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About This Quiz
The popularity of the rivalry between Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson in the 1980s laid the foundation for what would become of the NBA in the 1990s, as new stars rose to international fame and the league exploded into a high-flying, physical game of willpower. Are you familiar with the players who defined this era of basketball in the '90s? Here's a quiz that will challenge your knowledge on just that.
If you grew up watching basketball in the '90s, you'd quickly recognize that the game was much different than it is today. This difference isn't only related to three-point shooting either, but instead, the players in the '90s had a completely separate mindset, where the trash talking was fierce and the competitiveness was even fiercer, resulting in more than one fight throughout the decade.
Now, it's time to identify the players who made a name for themselves in the '90s. From the star-studded Chicago Bulls to championship contenders like the Houston Rockets and Seattle SuperSonics, the '90s had some of the best players to ever pick up a basketball.
If your competitive juices are flowing, jump into this '90s players identification quiz and see just how much you remember about the decade.
Wiki Common by LBJ Library
If you were looking for leadership, you would want which famous player shown here on your team?
Charles Barkley
Hakeem Olajuwon
David Robinson
Named to four NBA All Defensive First Teams, David Robinson showed that his skills on the court extended beyond just scoring points. During one of his best defensive seasons, Robinson averaged 4.5 blocks per game, which was the best in the league that year.
Clyde Drexler
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Can you identify this NBA star who was lethal when it came to rolling to the basket?
Reggie Miller
Karl Malone
Despite his inability to shoot the three-point shot, Karl Malone finished his NBA career second on the all time scoring list behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His scoring total proves just how lethal this power forward was around the basket.
Scottie Pippen
Gary Payton
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There was no greater champion in the '90s than this famous player. Who is he?
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan finished his '90s career after winning a title with the Chicago Bulls in 1998. However, he returned in 2001 to play for the Washington Wizards, where he spent two seasons before calling it quits for good.
Patrick Ewing
Tim Hardaway
Dennis Rodman
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Do you recognize this Hall of Fame player who never won an NBA title?
Shaquille O'Neal
Grant Hill
Clyde Drexler
Charles Barkley
After 16 seasons in the NBA, Charles Barkley retired without a title, putting him on the list of the greatest players to never win a championship. He still had several other accomplishments, including 11 All Star appearances and an NBA MVP in 1993.
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This defensive standout was integral to the Bulls' success in the '90s. What's his name?
Grant Hill
Scottie Pippen
Though Michael Jordan gets most of the credit for the Bulls' six titles in the '90s, there's one thing that can't be ignored: Scottie Pippen was on every one of those teams. For his contributions, Pippen even had his No. 33 jersey retired by the team.
Reggie Miller
Shawn Kemp
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Are you familiar with this former number one overall pick who became one of the greatest centers in the league?
Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon played college basketball at the University of Houston. After a subpar redshirt freshman season, Olajuwon trained with Moses Malone, an experience who turned him into the dominant center that he became.
Shaquille O'Neal
Patrick Ewing
Dikembe Mutombo
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The Portland Trailblazers retired this player's number after he poured the best years of his career into the team. Can you name him?
Rod Strickland
Tim Hardaway
John Stockton
Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler was a versatile offensive player, and by his second season in the league, he proved why as he averaged nearly 10 points more per game than in his rookie year. Drexler had his best scoring season in 1988-89 when he averaged 27.2 points per game, but his '90s production was pretty close.
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This three-point specialist was known by what name on the court?
Mookie Blaylock
Jeff Hornacek
Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller will forever be remembered for his rivalry with the New York Knicks. His most famous game against the Knicks came in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals when Miller scored eight points with under nine seconds left in Game 1 to secure the victory for the Pacers.
Hersey Hawkins
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Do you know this point guard who finished his career as the all time assists leader?
John Stockton
John Stockton guided the Utah Jazz to back-to-back NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, but the Jazz lost both years to the Chicago Bulls. Both series went six games, but Stockton played better in the '97 Finals, where he averaged 15 points and nearly nine rebounds.
Chris Mullin
Dan Majerle
Steve Kerr
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Which legendary Knicks player do you see in this image?
Anthony Mason
Willis Reed
John Starks
Patrick Ewing
One of the best defensive big men of his era, Patrick Ewing wasn't afraid to go for a big block when it mattered. However, his willingness to play defense also led to one of the nastiest dunks in NBA history, when Scottie Pippen slammed it down on him in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
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Recognized for his play on both ends of the court, what's the name of this nine-time NBA All Star?
Shawn Kemp
Gary Payton
Gary Payton might be the biggest star to pass through Seattle when the SuperSonics were tearing it up in Washington. Payton finished his 13 year tenure in Seattle with several franchise records, including points and steals.
Horace Grant
Kevin Johnson
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Who is this shooting guard who won two NBA Three Point Shooting Contests?
Chris Mullin
Vlade Divac
Jeff Hornacek
Jeff Hornacek started his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns, a team he would return to in his first head coaching job when he was hired in 2013. Hornacek's final season with the Suns was the best of his career, as he averaged career highs in points and rebounds.
