All-Time #NBArank's top 100 continues its countdown with players 41-45.
To create All-Time #NBArank, we put together a ballot with the 150 greatest players ever. Then our ESPN expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, with voting based on both peak performance and career value. The result is our all-time NBA Top 100.
The top 100 will roll out over the next couple of weeks. We have already announced players 46-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90 and 91-100.
Also, check out our positional rankings of the 10 best point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers of all time.
On to the list ...
All-Time #NBArank: 41-45
If you want to get involved in the discussion or just follow along, #NBArank is the Twitter hashtag to use. You also can follow along @ESPNNBA and on Facebook.
Gary Payton
Position
Point guard
Teams
Seattle SuperSonics (1990-2003), Milwaukee Bucks (2003), Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04), Boston Celtics (2004-05), Miami Heat (2005-2007)
Honors
Nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA selection, nine-time First Team All-Defense selection, NBA Defensive Player of Year (1995-96), Hall of Fame
Championships
1 (2006)
Career stats
16.3 PPG, 6.7 APG, 1.8 SPG, .466 FG%
Nickname
The Glove
Did you know?
"The Glove" is the only player in NBA history to be named First Team All-Defense in nine consecutive seasons. -- ESPN Stats & Info
Bill Walton
Position
Center
Teams
Portland Trail Blazers (1974-1978), San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1979-80, 1982-1985), Boston Celtics (1985-1987); missed three seasons due to injury
Honors
MVP (1977-78), Finals MVP (1977), two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, two-time First Team All-Defense, Sixth Man of the Year (1985-86), Hall of Fame
Championships
2 (1977, 1986)
Career stats
13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.2 BPG, .521 FG%
Did you know?
Walton is the only player to win the NBA's MVP and Sixth Man of the Year awards. In the four seasons after he won MVP, Walton was limited to just 14 of a possible 328 games due to foot injuries. -- ESPN Stats & Info
James Worthy
Position
Small forward
Teams
Los Angeles Lakers (1982-1994)
Honors
Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, Finals MVP (1988), Hall of Fame
Championships
3 (1985, 1987, 1988)
Career stats
17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, .521 FG%
Nickname
Big Game James
Did you know?
In Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals, Worthy went for 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. He's the only player in NBA Finals history with a triple-double in a Game 7 win. -- ESPN Stats & Info
Dominique Wilkins
Position
Small forward
Teams
Atlanta Hawks (1982-1994), Los Angeles Clippers (1994), Boston Celtics (1994-1996), San Antonio Spurs (1996-97), Orlando Magic (1999)
Honors
Nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, Hall of Fame
Championships
None
Career stats
25.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, .461 FG%
Nickname
Human Highlight Film
Did you know?
Wilkins averaged 30 points per game in 45 career head-to-head games against Michael Jordan. That includes a 57-point game in 1986, the most points any player scored in a game against Jordan. -- ESPN Stats & Info
@ESPNNBA Hmmmm...
- Dominique Wilkins (@DWilkins21) January 28, 2016
Paul Pierce
Position
Small forward
Teams
Boston Celtics (1998-2013), Brooklyn Nets (2013-14), Washington Wizards (2014-15), Los Angeles Clippers (2015-present)
Honors
Ten-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection, Finals MVP (2008)
Championships
1 (2008)
Career stats
20.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, .370 3P%
Nickname
The Truth
Did you know?
Pierce scored 41 points in a Game 7 duel with LeBron James (45 points) in 2008. His total remains tied for the most points by any player in a win over James in the postseason. -- ESPN Stats & Info
Nos. 36-40 | Full List | Nos. 46-50
