Only A Real GM Could Get Over 40% On This NBA Quiz. But You Can Try!
- by Joey Haverford
- – on
- in Sports
The NBA’s popularity continues to rise as a popular international sport. Fans all over the globe have been won over by the superstars of the league. The current product of basketball features a hit list of relevant names that bring in viewers to different teams. Every NBA fan tries their best to follow all the noteworthy players, teams and stories in the league each season. However, not everyone will be able to keep up with the changes, accomplishments and general fun facts about the basketball world. Only the biggest fans have the memory and knowledge of the sport to recall many different players that left varying degrees of impact on them.
This quiz will test your basketball mind when it comes to some of the biggest names in the sports world. All the questions on the quiz will feature relevant names that fans should know if they truly keep up with the NBA landscape. General Managers are the people in the NBA that must most follow each team to evaluate the players across the league. Many fans love to claim they could do a better job than their team’s GM due to the mistakes that can hurt the franchise in the long run. The questions here will put that theory to the test when it comes to knowing a lot about the NBA world. Find out just how well your score compares to others on the quiz. Only real GMs should be able to score over 40% on this quiz!
Which team did LeBron James defeat to win his first NBA Championship?
LeBron James has become the top superstar in the NBA over the past decade. Despite his eight-year streak of making the NBA Finals ending when joining the Los Angeles Lakers, James is still the face of the league due to his high level of success. Three NBA Championships have featured James adding some great accomplishments to his name. It did require a long journey to get to the top of the league for his first ring. LeBron willed his team to their first championship with incredible performances. Which team did James defeat to win his first NBA Championship? (Basketball Reference)
Which player has the record for most triple doubles in a single season?
The triple double stat line is now one of the most popular accomplishments in the NBA on a nightly basis. Following years of only a handful of players even accomplishing it once per season, it is more frequent today thanks to players having more versatility. One player has taken this to the next level by making it a common part of his game. He is expected to have a triple double most nights due to his averages showing such. This player set the record for the most triple doubles in a single season. Which active NBA star has become such a triple double machine? (Basketball Reference)
Which player was traded for Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard has made the Toronto Raptors a contender for the NBA Championship after they made a risky trade for him in the offseason. The contract of Leonard only has one year left on it which makes it possible he will leave after the season. However, he has stepped up to become the face of the franchise by playing at a high level while also allowing his teammates to have a bigger role. The San Antonio Spurs did not want to initially trade him, but they did receive another talented player for him. Which of these NBA players was involved in the Kawhi trade? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted Carmelo Anthony?
Carmelo Anthony’s future is in doubt after he was unable to find a new team to sign him this season. The skills of Anthony saw him become arguably the top scorer in the league and a beloved superstar for almost fifteen years. Anthony was destined for success after leading Syracuse to a National Championship in the college basketball world. His NBA team would find some success with him, but they never truly contended for a championship. Anthony would have his best seasons there before spending time on a handful of other teams. Which of these teams was the one to draft Carmelo? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
This player has made a big step forward in the recent season thanks to having a bigger responsibility. The Washington Wizards expected to have a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, multiple players would miss most of the season and another key piece was traded to make big changes to the franchise. This player showcased in the picture above was given the opportunity to run the offense and he certainly showed he could play at a higher level. He is one of the best three-point shooters in the league and can set up plays to make others better. What is the name of the player shown here? (Basketball Reference)
Which active player has the most MVP Awards?
The MVP Award is the most important individual achievement one can accomplish in their NBA run. Postseason success is preferred, but the MVP Award in the regular season shows that a player was the best in the league for that entire season rather than getting put in an ideal situation. Most of the true top superstars in basketball history have won at least one MVP during their prime. The active players here have each delivered legendary runs. One of them has more awards than the others. Which of these players have won the most MVP Awards as of 2019? (Basketball Reference)
Who has the most records for most three-pointers made in one season?
