Michael Jordan will forever be synonymous with the Chicago Bulls. Similarly, Magic Johnson is inseparable from the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird from the Boston Celtics. However, in the 21st Century, certain teams have gone a decade without a defining player, like the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. On the other hand, teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Lakers, and Golden State Warriors have had generational talents who will always be linked to their respective franchises. To solidify this, we have selected a player for each team who is best remembered as the face of the franchise since 2000. It’s important to note that this may not necessarily be the best player of the last two decades, but rather the player who first comes to mind when mentioning each franchise. Let’s dive in.
Joe Johnson and Al Horford also deserve recognition for their contributions to a consistently strong Hawks team that made the playoffs for ten consecutive years during their tenures. However, Trae Young stands out as the most talented and controversial player for the Hawks. He led the team to their second Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015. Young’s combination of streaky shooting and captivating charisma makes him marketable and a highlight reel for clutch shooting.
Paul Pierce could be considered the third greatest Celtic after Larry Bird and Bill Russell. He led mediocre rosters to the playoffs in the early 2000s before winning a championship and being named Finals MVP in 2008. Pierce was known for his ability to come through in clutch moments and was Kobe Bryant’s most formidable rival during the 2000s. It’s impossible to discuss Celtics greats without mentioning Pierce.
Since their back-to-back Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, the Nets haven’t had much to celebrate. Despite the formation of “super teams” in later years, Jason Kidd remains the only player to lead the Nets to the Finals twice. Kidd was the best two-way point guard of the 2000s and instantly turned the Nets into contenders when he joined the team. Although he didn’t win a championship with the Nets, he later achieved that feat with the Dallas Mavericks, solidifying his status as an all-time great guard.
The most unfortunate franchise could argue that Michael Jordan is the most iconic Bobcat/Hornet of the 2000s, even though he never played for them and has since retired from his minority ownership role. The team has struggled with draft picks more than any other franchise. However, their biggest success came when they selected Kemba Walker as the ninth overall pick in 2011. Walker is the greatest player in franchise history, leading the team to its only two playoff appearances between 2010 and 2020 and earning the franchise’s sole All-Star recognition.
Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, is considered the second-best player in Chicago Bulls history, after Michael Jordan. Rose was idolized by younger players who grew up watching him and are now competing against him in the league. His prime years were magical, leading a Bulls team known for its toughness and tenacity. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his career, making it one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history.
LeBron James, without a doubt, is the second-greatest player of all time and the most dominant player of the 2000s. His championship victory for Cleveland in 2016 solidified his status as the greatest Ohioan of all time.
Dirk Nowitzki’s impact on the Dallas Mavericks is evident from the one-legged fade-away statue outside the American Airlines Center on Nowitzki Way. He is widely regarded as the greatest European player ever. By staying with the Mavericks for his entire 21-year career, Nowitzki endeared himself to the people of Dallas. He proved his doubters wrong by winning the 2011 championship, which is considered one of the toughest runs to a championship in NBA history.
As much as I wanted to include Carmelo Anthony, Nikola Jokić is undoubtedly the best player in Denver Nuggets history. He led the team to its first NBA championship in 2020 and has won two MVP awards. Jokić’s skills as a center make him the best passer, playmaker, and leader in franchise history, and he still has room to grow.
The Detroit Pistons have struggled to regain their championship form since their 2004 victory. They have faced numerous challenges and only made the playoffs twice in the last two decades, getting eliminated in the first round both times. That’s why Chauncey Billups, the 2004 Finals MVP, stands out as the most recognizable Piston. Billups was a two-way player and clutch shotmaker who led the Pistons to their only championship in the last two decades without a superstar.
Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter of all time, has won four championships and numerous accolades. He revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting, influencing the entire league. There’s not much more to say about his impact.
Before Luka Dončić, James Harden was known as the most unstoppable scorer in the game. Despite having less talented teammates, he made them playable and flourished offensively during his tenure with the Houston Rockets. However, his off-court activities, particularly his involvement with rappers and strippers, made him a legendary figure in Houston’s underground scene and the most recognizable player in franchise history.
Paul George has expressed his belief that the Indiana Pacers organization lacked the commitment to win a championship during his time there. It’s a shame because the George-led team, featuring players like Roy Hibbert, Lance Stephenson, George Hill, and David West, always seemed one piece away from winning it all. George is the most dynamic and gifted player in franchise history, although Reggie Miller is still considered the best. If George had spent his prime years in Indiana and if the ownership had been dedicated to winning, it could have been a special era for the franchise.
Blake Griffin never led the Clippers to the Conference Finals, and he wasn’t even the best player on the team. However, during his prime, he was the most recognizable and the face of the franchise. Griffin was not only one of the best dunkers of all time but also a five-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection. He appeared in more commercials than Chris Paul, who is considered the best Clipper, and was generally more likable, except in Paul’s eyes.
Kobe Bryant is the greatest player in Los Angeles Lakers history and the reason why more than half the league’s current players picked up a basketball.