Dan Majerle
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Does this sneaky point guard from the '90s have a familiar face?
Grant Hill
Rod Strickland
John Starks
The closest that John Starks came to winning an NBA title was in the 1994 NBA Finals, where his New York Knicks matched up against the Houston Rockets. Starks had an up and down series, but ultimately, he had his worst performance in Game 7 when he went 2-18 from the floor.
Mookie Blaylock
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No one could guard this powerhouse underneath the basket. Do you recognize him?
Charles Oakley
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal wouldn't reach superstar status in the NBA until he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. In his time with the Lakers, O'Neal became a three time NBA champion and was named the NBA MVP during the 1999-00 season.
Dikembe Mutombo
Dennis Rodman
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Are you able to identify this player who spent his '90s career on four different teams?
Tim Hardaway
Rod Strickland
After being traded from the Knicks in the middle of the 1989-90 season, Rod Strickland made the playoffs eight straight years on three different teams. He had his deepest playoff run with the Spurs in 1990, when they reached the Western Conference Semifinals.
Hersey Hawkins
Shawn Kemp
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Can you name this player who starred on a struggling Lakers team after Earvin "Magic" Johnson retired?
Vlade Divac
Vlade Divac helped the Sacramento Kings return to playoff contention when he signed there in 1998. As a sign of respect for his basketball knowledge, the Kings brought Divac back as general manager in 2015, where he has put together a talented young core led by De'Aaron Fox.
Dan Majerle
Chris Mullin
Steve Kerr
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This famous player popularized the crossover dribble. Who is he?
Latrell Sprewell
Tim Hardaway
Tim Hardaway willed himself to being one of the best players in the '90s despite his struggle to stay healthy. Though he only played one full season during the decade, the point guard was electric anytime he was on the court as both a scorer and passer.
Hersey Hawkins
Dennis Rodman
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TheCrunchySopa
Is this member of the 1992 "Dream Team" a player you're familiar with?
Chris Mullin
Chris Mullin was a proficient scorer throughout his NBA career, where he shot over 50 percent from the field. Mullin also worked on his three point shot, which was poor in his early years before he turned into a marksman from the outside.
Steve Kerr
Dan Majerle
Charles Oakley
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Santiago73
You couldn't find a more explosive athlete than this famous player. What's his name?
Grant Hill
Horace Grant
Dikembe Mutombo
Shawn Kemp
Shawn Kemp reached the only NBA Finals of his career while playing for the Seattle SuperSonics in 1996. Kemp was the leading scorer on his team during the series, but it wasn't enough to overcome Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
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Do you know the name of this NBA star who was more concerned about grabbing rebounds than scoring points?
Latrell Sprewell
Charles Oakley
Dennis Rodman
In the late '90s, while also playing basketball, Dennis Rodman joined World Championship Wrestling. During his tenure there, he became a member of the nWo, a wrestling stable led by "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan.
Larry Johnson
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Which defensive specialist who made a name for himself in the '90s is depicted here?
Dikembe Mutombo
The fact that Dikembe Mutombo made the NBA Hall of Fame despite averaging 9.8 points per game throughout his career proves just how talented he was on defense. Aside from snagging rebounds, he also blocked shots, a lot of them, finishing his career second in total blocks.
Charles Oakley
Grant Hill
Larry Johnson
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How familiar are you with this NBA legend who got his NBA start in 1996?
Allen Iverson
Kobe Bryant
With a work ethic that would break most other basketball players, Kobe Bryant was born to be an NBA superstar. His determination to be successful showed from an early age, as he was drafted to the NBA straight out of high school.
Tim Duncan
Vince Carter
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This number one overall pick helped the San Antonio Spurs capture their first title in 1999. Can you identify him?
Nick Anderson
Pau Gasol
Tony Parker
Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan teamed up with David Robinson to form the "Twin Towers" on the San Antonio Spurs. This lethal duo was dominant under the rim on both offense and defense, making it difficult for teams that couldn't hit perimeter shots.
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Wiki Commons by Steve Lipofsky
Few players were as tough on the court as which player shown here?
Horace Grant
Ray Allen
Charles Oakley
From the moment he entered the league, Charles Oakley worked as an enforcer on the court, making sure his teammates were protected against teams being overly physical. The first player he protected was Michael Jordan during the early part of his career.
Larry Johnson
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Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Who is this player whose fame rose in the late '90s while he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Kevin Johnson
Paul Pierce
Ray Allen
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett never wanted to leave the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team and fanbase that had been loyal to the center for years. However, he also realized that his championship window didn't align with the team and was finally traded to the Boston Celtics, where he won his only title.
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Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Are you familiar with this '90s star who was at the top of the basketball world before injuries slowed him down?
Horace Grant
Hersey Hawkins
Grant Hill
After going third in the 1994 NBA draft, Grant Hill had a stellar rookie season, averaging 20 points and over six rebounds per game. His play on the court earned him the Co-Rookie of the Year award and a place on the All-Rookie First Team.
