Just as teams used to look for another Michael Jordan or another Tim Duncan, they now have their sights set on finding another Nowitzki, from no matter where. He has a chance to move into the top 50 all time in total rebounds next season as well. Jackson's consistent success as a coach seemed surreal, as he showed up in the Finals year after year, leading the Bulls and Lakers to the three three-peats (the first since Bill Russell's Celtics) before finally losing in the Finals -- and then tacked on two more titles before retiring from coaching, to go along with the two he won as a player. Over the course of his first five seasons, he averaged 30.3 points, 10.6 assists and 10.4 rebounds, numbers that seem absurd now. (Some things went better than others. ". He also was the spiritual leader of basketball's most admired organization. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. (Photo: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports), : "He traded everything -- his friends, his family, his identity, his body, ultimately his humanity -- in pursuit of basketball immortality. And he was a freelancing terror off the ball, pilfering over 2,000 steals and racking up nearly 2,000 blocks. After he ruptured his Achilles, he looked Lakers trainer Gary Vitti in the eye and asked whether he could still play. At the time of his retirement, he was an 11-time NBA All-Star. Los Angeles Lakers (1960-74; head coach 1976-79). Boston Celtics (1956-69); Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, Sacramento Kings (head coach, 1966-69, 1973-77, 1987-88). His signature rampaging dunks still show up on NBA highlight reels, and he was remorseless in delivering hard fouls. Influence • Game Changers: 50-26 Whether it's tackling issues of equality, poverty, race issues or rights of athletes, NBA players past and present have had a major impact on influencing culture and society. But the honors did arrive at a furious pace in his relatively brief playing career, and he is the only player in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year, the latter two for his work with his home-state Indiana Pacers. To date, he is the only player to win all three awards in the same season. Philadelphia 76ers (1996-2006), Denver Nuggets (2006-08), Detroit Pistons (2008-09), Memphis Grizzlies (2009), 76ers (2009-10). Originally from Nigeria, Olajuwon played center with grace, quickness and overwhelming talent on each end, making him a unique figure in the NBA's evolution. Bill Russell is considered one of the top-five players to ever step foot on an NBA court. When he tore his right rotator cuff, he just started shooting left-handed. ESPN voted on the 20 most influential players in NBA history based upon the following criteria: "For this special edition of #NBArank, we asked our panel to choose the players who have influenced the game most, both on and off the court: the real game-changers. As an actor, singer, track star, nightclub owner, boxer, and volleyball enthusiast he elevated his own profile and the NBA's.". Stephen Curry is if not THE MOST influential player of all time, then at least the second behind only Michael Jordan. In his eight seasons playing in the NBL, BAA and finally NBA, Mikan's team won seven titles. And let's not forget "The Dirk," his signature one-legged fadeaway that players around the league have picked up -- but to varying degrees of success, indicating perhaps there really is only one Dirk Nowitzki. Roberto Clemente, seen with the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1971 press photo, was the first major superstar of Latin descent, and also was among the first athletes to use his fame with humanitarian aid. Influence Jackson's consistent success as a coach seemed surreal, as he showed up in the Finals year after year, leading the Bulls and Lakers to the three three-peats (the first since Bill Russell's Celtics) before finally losing in the Finals -- and then tacked on two more titles before retiring from coaching, to go along with the two he won as a player. Influence Easily the most hyped up high school player of all time, James’s time in the NBA has been nothing short of magnificent. That combination of kinetic energy, creative passing and sharpshooting endures as a blueprint for the prototypical point guard in the modern, high-pace era of NBA basketball. Unreachable. Just those credentials would easily secure him a place on this list. And now he's trying to bring a whole new Laker generation to fruition as team president. That says it all, but not everything. The Hall of Famer once said, "I am not a role model," in a Nike commercial. A two-time NBA champion, NBA MVP, 10-time All-Star, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, four-time First-Team All-NBA guy can't crack the top 20. ", "Riley's reach across the decades has shaped and reshaped the NBA. His earnest critiques of wide-ranging issues from civil rights to popular culture have been rigorous and elegantly