This spot could have gone to either Pau Gasol or Marc Gasol, but Zach Randolph truly embodied the spirit of the Grit-N-Grind era for the Memphis Grizzlies. He utilized his physicality and soft touch around the rim to become a force in the half-court game. Randolph’s blue-collar approach and relatable background endeared him to the city of Memphis, making him the perfect representative of the team’s glory days.
Dwyane Wade, the second-best shooting guard of all time, won three championships and is widely disliked outside of Miami.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the potential to be one of the top five players of all time. Although he may not achieve that goal in Milwaukee, where the team’s aging roster has reached its peak, he is still the best player to represent the Bucks since Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Giannis’ combination of offensive and defensive prowess has earned him the title of the GOAT as LeBron James ages. His championship victory in 2020 solidified his status as a legend in Milwaukee.
Kevin Garnett had the misfortune of playing for a franchise that never prioritized building a true contender. However, his generational talent put the Minnesota Timberwolves on the map.
Zion Williamson had the potential to hold this spot, but due to his recurring injuries, he hasn’t been able to take over the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis, on the other hand, was the best big man in the NBA during his time with the Pelicans. His dominance prompted the Lakers to trade for him, teaming him up with LeBron James. One can only wonder how far they could have gone if DeMarcus Cousins hadn’t been injured during his lone season with the Pelicans.
Carmelo Anthony is adored by Knicks fans of a certain age. He was the only superstar during the first two decades of James Dolan’s ownership. Anthony led the Knicks back to the playoffs in 2011, ending a drought that lasted since 2004. Although he couldn’t lead them to a championship, his scoring ability, charisma, and All-Star appearances made him a star worth rooting for.
Kevin Durant is the best player in Oklahoma City Thunder history. However, Russell Westbrook is the most beloved. Westbrook earned the title of “Mr. Thunder” due to his loyalty and refusal to leave the franchise in free agency, unlike Durant. Despite the jokes and animosity that followed Durant’s departure, Westbrook endeared himself to the fanbase. He never shied away from the competition and embodied the unique and captivating style of the Thunder team in the 2010s.
Dwight Howard’s impact and resonance with the Orlando Magic are unparalleled. He took over the torch from Shaquille O’Neal as the best big man in the game. Like O’Neal, Howard embraced the Superman persona and led the team to the Finals. However, his immature and goofy personality caused friction not only in Orlando but throughout his career. Nevertheless, he remains the most recognizable Magic player of the last two decades.
Joel Embiid deserves respect for his achievements. As last season’s MVP, he is on track to become one of the greatest big men in NBA history. He is the most popular Philadelphia 76er since Allen Iverson. Embiid’s offensive skills and online persona have endeared him to younger fans who appreciate his humor and ability to roast other players.
Steve Nash, a Canadian point guard with limited athleticism, achieved the incredible feat of winning back-to-back MVP awards. Although one of those awards should have gone to Shaquille O’Neal, Nash’s impact cannot be denied. He made his teammates better, revolutionized the NBA’s pace and three-point offense, and is one of the most likable players to ever wear an NBA jersey (not so much as a coach).
Damian Lillard’s loyalty to the Portland Trail Blazers was never fully rewarded with a true championship contender. However, his clutch performances earned him the nickname “Dame Time.” Lillard is considered the greatest player in Blazers history and has the opportunity to win his first ring in Milwaukee. His tenure in Portland has earned him recognition as the face of the franchise.
DeMarcus Cousins was drafted by the Sacramento Kings during a tumultuous period for the franchise. Despite the coaching changes, losing records, and internal instability, Cousins stood out as a talented player. He was the lone bright spot between the team’s playoff appearances in 2006 and 2023. Cousins is the most recognizable Kings player due to his offensive potential and his sometimes disruptive personality, which led to clashes with management and coaches.
Tim Duncan, the greatest power forward of all time, won five championships and is the greatest player in San Antonio Spurs history.
Vince Carter, also known as “Half Man, Half Amazing,” left the Toronto Raptors in 2004 with some lingering animosity. However, in the two decades since, no player has meant more to the organization than Carter. He is widely regarded as the best dunker of all time and was once considered the next Michael Jordan, earning the nickname “Air Canada.” Despite not leading the Raptors past the conference semifinals, Carter remains the most synonymous player with the team, even with the presence of Kyle Lowry, Demar DeRozan, and Kawhi Leonard.
Rudy Gobert is one of the most disliked players in Utah Jazz history, which is saying a lot for a franchise that boasts Karl Malone and John Stockton as their greatest players. Gobert’s dismissive attitude towards COVID and his inability to mesh well with Donovan Mitchell have branded him as immature. However, his defensive dominance is undeniable. He has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and has been recognized multiple times on the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. Gobert’s impact on the Jazz’s winning record surpasses that of Mitchell or Deron Williams, the two other notable players in franchise history.
Gilbert Arenas and Bradley Beal may have been healthier and better scorers, but John Wall embodied the youthful energy and swagger of the Washington Wizards in the 2000s. His pre-game Dougie dance became iconic. Wall revitalized the franchise, leading them to multiple playoff appearances. His playoff performances, averaging 21.9 PPG, 9.8 APG, and 4.3 RPG, showcased his skills as a dynamic point guard.
According to the Source deadspin.com