If you were to sum up the last 50 years of the NBA using only Sports Illustrated album covers, how would you do it?  That’s the task I decided to give myself.  The league has seen it’s share of ups and downs, amazing feats, and personal accomplishments.  So considering there were nearly 300 covers to choose from, it was tough to narrow it to twenty five.

However, I think I’ve done a superb job with my selections.  From your Bob Cousy’s in the world, up on through to the future legends of this league, here are 30 of the best NBA Sports Illustrated covers.

 Mr. Cousy

The Stilt

Bill Russell

When he was called Lew

I had to put in the 70′s Knicks

Pistol!  This guy was amazing and was the first “modern” player

The Doctor! ABA starts a new trend in the NBA

Walton the Warrior

The First MJ.

How was this guy ever good?  Love it.

Sixers Championship

No words to describe this.  He was in over 20 covers.  I had to choose this one.

Most influential draft day ever

Human Highlight Film

The Dream!

Great team in the early 90′s

Sir Charles

The Bad Boys start an annoying defensive trend

Here he comes!

Ugh

High School explodes in the NBA

Had to get Iverson in there

Awwww.

NBA goes international

The big fundamental.  So boring

The King

Had to get D-Wade in there

Very underrated.

The Green Machine

From Russell to KG