For the Way They Played the Game...The ’90s Finest

Now let me make myself clear, I'm not suggesting the following 12 players were necessarily the "best" of the ’90s, I have picked this little lot for what they gave us as fans, be it spectacular dunks, hard nosed defending, selfless play or sweet dishes.

I loved a player who took it to the maximum every time out and here follows my favorite 12 players from the finest decade of the NBA. And before you ask, no, Michael isn't on the list. Enjoy.

PG: Tim Hardaway

Such fat little calves yet an almighty crossover and unblockable high fade jumper.

No other point guard was as adept at changing the pace and rhythm of a game than Tim Hardaway. If only his knees had been as willing as his attitude.

SG: John Starks

The man epitomized the Knicks no-nonsense, hard-nosed style.

Not only a great competitor but also an incredible streak shooter, and when his hand was hot, he was unstoppable.

SF: Scottie Pippen

The finest all-around player the NBA has ever seen. Nuff said.

PF: Charles Oakley

Try and name a harder mo' fo than Charles Oakley. You can't.
No, really. You can't. No one can.

C: David Robinson

Forget his speed, his size and strength. The Admiral was probably the most skilled centre ever to play in the NBA.

People will debate Olajuwon's abilities over Robinson's, but I firmly remember being dumbstruck on more than a few occasions by this man's ability to make opponents look impotent.

Oh, and he was quick, huge, and super strong too.

Bench PG/SG/SF/PF/C: Magic Johnson

One of the best of all time, there wasn't a position he couldn't own, he just didn't play enough seasons in the 90's to make the starting line up. But what incredible vision, creativity, and spirit.

Bench PG: Kevin Johnson

Lightning quick, incredible dishes, unstoppable on the break, and the guy had serious hops for a littl'un!

Bench SG/ SF: Latrell Sprewell

BOOOOING. Incredible finisher, great competitor, and skinny as a rake. Things may have gone a tad awry later on, but for a good few years, he was as exciting a player as there was.

Bench SF/PF: Larry Johnson

The guy was a beast. Do you remember the very first edition of SLAM magazine with him on the cover?

If his back had have held up he'd have been one of the finest forwards ever. A great competitor, a great character, and a great player.

Bench PF: Sean Kemp

Should have been named Bounce. The nearest thing to a human fairground ride I've ever seen.

Bench PF: Horace Grant

Hard. Selfless. Committed. Determined. Spirited. Winner.

Without Horace Grant, it is quite conceivable that Michael Jordan would have won a lot fewer rings than he did.

One of the most underrated players of all time. A true gentleman of the generation and he made sports goggles cool (almost).

Bench C: Hakeem Olajuwon

More low post moves than any other player...ever. A giant of the game and well worth all his accolades.

If he'd been around a decade later, Kobe and LeBron would have been fighting it out for second-best player in the NBA.