7. John Stockton
John Stockton is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. He played 19 seasons in the NBA, all with the Utah Jazz. Known for his exceptional passing ability, court vision, and tenacious defense, forming one of the most iconic duos in basketball history alongside Karl Malone.
He built a reputation of consistency and durability, appearing in 1,504 of a possible 1,526 regular season games. He played in all 82 regular season games in 16 of his 19 seasons and missed five or more games in a season just twice (one of which was the lockout-shortened 1998-99 and he played in all 50 games).
Stockton was a 10-time NBA All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States Men's basketball team. He holds the NBA records for career assists and steals, showcasing his impact on the game. Despite never winning an NBA championship, Stockton led the Jazz to multiple deep playoff runs, including two consecutive trips to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, ultimately falling to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.
Stockton's longevity and consistency are reflected in his career averages of 13.1 points, 10.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He retired in 2003 as one of the most respected and beloved players in NBA history, leaving a lasting legacy as a true floor general and a model of consistency and durability.