Our Top 10 NBA Players Of All Time Rankings Will Surprise You
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been the premier professional basketball league for decades, welcoming countless talented players who have left an unforgettable impact on the sport. These exceptional athletes have pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the court, redefining the game through their extraordinary skills, innovative playing styles, and unparalleled achievements.
Identifying the definitive top 10 NBA players of all time is a complex and challenging endeavor, requiring a meticulous evaluation of various factors, such as a player’s individual accolades, statistics, championships won, and their overall influence on the game’s evolution.
The NBA has been home to some of the greatest athletes and most iconic figures in sports history. So, determining the ultimate top 10 NBA players of all time is a nuanced process that seeks to recognize the best of the best legends who have cemented their place in basketball history.
Who are the top 10 NBA players of all time?
Players like Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain have left an everlasting legacy with their incredible talent and achievements. Legends such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal have captivated fans with their dominance on the court.
Icons like Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Oscar Robertson have etched their names in basketball’s history books with their fierce competitiveness and unparalleled accomplishments. These great players have not only entertained millions but have also inspired generations with their dedication, perseverance, and love for the game.
Now, let’s take a closer look at an elite group of players who have redefined the game and solidified their status as true legends of the NBA.
#10. Larry Bird
Larry Bird was a true legend in the NBA, known for his incredible shooting ability, versatility, and clutch performances. He was a special player who made his mark with the Boston Celtics. Bird won 3 NBA championships and was named the Finals MVP twice.
Bird was also a 3-time regular season MVP, solidifying his status as the NBA’s best player for three consecutive years (1984, 1985, 1986). He made the prestigious All-NBA First Team 9 times and the Second Team once, showcasing a consistent level of excellence. Furthermore, he ranks amongst the best defensive small forwards of all time, earning 3 All-Defensive Second Team selections, demonstrating his well-rounded game.
Right from his rookie season in 1979-80, Bird was outstanding, winning Rookie of the Year and making the All-Rookie First Team. His amazing career accomplishments led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1998.
#9. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson was a truly special and transcendent NBA player. He was an incredibly talented and versatile point guard who excelled at scoring, passing, rebounding and played with flair and charisma.
Johnson was a 5-time NBA champion and 3-time Finals MVP, leading the iconic “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers teams. He won 3 regular season MVP awards, acknowledging his greatness. Magic displayed his elite playmaking skills by leading the NBA in assists 4 times. Magic was an average overall defender at best yet he managed to lead the league in steals twice during the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons.
His all-around brilliance resulted in 9 All-NBA First Team selections and 1 Second Team selection. Right from his rookie year in 1979-80, Magic made the All-Rookie First Team. His remarkable 13-year career accomplishments resulted in his induction to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
#8. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was an incredibly dominant and special player in the NBA. He was a giant at 7’1″ tall and used his size to score at will and grab nearly every rebound. Chamberlain won 4 MVP awards and was often in the conversation for the best player year after year.
He led the entire league in scoring an amazing 7 times and in rebounding an unbelievable 11 times. Wilt won 2 NBA championships and Finals MVP awards. He made 7 All-NBA First Teams and 3 Second Teams. Chamberlain is also one of the best defensive centers to ever play the game, making 2 All-Defensive First Teams. Chamberlain would have made more All-Defensive Teams if he didn’t played during a time in which defensive honors were limited.
Right from his rookie season in 1959-60, he won Rookie of the Year. His accomplishments were so dominant that they cemented his place as one of the greatest players to ever grace the basketball court, earning him induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979.
#7. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was a force of nature on the basketball court and one of the most dominant big men ever. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, Shaq used his immense size and strength to overwhelm opponents. He won 1 regular season MVP in 1999-00 and was a 3-time Finals MVP, leading his teams to championships in 1999-2000, 2000-01, and 2001-02.
O’Neal was a prolific scorer, leading the NBA in scoring twice. He made the prestigious All-NBA First Team 8 times, the Second Team twice, and the Third Team 4 times, showcasing a sustained level of excellence. Shaq was also one of the best defensive centers of all time, earning 3 All-Defensive Second Team selections.
From his very first season in 1992-93, Shaq’s presence was felt as he was named Rookie of the Year and made the All-Rookie First Team. His remarkable 19-year career accomplishments resulted in his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
#6. Bill Russell
Bill Russell was a true legend and winner in the NBA. Though not a huge scorer, he was the ultimate team player and defensive star. Russell won 5 MVP awards, showing he was the most valuable player season after season. He led the league in rebounding 4 times by outworking everyone. While only making 3 All-NBA First Teams, he was consistently great with 8 Second Team honors. But Russell’s biggest impact was as a defensive anchor, making the inaugural All-Defensive First Team in 1969.
His real greatness was leading the Boston Celtics to an incredible 11 championships as a player and a player-coach. This amazing team success resulted in Russell being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1975. Later, his coaching career also earned him a Hall of Fame induction in 2021. He was a true winner at the highest level.
