The NBA’s grueling 82-game schedule isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, evident by the constant injuries plaguing players amid the season. However, there exists a handful of players built differently. This particular breed is a specimen of the term hustle mentality.
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Addressing the above topic on Inside the NBA recently, TNT analyst, Charles Barkley, was all praise for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Russell Westbrook. The Hall of Famer would speak on how we took the two former MVPs for granted, revealing their hustle mentality.
“Man, we take this kid, Giannis for granted. Other than Russell Westbrook, I’m talking about the great players. Russell Westbrook and Giannis, I have never seen a player play hard every single night like them two guys,” said The Chuckster.
Adding to the list, co-panelist Kenny Smith said, “Never heard of Michael Jordan?” something Chuck didn’t agree upon. On the other hand, while Shaquille O’Neal seconded Barkley’s list, he did throw in the name of Allen Iverson.
Charles Barkley cites Allen Iverson’s inefficiency on defense while putting him on the list of top hustlers alongside Giannis and Russ.
In what many believe, The Answer drew similar popularity to that of Michael Jordan. Standing at a mere 6 feet tall, Iverson was a scoring machine, enduring the beatings and battering as he drove toward the rim on a nightly basis. A cultural icon, the 2001 MVP inspired a host of players who dreamed to play the guard position in the NBA.
However, AI wasn’t the best example went it came to work ethic, his infamous ‘practice rant’ being the perfect example. The four-time scoring champion’s injuries and reluctance to change with times led to his prime ending sooner than expected.
Thus it’s hard to put AI’s name alongside Giannis and Russ when it comes to the top hustlers in the league. Nonetheless, the Sixers legend etched one of the greatest legacies.
Some other honorable mentions in the list of NBA hustlers of all time.
There is no denying that every player that makes the NBA works very hard on his craft. However, there are a few who are a cut above the rest, willing to go that extra mile.
Some of the names on this list include Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and not forgetting the Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant.
