The 10 Most Exciting NBA Players of All Time

1. Michael Jordan
2. Julius Erving
3. Kobe Bryant
4. LeBron James
5. Connie Hawkins
6. David Thompson
7. Dominique Wilkins
8. Magic Johnson
9. Hakeem Olajuwon
10. Pete Maravich

I started watching basketball in 1969 when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined the Milwaukee Bucks.  Hence, my answer is really the 10 most exciting basketball players since 1969.

I have heard that Elgin Baylor (in his prime) made exciting drives to the basket and he may have been the pioneer in that department.  However, he was old by the time I saw him play so all I have are a small smattering of highlights to judge his excitement level. 

In addition, Bob Cousy was ahead of his time in his dribbling and fancy passing.  However, a small dose of highlights make it hard to judge.  So, admittedly, maybe they should be on the list.  Hopefully, the old-timers will give me points for at least mentioning them here!

The first basketball play that made me jump out my seat was in the NBA-ABA all-star game when Dr. J stole the ball and took off slightly inside the foul line, glided through through the air like a bird, and dunked.  My father, brothers, and I just looked at each other all said "did you see that?"  It was hard not to be a Dr J. fan after witnesses that dunk.  And a fan I was.

However, Michael Jordan took watching basketball, and sports in general, to a whole new level.  Never has there been an athlete that captivated the viewers' attention to the point of putting them in a trance.  You did not want to miss what amazing athletic move he was going  to do next.

There were nine other people on the court, but seriously, did you really pay them attention to them?  He was the ultimate competitor.  And rarely did he disappoint; he understood he was being watched and his actions transcended sports. 

As a result, not only was he the most exciting basketball player of all-time, but he was the most exciting athlete of all-time.  And with all due respect to Dr. J and other very exciting athletes from other sports, this is not close.  Thank heavens for video tapes, DVDs, and YouTube.