It goes without saying that ranking the top NBA players of all time doesn’t come without its own set of controversies. In the modern basketball world where too many stats are available to consider, one still can’t ignore the qualitative aspects while ranking the greatest NBA players of all time.
10. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
What? The second top scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history ranks only as the 10th best player ever? Absolutely. While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar amassed an impressive 38,387 points throughout his career, it’s important to consider that he benefited significantly from playing alongside Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, widely regarded as two of the greatest point guards in history. Additionally, his career statistics were somewhat inflated due to his remarkably lengthy tenure in the NBA (give or take a few millennia). Nonetheless, he undeniably exerted a formidable influence on the sport for two decades, mastering the sky hook—a shot renowned for its elegance and effectiveness. Moreover, his charismatic presence in movies like “Airplane!” and his iconic fight scene with Bruce Lee in “Game of Death” further enhance his status as one of the coolest figures in basketball history.
9. Tim Duncan
I have a confession to make: despite being a die-hard fan of all Seattle sports teams, I found myself drawn to the San Antonio Spurs during the late ’90s and early 2000s. Sure, their methodical style of play often left spectators yawning by the third quarter, but amidst the low-scoring affairs, there was a singular beauty to be found: Tim Duncan’s bank shot. Dubbed “The Big Fundamental” by none other than Shaquille O’Neal, Duncan epitomized precision and consistency during his prime years. While his unassuming playing style and reserved demeanor may have prevented him from achieving the same cultural impact as some of the game’s flashier stars, his impressive resume speaks for itself: four championships, 14 All-Star Game appearances, and two NBA MVP awards solidify his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
On the opposite end of the “aesthetically pleasing play” spectrum from Tim Duncan stands Shaquille O’Neal. While Duncan relied on finesse and impeccable footwork to navigate the post, Shaq, standing at a formidable 7’1″ and weighing 315 pounds, often utilized his sheer bulk to overpower opponents on his path to the basket. His go-to move? The emphatic dunk—a tactic so effective that it propelled O’Neal to lead the NBA in field-goal percentage an impressive 10 times throughout his career. Yet, Shaq’s game wasn’t solely reliant on brute force; surprisingly graceful for his size, he possessed a delicate touch with his close-range jump shots. However, his Achilles’ heel lay in his free-throw shooting, a weakness that even his towering stature couldn’t overshadow.
7. Larry Bird
Despite his humble beginnings in a small college and the folksy moniker “Hick from French Lick,” Larry Bird stood as one of the NBA’s fiercest competitors and most legendary trash-talkers. Possessing an unwavering confidence, Bird boasted perhaps the quickest release in basketball history, often taunting defenders with the inevitable outcome of his shots even before they reached the basket. Throughout his abbreviated 13-year career, marred by injuries, Bird secured three championship rings and earned 12 All-Star selections. His intense rivalry with Magic Johnson, a preview of whom you’ll encounter later in this list, defined an era and propelled basketball to unprecedented levels of national popularity that endure to this day.
6. Bill Russell
Russell stands as the quintessential winner in NBA history, having secured a league title in all but two of his remarkable 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics. It’s true that during his era, the NBA comprised only 8 to 14 teams, which statistically facilitated championship victories for a single franchise. However, this fact does not diminish Russell’s monumental achievements. Prior to his arrival, the Celtics had languished for a decade without a single championship appearance. Yet, in his rookie season, Russell revolutionized the team’s trajectory, propelling them to unprecedented success and cementing their status as NBA royalty.
Russell’s inclusion on this list is not solely based on some nebulous concept of “winningness.” He earned his place through sheer dominance, particularly on the defensive end. Renowned as one of the most tenacious defenders of all time, Russell redefined the importance of shot-blocking, while also boasting an astonishing career average of 22.5 rebounds per game.
5. Oscar Robertson
Oh boy, where do we even start with this legend? While I may be too young to have witnessed his playing days firsthand, the numbers speak volumes, leaving me yearning for a time machine just to witness his brilliance in person. In the 1961–62 season, “The Big O” pulled off the unthinkable, averaging a triple-double with an astonishing 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Beyond his on-court heroics, this 12-time All-Star left an indelible mark on the NBA by spearheading true free agency through a landmark antitrust suit. It’s a feat every bit as remarkable as his jaw-dropping statistical achievements, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest to ever grace the hardwood.
