player?
Name the NBA star
Most fans remember this guy for his college career at Duke, but he played a long NBA career as well. He was the third overall pick in the 1992 Draft with a lot of hype due to his college success. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected him, and he put up impressive numbers with them. He spent the rest of the 90s with the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons. His career started to fizzle out as the 90s ended. Who is he?
Name the NBA star
A nickname of the Dunking Dutchman saw this center become an exciting part of the Indiana Pacers in the 90s. He spent the entire decade with the Pacers trying to help them win an NBA Championship. While the Pacers ultimately fell short every year, he had a very successful career. He made an All-Star team and was considered the greatest Dutch basketball player of all-time. Reggie Miller named this player as one of his favorite teammates. Can you name him?
Name the NBA star
This player had a few extremely impressive seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns in the 90s. His scoring ability allowed him to average as much as 23 points per game in a season. He played his best with the Clippers before being traded away to the Hawks. His career started to trend downwards until the 90s to end his NBA career sooner than expected. He was able to make two All-Star appearances in the 90s. Can you remember his name?
Name the NBA star
Aside from one season with the Detroit Pistons, this player spent the 90s with the San Antonio Spurs. Before Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobili was the heart of the team, this player filled that role as the team tried to fight for a playoff spot each season. His scoring ability and shooting skills made him a highly impressive small forward. A clutch shot in the 1999 Western Conference Finals helped him become a bigger Spurs legend as they won an NBA Championship that season. Who is he?