1. Allen Iverson:
A rookie for the Philadelphia 76ers, Iverson was one of the most popular players in the league that season. He won Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the All-Star team.
2. Shaquille O’Neal:
O’Neal, a center for the Los Angeles Lakers, was one of the most dominant players in the NBA that year. He won his fourth straight scoring title and led the Lakers to the NBA championship.
3. Kobe Bryant:
Also a rookie for the Lakers in 1996-97, Bryant quickly established himself as one of the league’s top players. He was voted as a starter in the All-Star game and helped lead the Lakers to another championship.
4. Ray Allen:
Allen played for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1996-97 and emerged as one of the league’s best shooters. He set a new single-season record for three-pointers made and was voted to his first All-Star team.
5. Michael Jordan:
In his final season with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan continued to dominate opponents. He led Chicago to their sixth NBA championship and was once again named MVP of the Finals.
6. Patrick Ewing:
Ewing was a center for the New York Knicks and one of their most reliable players. He averaged over 20 points per game and helped lead New York to the Eastern Conference Finals.
7. Dennis Rodman:
Rodman played for Chicago in 1996-97 but had his best season yet with San Antonio Spurs. He led the league in rebounding and helped San Antonio win their first NBA championship.
8. Reggie Miller:
Miller was a sharpshooter for the Indiana Pacers in 1996-97 and once again proved himself to be one of the most clutch players in the league. He averaged over 22 points per game in the playoffs and led Indiana to within one game of reaching the NBA Finals.
9. Brent Barry:
Barry played for Seattle SuperSonics in 1996-97 and had a breakout year, averaging nearly 15 points per game. He was selected to play in the All-Star game and helped Seattle reach the playoffs for the first time since 1994.
10. Lamond Murray:
Murray played for Cleveland Cavaliers in 1996-97 and had his best season yet, averaging nearly 16 points per game. He made his first appearance in an All-Star game and helped Cleveland reach the playoffs.
11. Eric Piatkowski:
Piatkowski was a rookie for the Los Angeles Clippers in 1996-97 and saw limited playing time. He did not make much of an impact that season but would go on to have a successful career in the NBA.
12. Rodney Rogers:
Rogers was a forward for the Charlotte Hornets in 1996-97 and had a productive season, averaging over 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. He helped Charlotte reach the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
13. Loy Vaught:
Vaught was a center for the Detroit Pistons in 1996-97 and saw limited playing time. He did not make much of an impact that season but would go on to have a successful career in the NBA.
14. Elliot Perry:
Perry was a veteran point guard for the Orlando Magic in 1996-97 and provided a steadying presence for the team. He helped Orlando reach the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
15. Jason Kidd:
Kidd was a rookie for the Phoenix Suns in 1996-97 and became one of the most popular players in the league that season. He won Rookie of the Year honors and led Phoenix to the Western Conference Finals.