Top Five NBA Deltoids of All-Time

David Roy by Contributor Written on July 14, 2009

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ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14:  Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic smiles in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  NOTE TO USER:  User expressly acknowledges and
Elsa/Getty Images

In celebration of Dwight Howard's inaugural entry into the NBA Finals and David Robinson's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, we have put together a list of the Top Five NBA Deltoids of All-Time.

Only those with the most cartoonish shoulder muscles need apply.

With the modern advent of weight training, nutrition and those fun PEDs, the list is admittedly biased towards modern players. Historical players just cannot stand shoulder to shoulder to the modern athlete when it comes to being jacked.

5. Scottie Pippen

13 Apr 1998:  Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls is guarded by Dale Davis (L), Rik Smits #45 (C), and Derrick McKey (R) of the Indiana Pacers during a game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Pacers defeated the Bulls 114-105. Mandatory Cr

Pippen was simply a mutant.

He not only had freakishly defined arm muscles, but enormous hands and, presumably, well we just won't go there. The man was a walking human anatomy poster. The one without the skin.

He just might give Mr. Robinson a run for the picture of "Sinewy" in Webster's.

4. Mark Madsen

LOS ANGELES - MARCH 17:  Mark Madsen #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 17, 2003 in Los Angeles, California.  The Lakers won 102-85.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Surprised? Don't be.

Keeping in mind that darker skin means more muscle definition to the eye (why do you think bodybuilders tan?), Madsen might have an argument for top spot in this group. Madsen combined unprecedented whiteness with surprising muscle definition and, if anything, we have underrated him here in these rankings.

For more on Madsen's work out routines, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTRuCPddhbU.

3. Ben Wallace

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MAY 31:  Ben Wallace #3 of the Detroit Pistons runs during a game against the Miami Heat in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 2006 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

If there ever was a man who was meant to wear an armband, it was Mr. Benjiman Wallace.

Wallace possessed a 6-inch dent between his oversized shoulders muscles and his oversized biceps muscles where his armband would rest.

Unfortunately, like the perfectly figured girl with the low-cut shirt, we must admit Wallace's vain use of the armband prevents him from reaching the exalted three above.

2 (Tie). David Robinson

SAN ANTONIO - JUNE 6:  David Robinson #50 of the San Antonio Spurs runs during Game two of the 2003 NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets at SBC Center on June 6, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.  The Nets won 87-85.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

The runners-up are both Hall-of-fame players who will be remembered as much for their fantastic deltoid muscles as their outstanding basketball careers.

First, we have Mr. David Robinson, who ushered in a new age of muscle definition after arriving from the Navy in 1990. You could literally see EVERY sinew in this man's arm.

When it looks like over-sized tennis balls connecting your arm to your body, you also can start calling yourself the Admiral.

2 (Tie). Karl Malone

14 Mar 2001:  Forward Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz   banters with the Golden State Warriors'' fans at the Arena in Oakland, California. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck/ALLSPORT NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Al

Second, we have Karl Malone, who set new standards for bulk.

The man essentially possessed four legs - two attached at the hip and two attached at the shoulder.

1. Dwight Howard

BURNABY, CANADA - JULY 13: In this photo provided by EA Sports, Dwight Howard of the NBA's Orlando Magic and tennis star Venus Williams compare their biceps during the EA Sports King of the Court competition July 13,2009 in Burnaby, Canada.  Dwight Howard

The man-child is a cross between the joint runners-up of this competition, David Robinson and Karl Malone.

Howard majestically combines the cartoonish cutness of Mr. Robinson with the sheer size of Karl Malone.

Suffice it to say, Dwight Howard is standing on the shoulders of giants - with even bigger shoulders.

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written on July 14, 2009 Rankings/List

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