The biggest change in the NBA game throughout the past few seasons has elevated the importance of the three-point shot. Old theories in the basketball community would see experts and former players claim a three-point shooting team will never win an NBA Championship due to the level of risk in that style of play. The Golden State Warriors proved that is no longer the case with their style creating a new dynasty in the NBA world. One player took that to another level by setting a record. Which of these players has the record for most three-pointers made in a single season as of 2019? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these new NBA stars was a first overall pick in his draft class?
The new class of young talent in the NBA is a huge reason for the league finding such success. Even the teams that are trying to catch up to the top contenders have hope with almost every roster having a couple of relevant young pieces to build around. The following four players all have become beloved parts of their franchise in a short time. They represent the future of the league that will eventually take over for the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Which of these young rising stars was selected first overall in their respective NBA Draft? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted DeMarcus Cousins?
DeMarcus Cousins is enjoying playing for a winning team for the first time in his NBA run. The center has always been among the most talented and effective players at his position. Attitude issues and a lack of a supporting cast around him most seasons would see his style lead to losing. Everyone was surprised when he joined the Golden State Warriors super team as another gamer changer on the roster. Cousins has played for a handful of teams with another new home likely coming in the offseason. Which of these NBA teams was the one to draft Cousins? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The player pictured here is one of the rising stars of the league for the Phoenix Suns. He has delivered impressive performances in a short time. The lack of a supporting cast in Phoenix has led to him not getting his due for the outstanding play. He scored 50+ points on multiple occasions and went up to 70 once in a losing effort. The three-point shooting and playmaking of this player can allow him to become a superstar in the league for many seasons to come. What is the name of the Suns player shown and described here? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these players is a Sixth Man of the Year Award winner?
The Sixth Man of the Year Award has become a huge honor for any player on the second unit of a team. Some coaches are strategically placing one of their best players on the bench to lead to the second unit and continue playing at a high level when most of the starters are sitting. One of these players is now known for having a legacy as arguably the greatest bench player in NBA history. He has won the Sixth Man of the Year Award multiple times with a chance for more. Which of these players has won the award? (Basketball Reference)
How many points did Kobe Bryant score in his retirement game?
Kobe Bryant is the most recent iconic NBA superstar to retire. His final game took place back in 2016 in a tremendous win against the Utah Jazz. Bryant not only scored a lot of points, but he also hit the game-winning shot late in the game to end his NBA run to a standing ovation. The point total was one no one expected from him in his finale. Bryant was having a tough final season with the aging process catching up to him. He managed to turn back the clock one final time to treat Lakers fans to another memory. How many points did Kobe score in his retirement game? (Basketball Reference)
How many NBA Championships does Vince Carter have?
Vince Carter is the oldest player still active in the NBA today. The legend is expected to return next season for a final farewell. Carter is currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks and is able to play a limited number of minutes in the rotation. The goal of Carter is to continue getting minutes on the court and helping guide the young players on a roster to learn the NBA life with his words of wisdom. Carter has played for quite a few teams throughout his run with many changes. How many NBA Championships has Carter won as of 2019? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant has found his way into the conversation when discussing the best player in the NBA. Most would rank him below LeBron James, but Durant does not have many other players above him in that race. The two NBA Championships with the Golden State Warriors have allowed Durant to get that next accomplishment added to his resume. Durant made headlines all over the sports world and beyond when he did join Golden State. An MVP joining a 73-win team with another MVP on it felt impossible, but Durant went through with it. Which of these teams was actually the one to draft Durant into the league? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The player shown here is having a breakout season of taking his game to the next level in the NBA. He was close to making the All-Star team with a former team. A huge trade would see him moved to another playoff roster as the latter wanted to contend for an NBA Championship right away. His former team feared losing him in free agency for nothing and wanted to add some assets of potential. He is hoping to score a max contract in the offseason as the ultimate payoff for his good play. What is the name of this player? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these players has NEVER won an MVP Award?
Every great superstar wants to put themselves into the MVP contention. Most will never win an MVP Award since only top player can win it each year and elite players often will multiple times. However, a player getting involved in the top five of MVP voting can still score them some historical recognition for how valuable they were in their prime. These four players all were involved in MVP contention at some point or the other in their best years. Three of them would win an MVP Award at least once. Which of them did not ever take home the prize? (Basketball Reference)
Which player made their first NBA All-Star Team in 2019?
