To find the top players in NBA history that wore a particular number we must first look to the Hall of Fame to see which of the enshrined have played with this particular number. Here is a list of the NBA Number 11s that have been enshrined.
- Paul Arizin
- Chuck Cooper
- Walt Frazier
- Gail Goodrich
- Elvin Hayes
- Bobby Jones
- Earl Lloyd
- Karl Malone
- Bob McAdoo
- Yao Ming
- Arvydas Sabonis
- Charlie Scott
- Isiah Thomas
- Bob Davies
- Harry Gallatin
Chuck Cooper
Born September 29, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Forward Chuck Cooper. In 1950, this legend was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1950 NBA draft, becoming the first African-American player to be drafted by an NBA team.Cooper's rookie season with the Celtics was difficult. He was often subjected to racism and discrimination from fans and players alike. However, he persevered and played two seasons with the Celtics, averaging 6.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
After leaving the Celtics, Cooper played for the Milwaukee Hawks and the Fort Wayne Pistons. He retired from the NBA in 1956.
Cooper's career was relatively short, but his impact on the NBA was significant. He paved the way for other African-American players to enter the league, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport.
Elvin Hayes
Born November 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Center/Forward Elvin Hayes. This legend of the hardwood attended and played for the Houston Cougars. As a pro, he was a two-time NBA TRB Champion, went All-NBA six times, and was a twelve-time All-Star in the League. Hayes played for the San Diego / Houston Rocketsand the Baltimore / Capital / Washington Bullets.
Bob McAdoo
Born September 25, 1951 in Greensboro, North Carolina, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Center/Forward, Bob McAdoo.Mac was a 6'9" forward with a versatile offensive game. He could score from the inside or the outside, and he was one of the best free throw shooters in NBA history. McAdoo was also a skilled rebounder, averaging 9.4 rebounds per game for his career. Bob was found on the NBA rosters of the Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers."Doo" was one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history. He played for seven different teams over 14 seasons, averaging 22.1 points per game for his career. McAdoo was a five-time All-Star, a two-time NBA scoring champion, and the 1975 NBA MVP.
McAdoo's best season came in 1974-75, when he led the Buffalo Braves to the playoffs and averaged 34.5 points per game. He was named the NBA MVP for his performance.
McAdoo's career was slowed down by injuries in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but he still managed to play at a high level. He won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982 and 1985.
McAdoo retired from the NBA in 1986. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