expressed.". But the Knicks' physical, all-defense approach was extremely influential, contributing to a subsequent decline in NBA scoring and fan appeal. But it was Chamberlain's spectacular persona that mattered as much as his accomplishments. His dazzling passing at 6-foot-9 thrilled NBA fans as nothing before had done. Not a game. And after his playing career, he served 22 years for the often woeful Los Angeles Clippers, winning Executive of the Year in 2006. On the other end, West was a rugged, handsy competitor, whose defensive crouch and laser focus tormented opposing guards. His agility and ability at his size made every team lust for a player like Shaq, even with his memorably poor free throw shooting and occasional brushes with teammates. But we're still not precisely there on why Oscar Robertson is foundational to basketball history. Off the court, he protested segregated hotels and restaurants. In the halfcourt, the crossover was his signature move, most memorably against Michael Jordan and Tyronn Lue, when he scored on Lue in the Finals and stepped over him. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. But we're still not precisely there on why Oscar Robertson is foundational to basketball history. Adande captured the essence of his impact. After his career as a role player and a short stint as a broadcaster, Riley took over the Showtime Lakers and led them to four championships, quickly gaining popularity as a stylish sideline manager -- indeed "The Winner Within" is one of the most successful sports-based management books ever. One of Boston's best clutch athletes of all time. Iverson led the league in scoring four times and steals three times, and those skills went hand in hand, as he gambled and scored fearlessly. Despite his Hoosier State roots, Bird will forever be associated with Celtic Green. Influence Former NBA head coach Earl Watson joins Colin Cowherd on The Herd to talk about who believes are the 5 most influential basketball players of all-time. "The magnitude of Abdul-Jabbar's prolific contributions to basketball, both as player and citizen, are unparalleled. But there are so many answers to why "The Answer" was a game changer. Vitti and Lakers coach Byron Scott had to yank him out of the game. "The triple-double. His major innovation in Miami might be his most enduring, as he was the architect of the NBA's most infamous superteam, starring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who shocked the league by using free agency to team up and win two titles in four Finals appearances, thereby encouraging other stars to join forces to have fun and chase championships. From the beginning, he vowed he was "going to beat the disease," and with the help of drugs, diet and exercise he has. By this time, Bryant was developing a reputation as not only a great clutch shooter but a gritty, intense player -- a persona he would call Black Mamba, inspired by a character in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" films. A generation of NBA executives recognized that Duncan's emotional intelligence was the connective tissue that helped Popovich execute the vision in San Antonio. © 2005-2021 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unlike many other coaches, the "Zen Master" believed in guiding players with a light, almost spiritual touch, as spelled out in influential books like "Sacred Hoops" and "More Than a Game. And his fan base cuts across many cultures and nationalities in the U.S. and around the world, particularly China. Where do you start with Charles Barkley? Adande captured the essence of his impact: "He has celebrated almost 18 birthdays -- the equivalent of a legal coming-of-age -- since that Nov. 7, 1991, news conference in which he announced he was HIV-positive. The first thing to truly set him apart: He was the first player in 20 years to go straight to the NBA from high school without enrolling in college -- a decision that has helped make him the highest-earning player in NBA history and a role model for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and dozens more. According to one shoe executive, Bronny is the most influential high-school athlete of all time, as reported by 247sports.com. Well, Chamberlain had a penchant for shattering team records, too. Houston Rockets (1984-2001), Toronto Raptors (2001-02). Bronny James, son of the Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar and future Hall of Famer LeBron James, is a high-school basketball phenomenon with great following in the basketball and the media world. I still think he deserved the list. Chamberlain set a slew of records, some of which will never be broken. First, with his play on the court, which is occasionally forgotten but is the foundation of his appeal: An 11-time NBA All-Star for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, the 1993 MVP led the Suns to their last NBA Finals appearance 25 years ago. When you think about Allen Iverson, his prized, hilarious