The first major goal for a young player entering the NBA is finding their first All-Star appearance. There are only twelve spots for the All-Star roster on each conference. Fans, players, coaches and media personnel vote on the players that to have such an honor on the big stage. Four players here all have had breakout seasons that allowed them to thrive as rising stars in the NBA. Only one of them was able to make their first All-Star Game in 2019. It was the biggest achievement of their time in the league so far. Which of these players was the first-time All-Star? (Basketball Reference)
Which team did Stephen Curry defeat to win his first NBA Championship?
Stephen Curry has become one of the faces of the NBA after leading the Golden State Warriors to prominence. Kevin Durant joining the Warriors made them unbeatable, but Curry made them relevant a few years before Durant even got there. The winning ways of Curry showed the rest of the league that three-point shooting could lead to team wins, especially come playoff time. Curry is hoping to continue adding rings to his resume as his prime is still going strongly today. The first title win for Curry was the sweetest since they did it before Durant got there. Which team did Steph defeat to get his first NBA Championship? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted Kevin Love?
Kevin Love has been a top power forward in the NBA for many years now. The peak of Love’s run came with the Cleveland Cavaliers when playing in four NBA Finals alongside the fellow big three teammates LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Love’s spacing, shot-making, rebounding and one clutch defensive play helped the Cavaliers win the 2016 NBA Championship. One team did draft Love highly in his draft class due to the potential he showed, but they did not expect such a level of success from him. Which of these teams was the one to draft Kevin Love? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The player featured here became a surprising breakout star for the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his first two seasons in the league. He was selected late in the first-round of his draft class by the Lakers with a pick they acquired in a trade. His superb play in his rookie season made him a huge part of the team’s future. This second season has seen more consistent play that makes him among their top assets moving forward to keep or even trade for a bigger name. What is the name of the Lakers star shown and described here? (Basketball Reference)
How many NBA Championships does Tony Parker have?
Tony Parker is still playing late into his time in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets. Despite currently playing in Charlotte, every NBA fan will remember Parker for his run with the San Antonio Spurs. The superb play of Parker saw him team with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili to form arguably the greatest trio in the history of the league. San Antonio made the postseason every year together with multiple NBA Championship wins. Parker even managed to win the NBA Finals MVP Award once. How many NBA Championships did Parker win during his time on the Spurs? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these players was a second round draft pick?
The first round of the NBA Draft is where the strong percentage of superstars will get selected. Odds usually dictate that the best players will get selected earlier since everyone scouts the same talent. However, there are some hidden gems that will not only fall later than assumed, but they also could drop into the second round. The four players here are all huge stars in the NBA today. One of them was not selected in the first round. Which of the following NBA players was a second-round draft pick that became a bigger star than originally expected? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted D'Angelo Russell?
D’Angelo Russell is one of the top rising stars in the NBA today. The Brooklyn Nets had a better season than expected thanks to the stellar play of Russell. He emerged into a game changer on the court and a leader off the court. Russell took his game to another level that allowed him to step up as a potential face of the franchise moving forward. Brooklyn fans have fallen in love with his game and a likely max contract will see his play rewarded. He was originally selected as a high draft lottery pick. Which team selected Russell in the draft? (Basketball Reference)
Which team did Dwight Howard lead to the NBA Finals?
Dwight Howard was one of the top centers in the league for many years. However, a combination of a decline and locker room issues would lead to him switching teams many times. One of the teams he played for would get his best days. A team even made the NBA Finals with him as the best overall player on the team. They would fall short and Howard would never return to that level again. It remains the biggest accomplishment of his time in the NBA. Which of these teams made the NBA Finals with Howard as the leader of the roster? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The player featured here is a point guard that is currently on the Miami Heat. He played for a couple of teams during his time in the NBA and often has been a difference maker. Quite a few seasons would see him rise the rankings of the pecking order in the NBA point guards. His peak would come in 2018 when making the Eastern Conference All-Star team as a last-minute replacement. He is hoping to continue progressing despite missing a lot of time this past season. What is the name of the point guard shown and described here? (Basketball Reference)
Which team did Dwyane Wade defeat to win his first NBA Championship?
