Today,  we're not going to be talking about the on-court exploits of NBA superstars. Instead, we're going to be talking about men who believed being good was more important than being a superstar. We're not saying a good person can't be a superstar (as is evidenced by a few people on our list). All we're trying to say is these men believed in being good role models first and everything else came after.

It goes without saying that one of the most recognizable names in basketball is also one of the most charitable. Instead of going into all his philanthropic exploits, we're going to talk about just one. A very important one.

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The Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics. In Jordan's own words, the clinics will, “help provide a brighter and healthier future for the children and families they serve.”

There are hardly any lists of basketball players which LeBron can't wiggle his way onto. That's the case here as well. For someone who is the face of the NBA for many, LeBron hasn't let his superstar status get in the way of him being a good person.

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What did he do? He opened a school. A public school that helps at-risk kids. If that's not a sign of philanthropy, what is? 

You could call Tim one of the greatest power forwards of all time. Need proof? He was a part of the All-NBA team 13 seasons in a row. Now that's quite the achievement, wouldn't you say?

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But, Tim didn't let that superstar status get to him. He set up a foundation of his own called the Tim Duncan Foundation. Through his foundation he helps thousands with health awareness and also funds multiple youth sports.

Okay, Foyle is not one of the biggest names of the NBA. But, his career off the court is a substantial one for sure.

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His tireless humanitarian work also got him inducted into the World Sport Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 2009. We also must mention Democracy Matters, his group which only has one goal, spreading democracy.