Anagram: NBA's 50 Greatests Quiz | Sports Word Play

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. I am generally regarded as the best player to ever lace up the sneakers. I wore 3 different numbers in my career, and if I had an extra finger on my hand, I'd have enough fingers for all my rings. I am not A JAR CHIN MODEL, so who am I?

Answer: Michael Jordan

Jordan, who wore numbers 23, 45, and on one occasion, number 12, won 6 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.

2. I failed to win a NBA title in stints with 3 different teams, but I am still regarded as one of the fiercest competitors ever to play the game. Known as much for my bald head and one-liners as for my game, I went into broadcasting after I retired. I am not a CAB SHARK YELLER, but I am who?

Answer: Charles Barkley

Barkley played initially with the 76ers before being sent to the Suns. With Phoenix, he nearly won and NBA title, but lost in 6 games to the Bulls and Michael Jordan in 1993 as John Paxson iced the series with his clutch jumper. The "Round Mound of Rebound" finished his career with the Rockets before retiring and going into broadcasting.

3. My dunks were what made me famous, both in the ABA and in the NBA. After my playing days were over, I became a NBA executive and dabbled a little in broadcasting. Fortunately, I never had to see the doctor for the JUNGLE I VIRUS. Who am I?

Answer: Julius Erving

Erving, who took dunking to another level, won a title with the 76ers in 1983. Erving won three championships, four Most Valuable Player awards, and three scoring titles while playing with the ABAs Virginia Squires and New York Nets, and the NBAs Philadelphia 76ers.

4. One of the greatest post players of his era, this Celtic great while not fast, had what many coaches have described as the best footwork of any post player they have ever seen. He never wore a HAM NECK VEIL, but he did wear number 32 in Boston. Who is he?

Answer: Kevin McHale

McHale, along with Larry Bird, and Robert Parrish, formed one of the best front lines in basketball history. He won 3 NBA titles in his 13 year NBA career, in 1981, 1984, and 1986.

5. I played almost my entire career in Utah. I was the main recipient of most of John Stockton's assists. I reached the NBA finals twice, falling short both times. I am not A NORMAL ELK, so who am I?

Answer: Karl Malone

For his career, Malone averaged a double-double with 25 points per game and just over 10 rebounds per game. At the conclusion of his career, Malone signed on with the Lakers for a chance at the NBA title that eluded him, but it was not to be. Malone will go down in history as perhaps the best power forward of all-time, but also among the greats who never won a championship.

6. I served my country before serving the NBA. One of the best centers to ever suit up, I played my entire career with one team. I was also known for having a heart as big as the state I played in. I am not A SNOB RIND VOID, but I am who?

Answer: David Robinson

Robinson, a Naval Academy graduate, served 2 years of active duty before signing with the Spurs. He played his entire career in San Antonio, and despite all of his on-court accomplishments, he was just as well known for his work with youth and various charitable organizations off the court.

7. I was drafted in 1964 by the New York Knicks, and played my entire career there. My defining moment with them came in 1970 in the NBA Finals where my appearance gave my team the inspiration it needed to win their first ever NBA title. DESIRE WILL is a great anagram for me. Who am I?

Answer: Willis Reed

Reed, who retired after the 1974 season, had career averages of 18.7 points per game, and 12.9 rebounds per game, while playing in 7 all-star games. His inspirational appearance in game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, was voted the Greatest Moment in the history of Madison Square Garden.

8. Originally drafted in 1987 by the Seattle Supersonics, I was one of the best all around players ever. Often overshadowed by other big names I played with, I managed to win 6 NBA rings in my career. I am not SPICE POPE TINT, so who could I be?

Answer: Scottie Pippen

Pippen, often overshadowed by Michael Jordan, averaged over 16 points per game, while also contributing over 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game. Drafted 5th overall in 1987 by Seattle, he was traded on draft day to Chicago for Olden Polynice and future considerations.

9. I was an integral part of the Lakers 1980s 'Showtime' era. Known as a great finisher on the break, I was easily identified by my stylistic choice of eye-wear. I am not WARM THE JOYS, so I am who?

Answer: James Worthy

Worthy played along side Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper, Byron Scott, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kurt Rambis and company for the Lakers. His goggles and jersey #42 were unmistakable while on the hardwood. Worthy, who played collegiately alongside Michael Jordan at North Carolina, was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the first overall pick of the 1982 NBA Draft and as a Laker.

He contributed to three NBA championships in 1985, 1987, and 1988.

10. I was a force to be reckoned with both in college at Georgetown and in the NBA. I got a shot to win a title in 1994, but my efforts fell short in a game 7 loss in the finals that year. Some people might have called me A WRECKING PIT, but my real name is what?

Answer: Patrick Ewing

Ewing is widely recognized as one of the best college basketball players of his era. He helped his Georgetown Hoyas reach the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship Final in 1982, 1984 and 1985, winning the championship in 1984. In 1999, Ewing became the 10th player in NBA history to record 22,000 points and 10,000 rebounds, and retired with a 21-point per game average.

Source: Author jpdubl07

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Nightmare before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Anagram: NBA's 50 Greatests Trivia Quiz

A little test to see if you can decipher which of these 50 greatest NBA players is being referenced. Have fun!

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