Are you kidding? From 75-79, Dr. J was the man in the NBA. Hell, he starred in a movie before MJ was even shaving. Before that he was the ABA.
For me, though, the greatest guy ever to play was Maravich. Basketball is a game, and Maravich was the greatest to ever play the "game" of basketball. Nobody ever had as much fun, I don't think. I love Russell, Bird, Big O, Magic, MJ, and Kareem and there is no question they ALL had more "success" than Pistol Pete. The only guy who even comes close to being as enjoyable to watch was Gervin, who could shoot from anywhere and in any position.
Granted I haven't followed the NBA closely in 10 years or so, but I still keep a marginal eye on it. Hard to say where Maravich would fit in today, but that's the thing. There will never be another guy like him. Akeem was like Russell, MJ like Dr J, Magic like Cousy and Robertson in one, Lebron like MJ. The only guy that comes to mind with a game even close to Pistol Pete's is Jason Williams, but that's like saying McDonalds is close to Kobe beef.
Once I scored a basket that still makes me laugh.