Who are the best basketball players who ever played a game in Pgh?

[MarshallGoldberg]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

 

[JD1976]

Great topic. You can debate where he ranks on your list, but I still remember as a very young kid when Ewing came to play against Pitt during his 4 years (I was a little two young for the first meeting or two, but definitely remember ‘84 and ‘85). Those Georgetown teams were legendary, and no one college player in my lifetime was ever more feared, respected and loathed all at once than Ewing. I can’t imagine an opponent generating more buzz than he did back then, and you could certainly make a case that he was the best to ever play meaningful games in the city of Pittsburgh.

 

[DiehardPanther]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

Don’t forget about all the guys that played in the Dappen Dan Roundball Classic.

 

[Seneca_Valley]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

Pete Maravich.

 

[Ronnyp91]

Couple more names that are clearly a step down.
Kemba Walker
Donovan Mitchell
Malcolm Brogdon

 

[HOF Coach]

Superb topic...requires some thought.

So many sources to consider, including the Dapper Dan Roundball Classic, Pitt & Duquesne's long history, the ABA, Harlem Globetrotters, NCAA Tournament games, regional high school players who played in WPIAL or PIAA tournament games in the city and who later went on to fame, etc.

 

[MarshallGoldberg]

Pete Maravich.

I am pretty sure he only played vs. Pitt (and Duquense) in Baton Rogue. So are you going based on some other game from his family roots? Not sure.

I didn't even think of Globetrotters. Did Wilt Chamberlain ever play in Pittsburgh as a Globetrotter? That was only one season I believe. Goose Tatum probably did? Old school for sure.

 

[Panthervision]

[QUOTE=" Did Wilt Chamberlain ever play in Pittsburgh as a Globetrotter? That was only one season I believe. [/QUOTE]

Wilt played at Farrell when in high school and lost to the Farrell Steelers

 

[yourhired]

In the roundball Gene Banks was the best player I saw Magic played in the same game but Banks & Clancy dominated that game for the PA side.

 

[Fsgolfdr]

The Bulls led my an UNC guy by the name of Micheal Jordon played a game at the Arena ! MJ didn’t have the best night of his career !

 

[DBpanther]

I think Alonzo Mourning may have been the best freshman but Iverson was great too.

 

[MarshallGoldberg]

The Bulls led my an UNC guy by the name of Micheal Jordon played a game at the Arena ! MJ didn’t have the best night of his career !

[/QUOTE]

Damn, OK it's a more impressive list than I realized.

Four NBA games were played at the arena:
October 29, 1993
Chicago v. Philadelphia

October 28, 2004
Cleveland v. Altanta

October 11, 2005
Cleveland v. Boston

October 25, 2006
Dallas v. Cleveland

Sadly, basketballreference.com doesn't have stats going back to the 1993 pre-season. Barkley and Jordan would be major additions to this increasingly impressive list.

 

[DiehardPanther]

If we are talking best player of all time, then it is Jordan and LBJ.

 

[cruzer]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

Good list. I would add:

Norm Nixon - he was dominant at the college level and a very solid pro

Shaq - He played in the high school all star game at the Civic arena and just dominated everyone.

Cruzer

 

[wbrpanther]

[QUOTE=" Did Wilt Chamberlain ever play in Pittsburgh as a Globetrotter? That was only one season I believe.

Wilt played at Farrell when in high school and lost to the Farrell Steelers[/QUOTE]
And played in Johnstown the next night.

 

[wbrpanther]

If we are talking best player of all time, then it is Jordan and LBJ.

Don't leave out the Big O. It was a different time and he wasn't as flashy. But he could do it all.

 

[wbrpanther]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

Connie Hawkins was Dr. J before Dr. J. Too bad he lost his best years to an unjust blackball. And Maurice Stokes would have been known as one of the best ever if tragedy hadn't struck.

 

[Rezzo]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

Curtis Roe and Sidney Wicks played Pitt in the Old Steel bowl. The greatest one of all scored 40 points against that UCLA team that night, Billy Knight, no pun intended

 

[Seneca_Valley]

I am pretty sure he only played vs. Pitt (and Duquense) in Baton Rogue. So are you going based on some other game from his family roots? Not sure.

I didn't even think of Globetrotters. Did Wilt Chamberlain ever play in Pittsburgh as a Globetrotter? That was only one season I believe. Goose Tatum probably did? Old school for sure.

The Bucs played an exhibition game in the arena.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

MJ and Lebron

 

[PittMBA]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

Do you include the old Dapper Dan Roundball Classic at the Civic Arena?

If you include the Roundball Classic- names like Shaquille O’Neal, Adrian Dantley, Moses Malone, Dominique Wilkins, Penny Hardaway, and so many local and national basketball stars played in that game. It was really a precursor to the McDonald’s All-American game for like 25 years.