Dwyane Wade is preparing to retire after a final impressive season with the Miami Heat. The success of Wade has seen him become a legend in the basketball world. Wade is in the debate for the third best shooting guard in the history of the league behind Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The winning aspect helped Wade’s legacy grow with many of his best moments coming in the postseason. Wade would have multiple NBA Championships wins throughout his NBA run. The first came with his best playoff performance yet. Which team did Wade defeat to win his first NBA Championship? (Basketball Reference)
How many MVP Awards does Chris Paul have?
Chris Paul is in the latter stage of his run in the NBA, but he is still trying to win an NBA Championship with the Houston Rockets. The incredible play of Paul has seen him at the top level of point guards for most of his time in the league. Paul has been a huge part of multiple teams and his on-court leadership has led to outstanding results. There have been times where Paul could be argued as the best overall point guard before other new stars pushed it to another level. How many times did Paul win the MVP Award? (Basketball Reference)
Which unlikely veteran player scored 50 points for the first time in the 2018-2019 season?
The recent NBA season has given us some incredible moments and memories that were not expected. A huge surprise would see a veteran find a new personal best when it comes to scoring in a single game. He managed to hit 50 points for the first time in an outstanding performance. Not only did he score at such a high level, but a game-winning play added even more excitement to the game. He was viewed as past his prime before finding his way back into the spotlight for this accomplishment. Which of these players scored 50+ points for the first time in the 2018-2019 season? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted Paul George?
Paul George has provided his best season so far in the NBA by becoming a legitimate MVP candidate for most of the season. The incredible two-way play of George allowed him to excel on offense for the Oklahoma City Thunder while getting involved in the Defensive Player of the Year category as well. Oklahoma City is hoping George will be part of a core that brings an NBA Championship to the franchise. The NBA run of George has seen quite a few steps of improvement to get to this level. Which of these following teams was the one to originally drafted George into the league? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The player featured here is among the most underrated players in the NBA today. He consistently puts up impressive numbers but has yet to make an All-Star appearance. The Memphis Grizzlies currently give him little help as he is the only difference maker on the roster. A change of pace to a new team via a trade or more help coming to Memphis will be needed before his prime is over in the league. He remains on the second tier of great point guards in the league hoping to progress to the All-Star level. What is the name of the player shown and described here? (Basketball Reference)
Which team did Kobe Bryant defeat to win his first NBA Championship?
Kobe Bryant developed a reputation for leaving it all on the basketball court. The passion for winning was the driving force of Bryant's motivation throughout his time in the NBA. Kobe became a Los Angeles Lakers icon winning NBA Championships in two different runs with Shaquille O’Neal and Pau Gasol. One of Bryant’s few regrets was losing out on a chance to win another title when falling just short in the 2008 NBA Finals. The first ring for Kobe came at a young age. Which of the following teams did Bryant’s Lakers defeat for his first NBA Championship? (Basketball Reference)
Which player is a former Rookie of the Year winner?
The Rookie of the Year Award is the first realistic goal for any prospect entering the NBA. One player typically wins the award meant to celebrate the best first-year player in the league. Great stars like Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan and LeBron James have won the award throughout the years. Recent players have tried competing for such an award to add to the trophy case. Not everyone will have such a win since it often takes some time to get used to the league and fulfill potential. Which of the following talented players was the one to win a Rookie of the Year Award? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these players was traded for Zach LaVine?
Zach LaVine is looking like a future superstar for the Chicago Bulls. The hope for Chicago is to rebuild around the young core they have right now with more draft picks and the right additions in either free agency or trades. LaVine found his way on the Bulls as part of a trade. Not many pundits expected him to become a top star at the time, but he always showed the athleticism to do impressive things on the court as seen with his Slam Dunk Contest wins. Which of the following players was involved in the trade that sent LaVine to Chicago? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted Kyrie Irving?
