NBA Top Shot is diving into basketball history with our 1986-87 collection of exclusive video collectibles capturing the best of a beloved era. Your chance to own these Moments begins with a series of pack drops on September 21, 22 and 23 — but don’t worry, whether or not you land a pack or the pack you collect has your favorite players inside, you can find every new Moment in the Top Shot Marketplace after the drop.
Here’s a look at the 1986-87 Small Forwards coming to Top Shot. Want to own their limited edition video collectibles? Create your Top Shot account today.
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Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks (Legendary, In Packs)
ABOUT DOMINIQUE WILKINS
Always in the conversation as one of the greatest dunkers of all time, Dominique Wilkins was an electrifying star as soon as he stepped into the league.
Wilkins brought an excitement to Atlanta, and as the “Human Highlight Film,” he collected two Slam Dunk Contest trophies, nine consecutive All-Star appearances and seven All-NBA nods.
In the 1985-86 season, Wilkins was the NBA’s leading scorer (30.3 PPG). Throughout his career, he carried the offensive load for the Hawks. His scoring came from a series of slams – of course – twisting layups, offensive putbacks, elevating mid-range jumpers and the occasional 3-pointer.
In the postseason, Wilkins squared up against the best of the East in the Pistons, Celtics and Bulls, and gave it his all without a perennial All-Star running mate.
Wilkins remains the Hawks franchise scoring leader (23,292), and is one of only 18 NBA players to record at least 26,000 career points.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
Scoring a career-high in points is a good time, punctuating the performance with a signature highlight reel windmill is timeless. Showing the relentless drive for the ball that made him one of his generation’s greatest scorers, Dominique Wilkins proves he could do damage on both ends of the court, disrupting two Chicago Bulls passes before coming up with a steal at halfcourt. The nine-time All-Star’s length does the rest, finessing his way in front of a defender and gliding all alone toward the basket for an authoritative jam. Wilkins was unstoppable in one of the best games of his career, pouring in an eye-popping 57 points — converting 19 of 28 field goals and 19 of 21 free throws — to go along with nine rebounds, four assists and two steals in the Atlanta Hawks’ 123-95 triumph on December 10, 1986.
Larry Bird, Boston Celtics (Rare, Challenge Reward)
ABOUT LARRY BIRD
Brimming with confidence and Celtics pride, Larry Bird crafted a sweet jumper that became one of the most recognizable traits in NBA history.
Bird played all-out all the time. Few made their fanbases more proud than “Larry Legend.” He dove out of bounds for loose balls, then would come back on the other end and hit clutch shot after clutch shot. More than anything, Bird talked the talk, and walked the walk.
A 10-time All-NBA standout, Bird led Boston to three NBA titles in the ‘80s, and by the end of his career, set a franchise record for triple-doubles (59). Bird’s rare shooting talent was highlighted by his multiple NBA Three-Point Contest titles and his 50/40/90 club entries.
Outside of his 1988-89 season, in which he only played six games due to injury, Bird never missed an All-Star or postseason appearance.
At the time, following the 1985-86 season, he became the only non-center to win three regular season MVPs. Boston and Bird were a match made in heaven.
Mark Aguirre, Dallas Mavericks (Rare, In Packs)
ABOUT MARK AGUIRRE
There was a deceptiveness to the way Mark Aguirre dominated the scoring charts over 13 years of his high-octane career.
Aguirre, a three-time All-Star, was an elite offensive option. He wasn’t overly explosive, but he manipulated defenders by stopping and starting, maneuvering his body in the paint and drawing opponents off-balance.
In a six-season span with the Mavericks, Aguirre averaged 25.5 PPG and nearly led the league in scoring for the 1983-84 year (29.5 PPG).
With overwhelming talent on the late-90s Detroit teams, Aguirre entered the fold midseason and didn't shake things up. He showed a willingness to decrease his usage and increase his defensive intensity. That unselfishness played a major part in the franchise’s 1989 and 1990 titles.
As of this moment, Aguirre is the only player in NBA history to play over 900 games and average at or above a career 20 PPG to not be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
Somebody should have warned the Los Angeles Lakers not to stand on the tracks when a train is coming. Barreling toward — and ultimately through — the station, Mark Aguirre pushes the tempo downhill, taking on all comers and putting one unfortunate defender on his back while rising high for a full-extension layup. Bringing his best into a star-studded showdown with the Lakers, the three-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion delivered 35 points and four rebounds in a 132-117 Dallas Mavericks victory on January 24, 1987.
Alex English, Denver Nuggets (Rare, In Packs)
ABOUT ALEX ENGLISH
Offensively, Alex English had that “it” factor and quietly dominated throughout the 1980s. He made eight consecutive All-Star appearances from 1982-1989, earned the 1983 NBA scoring title, and to this day remains the franchise leader in points for the Denver Nuggets (21,645).
