NBA: Who's Who Quiz | Basketball

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. I was a First Team All-American in high school, where I led my team to two state championships. I came into LSU as the marquee center, and the attention I garnered there got me drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1991, where I averaged double digits right away. Since then, the main knock on me has been my playing shape and free throw shooting. Know who I am? Then tell me, which of the following teams did I go to after leaving Orlando?

Answer: L.A. Clippers

No, it wasn't Shaq. It was Stanley Roberts. The two of them actually played together during Robert' last year at LSU. The draft year should have tipped you off (Shaq was drafted in 1992), or for real buffs, the fact that Shaq only won one state championship in high school. Roberts went 23rd to Orlando just one year before Shaq, but he only played one season there (averageing 10.4 ppg) before being sent to the Clippers, so the LSU reunion in the middle never happened.

2. I built a Hall of Fame career during my 11-year stint with a certain team in red, where I earned several championship rings and several years of All-NBA credit. I've played in several All-Star games, and have taken home the All-Star MVP. I've finished many a play with a thundering dunk. Once, in the Dunk Contest, I took off from the free throw line and threw it down. My style of play has actually inspired new terminology. How many MVP's have I won?

Answer: 0

For those of you who answered Michael Jordan, the first line should have tipped you off. Pippen played for the Bulls from 1987-88 through 1997-98, in a single tenure, while MJ played two stints for the Bulls due to retirement, totaling 13 seasons. And yes, Scottie Pippen participated in the 1990 slam dunk contest, where he attempted and completed the free throw line dunk made famous by his teammate a couple years earlier.

He is also the first player ever to be referred to as a "point forward", meaning a small forward who also assumes point guard duties such as ball distribution.

He did not, however, win any the Most Valuable Player award.

3. I was drafted by a small market in the mid-90's, but was immediately shipped via trade to the bright lights of Los Angeles. Among other things, in my rookie season I won the Slam Dunk Contest and cracked the All-Rookie second team. I've done some record-breaking things in the three-point shooting department, and I've gotten myself some Championship rings playing alongside a certain big fella you may know. You could say basketball is in my blood; my dad was an NBA All-Star. Who am I?

Answer: Brent Barry

No, it wasn't Kobe. Yes, Kobe was drafted by Charlotte and trade to the Lakers. Yes, he won the dunk contest as a rookie, and many seasons later would set an all-time record for threes made in a game (12). However, true buffs can tell you that Kobe's father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, was never an All-Star.

Brent Barry was drafted in 1995 by the Denver Nuggets, but was traded to the Clippers, where he proceeded to win the 1996 Dunk Contest, and also set what was then a new record for three-pointers made in a season by a rookie. He has won two NBA Championships with the San Antonio Spurs, playing with Tim Duncan. Finally, he is the son of former All-Star (and free-throw shooting master) Rick Barry.

4. I am a pioneer for international basketball, achieving many firsts for a German-born player in the NBA. At 6'10 with one of the deadliest long-range games in the League, I've created problems for many a defense. After being drafted by Dallas, my first few seasons as a Mav were all promise, but over time I turned into a multiple-time All-Star and even an All-NBAer. You know me? What was the first postseason award I ever won?

Answer: Sixth Man of the Year

If you thought it was former MVP Dirk Nowitzki, well, obviously you were incorrect. You see, Dirk Nowiztki was not drafted by the Mavericks; he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks and traded for Robert "Tractor" Traylor in what is widely considered one of the most ill-advised draft-day trades in NBA history.

The player in question is one Detlef Schrempf, who started out as a Dallas Maverick in 1985, but really came into his own playing for Indiana and Seattle in the 90s. He won two consecutive Sixth Man awards in 1990 and '91, then became a starter and went on to be three-time All-Star, once as a Pacer in 1993, then in 1995 and '97 as a Sonic. He also made the All-NBA third team following the 1994-95 season. He is remembered best as one of the deadliest and most accurate long-range shooters in the NBA through the late-90's, even finishing above 50% in 1995.