The future of Kyrie Irving is one of the major stories entering the offseason. Irving is the best player on the Boston Celtics as they hope to win an NBA Championship with him leading the way. There is the potential of him wanting a new challenge with more freedom to run an offense. Irving has seen change already despite winning an NBA Championship. The greatness of Irving was what led to him getting selected first overall in his draft class. One team lucked out by drafting him after winning the top pick. Which NBA team drafted Irving into the league? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The player featured here has been a relevant player in the NBA for many years now. He has been a part of deep playoff runs with a couple of teams so far. The defense in the paint has been his calling card for his time in the league. He is now hoping to play a role in the Toronto Raptors finally winning an NBA Championship this season. The versatility to play center or power forward will help fit into multiple rotations against different teams in the postseason. What is the name of the player shown and described here? (Basketball Reference)
How many NBA Championships does Shaquille O'Neal have?
Shaquille O’Neal is among the all-time NBA greats when looking back at his accomplishments. The start of O’Neal’s run in the NBA came in the 90s. He would play great basketball right away but made his way to the top of the league in the 2000s. Los Angeles Lakers fans witnessed the best work of O’Neal with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat bookending those years with strong performances as well. No player led a team to contention better than O’Neal did. The first title win for Shaq also saw him win the NBA Finals MVP Award. Which team did O’Neal defeat for his first NBA Championship? (Basketball Reference)
How many MVP Awards does Dirk Nowitzki have in the regular season?
Dirk Nowitzki is nearing the end of his time in the NBA. The success of Nowitzki opened the doors for many players from other countries to make the move to the NBA if they could play at this level. Nowitzki put the Dallas Mavericks franchise on his back and made them a relevant fixture in the league for the entirety of his prime. Quite a few seasons would see Dirk in the conversation for the MVP Award since Dallas often finished towards the top of the West. How many regular season MVP Awards did Nowitzki win as of 2019? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these players won the Most Improved Award?
The Most Improved Player Award in every season is often the most feel-good story of the year. It features one player getting rewarded for taking a huge step forward. Every player wants to improve to be the best version of themselves as possible. Many great names have won the Most Improved Player Award jumping from solid role players to top stars and sometimes even superstars. The following four players have all taken gradual steps forward in the league to find a great position today. Which of them was the only one to win a Most Improved Player Award? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted James Harden?
James Harden has become one of the most spectacular players in the NBA today. The offensive game of Harden is unstoppable when he is at his best. Harden’s scoring has made him a top star for the 2018-2019 season with the potential of repeating as the MVP. The Houston Rockets have a chance to contend for an NBA Championship thanks to Harden elevating his game to another level. Harden did not show such stellar results right away in the league. He came off the bench in his first few seasons before going to the Rockets. Which team was the one to draft Harden into the NBA? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The player featured here has become an important part of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Many great talents have played for the team, but he has become their best starting center. The rebounds, defense and solid paint scoring have each all culminated in him becoming the third star on the roster behind Paul George and Russell Westbrook. This player will likely be a fixture on the Thunder for many seasons. He will have a chance to make an All-Star team at some point if he continues progressing at this level. What is the name of the player shown here? (Basketball Reference)
Which team did Kevin Durant defeat to win his first NBA Championship?
Kevin Durant is among the most popular stars in the entire sports world for good reason. The scoring ability of Durant has made him a force in the league since entering over a decade ago. Durant’s biggest criticism during the Oklahoma City Thunder run was that he could not get over the gap in the postseason to win an NBA Championship. It would come when he made a change to join the Golden State Warriors later in a drastic decision. Durant is now associated with winning thanks to the new home. Which team did KD first defeat to win his first NBA Championship? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these players has scored 60+ points in a single game?
