The Best NBA On-Court Appearances

A smile that could light up an entire stadium. Flashy passes that sparked a style of play. And the height fit for a forward, but used as a guard.

All were used to Magic's delight.

Out of Michigan State University, 6'9" guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson was thought as the missing piece to help the Los Angeles Lakers win a championship.

His height at the point guard position was a shock to many people in the past. As games continued though, people not only stopped criticizing it, but understood the advantages too.

His unusual height gave him a boost at the position when protecting the ball and helping out on the double team.

His quickness was unbelievable. It would eventually help spark a play known as "Showtime"; a fast paced style of basketball.

His love for the game can be well seen from his enlightening smile.

Magic, show your pearly whites.

As if the specs were not enough, the mullet that accompanies them is something else (not to mention the jungle that is known as his chest hair).

For forward Kurt Rambis, the hairstyle and the optical gear were just all in his personality. It symbolized the dirty work that backed up his style of play. His point production would come and go, but no one needed to ask him to put some effort into it. He was not afraid to do the dirty work.

And although he wasn't the offensive threat that all players hope to become, he accepted his role and eventually became a fan favorite.

The mullet, the specs, the 'stache, and the chest hair. Who would of thought a connection to basketball was ever possible?

Native from the country of Sudan, this man not only helped define the NBA term of "short shorts," but also helped break down the barriers that are no longer present in the NBA.

Manute Bol stands 7'7" and was a huge attraction back in the day. His legs reminded many people of a giraffe or even a daddy long legs.

Along with his height, his effort on the floor and durability will never be forgotten.

Bol averaged more blocks than points, and retired with 2'086 blocks in his thirteen year career. He would reach an accomplishment of playing a full NBA season (eighty-two games) twice; once in 1986-1987 and 1990-1991.

Some might consider his ability to be useless, but for his opposition, he presented a defensive threat that is hard to match.

Ah. The hip-hop scene in the NBA is hard to strain away from, but no matter where you looked back in the day, players were easily influenced.

For Kenny Walker, the infamous haircut known as the "fade" was a sign of expression. The compression shorts longer than the regulated shorts was also another style movement that he happened to be apart of.

In my eyes, the way his hair went straight up represented his ability to leap over the competition. His dunks were famous. In fact, he even won the 1989 dunk contest.

But his on-court appearance was not just appreciated by folks in America. He played overseas in Europe and Japan. He retired after his play in Japan.

An ambassador of the skies. Watch out!

Do not let size fool you, this man was very capable in his days as a professional basketball player.

Muggsy Bogues was surprisingly very easy to spot on the court. Being the smallest player in the NBA at the time, his ability to quickly push the ball on the break was something that very few players could do.

His effort to push the ball would grant Bogues with a double-double average in points and assists (10.8 points per game and 10.1 assists per game during the 1993-1994 season).

Standing at 5'3", Bogues easily became a fan favourite for any team he played with. He proved that people who are not blessed with height can accomplish just as much as people who are.

Dennis "the Worm" Rodman.

You know what, before I even begin let us focus on the image presented before us. Soak in all the strange differences, and picture Rodman back in the day and, now, in present day.

Hmmmf.

Who knew that there was ever a connection between exteriors and talent. His "fight the power" looks and rebellious attitude complimented his style of play. The dirty work seemed to love Rodman, and Rodman seemed to loved it.

Diving into the crowd, leaping towards the commentating desks, and hopping over the benches got fans into the game.

The Fruit Loops hairstyle and the multiple piercings may result parents to faint, but it was all part of the ensemble.

Flap your wings fella, your finally a fan favourite!

Chris "the Birdman" Anderson may not of had a good beginning in the NBA, but learning through mistakes is all apart of life.

After being suspended for not following the NBA drug policy, Anderson entered this 2008-2009 season with high hopes for some accomplishment. His eye-catching appearance is hard to miss and his ability of the defensive end is well appreciated by coaches and fans.

His tattoo covered body along with his gelled hair is equivalent to an Indian Cheif's war paint. The exterior antics represented tough and hard play, something that is enjoyed by all in the Pepsi Centre.

And even though his offensive nights come and go, he will always be used for defensive purposes and crowd entertainment.