Trying to block an English jumper was no easy task. His high, quick release was predictable but still nearly untouchable. English’s steady, under-the-radar demeanor contrasted to other flashy personas of the decade. He thrived in a fast-paced Denver offense that rewarded his movement into shooting pockets on the floor.
His durability was incredible – in his 15-year NBA career, English played 78 games or more in every season other than his rookie year.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
Alex English was such a gifted scorer that even fouling him was ineffective. The Milwaukee Bucks discover that the hard way, when English muscles his way toward the basket with a defender positioned in front of him. Unbothered, the eight-time All-Star absorbs contact in the post while pushing a shot attempt toward the rim with both hands, somehow willing the difficult shot to fall. This became a theme of the night, as the Denver Nuggets legend connected on 19 of his 25 field goals en route to 46 points, four rebounds and 10 assists in the 132-122 triumph on January 24, 1987.
Adrian Dantley, Detroit Pistons (Rare, In Packs)
ABOUT ADRIAN DANTLEY
If you needed a bucket, Adrian Dantley was the dead-eye shooter to turn to.
A bonafide scorer, Dantley was one of the most efficient players of his generation. Over his career, he collected six All-Star appearances, the 1984 Comeback Player of the Year award, the 1976 Rookie of the Year award, a 1976 gold medal and two NBA scoring titles.
His specialty was isolation play. Dantley was a fundamentally-sound offensive threat who used his wits and finesse to generate opportunities. He was a wizard at drawing defenders and getting to the line – his 6,832 free throws made is 11th on the NBA’s all-time list.
In a seven-season stretch with the Jazz from 1979 to 1986, Dantley averaged a staggering 29.5 PPG as Utah’s go-to man. His No. 4 is currently retired by the franchise.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
Anyone who thinks efficiency was boring probably never saw Adrian Dantley play. Knowing that his Detroit Pistons frontcourt mates were skilled at gobbling up defensive rebounds, Dantley instinctively races the other way in anticipation of a Philadelphia 76ers miss. After catching a long outlet pass, the six-time All-Star adds some razzle dazzle to a routine finish, badly fooling the lone defender left in front of him by wrapping the ball around his back and capping the play with a stylish deuce. A bonafide scorer, Dantley was his normal efficient self, posting 27 points, four rebounds and four assists in his squad’s 120-110 road triumph on November 21, 1986.
Dennis Rodman, Detroit Pistons (Rare, Challenge Reward)
ABOUT DENNIS RODMAN
Forever hustling, Dennis Rodman is a unique great of the game.
The iconic snapshots of his career are all tied to effort.
No one made sprawling attempts at loose balls, one-handed rebounds, soaring tip-ins and charges drawn as beautiful as Rodman did.
He’s arguably the greatest rebounder of his generation. Rodman led the league in rebounding for 7-straight seasons, from 1992 to 1998. Across his 14 years in the NBA, he headlined seven All-Defensive Teams.
Rodman may have been an enigma for the majority of his career, but when he was on the court, he was locked in. He collected five NBA championships, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and two All-Star appearances.
Between the Pistons and Bulls, both franchises cherished his intensity on a night-to-night basis.
Rodney McCray, Houston Rockets (Common, In Packs)
ABOUT RODNEY MCCRAY
Carrying championship pedigree, Rodney McCray built an NBA career around versatile defending and a capable scoring punch.
With the Rockets in the 1986 NBA Finals, McCray contributed all-around play, averaging 15.3 PPG, 4 APG and 4 RPG across the series.
McCray’s calling card was his availability and his willingness to take on tough defensive assignments. Over his career, he was selected to two All-Defensive Teams (‘87, ‘88). During the 1989-90 season, McCray led the league in minutes played.
To round out his 10th and final year of NBA experience, McCray was a member of the 1993 Chicago Bulls title team.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
On a team armed with a dominant frontcourt, it pays to have skilled facilitators to get the big men the ball — even in the tightest of windows. Rodney McCray shows he’s the man for the job, surveying the halfcourt offense from atop the key before unfurling a flawless high-arching pass down low that instantly turns into a highlight-reel alley-oop slam by a Houston Rockets teammate. McCray was productive and efficient with the season on the line, turning in a 14-point, nine-rebound, six-assist, two-block performance in Houston’s double-overtime thriller against the Seattle SuperSonics in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals on May 14, 1987.
Chuck Person, Indiana Pacers (Common, In Packs)
ABOUT CHUCK PERSON
A stop-and-pop player, Chuck Person lit up defenses with his unconscious shooting. After being selected No. 4 overall by Indiana in the 1986 Draft, he made an immediate impact.
Leading up to the 1986-87 season, Indiana had previously finished with 5-straight losing seasons, but Person’s introduction to the lineup sparked a Playoff appearance – with more to come.
His first-year averages of 18.8 PPG and 8.3 RPG earned him Rookie of the Year honors too.
Named after a famous multi-sport professional and Midwestern actor, Person was coined as “The Rifleman” for his lethal shot-making. Four times in his career, Person shot 37% or better from 3-point range on 3 or more attempts per game.