quote from May 7, 2002, certainly has to come to mind. Influence Most Influential Basketball Trainer of the Decade Being an NBA skills coach used to be a job until Chris Brickley turned it into a lifestyle. The NBA in recent years has become a staple of entertainment not just in the United States but globally as well. -- Harris, Teams We're counting down the 100 most influential players in NBA history. He passed better than any forward before him, but he could also score on anyone, or any team, and would tell them about it before and after. By Eduardo Villalpando January 9, 2021 2:04 AM Our NBA panel -- with members from across ESPN, including TV, radio, ESPN.com, The Undefeated and ESPN The Magazine -- voted more than 11,000 times to select the top 90 game-changers, and a smaller committee of writers and editors selected the final 10. The NBA superstar and 2-time MVP, Stephen Curry, is among the most influential and respected players in the NBA today. After his career as a role player and a short stint as a broadcaster, Riley took over the Showtime Lakers and led them to four championships, quickly gaining popularity as a stylish sideline manager -- indeed "The Winner Within" is one of the most successful sports-based management books ever.". He was a college scoring machine. Not a game. But there's more. George Mikan carried pro basketball for the decade following World War II and nearly broke the sport. And stardom did follow quickly, as Bryant was voted the youngest All-Star starter in history even before he was a Lakers starter. Obviously shots were blocked before Russell, but he turned the act into a psychologically and physically devastating art form. Influence Russell the activist is somehow more extraordinary. Bryant's 1996 announcement from his high school gym that he was headed to the NBA came when that was still considered a brash move, but when the Lakers traded for him at the draft, stardom seemed assured. Pistol Pete is definately on the most influential BASKETBALL players in history. In 2007, after the Lakers failed to build a contender, he angrily requested a trade, but reversed course after the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol in 2008 and won titles in 2009 and 2010, declaring himself a Laker for life. "The magnitude of Abdul-Jabbar's prolific contributions to basketball, both as player and citizen, are unparalleled. If you want to get involved in the discussion, #NBArank is the Twitter hashtag to use. His mindblowing athletic talent -- including overpowering strength, an outlandish wingspan, supreme speed, and uncanny leaping ability -- and outgoing personality gave him a presence unlike any in sports. For years, every short power forward was compared to Barkley, known as "The Round Mound of Rebound" for his physique. But as much as the Doctor has been praised for his highlight dunks, cool personality, voluminous afro and flair that carried the ABA and NBA for almost two decades, his actual play is still undervalued.". While it's one thing to debate over who are the greatest players in NBA history based upon on-court accomplishments and skill, it's another thing to debate "influence." -- Harris, Teams Yet Curry's supremacy as a shooter transcends the ledger: He also changed the definition of what constitutes a quality shot from the field in an NBA game. James' personal essay in Sports Illustrated when he returned to Cleveland in 2014 came four months before The Players' Tribune launched. A two-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and eight-time All-Star, there was nothing she couldn’t do. The hard brevity of "Shaq!" James changed the paradigm for what a basketball prodigy was, and there still hasn't been anyone quite like him since. Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959-65), Philadelphia 76ers (1965-68), Los Angeles Lakers (1968-73). Playing 48.5 minutes a game for an entire season. -- Adam Reisinger, Teams His entire career was built upon accepting nothing. "Garnett's legacy is secure for any number of reasons. Larry Bird seemed like a fictional character come to life, "the Hick from French Lick" who arrived in Boston to turn the Celtics and indeed the entire NBA around. He is 11th active Division I coach to earn 400 or more victories at his current institution and he is 23rd on the active career wins list with 516 overall. He's the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a six-time champion and most valuable player, and he patented the skyhook. Without further ado, here are the 20 most influential NBA players ever. He won Olympic gold in 1960. -- Arnovitz, Teams Influence They then went out to find their Tim Duncan, so that they could fashion a team culture modeled after the Spurs. Baylor's reply summed up his determination to see the strike and labor movement through: "Tell Bob Short to go [expletive] himself." Starting with Air Jordan sneakers, which led to his own Jordan Brand, which led to him buying majority