The 50 greatest players in NBA history, ranked by win shares
By Cal Durrett
Greatest NBA Player #47: Buck Williams -120.09
Three-time NBA All-Star Buck Williams makes the cut at number 47, but he may not be familiar to newer fans. Unlike many of the names to follow, Williams was a good, but not a great, offensive player. In fact, with a career-high scoring average of 18.3 points, he is one of just six players in the top 50 in win shares to never average more than 20 points per game.
Still, the former third overall pick was a terrific rebounder and defender who carved out a 17-year career that started with the New Jersey Nets. Williams was an immediate help, averaging 16.9 points on 55.2% shooting, 12.3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1.2 blocks over his first seven seasons.
He was later dealt to Portland, and he helped the Trail Blazers end a string of disappointing playoff losses by winning nearly 60 games a season from 1990–1992. They made the NBA Finals in 1990, the Western Conference Finals in 1991, and then back to the Finals, where they were again beaten by the Jordan Bulls.
Williams wrapped up his career with the New York Knicks, quietly amassing 16,784 points, 13,017 rebounds, 1100 blocks, and 1080 steals—good numbers across the board, allowing him to make the list over more well-known players.