5. A senior point guard out of Wake Forest, I was drafted shortly after another highly notable point guard who, like me, has since averaged double-digits in assists over a full season. Eventually becoming the Hornets' starting point, I soon proved to be essential to the team's success; my speed and ball-handling skills allow me to squeak through almost any defense. I've also made a name for myself stealing the ball. I got myself a gold medal playing for the U.S. National Men's Team. Who am I?

Answer: Tyrone Bogues

Sounds like Chris Paul, right? Especially with the Deron Williams reference... Sorry, Paul was drafted as a sophomore, not a senior.

Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues was drafted 12th overall in 1987 by the Washington Bullets, where he played briefly before joining the expansion Charlotte Hornets in 1988 and establishing himself as a difference-maker. He would go to average over ten assists per game on two separate occasions, and he also averaged just under two steals per game in nine full seasons with Charlotte. He also won the gold in the 1986 FIBA Championship as part of the U.S. team. Bogues got the nickname "Muggsy" playing streetball, because of the way he would "mug" opposing players on defense with his hands and foot speed.

Drafted seventh overall in 1987 (five picks before Bogues) was one Kevin Johnson, who went on to be a multiple-time All-Star in Phoenix by way of the Cleveland Cavaliers. "KJ" is one of a select few players to average 20 points and 10 assists for three straight seasons. Off the court, he was also elected mayor of his hometown of Sacramento in 2008.

6. Of the handful of big men to skip college for the pros, I've done just about as well as anybody. I played high school ball in the south, and I started my NBA career in the south too. Interesting fact: the team in question once had the number one pick in two consecutive drafts. In my rookie season in the NBA, I established myself early on as one of the league's premier rebounders. I came right in averaging a double-double, and after a few years, my scoring average even topped the twenties. By the time my third season was over, I was an All-NBA First-teamer. At my best, I'm known as a master of the offensive glass, and an MVP-caliber low-post threat. Here's one: what's my connection to dunk contests?

Answer: I've played with someone who's been in them

Sounds a lot like Dwight Howard (at least that's what I was shooting for), but it sounds even more like Moses Malone. First off, in relation to the answer, Malone played for the Sixers alongside one Julius Erving, who of course won the first ever dunk contest in 1976 (ABA), and also competed in the first NBA dunk contest in 1984.

Now, Moses Malone went to high school in Virginia before being drafted to the ABA in 1974, making him the first high-schooler ever to go straight to the pros (but not the NBA). When the ABA merged with the NBA, Malone went to Portland via the dispersal draft, then to the Buffalo Braves via trade, where he played two meaningless games before once again being dealt, this time to Houston (which would later score the first overall pick in both the 1983 and 1984 draft). As a Rocket, he wrapped up his rookie year averaging over 13 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks. Within a couple of years, he turned into a 20-plus scorer and rebound machine (six rebounding crowns in all), especially on the offensive boards, where he sits atop the all-time list. From the late 70's to the late 80's, Malone was a perennial All-Star, All-NBAer and even multiple-time MVP (1979, '82, '83), and one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time, as of 1997.

Dwight Howard almost fits the description, except that didn't make the All-NBA First team until his fourth season.

7. I was the first overall pick of a new decade after dominating the post at the Cincinnati Bearcats. I moved on to New Jersey to be their power forward of the future. After an All-Rookie first season, the team welcomed a new star point guard, and the two of us brought playoff ball back to the swamp the following year. I made my first and only All-Star appearance for the Nets in my fourth season, but it actually wasn't long thereafter that I was traded. My kids may not remember my playing days much, but at least I can tell them stories about playing with Allen Iverson. You know me, but do you know my nickname? What does it remind you of?

Answer: store chain

K-Mart -- Kenyon Martin played in Cincinnati, and was drafted first in 2000 by New Jersey. He made the All-Rookie first team, and in his second season he was paired with perennial All-Star Jason Kidd to lead the Nets back into the Playoffs, and he was an All-Star in 2004. Finally, he has played alongside Allen Iverson as a Denver Nugget. Kenyon Martin was traded by the Nets to Denver.