control of the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan blazed a trail for athletes to escape the plantation, buy the Big House, and sit on the porch with their feet up, smoking a cigar. San Diego Rockets (1967-70), Los Angeles Lakers (1970-75), Phoenix Suns (1975-76); Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat (head coach, 1981-2003, 2005-08). He's the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a six-time … The Big O was the first guard to shoot 50 percent for a season and the first player to average over 10 assists per game. Despite his Hoosier State roots, Bird will forever be associated with Celtic Green. That says it all, but not everything. His earnest critiques of wide-ranging issues from civil rights to popular culture have been rigorous and elegantly expressed. That, too, is a fact.'" When questioned why he'd do such a thing, he defiantly responded, 'Why? As Jackie MacMullan wrote, "He epitomized qualities the city of Boston loves: fearless, gritty, arrogant, passionate and relentless. Iverson led the league in scoring four times and steals three times, and those skills went hand in hand, as he gambled and scored fearlessly. Few centers have passed the ball as well as Russell and he was the first player to turn the dunk into a routine weapon. Cincinnati Royals (1960-70), Milwaukee Bucks (1970-74). In the post, his moves -- particularly the Dream Shake -- showed players of all sizes the kind of footwork and agility possible and made him more than a match for the great centers of his day, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing and Shaquille O'Neal among them. As Stephen Curry, LeBron James and other stars create a brand-new NBA before our very eyes, we decided to present the 5 most influential NBA players of all time. Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22, 1950), commonly known by the nickname Dr. J, is an American retired basketball player. Counting stats are a tribute to longevity, but his game-changing hasn't been just about volume. As Ramona Shelburne wrote: "He traded everything -- his friends, his family, his identity, his body, ultimately his humanity -- in pursuit of basketball immortality. At just 6-feet, Iverson was still one of the most dynamic scorers in NBA history -- more relentless and improvisational than refined, and able to get buckets on fast-break dunks, impossible layups and jumpers from any spot on the floor. One of the most marketable female players ever, Lisa Leslie was a beloved star in LA. Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-10), Miami Heat (2010-14), Cavaliers (2014-present). Practice." When he tore his right rotator cuff, he just started shooting left-handed. Curry will go down as not only the avatar of the NBA's Golden Age of Shooting, but as the inspiration for generations of kids who see him as the model for how to refine their skills and overcome bigger, more athletic players. With the start of the NBA season a few days away, it’s time we close the book on our offseason series ranking the 100 greatest players of the 21st century. Influence And, yes, it does help to have a guy like Kobe who can create when the offense breaks down. • Game Changers: 100-76 • Game Changers: ... are unparalleled. After he ruptured his Achilles, he looked Lakers trainer Gary Vitti in the eye and asked whether he could still play. But check this: The man scored over 30,000 points, grabbed over 10,000 rebounds and dished out over 5,000 assists. In live games, Curry's unconscionable pull-ups from ungodly distances, his step-backs under extreme heat, bombs that materialize out of nowhere thanks to his handles and lightning-quick release -- all of them nearly impossible or entirely ill-advised for most NBA shooters, but high-percentage looks for the two-time NBA champion and Most Valuable Player. -- Arnovitz. • #NBArank: Best players ever The 55-rebound game? Vitti and Lakers coach Byron Scott had to yank him out of the game. They also turned off some fans, and Iverson certainly played a role in the NBA instituting a dress code in 2005. Kobe created a devoted cult of fans that often seemed to care more about him, his jerseys and his shoes than his team. -- Harris, Teams Bird won three championships but could have easily had a handful more had his teammates matched his intensity ... and if his body hadn't so cruelly betrayed him in his final years. Unlike with baseball and Jackie Robinson, integration in the NBA hinged not on a single player but on multiple players arriving in 1950, three years after Robinson's MLB debut. Along with his rival Magic Johnson, who played a much glitzier style of ball in Los Angeles, Bird brought a beautiful game featuring ball movement back to a league that had lost favor with fans. Barkley was also a Dream Teamer (and pal of Michael Jordan) who ran roughshod in the Olympics, and he averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists for his NBA career. Some people watch because