It was a great event.

 

[FordhamIII]

Great topic,the Dapper Dan Roundball Classic was the premier high school basketball game in the 70's and anybody who was anybody played.

My best memories would be of players who played here pre Peterson Event Center.

* Connie Hawkins
*Kenny Durrett
* Mike Glenn Southern Illinois
*Billy Knight
*Patrick Ewing
*Chris Mullin
*Pearl Washington
*Derrick Coleman
*Mookie Blaylock

And the list could go on and on but these are some of the players that had memorable performances in Pittsburgh.

 

[ameoba defense]

The 72-73 Sixers, one of the worst teams in history, played 6 home games at the Arena. Some of the opposing players were:
Connie Hawkins
Charlie Scott
Bob Lanier, who also played against Duquesne in college.
Dave Bing
Pete Maravich
Lenny Wilkens
Nate Thurmond
Walt Hazzard
Rick Barry
There were also dozens of elite players who came here as college players.
Duquesne played all the eastern powers when back when they were a member of that club, and Pitt played a lot of those teams as well, plus some of the big football schools that had good programs. This was back before the BE.

 

[Delpanther]

Throw in Jim McMillan who played at UNC; Sidney Wicks and Curtis Rowe from UCLA, both of whom played against Pitt at the civic arena. Ray Allen and a slew of the other great players from UConn.

 

[Pete108K11]

Throw in Jim McMillan who played at UNC; Sidney Wicks and Curtis Rowe from UCLA, both of whom played against Pitt at the civic arena. Ray Allen and a slew of the other great players from UConn.

Calvin Murphy--I used to play at the downtown Y and one of the guys used to brag that he held Calvin to 38 points (or some gigantic number) in the Roundball

Patrick Ewing- also in the Roundball I saw him elbow a Pennsylvania player in the jaw at mid court laying the guy out. No ref saw it, no T V in those days.

Connie Hawkins- I played him in tennis at Mellon Park

Speaking of elbows. Also saw Bob Huggins at the Civic Arena elbow BB Flenory so hard that he slid under the scoring table

 

[Frabjous]

Eastern Michigan played Duquesne in Pittsburgh when the Dukes were still respectable. EMU had a kid who took over the game, the Ice Man, George Gervin. P.S. Best shooter ever was Billy Knight.

 

[Atch]

Yuri not pleased!

 

[TreesHero]

I know there are a bunch of people here who had an early thought of The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. You know you did.

 

[Pitt-Chains]

If we are talking best player of all time, then it is Jordan and LBJ.

This..

 

[Pitt-Chains]

Calvin Murphy--I used to play at the downtown Y and one of the guys used to brag that he held Calvin to 38 points (or some gigantic number) in the Roundball

Patrick Ewing- also in the Roundball I saw him elbow a Pennsylvania player in the jaw at mid court laying the guy out. No ref saw it, no T V in those days.

Connie Hawkins- I played him in tennis at Mellon Park

Speaking of elbows. Also saw Bob Huggins at the Civic Arena elbow BB Flenory so hard that he slid under the scoring table

Mellon Park and Connie Hawkins league... Riezenstein/Ozanham summer league... miss those days..

 

[Pittx9]

The Sixers played some home games at the Civic Arena back in their early days in Philadelphia, a lot of good matchups were there from what I can find online.

Bill Russell has to be near the top of the list. LeBron I believe played in Pittsburgh in HS and also exhibition games at the Pete and Mellon Arena in the NBA. The Bulls played an exhibition game at Civic Arena in the early 90s, I have no idea if Jordan participated or not though. If he did certainly he is #1, or maybe LeBron depending on the criteria for this.

In addition to Russell though, other NBA greats that played at the Civic Arena.... Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Willis Reed, Rick Barry, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor.

Then of course all the great players who came through the ABA and played in Pittsburgh and the future greats that played in Pittsburgh in the old Big East days. Many, many, many of the truly all-time greats have played here. The absolute best though would have to be Russell and Chamberlain for the bigs and LeBron and Jordan for any other positions. Does anyone here know for a fact though if Jordan actually played here or not?

 

[upj87]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

Armen Gilliam deserves a shout out in the honorable mention list..

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Armen Gilliam deserves a shout out in the honorable mention list..

What's the criteria? You could have a longer list if you included all players who later became starters in the NBA and played 5 or more years in the league.

 

[Delpanther]

Also throw in Spencer Haywood from Detroit when they played the Dukes at the Civic Arena. Also I recall Jim MacAdoo playing for UNC against Pitt at the field house.

 

[upj87]

What's the criteria? You could have a longer list if you included all players who later became starters in the NBA and played 5 or more years in the league.

