All fans always have a debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time. In this article, let’s together follow the list of the top 10 best NBA players of all time.
The greatest NBA players throughout the history of the league have frequently altered the course of team legacies or even the league as a whole. Some are renowned for their championship triumphs, whereas others have achieved unparalleled success solely based on their talent. Explore these ten iconic NBA players that you should be familiar with.
1. Michael Jordan
It is undeniable that Michael Jordan holds the title of the greatest NBA player of all time. His impact on the game, both on and off the court, has set a standard that all players strive to achieve. Throughout his 15 seasons, Jordan showcased his exceptional skills, averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.3 steals while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 49.7%.
Jordan’s career was nothing short of remarkable, with numerous accolades to his name. He achieved unparalleled success, winning six championships in six appearances, earning five MVP awards, and securing six MVP honors in the NBA Finals. It is evident that Jordan’s achievements surpass those of any other player in the league.
When comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan, it becomes clear that Jordan reigns supreme. His legacy remains unchallenged by any of the current top players in the NBA, and it is unlikely that anyone will surpass his greatness for many years to come.
2. LeBron James
LeBron James has clearly cemented his status as one of the NBA’s all-time greats. Throughout his 20-year career, James has averaged 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, with a 50.5% shooting percentage. His unwavering supremacy in the sport is unrivaled, with no other player in NBA history demonstrating such constant excellence year after year.
Throughout his legendary career, James has won four championships, four MVP awards, four NBA Finals MVP titles, and several other honors. In his 20th NBA season, James eclipsed Abdul-Jabbar for the most career points, all while maintaining a high level of play on the floor.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds multiple NBA records and continues to have an impact on the league to this day. Abdul-Jabbar presently holds the record for the most career wins and field goals made. He presently ranks third in terms of career blocks and rebounds. No other center has enjoyed as much success as he has.
Over his 20-year career, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. During his 20-year career, he earned six titles, six MVP trophies, and two NBA Finals MVP distinctions. Abdul-Jabbar is not only one of the best NBA players, but he may possibly be the greatest center of all time.
4. Bill Russell
Bill Russell is one of the best NBA players of all time since no one will likely ever match his record of 11 championships in this era of basketball. Russell finished his 14-year career with 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 44% from the floor.
Russell won five MVP awards, in addition to the 11 championships noted earlier. The Hall of Famer made a big effect off the court and was a civil rights pioneer. Russell died in 2022, and the NBA retired the No. 6 jersey across the board, making him the only player in the league’s rich history to earn this honor.
5. Magic Johnson
Who is the greatest NBA player ever? Magic Johnson’s ranking among the top five best NBA players of all time is unsurprising given that he is the best point guard of all time. Over 13 seasons, Johnson averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists, and 1.9 steals. Incredibly, the point guard averaged at least 11 assists per game for eight seasons of his career.
Johnson won three MVP awards, three NBA Finals MVPs, and five championships. His heated battle with Bird cemented his place as one of the most renowned players of the 1980s. The enduring Boston-Los Angeles rivalry, which peaked with Johnson’s supremacy during the NBA’s Golden Age, continues to captivate fans to this day.
6. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was without a doubt one of the best NBA players of all time, as numerous of his records will never be broken. Chamberlain’s statistical results are amazing. During his 15 seasons in the league, the athlete known as “Wilt the Stilt” averaged 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.
Chamberlain won two titles, four MVP honors, and the NBA Finals MVP award. However, the center is the only player that averages between 40 and 50 points per game and holds multiple records, including the highest scoring effort in a single game (100 points). Chamberlain will be recognized for his contributions to NBA statistics.
7. Larry Bird
Larry Bird is without a doubt one of the best shooting forwards in basketball history, having left an everlasting stamp on the game. Bird demonstrated his exceptional shooting abilities by shooting 49.5% from the field. Not only did he average an incredible 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, but he also played an important role for the Boston Celtics for 13 seasons, earning the nickname “Larry Legend.”
Bird’s accomplishments speak for themselves, as he won three MVP awards, three championships, and two NBA Finals MVPs. His contributions to the strong Boston vs. Los Angeles rivalry of the 1980s, notably against another famous player who will be featured later in this list, sealed his standing as the legendary three-point shooter of his generation.
8. Kobe Bryant
Bryant bestowed upon himself the moniker “Black Mamba,” a title he believed resonated perfectly with his persona. During his two-decade tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, the legendary player maintained an impressive average of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, with a shooting percentage of 44.7%.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bryant amassed a collection of accolades, which included two NBA Finals MVP awards, one regular season MVP award, and five championship titles. Following his tragic passing in January 2020, the 18-time NBA All-Star was posthumously honored by having the NBA All-Star MVP trophy named after him, a title he had earned four times. Bryant was widely recognized as one of the greatest competitors in the history of the NBA.
9. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant NBA players of all time, because to his immense size and talent. Over his 20-year career, O’Neal averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks. The center is most known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004).
Throughout his career, O’Neal earned four championships, one MVP award, and three NBA Finals MVP awards. The 15-time NBA All-Star is one of just three players to have won the MVP, NBA All-Star MVP, and NBA Finals MVP awards all in the same season. O’Neal is clearly one of the best centers in league history.
10. Tim Duncan
One of the best NBA players, Tim Duncan, never thought he’d play at this caliber. After a typhoon that ravaged his island destroyed his hopes of becoming a swimmer, Duncan began playing basketball in the ninth grade. During the course of his 19-year career, the man known as “The Big Fundamental” averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks.
Five championships, two MVPs, and three NBA Finals MVPs were all won by Duncan. The 15-time NBA All-Star is the only player in history to have been chosen for 13 consecutive seasons to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. The NBA hasn’t seen a power forward better than Duncan, arguably.
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