The Dynamic Duo of Each NBA Decade

Today, we will be taking a look at the two most influential basketball players from each decade. Keep in mind, it may not be the best players, but rather, the players who affected the game the most. We will be starting from 2010s and go all the way to the 1970s. I will explain my reasoning for each of my selections and also point out any honorable mentions who I considered in my selection process.

5. The 2010s

LeBron James and Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry and LeBron James have ruled the NBA for the past decade.

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard

Starting with the 2010s, we have LeBron James and Stephen Curry. I think LeBron James was an unanimous selection. No player in this decade has really come close to what he has accomplished. The reason why I put Stephen Curry as LeBron’s duo is the sheer impact he has had. The man made five straight finals and won two MVPs at the same time. People got tired of always seeing these two in the finals, which obviously shows their remarkable talent. Seriously though, for like the past 9 years, one of the two has been in the finals. Even in 2020, their respective teams are still championship contenders, which is mind boggling! I put Curry over Kevin Durant because KD joined Curry’s team to win a championship while Steph had already won before KD arrived. These two players have single-handedly taken apart NBA franchises and have caused them to re-structure their teams.

4. The 2000s

Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan

Bryant and Duncan combined have 10 championship rings, 7 in this decade alone.

Honorable Mentions: Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Garnett

I think Kobe and Duncan are the two most influential and decorated players in this decade. Duncan pretty much built up the Spurs into a respected dynasty throughout this decade, while Kobe revived the Lakeshow. The two have won a combined three MVPs and ten championships which is insane. It would’ve been awesome for these two franchises to have been in opposite conferences. We would’ve probably gotten some of the greatest finals matchups in history. I didn’t put Shaq over Kobe because he was a lot more successful during the 1990s. Don’t get me wrong, he was an amazing player but when I picture prime Shaquille O’Neal, I think of the Orlando Magic Shaq, the player who would strike fear into his opponents. The impact that these Duncan and Bryant had on the NBA is immeasurable.

3. The 1990s

Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon

Jordan pretty much ruled this decade but during his brief retirement, it was Hakeem who took the reins.

Honorable Mentions: Karl Malone and Charles Barkley

Looking at the 90s, all I can see are the Bulls and the Rockets. As a result, their best players have to be the faces of this decade. Jordan, we all know is unanimous. He won six out of the ten championships during this decade and holds all kinds of accolades which would take forever to list them all. For Hakeem’s case, he simply here because of his dominance during the middle of this decade. Hakeem, in a way, revolutionized what the center position would look like. Being this 7 foot monster, who could defend guards and big men alike, Hakeem’s influence on the game is still felt today with the way modern centers play. For this decade, I don’t think the runner-ups are even close. I would have thought about putting Malone if he had won a championship but he didn’t.

2. The 1980s

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

Destined from college, Bird and Johnson would revolutionize the NBA.

Honorable Mentions: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Moses Malone

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird ruled the 80s. The two have a combined 8 championships and 6 MVPs while also holding many other records. These two players really popularized the game of basketball all across the world and solidified the NBA as the best basketball league in the world. By the end time they retired, the two were clearly the best point guard and small forward in NBA history. As far as why I didn’t put Kareem here; I just don’t think his impact was nearly as big as these two. Magic and Bird revolutionized the game with their fast play style and pushed away from the traditional norms. Teams didn’t have to rely so much on centers as the center pieces of their teams, rather they could also rely on wings.

1. The 1970s

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving

Kareem and Dr. J were the most prominent figures in the NBA/ABA merge

Honorable Mentions: Jerry West and John Havlicek

Kareem spent half of this decade in Milwaukee and the other half in L.A. but was dominant on both teams. Kareem is unquestionably a top-three NBA player of all-time so there is no surprise in why he is here. On the other hand, the case for Julius Erving is a bit harder to support. I still believe that he did have the biggest impact in this decade due to his appeal to the everyday child. Children wanted to be to like him with his insane athleticism and also high flying dunks. I put him over Jerry West because West was better during the 60s. Along with their decisions to join the NBA over the ABA, these two drastically affected the landscape of the NBA.