The article explores the greatest U.S. basketball players of all time, from George Mikan to Michael Jordan. It is part of USA TODAY's '250 for 250' series celebrating America's top athletes as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
Key points
Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith.
The NBA was founded in 1949.
George Mikan was the first professional basketball superstar.
The article is part of the '250 for 250' series by USA TODAY Sports.
Mentioned in this story
NBAUSA TODAY Sports
James NaismithGeorge MikanMichael Jordan
While today's sports fans may not be able to imagine an American sports scene without basketball, more than 115 years passed between the signing of the "Declaration of Independence" and the first game of hoops in Springfield, Massachusetts.
James Naismith's invention began its spread across the nation in 1891. One year later, colleges began playing. The NBA was founded in 1949, and George Mikan quickly became the first professional basketball superstar. Now, as we near our nation's 250th birthday, we look back at the best U.S. athletes to play this uniquely American sport.
About USA TODAY's '250 for 250' series
Now through July 4, USA TODAY Sports is releasing our "250 for 250" list of America's top homegrown athletes of all time. Each week we'll bring you all-time standouts from across the sports world, and give readers a chance to vote on who should be featured.
Now, on to the list of our nation's top homegrown men's basketball players:
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
Jordan first became a national star when he hit the game-winning shot for North Carolina in the 1982 national championship game. He then took the NBA to new global heights as a six-time champion with the Chicago Bulls and member of the original Dream Team. Jordan won five NBA MVP awards and his "Air Jordan" shoe line and Jordan brand transformed Nike and the basketball apparel industry.
LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (OH)
James was a high school sensation who lived up to all the hype to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and the most influential player of his generation. The Akron, Ohio native has won four NBA titles with three different teams, three MVP awards and three Olympic gold medals. He ushered in the league's player empowerment era when he made "The Decision" to leave the for the in 2010 and became the first NBA player to earn more than $1 billion in salary during his active career.
Q&A
Who are considered the greatest U.S. basketball players of all time?
The article highlights players like Michael Jordan and George Mikan as some of the greatest U.S. basketball players.
What is the '250 for 250' series by USA TODAY Sports?
'250 for 250' is a series celebrating America's top homegrown athletes as the nation nears its 250th birthday, featuring weekly standouts from various sports.
When was the NBA founded and who was its first superstar?
The NBA was founded in 1949, and George Mikan was the first professional basketball superstar.
How did basketball originate in the United States?
Basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, and quickly spread to colleges across the nation.
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Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (OH)
Kobe Bryant, Lower Merion High School (PA)
Stephen Curry, Charlotte Christian School (NC)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Power Memorial Academy (NY)
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Everett High School (MI)
Larry Bird, Springs Valley High School (IN)
Bill Russell, McClymonds High School (CA)
Wilt Chamberlain, Overbrook High School (PA)
Shaquille O'Neal, Cole High School (TX)
Tim Duncan, St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Kevin Durant, Montrose Christian School (MD)
Allen Iverson, Bethel High School (VA)
Oscar Robertson, Crispus Attucks High School (IN)
Elgin Baylor, Spingarn High School (DC)
Jerry West, East Bank High School (WV)
Julius Erving, Roosevelt High School (NY)
Moses Malone, Petersburg High School (VA)
Kevin Garnett, Farragut Career Academy (IL)/Mauldin High School (SC)
Charles Barkley, Leeds High School (AL)
Karl Malone, Summerfield High School (LA)
David Robinson, Osbourn Park High School (VA)
Isiah Thomas, St. Joseph High School (IL)
John Havlicek, Bridgeport High School (OH)
Pete Maravich, Daniel High School (SC)
Chris Paul, West Forsyth High School (NC)
Meadowlark Lemon, Wiliston High School (NC)
Dwyane Wade, Harold L. Richards High School (IL)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (OH)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kobe Bryant, Lower Merion High School (PA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Stephen Curry, Charlotte Christian School (NC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Power Memorial Academy (NY)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Everett High School (MI)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Larry Bird, Springs Valley High School (IN)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Bill Russell, McClymonds High School (CA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Wilt Chamberlain, Overbrook High School (PA)
10 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Shaquille O'Neal, Cole High School (TX)
11 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Tim Duncan, St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School (U.S. Virgin Islands)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kevin Durant, Montrose Christian School (MD)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Allen Iverson, Bethel High School (VA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Oscar Robertson, Crispus Attucks High School (IN)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Elgin Baylor, Spingarn High School (DC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Jerry West, East Bank High School (WV)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Julius Erving, Roosevelt High School (NY)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Moses Malone, Petersburg High School (VA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kevin Garnett, Farragut Career Academy (IL)/Mauldin High School (SC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Charles Barkley, Leeds High School (AL)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Karl Malone, Summerfield High School (LA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
David Robinson, Osbourn Park High School (VA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Isiah Thomas, St. Joseph High School (IL)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
John Havlicek, Bridgeport High School (OH)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Pete Maravich, Daniel High School (SC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Chris Paul, West Forsyth High School (NC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Meadowlark Lemon, Wiliston High School (NC)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
The greatest 3-point shooter in NBA history burst onto the scene as a March Madness star who led the country in scoring and set NCAA records for 3-point shooting at Davidson. Curry then led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships and his infectious style of play, with the ability to hit shots from anywhere inside the halfcourt line, helped change the way the game is played by relying on the 3-point shot to historic levels.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Power Memorial Academy (NY)
Abdul-Jabbar, under the name Lew Alcindor, led Power Memorial Academy to a national record 71-straight wins and won three-straight NCAA championships at UCLA (1967-69) while being named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament in all three appearances. Abdul-Jabbar won an NBA record six MVP awards and six NBA titles with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. The skyhook became his signature move.