Any NBA player to score 60 points in a single game is a special talent as not everyone in the league has that ability. The realistic goal for a great scorer on the right night is getting to 50 points. Rare occasions have seen players hit the 60 goal to find their way into a special list. One player did it this past season early in the year to surprise the NBA fan base. He started a tremendous season with an outing that landed 60 in a single game. Which player has scored 60 points in one individual game? (Basketball Reference)
Which coach won the NBA Championship in his first season coaching?
The coaching carousel in the NBA has seen many great coaches come in and out of various situations. Every team not only wants to find a great coach for their roster, but they want to find the best fit that can get the best of everyone. Most coaches will need a few years to get to the level necessary to realistically compete for an NBA Championship. There is the rare instance where a coach gets hired to lead a great team and wins it all right away. One of these coaches did just that. Which coach won an NBA Championship in his first ever season of coaching? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted LaMarcus Aldridge?
LaMarcus Aldridge has been a fixture in the NBA when looking at the top power forwards. Not many teams have a player at the position that can deliver as consistently as he has throughout his time in the NBA. Aldridge is currently on the San Antonio Spurs as part of their superstar duo alongside DeMar DeRozan. There have been a few major changes for him since getting drafted into the league. One team made the call to draft Aldridge even though they didn’t keep him in the long run. Which of the following teams drafted Aldridge into the NBA? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
This particular player featured here has taken a huge step forward in the NBA. He went from a throwaway in a major trade years ago to one of the top options for the Sacramento Kings roster. This player was among the most important reasons for them surprising the league by contending for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference before falling just short. His ability to continue progressing could land them in a great position next season as the team continues to develop. Which of the following Sacramento young players is the one shown and described here? (Basketball Reference)
Which of these players has the most NBA Finals MVP Awards?
The NBA Finals MVP is not the overall most prestigious award, but it does result in the most happiness. This award typically goes to the best player on the winning team in the NBA Finals. One player gets the joy of both winning the NBA Championship and historically getting viewed as the main reason for such success. It presents the best of both worlds with individual and team success coming together. A couple of the top players in the league have won this award. Which of the following four players have won the most NBA Finals MVP Awards as of early 2019? (Basketball Reference)
Which player scored a record-high 37 points in one quarter?
The scoring ability of players in the NBA is at another level from past eras of basketball. Points go on the board easier than fans are used to due to the faster pace of the game. One player currently in the league set an incredible record a few seasons ago. He went for an astonishing 37 points in a single quarter. Most teams would be overjoyed to score that many in a quarter, let alone one player accomplishing the feat. He proved that he could score as well as anyone when in the zone. Which of these players has the record for most points scored in a quarter? (Basketball Reference)
How many NBA Championships does Tim Duncan have?
The retired Tim Duncan is in the conversation for the greatest power forward in NBA history. San Antonio Spurs fans lucked out by winning the draft lottery to take him with the first overall pick in his draft class. Duncan rewarded them with consistent play from his start in the league to the finish by never missing the postseason once. Multiple NBA Championships were won all with Duncan as the best player on the Spurs teams. Others would become superstars, but Duncan was always the anchor on his title-winning rosters. How many NBA Championships did Duncan win during his time in the NBA? (Basketball Reference)
Which team drafted Isaiah Thomas?
Isaiah Thomas is currently on the Denver Nuggets trying to bounce back from his hip issues. The best days of Thomas occurred just two seasons ago as a fixture on the Boston Celtics. Thomas’ star status was a huge surprise for many reasons. No one expected a player that short to make a huge impact in the league. It resulted in him getting selected as the last pick in the second round of his draft class. Every team passed on him until someone took a chance at the end of it. Thomas did prove to be a success story and hopes to return to his All-Star level. Which team was the one to draft Thomas? (Basketball Reference)
What is the name of this player?
The Denver Nuggets are among the biggest surprises in the NBA. They improved from missing the postseason last year to having one of the best records in the Western Conference. The player featured here is a huge reason for their success. Nikola Jokic is their best player, but this guard has stepped up as a second rising All-Star caliber player. He puts up incredible point totals and continues to improve in the other areas of the game. Denver has a bright future thanks to him and the other assets on the roster. What is the name of the player shown here? (Basketball Reference)