4. Wilt Chamberlain
Granted, Chamberlain thrived in an era where post players were generally smaller and the athleticism seen in today’s basketball was not as prevalent. However, his dominance was so overwhelming that he unquestionably merits a place in the top five, irrespective of the context. Chamberlain’s impact on the game was seismic, highlighted by his astonishing statistical feats.
Remarkably, the top four spots for all-time NBA single-season scoring averages belong to Chamberlain—achieved in his first four professional seasons. Perhaps the pinnacle of his scoring prowess occurred on March 2, 1962, when he famously recorded an unparalleled 100 points in a single game, a monumental NBA record likely to stand the test of time.
In addition to his scoring exploits, Chamberlain’s rebounding prowess was unparalleled. He remains the only player to surpass Bill Russell in rebounds per game, averaging a staggering 22.9 rebounds, all while logging more minutes per game than any player in NBA history (45.8).
Even in the sole season of his illustrious 14-year career where he missed out on All-Star selection—1970, due to injury—Chamberlain’s impact was undeniable. Despite being limited to just 12 regular-season games, his return saw him guide his team to the NBA Finals through sheer determination and leadership.
3. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson’s exuberant personality made him one of the most captivating figures in NBA history, playing a pivotal role in the league’s unprecedented surge in popularity during the 1980s. However, his impact transcended his infectious smile. Johnson’s extraordinary passing abilities were the driving force behind the legendary “Showtime” era of the Los Angeles Lakers, which clinched five championships during his 13-year tenure with the franchise. Standing at 6’9″, Johnson defied traditional positions as the NBA’s tallest point guard, boasting an unparalleled assists-per-game average of 11.2 and showcasing a remarkable all-around game.
One of the most iconic moments in NBA history occurred when Johnson, as a 20-year-old rookie, stepped up to play center in place of the injured Abdul-Jabbar during the title-clinching game six of the 1980 NBA Finals, demonstrating his versatility and poise under pressure.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Johnson’s off-court endeavors are equally commendable. His courageous battle against HIV for over two decades, coupled with his high-profile advocacy to destigmatize AIDS, has had a profound impact on society. Additionally, he has embarked on a second career as an entrepreneur, notably investing in businesses primarily located in economically disadvantaged areas, with the aim of revitalizing urban communities. Magic Johnson’s multifaceted contributions to basketball and society make him not only a remarkable athlete but also a truly admirable individual.
2. Michael Jordan
I understand that my perspective might ruffle some feathers in my beloved Chicago, but I have to confess: I don’t believe His Airness reigns as the greatest player ever. Is he the most famous? Undoubtedly. The most influential? Quite possibly. However, his hyper-competitive nature often overshadowed his ability to maintain normal human relationships. His relentless pursuit of greatness propelled him to six championships, five MVP awards, and All-Star appearances in every full season he played. Additionally, he’s arguably the best defender the game has ever seen, with a scoring average of 30.1 points per game—the highest in NBA history.
Yet, let’s not overlook the fact that Jordan had significant support around him. He played alongside another top-25 talent in Scottie Pippen and was coached by the strategic genius Phil Jackson during his prime years. While Jordan’s individual brilliance is undeniable, he certainly had more assistance than the last individual on this list. Besides, it’s admittedly amusing to gently tease all the fiercely loyal Chicagoans who are quick to defend their city’s sporting achievements.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James, often unjustly labeled as an overrated choke artist by some fans, unequivocally stands as the greatest player to ever grace the basketball court. His abilities defy the bounds of human possibility, seamlessly blending the size of NFL players with the agility of the most nimble basketball guards. From the outset, he bore the weighty mantle of being anointed “The Chosen One” by Sports Illustrated as a teenager—a burden he not only carried but surpassed with flying colors.
Unlike his predecessors, LeBron navigated the relentless pressures of 21st-century media with remarkable poise. Amidst this scrutiny, he maintained a Robertson-esque stat line of 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, facing off against teams stacked with elite athletes rather than adversaries puffing cigarettes at halftime.
Critics who once chastised him for his lack of championships early in his career conveniently overlooked his Herculean effort in leading an overmatched Cleveland Cavaliers squad to the 2007 NBA Finals at just 22 years old. Subsequently, LeBron has added two titles (with potentially more to come?) to his resume as a member of the Miami Heat.
What truly sets LeBron apart is his perpetual evolution as a player. He consistently addresses and improves upon his perceived weaknesses, all while dazzling spectators with feats never before witnessed on the court. In LeBron James, we witness not just basketball greatness, but an ongoing saga of unparalleled skill and adaptability.