Person’s 3-point celebrations were as theatrical as it gets. He loved giving the crowd a long-ball show.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
Every now and again, a rookie with a veteran’s chops emerges to take the league by storm. After the Indiana Pacers made him the fourth overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, Chuck Person made an immediate impact on both ends of the court. In his squad’s playoff-opener, Person trails a hopeful Atlanta Hawks scorer into the paint, timing his jump perfectly to earn an authoritative rejection off the glass. The 1986-87 Rookie of the Year produced an all-around solid performance, contributing 21 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals and that block on April 24, 1987.
James Worthy, Los Angeles Lakers (Legendary, In Packs)
ABOUT JAMES WORTHY
“Big Game James” Worthy punished opponents postseason after postseason.
Worthy is a beloved member of LA’s 80s era, and the best of his game emerged when everything was on the line. His contribution in transition and efficient scoring helped the Lakers collect three NBA championships in the 1980s.
A 7-time All-Star, Worthy was called upon in countless clutch situations. His signature Moment occurred during the 1988 Finals in a Game 7. Worthy dropped 36 PTS, 16 REB and 10 AST – his only career triple-double – while earning MVP honors.
Worthy finished his career in the Playoffs with 3022 total points and 54.4% shooting from the field, both Top-30 marks in the NBA.
His blazing acceleration and tomahawk slams will always be cherished in Lakers lore.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
He wasn’t known as ‘Big Game James’ by accident. In a momentum-shifting turn of events in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, James Worthy affirms his nickname, first coming up with a critical steal before scrambling to save the loose ball and diving on the floor to keep it from careening out of bounds. With a perfectly-executed flick of his left hand, the practically horizontal Worthy deflects the rock to an all-alone Magic Johnson, who streaks down the floor to finish the job with an iconic slam. The Boston Celtics never recovered in the pivotal matchup, as the seven-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer earned his second of three championship rings, posting 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks in the June 14, 1987 win.
Kiki Vandeweghe, Portland Trail Blazers (Common, In Packs)
ABOUT KIKI VANDEWEGHE
Thriving in run & gun offenses, Kiki Vandeweghe had one of the sweetest shooting strokes of his generation.
During his prime seasons in 1982-83 and 1983-84, Vandeweghe averaged 26.9 PPG and 29.4 PPG, respectively. In average scoring, he only trailed Nuggets teammate Alex English (28.4 PPG) in ‘83, and Adrian Dantley (30.6 PPG) and Mark Aguirre (29.5 PPG) in ‘84.
Early on in the league, Vandeweghe displayed a knack for flipping up scoop shots near the basket, while also finishing with a surprising punch. Later in his career, however, he was known for popularizing the stepback, a move used to help create separation.
Vandeweghe was a two-time All-Star, and excluding his rookie campaign, he helped lead his team to a Playoff berth in every season of his career.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
You don’t rack up three individual seasons of 2,000 or more points without an innate sense of how to put the ball in the hoop. High-scoring Portland Trail Blazers forward Kiki Vandeweghe, a walking bucket, knew exactly how to take matters into his own hands. Diving strong toward the basket after a broken play, the two-time All-Star converts a one-handed double-clutch layup over the outstretched fingertips of two Houston Rockets defenders. Vandeweghe scored a team-high 30 points in the April 24, 1987 playoff battle.
Xavier McDaniel, Seattle Sonics (Common, In Packs)
ABOUT XAVIER MCDANIEL
One of the league’s fiercest enforcers, Xavier McDaniel did whatever it took to gain an advantage over his peers.
When McDaniel entered the league for the 1985-86 season, he rounded out a three-headed scoring monster for the SuperSonics, including lethal playmakers Tom Chambers and Dale Ellis. McDaniel finished his rookie campaign with an All-Rookie First Team selection, and trailed only Patrick Ewing in voting for Rookie of the Year honors.
In McDaniel’s first five seasons in Seattle, he averaged 20.7 PPG and 7 RPG. He played with exhaustive effort and an extreme edge, which made him a prime candidate for a reserve role later in his career with the ‘90s Knicks.
A one-time All-Star, “The X Man” labored for every point he earned in his career, and was a prime example of toughness.
ABOUT THE MOMENT (WATCH THE MOMENT)
When you’re in the zone offensively, even the impossible shots can be made to look routine. Xavier McDaniel waits patiently for his moment as a Seattle SuperSonics teammate receives a pass in the post, attempting to bulldoze his way through two defenders in the lane for a layup. When the shot fails, McDaniel arrives, snaring the offensive rebound in traffic. Relying on his senses and muscle memory with his back to the basket, he flips the ball over his head with both hands, magically getting the no-look shot to fall. It was a truly special night for the Seattle forward, posting 35 points and 14 rebounds in a 108-100 triumph over the New Jersey Nets on February 2, 1987.
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Happy Run It Back Week! See you at the pack drops.
