Top 10 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time
Basketball is a sport that has captivated fans worldwide, with its fast-paced action, incredible athleticism, and unforgettable moments. Throughout its history, there have been players who have risen above the rest, leaving an indelible mark on the game. In this article, we delve into the topic of the 10 greatest basketball players of all time. These remarkable athletes have not only showcased their exceptional skills and achieved remarkable milestones, but they have also made an enduring impact on the sport, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. Join us as we explore the careers and legacies of these basketball legends who have left an undeniable imprint on the history of the game..
1. Michael Jordan
Career stats
- Career points: 32,292
- Career rebounds: 6,672
- Career assists: 5,012
PPG: 33.4
RPG: 6.4
APG: 5.7
Awards
NBA titles: 6
Finals MVPs: 6
Reg. season MVPs: 5
Michael Jordan is considered as the greatest basketball player of all time, the real basketball legend, and for a reason! Known for his incredible scoring ability, athleticism, and clutch performances, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships.
He won five MVP awards, 10 scoring titles, and was a 14-time All-Star, 11- time all NBA. Jordan’s impact on the game extends beyond his on-court achievements, as he became a global icon and helped popularize basketball worldwide.
2. Kobe Bryant
Career stats
- Career points: 33,643
- Career rebounds: 7,047
- Career assists: 6,306
PPG: 25.9
RPG: 11.2
APG: 3.3
Awards
NBA titles: 2
Finals MVPs: 2
Reg. season MVP: 1
The 2nd greatest basketball player of all time is Kobe Bryant. Known as the “Black Mamba,” he was an iconic and beloved basketball player who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Renowned for his scoring ability and intense work ethic, Bryant won two NBA championships and embodied the “Mamba Mentality” – a relentless pursuit of excellence. He inspired and mentored countless players, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Tragically, Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna, passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020, leaving behind a profound legacy.
3. LeBron James
Career stats
- Career points: 35,367
- Career rebounds: 9,367
- Career assists: 9,696
Awards
NBA titles: 4
Finals MVPs: 4
3rd comes another basketball legend, LeBron James. He is a dominant force in the modern era of basketball. With his unique combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, James has consistently been a top performer throughout his career. He has won four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and has been selected to the All-NBA First Team multiple times.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Awards
NBA titles: 4
Finals MVPs: 3
Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force in the paint during his playing career. Standing at 7’1″ and possessing incredible strength and agility, O’Neal was unstoppable near the basket. He won four NBA championships and was a three-time Finals MVP. O’Neal’s combination of power and finesse made him one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Awards
NBA titles: 6
Finals MVPs: 6
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most skilled players in the history of basketball. With his signature skyhook shot, he dominated the league for two decades. He won six NBA championships and six MVP awards, displaying remarkable consistency and longevity throughout his career.
6. Magic Johnson
Awards
NBA titles: 5
Finals MVPs: 3
Magic Johnson is often called the greatest point guard of all time. He played 13 seasons in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers. After winning a national championship with Michigan State in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers, leading the team to five NBA championships during their Showtime era.
7. Larry Bird
Awards
NBA titles: 3
Finals MVPs: 2
Larry Bird is nicknamed “the Hick from French Lick” and “Larry Legend”. He is the 7th in the list of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
8. Tim Duncan
Awards
NBA titles: 5
Finals MVPs: 2
Tim Duncan is one of the greatest power forwards of all time and one of the greatest players in NBA history. He spent his entire 19-year playing career with the San Antonio Spurs, and was a key factor for their success during the 2000s and early 2010s. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
9. Wilt Chamberlain
Awards
NBA titles: 2
Finals MVPs: 4
Reg. season MVPs: 5
Wilt Chamberlain played 14 seasons in the NBA for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain was a physical specimen, standing 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 275 pounds. He was also incredibly athletic, with a 48-inch vertical leap.
10. Hakeem Olajuwon
Awards
NBA titles: 2
Finals MVPs: 1
Reg. season MVPs: 5
Hakeem Olajuwon, also known as “The Dream”, is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. He played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