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Everett High School (MI)
Johnson's rivalry with Larry Bird, beginning when Johnson won an NCAA championship with Michigan State over Bird's Indiana State team in 1979, jumpstarted the NBA's growth during the 1980s. Johnson won five NBA titles and three MVP awards, revolutionizing the point guard position and turning the "Showtime" Lakers into a national sensation with his combination of size, court vision and sublime passing skills.
Larry Bird, Springs Valley High School (IN)
Bird became a household name after leading Indiana State to the 1979 national championship game and began a career-long rivalry with Magic Johnson that helped define an entire generation of NBA basketball. "The Hick From French Lick" won three NBA championships and three-straight MVP awards (1984-86) with the Boston Celtics. He is also the only person in NBA history to be named rookie of the year, MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star Game MVP, coach of the Year, and executive of the Year.
Bill Russell, McClymonds High School (CA)
Russell led San Francisco to back-to-back NCAA titles (1955-56) and served as captain of the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team that won a gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Games before becoming the most important figure of the NBA's greatest dynasty. Russell won 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics as a dominating defensive force, including eight titles in a row at one point. He also served as a player-coach for the Celtics later in his career, becoming the first Black coach in a major U.S. sport and the first to win an NBA championship in 1969.
Wilt Chamberlain, Overbrook High School (PA)
Chamberlain's prodigious ability on offense using his 7-foot-1 frame allowed him to lead the NBA in scoring, rebounding and assists at various points in his legendary career. He is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a game and the only player to average more than 30 points and 20 rebounds for a season. He won two NBA championships and four MVP awards, with his matchups against Bill Russell's Celtics turning into the league's biggest attraction for years.
Shaquille O'Neal, Cole High School (TX)
O'Neal's combination of size, power, footwork and personality made him a dominating figure on and off the court during his NBA career, initially when he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992 and later when he won NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. He is one of only three players in NBA history to win the regular-season MVP award, All-Star Game MVP award and NBA Finals MVP award in the same year (2000). He remains a ubiquitous presence with his role on "Inside the NBA" and a plethora of endorsement deals.
Tim Duncan, St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Duncan won five NBA titles and three MVP awards over 19 years with the San Antonio Spurs, emerging as arguably the greatest power forward of all-time thanks to his remarkable consistency. He is the only player in NBA history to earn all-NBA and all-defense honors in each of his first 13 seasons.
"The Slim Reaper" is viewed as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, with four Olympic gold medals, two NBA championships, one NBA Finals MVP and a regular-season MVP to his credit. He remains one of the league's stars after finishing his 18th NBA regular season with the Houston Rockets this year.
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.
Oct. 26: The Washington Wizards' Cam Whitmore dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena.
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
Oct. 25: The Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen at Ball Arena.
Oct. 24: The Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against the Miami Heat at FedExForum.
Oct. 24: The Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo dunks over the Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. at FedExForum.
Oct. 22: The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
Oct. 22: The Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past the Toronto Raptors' Sandro Mamukelashvili at the American Airlines Center.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Washington Wizards' Cam Whitmore dunks the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 25: The Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen at Ball Arena.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 24: The Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. dunks against the Miami Heat at FedExForum.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 24: The Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo dunks over the Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. at FedExForum.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 22: The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby goes up for a reverse dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Oct. 22: The Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers at Delta Center.
Allen Iverson, Bethel High School (VA)
Iverson was one of the most influential players of his time because of his fearless athleticism as a 6-foot guard, his signature crossover move, his embrace of hip-hop culture and even his hairstyle (cornrows). Iverson was a four-time NBA scoring champion who won MVP in 2011 when he led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals.
Oscar Robertson, Crispus Attucks High School (IN)
Robertson, or "The Big O," is one of the NBA's greatest point guards and the first player in league history to average a triple-double over an entire season. The 1964 MVP and 11-time all-NBA selection also forced the NBA to become the first major American professional sports league to establish free agency when he filed class-action antitrust lawsuit that led to the "Oscar Robertson Rule" in 1976.