they enjoy seeing their favorite players. Along with having won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award, he's a 7-time NBA All-Star, and arguably one of the 50 greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. As the third president of the NBPA and a civil rights activist, Robertson fought for over a decade to secure pensions and free agency for players. He was an unstoppable force, whether on the break or on the boards, and he could pass and score. As an individual talent, he was astounding -- he posted a quadruple-double, led the league in rebounds and blocks, and was a perennial All-NBA and All-Defense selection -- even as Sampson and the Rockets faltered. Bryant also sits as the Lakers’ all-time leader in several categories, including games (1,346), minutes (48,637), 3-pointers (1,827), free … "Basketball is, and always has been, a huge, huge part of me, the canvas I tried to paint each time I stepped on the court and never stopped trying to perfect," West wrote in his autobiography "West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life," published in 2011. As a young player, Bryant had a knack for blowing minds on the court with spectacular basket forays and annoying traditionalists with his self-centered play, later known as Hero Ball. But he formed an uneasy alliance with Shaquille O'Neal and Phil Jackson to win three straight NBA titles, giving Bryant the superstardom and success he craved. His braids, tattoos, chains and oversized jerseys set the fashion standard in his day and thrilled a generation of young fans. The Big O was the first guard to shoot 50 percent for a season and the first player to average over 10 assists per game. During his career and in retirement, Abdul-Jabbar has established himself as sports' most imminent renaissance man and its most measured voice. One of Boston's best clutch athletes of all time." Lloyd would later go on to be the first black player to win an NBA title and serve as an assistant coach. Just as teams used to look for another Michael Jordan or another Tim Duncan, they now have their sights set on finding another Nowitzki, from no matter where. When questioned why he'd do such a thing, he defiantly responded, 'Why? Exemplifying his domination was a famous marquee at Madison Square Garden declaring "George Mikan vs. the New York Knicks." -- Curtis Harris. -- Harris, Teams For Abdul-Jabbar, speaking up is nothing new. O'Neal's massive, media-friendly, hyperbolic personality and dozens of nicknames found their way into movies, albums and commercials at a pace unlike any seen before in the NBA, and he remains a household presence on TNT. "Jordan transformed the style and substance of basketball, expanding the scope and meaning of athletic achievement. Not a game. -- Harris. And of course his shot-blocking revolutionized how teams played defense. And stardom did follow quickly, as Bryant was voted the youngest All-Star starter in history even before he was a Lakers starter. Counting stats are a tribute to longevity, but his game-changing hasn't been just about volume. His domination of the paint with ambidextrous hook shots caused the NBA to widen the lane and adopt the shot clock as teams would too often stall, preventing the superstar from getting a shot. is also a reminder of his powerful, overwhelming presence on the court. Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-2007), Boston Celtics (2007-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-15), Timberwolves (2015-16). That's always where you start with Robertson. Philadelphia 76ers (1984-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-96), Houston Rockets (1996-2000). Los Angeles Lakers (1979-91, 1996; head coach 1994). Though Chuck Cooper was the first black player drafted, Earl Lloyd was the first to play in an actual game. -- Spears. As Jackie MacMullan wrote, "He epitomized qualities the city of Boston loves: fearless, gritty, arrogant, passionate and relentless. Over the years, his unique talent helped the Dallas Mavericks to put up some of the most efficient offensive numbers in history and allowed coach Rick Carlisle to create innovative schemes with more shooting on the floor, culminating in an NBA title in 2011. But for all his huge dunks, fresh kicks and clutch shots, Jordan's biggest impact came off the court as he empowered athletes -- especially African-Americans -- to obtain full economic participation in the billions generated by their labor.". But more than any particular accomplishment, it was his personality that seemed most magnetic and influential. West's jumper -- its economy, quick release, silky follow-through -- made him the league's most efficient shooter during his prime. But the ex-Georgetown star guard also received a lifetime contract from Reebok. Jordan was one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation and was considered instrumental in popularizing the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s. LeBron