Not my post. However, Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

You could have a longer list if you included all players who later became starters in the NBA and played 5 or more years in the league. Gilliam had more basketball cred than just that. (1,000 pts senior season, John Wooden Finalist and key part of UNLV powerhouse and 2nd overall NBA pick). Like I said, deserving of addition to OPs honorable mention list...

 

[MarshallGoldberg]

I never knew about the dark years Sixers playing those home games in Pittsburgh. Fascinating! I am sure no one showed up, because it's Pittsburgh and pro basketball has a horrible record here.

 

[Fsgolfdr]

Damn, OK it's a more impressive list than I realized.

Four NBA games were played at the arena:
October 29, 1993
Chicago v. Philadelphia

October 28, 2004
Cleveland v. Altanta

October 11, 2005
Cleveland v. Boston

October 25, 2006
Dallas v. Cleveland

Sadly, basketballreference.com doesn't have stats going back to the 1993 pre-season. Barkley and Jordan would be major additions to this increasingly impressive list.[/QUOTE]

The Sixers played some home games at the Civic Arena back in their early days in Philadelphia, a lot of good matchups were there from what I can find online.

Bill Russell has to be near the top of the list. LeBron I believe played in Pittsburgh in HS and also exhibition games at the Pete and Mellon Arena in the NBA. The Bulls played an exhibition game at Civic Arena in the early 90s, I have no idea if Jordan participated or not though. If he did certainly he is #1, or maybe LeBron depending on the criteria for this.

In addition to Russell though, other NBA greats that played at the Civic Arena.... Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Willis Reed, Rick Barry, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor.

Then of course all the great players who came through the ABA and played in Pittsburgh and the future greats that played in Pittsburgh in the old Big East days. Many, many, many of the truly all-time greats have played here. The absolute best though would have to be Russell and Chamberlain for the bigs and LeBron and Jordan for any other positions. Does anyone here know for a fact though if Jordan actually played here or not?

MJ played I was there ...Not his best night !

 

[Pittx9]

Damn, OK it's a more impressive list than I realized.

Four NBA games were played at the arena:
October 29, 1993
Chicago v. Philadelphia

October 28, 2004
Cleveland v. Altanta

October 11, 2005
Cleveland v. Boston

October 25, 2006
Dallas v. Cleveland

Sadly, basketballreference.com doesn't have stats going back to the 1993 pre-season. Barkley and Jordan would be major additions to this increasingly impressive list.

MJ played I was there ...Not his best night ![/QUOTE]
Thanks, I wasn’t sure if he did or not. I went to the Cavs-Mavs preseason game at the Pete several years back, the Mavs rested all their stars but LeBron and Shaq both played for Cleveland.

As for going back in history, if you read up on either the Sixers or the Civic Arena you can find that teams played a lot of games away from their home court in the 60s and 70s and the Sixers had some home games at Civic Arena.

If you look at basketball-reference.com for the sixers first handful or so years as the Philadelphia 76ers, you can see which games they played in Pittsburgh at the arena.

 

[Evenattheturn]

Obviously sparked by seeing Zion Williamson, who is truly freakish in his physical abilities though no one can predict how his unique game translates next.

Basically the rule is just they had to play at least one game in the city of Pittsburgh.

In the ABA game played at the Civic Arena, Kareem was out with the eye scratch injury and didn't actually play. Only thing I am not sure is if Oscar Robertson did or didn't play in that Bucks game in 71? against the Condors. If so, he would probably be up there with but a step back for me from Lebron, who played here in the 2008 Celtics - Cavs pre-season game.(in fact, I have Lebron clearly established on Mt. Rushmore overall with Kareem, Jordan, and Russell -- and those other three probably never played here?)

So my #1 is Lebron. Then prime Connie Hawkins, young Doctor J (scored 40 against the Condors without breaking a sweat), and older Oscar all basically tied for second.

Honorable mention in no particular order at all.
Ray Allen (both in the NBA and Big East)
Kevin Garnett (also in that NBA game)
Paul Piece (I think he played that night but I don't recall)
Maurice Lucas
Jack Twyman
Maurice Stokes
Sam Clancy
Billy Knight
John Brisker
Charles Smith
Patrick Ewing (the best Big East player we went up against?)
Chris Mullin (similar to above)
Derrick Coleman (better college than pro, but elite for his time)
Allen Iverson (has to be high on the list)
Walter Berry (most underrated player of his era?)
Carmelo Anthony (best freshman we faced? But I'd put him below Ewing for domination level.)

What about some NCAA tournament game players who came through Pittsburgh? Who were the best players who came through for a neutral setting game? Bagley and Trae Young are promising but hard to put them on this list obviously. What about further back?I don't remember if we ever had some future hall of famers come through for NCAA tourney games. Anyone have any good memories of NCAA tourney studs?

 

[Evenattheturn]

Maurice Lucas and Billy Owens