Mookie Blaylock
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Do you recognize this famous point guard who spent almost the entire decade with the Phoenix Suns?
Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson went into politics a few years after his NBA career ended in 2000. Running on the Democratic ticket, Johnson was elected as the mayor of Sacramento in 2008, making him the first African American to serve in this position.
Nick Anderson
Larry Johnson
Allen Iverson
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Wiki Commons by MavsFan28
You might have seen this former '90s legend as an NBA analyst on TNT, but what's his name?
Ray Allen
Kenny Smith
Kenny Smith was an important piece for the Houston Rockets when they won back to back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. The only blemish for Smith and his teammates was that Michael Jordan didn't play those two seasons, as he was trying his hand at baseball.
Horace Grant
Steve Kerr
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Does this dunking machine have a face you're familiar with?
Vin Baker
Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins was known as "The Human Highlight Film" because of his insane dunks which could fill a highlight reel. He used that talent to win two Slam Dunk Contests and almost a third one had Michael Jordan not been given a home town advantage.
Glen Rice
Joe Dumars
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This famous NBA player was a four time All Star in the '90s. Who is he?
Penny Hardaway
Penny Hardaway starred beside Shaquille O'Neal during the early part of their careers for the Orlando Magic. However, internal strife led Hardaway to declare that he was the leader of the team, forcing a split between the two All Star-caliber players.
Ray Allen
Jason Kidd
Steve Nash
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Can you recall the name of this catch and shoot guard from his days on the Phoenix Suns?
Vin Baker
Horace Grant
Steve Kerr
Dan Majerle
Coming out of college, Dan Majerle was part of the U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team that won bronze at the 1988 Olympics. The team's third place finish was one of the main reasons the "Dream Team" was assembled to play in the 1992 Olympics.
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Did you watch enough basketball in the '90s to know who this Hall of Fame player is?
Latrell Sprewell
Horace Grant
Mitch Richmond
Mitch Richmond had a stellar career in the '90s as one of the best players of the decade during the regular season, but he rarely had the opportunity to display his talents in the playoffs. Luckily, in the final season of his career, he won an NBA title as a bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Derrick Coleman
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The Detroit Pistons won two titles with this guy playing on their squad. Do you know him?
Mookie Blaylock
Vince Carter
Joe Dumars
The Detroit Pistons drafted Joe Dumars to play alongside their star Isiah Thomas. The pair won their second of back to back titles in 1990, but as Thomas declined, the Pistons struggled in the playoffs, even though Dumars was still in his prime.
Glen Rice
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Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
What's the name of this big man who was the first Miami Heat player to have his jersey retired by the franchise?
Alonzo Mourning
A bit undersized for a big man, Alonzo Mourning proved that hard work pays off when he became one of the most dominant defensive players for nearly a decade. His play also earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame and a jersey retirement from the Miami Heat.
Larry Johnson
Vin Baker
Glen Rice
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Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Were you a big enough fan of the NBA in the '90s to name this famous player who won four straight NBA titles?
Kenny Anderson
Steve Kerr
After leaving the NBA as a player, Steve Kerr found success in a front office position for the Phoenix Suns, where he helped build the franchise around Steve Nash. Kerr later took over the head coaching job for the Golden State Warriors, where he's made five straight Finals appearances.
Dale Davis
Chris Gatling
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Are you able to identify this marksman from the three point line?
Allen Iverson
Paul Pierce
Steve Nash
Ray Allen
Ray Allen got his NBA start in 1996 and quickly showed the basketball world why he deserved to be drafted with the fifth overall pick. From the beginning, Allen proved to be a smart defender, but he was even more valuable beyond the arc.
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Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Can you identify this '90s star who was named Co-Rookie of the Year in 1995?
Chris Webber
Dirk Nowitzki
Steve Nash
Jason Kidd
Say what you will about Jason Kidd, and people do say a lot about his failures off the court, but no one can deny what he meant to basketball during his tenure in the NBA. A 10-time All Star and five-time All NBA First Team selection, Kidd sealed his legacy when he finally won an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks.
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This player's college career ended in controversy before he became a star in the NBA. Who is he?
Vince Carter
Chris Webber
Chris Webber helped revolutionize college basketball in the early '90s as part of the Fab Five at the University of Michigan. Recognized as one of the best recruiting classes for any school, four of the members played in the NBA after their college careers ended.
Horace Grant
Allan Houston
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Do you recognize this small forward who was utilized for his offensive production?
Glen Rice
One of the biggest highlights of Glen Rice's career came at the 1997 NBA All Star Game. Rice scored 20 points in the third quarter of the game, finishing with 26 points, and was honored by being named the game's MVP.
Mookie Blaylock
Hersey Hawkins
Larry Johnson
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You could usually count on a double-double from which famous NBA player shown here?
Nick Anderson
Allen Iverson
Vin Baker
Though the team never made the playoffs, Vin Baker had the best numbers of his career while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1993 until 1997. Baker consistently put up double-doubles while averaging over 40 minutes per game for three of his four seasons in Milwaukee.
Juwan Howard
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