James' decision, ESPN's coverage of every summer's free-agent bonanza, and the NBA's own promotion of blockbuster signings and trades depended on Robertson's steadfast refusal to accept the unfair status quo. He showed the league what hangtime was all about with an array of reverse layups, contorted one-handers and double-pump jumpers. ", Just as influential was how Iverson, the league's MVP in 2000-01 and an 11-time All-Star, popularized hip-hop culture and a new look in the NBA. So I'm going, 'This is great! With 11 NBA titles -- the last two as the first black coach in pro sports -- plus back-to-back NCAA titles, and an Olympic gold medal, Russell has an untouchable track record of team success.". -- Arnovitz, Teams Playing 48.5 minutes a game for an entire season. "As former Jackson assistant Jim Cleamons told The New York Times, 'Every situation that Phil has coached in, the team hadn't won before he got there. Before Iverson, his move was a carry, and guys had to keep their hand on top of the ball. I will attempt to pick the top 25 most influential Duke Blue Devils of all-time. Influence God gave us two hands.'" "Nowitzki is the greatest NBA player from Europe, an MVP, an NBA champion and a Finals MVP. The 10-year anniversary of 'The Decision' and the retirement of a YouTube pioneer makes for an opportune time to revisit the NBA's biggest game changers. The top 10 was less of a list of influential players, and more like a ranking of the best players ever. "Chamberlain set a slew of records, some of which will never be broken. His game-changing ability -- particularly on defense, for which he made 12 All-Defensive teams -- was constantly apparent in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves still haven't made a postseason trip since 2004, the year he won the MVP award and three years before Garnett initially left the franchise via trade.". 10. • #NBArank: All-time kicks. The list of James' accomplishments since entering the league are well known, but he's continuing to write his story and refine his legacy. Sure, appreciate the sinuous finger rolls, the effortless cradle-rocking dunks, and the soaring free-throw-line slam that left humanity bewildered in 1976. The résumé of five championships, two MVP awards, 15 All-Star selections and a 20-season record of incomparable consistency represent only a fraction of Duncan's quiet influence on the game he mastered. He leads all guards in career true shooting percentage (by a considerable margin), and all guards who started a majority of their career games in 3-point percentage. '", "West was a paragon of consistent excellence who was an All-Star in each of his 14 seasons, and helped guide the Lakers to nine Finals appearances. Two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, an MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 12-time All-Star. We don't blink when Kobe and LeBron launch their own movie studios. West's jumper -- its economy, quick release, silky follow-through -- made him the league's most efficient shooter during his prime. That one's untouchable. James' actions off the court have set new standards and created new goals for so many of his peers, a form of respect in any profession.". Phoenix Suns (1996-98), Dallas Mavericks (1998-2004), Suns (2004-12), Los Angeles Lakers (2012-15). On the other end, West was a rugged, handsy competitor, whose defensive crouch and laser focus tormented opposing guards. • Game Changers: 25-1, From the archives: Milwaukee Bucks (1969-75), Los Angeles Lakers (1975-89). , "He epitomized qualities the city of Boston loves: fearless, gritty, arrogant, passionate and relentless. We still see his influence in ways big and small: kids wagging their tongues; the raging popularity of basketball in China; post-up players leaning backward into defenders before making their move. Averaging 50 points a game for a season? Teams In 1947, Wat Misaka joined the BAA (forerunner of the NBA) to become the league's first non-white player and the first player of Asian descent. That's a distinction that will carry a great honor for him as he has always wanted to be known as a playmaker and not just as a scorer. Up nearly 2,000 blocks nearly 2,000 blocks, Lisa Leslie was a Lakers starter Cavaliers, James is a.. Stats are a tribute to longevity, but his game-changing has n't been just about volume star in.. 1995 as Olajuwon took his game to new heights has to come to mind 's crazy to that. Up on NBA highlight reels, and the soaring free-throw-line slam that left humanity bewildered in 1976 impact, marquee., most influential basketball players of all time over 10,000 rebounds and dished out over 5,000 assists along ESPNNBA! Racking up nearly 2,000 blocks revving up the pace and speed of basketball 's most shooter... Mvp, an MVP, an NBA team in perpetuity. `` three MVPs James! 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Seasons playing in the U.S. and around the world, particularly China game to heights...