The Best White Players in NBA History
by Dan Holmes,
April 24, 2025
The NBA has seen countless legendary players grace the hardwood, and while the league has long been defined by diversity and athletic brilliance, some of the greatest to ever play have been white players who revolutionized the game. From sharpshooting wings to dominant big men, these players left an undeniable mark on basketball history. Let’s take a look at some of the best white NBA players of all time.
Larry Bird
When talking about the greatest white NBA players, Larry Bird is the first name that comes to mind. The “Hick from French Lick” was a three-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, and one of the most clutch performers the game has ever seen. Bird’s all-around game, elite shooting, and intense competitive fire made him one of the most feared players of his era. His trash talking was legendary.
For our money, Larry Legend is the greatest white basketball player ever. He carried the Boston Celtics to multiple titles and had legendary battles with Magic Johnson and the Lakers, solidifying his legacy as one of the best white basketball players of all time.
John Stockton
According to Win Shares at Basketball-Reference.com, Stockton ranks in the top ten all-time in NBA/ABA history. Don’t let that fool you: Stockton is greatly overrated, despite being a famous white basketball player. He was a superb ball handler and passer. But Stockton was not as great a player. As he’s been made out to be. Several point guards in his era surpassed him in skill and performance, including Isiah Thomas, Dennis Johnson, Kevin Johnson, and Tim Hardaway.
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki revolutionized the power forward position with his ability to stretch the floor and hit unguardable fadeaway jumpers. The German superstar played 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and led them to an unforgettable NBA championship in 2011, defeating the Miami Heat’s “Big Three”. With over 31,000 career points, an MVP award, and a Finals MVP, Nowitzki cemented his legacy as one of the greatest white NBA players in history.
Jerry West
The man whose silhouette became the NBA logo, Jerry West was a dominant guard who could do it all long before you could lay money down on NBA betting sites. A 14-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection, West was one of the premier scorers and playmakers of his era. He led the Lakers to an NBA title in 1972 and finished his career with over 25,000 points. His ability to hit clutch shots and lead his team made him one of the greatest white NBA players of all time.
Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd was one of the best pure point guards to ever play the game. Known for his incredible vision, passing ability, and defensive tenacity, Kidd was a triple-double machine who helped transform multiple teams into contenders. He won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and ranks among the all-time leaders in assists and steals. His ability to control the game and make teammates better made him one of the most respected white NBA players of all time.
Bob Cousy
Bob Cousy was the original flashy point guard, bringing ball-handling wizardry to the NBA during the 1950s and ’60s. As the leader of the Boston Celtics’ dynasty, Cousy won six championships and was a 13-time All-Star. His ability to pass, score, and lead his team revolutionized the point guard position and paved the way for future famous white basketball players.
Rick Barry
Rick Barry was a scoring machine and one of the most complete offensive players in NBA history, regardless of race. Famous for his unorthodox underhand free throws, Barry won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 1975 and was named Finals MVP. He remains one of the only players to ever lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in scoring, proving his dominance at every level as one of the greatest white NBA players.
Chris Mullin
Chris Mullin was a pure shooter and one of the best scorers of his generation. As a key member of the Golden State Warriors’ “Run TMC” era, Mullin averaged over 20 points per game for multiple seasons and was a five-time All-Star. His smooth shooting stroke and high basketball IQ made him one of the most dangerous perimeter threats among white NBA players all time.
Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale was one of the most skilled post players in NBA history. As a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ dominant teams of the 1980s, McHale won three NBA championships and was a seven-time All-Star. His footwork, up-and-under moves, and ability to score in the paint made him nearly unstoppable on the block, cementing him as one of the best white NBA players of all time.
Bill Walton
Bill Walton was a dominant big man whose career was unfortunately plagued by injuries. When healthy, Walton was one of the best centers in the game, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977 and winning Finals MVP. Later in his career, he became a key contributor to the Boston Celtics’ 1986 title run. His passing, rebounding, and defensive prowess made him one of the greatest white NBA players in history.
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol was one of the most skilled international players to ever play in the NBA. The Spanish big man won two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant and was known for his elite post play, passing, and basketball savvy.
A six-time All-Star, Gasol helped usher in a new era of European big men who could stretch the floor and play multiple roles. He is often mentioned among famous white basketball players for his impact on the game.
Dan Issel
Dan Issel was a prolific scorer who dominated both the ABA and NBA. As a member of the Denver Nuggets, Issel racked up over 27,000 career points, making him one of the highest-scoring big men in history. His ability to score inside and from mid-range made him a nightmare matchup for defenders, earning him a place among the best white basketball players.
George Mikan
Often considered the NBA’s first true superstar, George Mikan dominated the league in the 1940s and ’50s. His size and skill led the Minneapolis Lakers to five championships, and his impact was so profound that the league had to change rules (like widening the lane) to limit his dominance. Mikan’s legacy as a pioneer of the big man position ensures his place among the greatest white NBA players.
Christian Laettner
Though his NBA career didn’t reach the heights of his legendary college days at Duke, Christian Laettner still had a solid professional career. As a key member of the 1992 Dream Team, Laettner was one of the best college players ever and went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA, making an All-Star appearance in 1997. His mix of skill and versatility made him one of the most famous white basketball players of his era.