Who Are the Top 10 Greatest Players in NBA History?
Unlike in other sports, in basketball, debates about the greatest players of all time seemingly dominate the airwaves. From passionate Michael Jordan-LeBron James debates to Magic Johnson vs Kareem Abdul as an NBA viewer, fans can’t get away from it. So, I thought I would take the impossible task of determining who the 10 greatest players in NBA history are in what is objectively the best, most accurate, and most truthful list in this conversation’s history. Just kidding, but here is my list anyway.
10.) Steph Curry
A four-time champion and a two-time MVP, Steph Curry served as the leader of the NBA’s most recent dynasty. The undisputed greatest shooter of all time, when it comes to pulling up from deep, there is no greater player. Whether it’s from the three-point line, the half-court line, or even from the opposite end of the court, whenever he shoots, you have that suspicion that it will go in, and he’s made 4,058 of these. It was this deep ball shooting that led the NBA to shift towards a three-point shooting game, thereby revolutionizing the way the game was played worldwide. When you have little kids trying to be like you, pulling up from the edge of a driveway, you know you’ve made an impact.
9.) Larry Bird
Arguably the greatest trash talker in NBA history, Larry Bird was the type of player who would tell you exactly what he was going to do, and then he would go and do it. A three-time champion and winner of three consecutive MVP awards, Larry Bird, alongside Magic Johnson, revolutionized the game and helped shape it into the brand it is today. Whether it was his ability to shoot, to pass, to rebound, or to defend, Larry was one of the most complete players in the league’s history. Plus, he stands as the only person to have won Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. I don’t think anyone else is doing that anytime soon.
8.) Wilt Chamberlain
Of every player that has stepped foot on an NBA court, no other player has dominated the statistical category like Wilt Chamberlain. He’s scored the most points in a single game in NBA history, 100; he’s had the most rebounds in a single game in NBA history, 55; and he’s had the highest point per game average in a single year ever, averaging 50 points per game in 1961-62. He’s a seven-time scoring champion, an 11-time rebounds champion, and even an assist champion on top of being a two-time NBA champion and a four-time MVP. Wilt’s only caveat is being unable to overcome Bill Russell and the Celtics in the NBA Finals year after year, but regardless, he stands as arguably the most dominant center in NBA history.
7.) Kobe Bryant
The most beloved player of the last 25 years, Kobe Bryant, was a perfect killer, a deadly assassin, and the most intense player since the days of Jordan. Earning the nickname the “Black Mamba”, Kobe would end up winning five championships across his storied career. Averaging at least 25 points a game for 12 seasons to accompany his 12 All-Defensive team selections, Kobe was both a monster offensively and defensively; his passion often willing his team to victory more often than not. From his 81-point game, his two free throws with a torn Achilles, or his 60-point night in his final game, Kobe has delivered some of the most iconic NBA moments in history, and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to play.
6.) Tim Duncan
The “Big Fundamental”, Tim Duncan, may just be the most boring all-time great in the NBA’s history, but that doesn’t make him any less great. A five-time NBA champion, a two-time MVP, a three-time NBA Finals MVP, and the undisputed greatest power forward of all time, Duncan was the cornerstone for arguably the greatest run a team has ever had as the Spurs won at least 50 games in 18 of his 19 seasons. From his early days alongside David Robinson to his final days playing with Kawhi, Duncan and the Spurs dominated the NBA for nearly 20 years, the road to the NBA Finals going through San Antonio on an annual basis. The only player in NBA history to be selected to both the All-NBA and the All-Defensive Teams for 13 consecutive years, Duncan was one of the most durable players in the League during his run, and let’s not forget, if it weren’t for Ray Allen’s game-tying three-pointer in Game Six of the 2013 NBA Finals, Tim Duncan would be a perfect six-for-six in the NBA Finals.
5.) Magic Johnson
From the moment he stepped foot into the NBA in 1979, Johnson captured the league by storm. From his bubbly personality to his rivalry with Bird, and his success on the Lakers, it’s no wonder the NBA exploded in popularity during the 1980s. Holding the highest assist per game mark in NBA history at 11.2, Johnson was a true spectacle to watch. From his across-the-court passes, behind-the-back dimes, and his ability to dictate the pace and movement of games, Johnson was the kickstarter the Lakers needed, being the driving force behind their five championships and nine finals appearances over the course of 12 years. A three-time MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and a four-time assist leader, Johnson wasn’t always the greatest scorer, but he was arguably the best passer in league history, and that’s got to count for something.
4.) LeBron James
The greatest prospect ever and the proclaimed “Chosen One”, ever since the young kid from Akron stepped foot on an NBA court, the expectations for him were extremely high, the highest of any player ever, and he lived up to every single one of them. From his initial run in Cleveland to the beaches of Miami, and then back to Cleveland before moving over to LA, James always made his teams relevant. Arguably the best all-around player with his ability to score, defend, and distribute the ball. James always made his teammates better to the point that he was able to drag teams with no recognizable players to the NBA Finals. Speaking of the NBA Finals, James has been to 10 of them, capturing four titles and four MVPs along the way. Even now, at 40 years old, he is still delivering 20-point games on a nightly basis. If it weren’t for his poor Finals record, albeit not entirely his fault, The King may have sat a spot or two higher on this list.
3.) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
If you had to choose the player who had the greatest career, it would be Abdul-Jabbar. In his four years of high school, he led his team to three NYC Catholic Championships. In his three playing years of college at UCLA, he led his team to three National Championships, and in his NBA career, he won six NBA Championships alongside six MVPs. He was the best high school player, he was the best college player, and when he played, he was the best NBA player. In short terms, Abdul-Jabbar was never not the best. From his unstoppable sky-hook to his ability to grab double-digit rebounds on a nightly basis, Kareem climbed up the all-time statistical rankings with ease, becoming the all-time leading scorer for nearly 39 years until LeBron recently broke it. While Magic Johnson stole the limelight from Kareem during their “Showtime” days, Kareem was the unquestioned leader of the time, and likely their best player as well.
2.) Bill Russell
If there was one word to describe Russell, it would be “winner”. In his 13-year NBA career, Russell wound up winning 11 championships and only losing one NBA Finals series, a series in which he was hurt. His five MVPs and four rebounding titles proved he was a dominant player, but it was his ability to win games that was most important. His ability to stay sharp and focused during the midst of the Civil Rights era in Boston is a feat in and of itself, but his on-court leadership and defensive tenacity are what made him a great player. Sure, the NBA has evolved far beyond Bill Russell’s days with plenty of more teams and the most skilled crop of players ever, but no one dominated their era like Russell. Just ask Chamberlain, who lost seven NBA Finals to the NBA’s greatest center.
1.) Michael Jordan
I’m sure you’ve already heard all of these talking points, but I’m going to share them again. In his 15-year NBA career, with two of those years him missing the vast majority of the season, Jordan was the best player by far in nearly every campaign. From his perfect 6-0 record in NBA Finals, his two three-peats, his six Finals MVPs, his five regular season MVPs, his 30.1 career points per game, the highest of anyone ever, his 50% field goal percentage for someone who was known for shooting mid-range shots, his 173 40-point games, his 31 50-point games, the list goes on and on. He was the best offensive player in the league, being a 10-time scoring champion. He was the best defensive player in the league, being a nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection. He was the clutchiest player in the league, hitting the most game-winning buzzer-beater shots in NBA history. The statistics and accolades speak for themselves; need I say more?
