When Nate Archibald was selected in the second round of the 1970 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals, scouts just hoped the 6-foot-1-inch guard from the University of Texas-El Paso could handle the NBA game and stay in the league a few seasons. Archibald proved to be unstoppable in the lane, a pinpoint passer with eyes everywhere and an outside shooter with unlimited range. He lasted 14 seasons, was a six-time NBA All Star, and was a three-time All-NBA First Team performer. Archibald became the standard for players of his size and ability.

In 1972, Archibald’s first season with the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, he averaged 34 points and 11.4 assists per outing, becoming the only player in NBA history to lead the league in those categories in the same season. Elected into the Basketball HOF in 1991 and named to the NBA Top 50 Team.

The only person in history to lead the NCAA, NBA, and ABA in scoring was never shy about getting his shot. In fact, Rick Barry was an aggressive force who used any means necessary to score and ultimately to win. Playing with an unrivaled passion and competitive streak, Barry was known for his slashing drives to the hoop with such reckless abandon that they either landed him two points or a trip to the free throw line where he was automatic.

In 1965, Barry single-handedly resurrected the University of Miami program, earning All-America honors while leading the nation in scoring (37.4 ppg) in his senior year. The next year Barry won Rookie of the Year honors in the NBA. From the perimeter, his deadeye outside jump shot was a lethal weapon that helped the Golden States Warriors to the 1975 NBA title. Barry picked up the Finals Most Valuable Player award for his efforts. Elected into the Basketball HOF in 1987 and named to the NBA Top 50 Team

Smooth. Graceful. Creative. Unstoppable. George “Iceman” Gervin was one of basketball’s most electrifying players. His passion, his desire, his drive to succeed combined with his extraordinary athletic ability made Gervin a nightmare to defend. On April 9, 1978, Gervin won the closest individual scoring race in NBA history against fellow Hall of Famer David Thompson and established himself as one of the most prolific scorers of his era. In the final game of the season, Gervin scored 63 points to nip Thompson by just .06 points. One of only three players in NBA history to win four or more league scoring titles (1978, 1979, 1980, 1982), Gervin captivated fans for 14 professional seasons with the Virginia Squires (1972-74), San Antonio Spurs (1974-85), and Chicago Bulls (1985-86). Gervin still holds the NBA record for most points in a quarter with 33 and his silky-smooth finger roll, a shot he softly launched from any angle, was legendary.

At 6-foot-10 and 225 pounds, Kevin McHale’s nearly unstoppable array of low post moves – some of which he never did twice in the same game – revolutionized pivot play. He owned the low block on offense but when he was forced out beyond the paint McHale shot a soft fall-away jumper, launching the ball from way behind his head making the shot almost impossible to block. With the Boston Celtics, he teamed with Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Robert Parish to form “The Big Three,” one of the greatest frontlines in basketball history. Although known for his happy-go-lucky attitude off the court, at game time his play was precise and devastating.

Celebrated for his high-percentage shooting, McHale was the first player in NBA history to shoot 60 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line in the same season. Defensively, McHale’s long arms made him impassable and earned him All-Defensive First Team honors three times.