Elgin Baylor, Spingarn High School (DC)
Little-recruited out of Washington, D.C. due to segregation laws, Baylor led Seattle University to the 1958 national championship game and became a significant NBA star over 14 years with the Lakers. Baylor earned first team all-NBA honors 10 times and is credited with bringing a more athletic and creative style to the game, using superior hang time and an array of mid-air moves to become one of the most emulated players of his generation.
Jerry West, East Bank High School (WV)
West led West Virginia to the 1959 national championship game and served as co-captain of the gold-medal winning 1960 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team. Nicknamed "The Logo" because his silhouette became part of the league's logo, he was named all-NBA in 12 of his 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and remains the only player to be voted NBA Finals MVP from the losing team. He also won six NBA championships as the Lakers' general manager and was twice named NBA executive of the year, with the Lakers (1995) and Memphis Grizzlies (2004).
Julius Erving, Roosevelt High School (NY)
Known as "Dr. J," Erving was the best player in the ABA when it merged with the NBA in 1976 and earned four MVP awards between the two leagues. He won two ABA titles with the Nets before winning an NBA championship in 1983 as part of the Philadelphia 76ers. Erving is also considered one of basketball's greatest dunkers, both in games and during Slam Dunk contests.
Moses Malone, Petersburg High School (VA)
Malone is one of the greatest rebounders of all-time who starred in the ABA and NBA over 21 seasons after becoming the first player in modern basketball to go directly from high school to the professional ranks. Malone was named NBA MVP three times and won an NBA title with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983.
Kevin Garnett, Farragut Career Academy (IL)/Mauldin High School (SC)
Garnett starred for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, and "The Big Ticket" remains one of five players in league history to have been named the NBA's MVP award and its defensive player of the year at various points of his 21-year career. Garnett was a 15-time All-Star who won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008.
Charles Barkley, Leeds High School (AL)
Barkley is arguably the NBA's best undersized power forward and the 1993 MVP winner remains one of the league's most influential voices through his role on "Inside the NBA." Barkley, a member of the original Dream Team, was a 10-time all-NBA selection during his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.
Karl Malone, Summerfield High School (LA)
Malone, nicknamed the "Mailman," ranks third all-time on the NBA's scoring list and won two MVP awards teaming with point guard John Stockton on the Utah Jazz. He was a first team all-NBA selection for 11-straight seasons (1989-99).
David Robinson, Osbourn Park High School (VA)
Nicknamed "The Admiral" for his standout college career at Navy, in which he experienced a massive growth spurt, Robinson became a perennial NBA All-Star with the San Antonio Spurs upon fulfilling a two-year military commitment. He was the 1995 NBA MVP and won two NBA titles, while leading the league in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots at various points.
Isiah Thomas, St. Joseph High School (IL)
Thomas, one of the league's greatest point guards, was the leader of the 1981 Indiana men's basketball team that won a national championship and the "Bad Boy" Pistons teams that won NBA championships in 1988 and 1989. He ranked third in assists in NBA history when he retired.
John Havlicek, Bridgeport High School (OH)
Havlicek, known as "Hondo," won eight NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and retired in 1978 as the NBA's all-time leader in games played and third on the league's all-time scoring list.
George Mikan, Joliet Catholic (IL)
Mikan led the nation in scoring and won an NIT title at DePaul and then helped define the sport in its formative years because of his size. Mikan's dominance inside as a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker led to the creation of the goaltending rule and the "Mikan Rule" that widened the lane under the basket. He won seven NBA/NBL championships in an eight-year span (1947-54) with the Minneapolis Lakers. Mikan was one of the founders of the ABA and served as the league's first commissioner after his playing career.
Bob Cousy, Andrew Jackson High School (NY)
"The Houdini of the Hardwood" helped transform the point guard position for the modern era with his fast-paced dribbling and fantastic passing skills. He led the NBA in assists eight times, won six NBA championships and earned league MVP honors in 1957. Cousy also helped establish the NBA Players Association as the first trade union among the major U.S. professional sports leagues and served as its first president.
Pete Maravich, Daniel High School (SC)
"Pistol Pete" Maravich is the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history at LSU (1967-70) and averaged more than 44 points per game before the introduction of the 3-point line and shot clock. He was also a four-time all-NBA selection with the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans/Utah Jazz.
Paul ranks second on the NBA's all-time assists lists after his 21st and final NBA season this year. The 6-foot point guard is an 11-time all-NBA selection and one of three players in league history to record 20,000 points, 10,000 assists and 2,000 steals for his career.
Meadowlark Lemon, Wiliston High School (NC)
Lemon had a legendary 24-year run with the Harlem Globetrotters thanks to halfcourt hook shots, dribbling tricks and charisma that earned him the "Clown Prince" nickname.
Wade won three NBA championships with the Miami Heat during a 16-year NBA career in which he became one of the sport's best shooting guards. He was named to eight all-NBA teams and 13 All-Star teams.