#5. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan was a model of excellence and consistency throughout his legendary 19-year NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs. He was a fundamentally sound big man who impacted the game at both ends, and is considered one of the best NBA centers of all time as well as one of the best power forwards in NBA history.
Duncan won 2 regular season MVPs and was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, showcasing his sustained brilliance. He was also a fearsome defender. One of the best defensive power forwards of all time, making the All-Defensive First Team 8 times and the Second Team 7 times. Duncan’s biggest accomplishment was leading the Spurs to 5 NBA championships, earning Finals MVP honors 3 times.
Duncan was outstanding right from his 1997-98 rookie season, winning Rookie of the Year and making the All-Rookie First Team. Duncan’s remarkable longevity allowed him to be selected to 15 All-Star games, even winning the MVP award once. His incredible career stats and accolades resulted in his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
#4. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was an iconic superstar and one of the most skilled players in NBA history. He had an unrelenting work ethic and competitive drive that made him a prolific scorer and fierce defender. Bryant won 1 regular season MVP in 2008 and was a 2-time Finals MVP, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to championships in 2009 and 2010.
He led the league in scoring twice and made an astounding 11 All-NBA First Teams, showcasing over a decade of sustained excellence. Kobe, one of the best defensive shooting guards of all time was also a lockdown defender, earning 9 All-Defensive First Team and 3 Second Team honors.
From his rookie season, his talent was evident, making the All-Rookie Second Team in 1997. Bryant’s incredible 20-year career stats, 5 NBA titles, and 18 All-Star selections resulted in his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 after his tragic passing earlier that year.
#3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a towering figure in the NBA and one of the most skilled and dominant players ever. Standing 7’2″ tall, he was nearly unstoppable with his famous skyhook shot. Abdul-Jabbar won a record 6 regular season MVP awards, proving his excellence year after year. He was a 2-time Finals MVP, leading teams to 6 total NBA championships.
Kareem led the league in scoring twice, rebounding once, and an amazing 4 times in blocked shots with his imposing defense. He made a remarkable 10 All-NBA First Teams and 5 Second Teams over his 20-year career. Abdul-Jabbar was also a stellar defender, earning 5 All-Defensive First Team and 6 Second Team honors.
His greatness was evident from his rookie 1969-70 season when he won Rookie of the Year. Kareem’s staggering career accomplishments, including 19 All-Star selections, made him a one of the best NBA centers of all time and a surefire Hall of Famer upon his induction in 1995.
#2. Lebron James
Lebron James is a once-in-a-generation talent and surefire NBA legend. From the moment he entered the league in 2003 after being drafted straight out of high school, his incredible all-around game was on full display. LeBron won 4 regular season MVPs, cementing his status as one of the most dominant players of his era.
He has been named Finals MVP 4 times, leading his teams to 4 NBA championships. James has stuffed the stat sheet, leading the league in scoring and assists in separate seasons. He has been selected to the prestigious All-NBA First Team a staggering 13 times. Defensively, LeBron made 5 All-Defensive First Teams.
He was also Rookie of the Year in 2004. James’ longevity is unmatched, earning 20 straight All-Star selections, with 3 All-Star MVPs. In 2023, he added an NBA Cup title and Cup MVP to his resume. LeBron’s incredible blend of size, skill, and court vision make him a true generational superstar.
#1. Michael Jordan
Who is the greatest NBA player in history? Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. His impact on the game was simply unmatched. Jordan was a tremendously skilled scorer, winning an incredible 10 scoring titles. He was also a lockdown defender, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1988 and making the All-Defensive First Team 9 times.
MJ’s excellence was recognized with 5 regular season MVPs and 6 Finals MVPs, leading the Chicago Bulls to 6 NBA championships. His accolades are staggering – 14 All-Star selections with 3 All-Star MVPs, 10 scoring titles, 10 All-NBA First Team honors, and 3 steals titles.
Jordan dominated from his rookie season in 1985, averaging 28.2 points per game when he won Rookie of the Year. His fierce competitiveness, clutch performances, and unparalleled accomplishments transcended basketball, making him a global icon. Jordan’s greatness was cemented with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
With the remarkable achievements and lasting impact of these players in mind, let’s reflect on the top 10 best NBA players of all time.
Reflecting On The Greatest Players Of All Time
While there will always be debates and differing opinions, the Top 10 NBA Players Of All Time listed here have cemented their legacies as true legends of the game. From the scoring prowess of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain to the all-around brilliance of LeBron James and Magic Johnson, these players have left an indelible mark on basketball history.
The defensive dominance of Bill Russell and Tim Duncan, the effortless skill of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the clutch heroics of Kobe Bryant and Larry Bird have provided countless memorable moments. While statistics and accolades only tell part of the story, the Top 10 NBA Players Of All Time have transcended the game, capturing the hearts and imaginations of fans worldwide with their exceptional talent, determination, and the pursuit of greatness.