8. My motto is "Fear the trey". I'm known for shooting the lights out, plain and simple. The kind of shooting that makes people All-Stars, which I've been (as a Sonic). The kind of shooting that gets you on the short list for all-time three-pointers made. The kind of shooting that wins Three-Point Shootouts, which I've done once. Actually, that same year I also represented Seattle on the All-NBA list. Among others, I also took my trademark quick release to Milwaukee. You can look this up: what state college did I get drafted out of?

Answer: Tennessee

Ray Allen? No... Dale Ellis. Allen won the Three-Point Shootout while he was a Buck, not a Sonic.

Dale Ellis was drafted by Dallas in 1983, but his career didn't take off until he was traded to Seattle. In his fist season on the West Coast, Ellis increased his scoring average by over 17 points and won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 1987. In 1989, Ellis had his finest year, including an All-Star selection, the Three-Point trophy, and a spot on the All-NBA Third team. After years of success with Seattle, Ellis had a short but productive stint with Milwaukee, then went on to contribute in San Antonio and Denver before entering the twilight of his career. To this day, Ellis remains among the all-time leaders for career three-pointers made.

9. Born and raised in Queens, New York, I was making the papers back home by age fourteen. My deft handle, speed, scoring and play-making skills made me not only a local legend, but nationally yet another in a long line of highly-touted New York City point guards. After a shortened collegiate career at Georgia Tech, I was a top-5 pick in the NBA Draft during the 90's. For several years I was at my flashy best (you may recall, for instance, an All-Star appearance of mine as a Net) before my production began to dip. I've played alongside another guy in this quiz.

Answer: Kenny Anderson

I really hope you didn't answer Kenyon Martin on q. 7, or I'm a afraid you've been boobytrapped. Stephon Marbury, you say? Born and raised in Brooklyn, not Queens.

The NYC-bred former Yellow Jacket in question is Kenny Anderson, who was drafted second overall in 1991 by New Jersey. After a meager rookie season, Anderson broke out as a sophomore, and for the remainder of his stint with the Nets would be ranked among the best floor generals in the East. He appeared in one All-Star game in 1994, and in 1996 would get traded to the Charlotte Hornets. From there, he went on to have starting roles in Portland and Boston before becoming somewhat of a journeyman around the turn of the century.

Among other great NYC point guards: Nate "Tiny" Archibald, Lenny Wilkens, Bob Cousy, Kenny Smith, Mark Jackson, Rod Strickland and Rafer "Skip To My Lou" Alston.

10. After being drafted fifth overall by Miami, I was quickly inserted as their starting shooting guard, scoring in the teens to go with four and a half assists to help end Miami's Playoff drought my rookie year. My smooth moves also landed my number 3 jersey on a highlight reel or two in the process. As far as career achievements go, I've earned All-Star as well as Championship bragging rights, not to mention Olympic gold, thank you very much. Not too shabby for a kid born in Highland Park. What mid-western state did I play college ball in?

Answer: Michigan

I hope that was a good Dwyane Wade impression. If you thought that was Wade, hopefully you answered Wisconsin, which is where his alma-mater Marquette is located. Unfortunately, that still isn't the right answer. Although there is a Highland Park in Illinois where Wade is from, he was born in Chicago.

Steve Smith, (born in Highland Park, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit) attended college at Michigan State and was the fifth pick in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Heat. A 6-7 shooting guard (number 3) with above-average handle, a knack for shooting threes as well as getting to the hoop, he teamed with fellow swingman Glen Rice to bring a young Miami franchise to its first ever NBA Playoff appearance in 1992, where he was charged with guarding Michael Jordan in a first-round sweep by the eventual champion Chicago Bulls. Smith was selected to play for Team USA in 1994 at the FIBA World Championship, and later at the 2000 Summer Olympics (as a Trail Blazer). After leaving Miami in 1995, "Motor City Smitty" played for a handful of other teams in his 14-year career, most notably the Atlanta Hawks, which he represented at the 1998 All-Star Game, and the San Antonio Spurs, with which he won an NBA title in 2003.

Source: Author prologic

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor gtho4 before going online.
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NBA: Who's Who Trivia Quiz

Here's another NBA quiz. I describe a certain player, and you tell me who it is.

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