Basketball is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. With its fast-paced action, high-flying dunks, and incredible feats of athleticism, it’s no wonder that basketball has become one of the most popular sports on the planet. And at the heart of this sport are the players themselves, the men and women who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft and achieving greatness on the court.
From Michael Jordan to LeBron James, there have been countless basketball players who have left their mark on the game. But who are the best of the best? In this article, we’ll be ranking the top 10 best basketball players of all time, taking into account their stats, awards, and impact on the game. So, whether you’re a diehard fan or just a casual observer, get ready to see some of the greatest players in basketball history.
Criteria for ranking the top 10 basketball players of all time
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to establish the criteria we used to determine the rankings. To start, we looked at each player’s career statistics, including points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, and shooting percentage. We also considered their accolades, such as MVP awards, All-NBA selections, and championships won. Finally, we looked at each player’s impact on the game, both in terms of their individual play and their contributions to their teams. With these factors in mind, we were able to create a comprehensive ranking of the top 10 best basketball players of all time.
Honorable mentions – players who didn’t quite make the cut
Before we get to the top 10, let’s take a moment to acknowledge some of the players who just missed the cut.
First up is Dirk Nowitzki, the German power forward who led the Dallas Mavericks to a championship in 2011. With over 31,000 career points and a Finals MVP award to his name, Nowitzki is undoubtedly one of the best players of his generation.
Another player who narrowly missed the top 10 is Hakeem Olajuwon, the Nigerian center who won two championships with the Houston Rockets in the 1990s. Olajuwon was known for his incredible footwork and post moves, and his defensive prowess earned him two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Finally, we have Kevin Durant, the prolific scorer who has won two championships and two Finals MVP awards in his career. With career averages of 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Durant is one of the most talented players in the league today.
Number 10 – Kobe Bryant
Coming in at number 10 on our list is Kobe Bryant, the late Lakers legend who passed away in 2020. Bryant’s career spanned 20 seasons, during which he won five championships, two Finals MVP awards, and one regular-season MVP award. Known for his incredible scoring ability, Bryant ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list with over 33,000 career points.
But Bryant was more than just a scorer – he was also an excellent defender, earning nine All-Defensive First Team selections in his career. With his competitive spirit and unwavering dedication to the game, Kobe Bryant will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Number 9 – Shaquille O’Neal
At number 9 on our list is Shaquille O’Neal, the dominant center who won four championships in his career. O’Neal was a force to be reckoned with on the court, using his massive size and strength to overpower his opponents.
He won three Finals MVP awards and one regular-season MVP award, and his career averages of 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game are some of the best in NBA history. But perhaps O’Neal’s greatest legacy is his impact on the game – his combination of size, strength, and athleticism paved the way for a new generation of big men to dominate the paint.
Number 8 – Larry Bird
Next up at number 8 is Larry Bird, the legendary Celtics forward who won three championships and three regular-season MVP awards in his career.
Larry Bird is a retired basketball player who played his entire career with the Boston Celtics. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and was known for his incredible range and clutch shooting ability. Bird won three NBA championships with the Celtics, and was named the NBA Finals MVP twice. He was also a 12-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA MVP three times.
Off the court, Bird has been involved in various business ventures and has served as a coach and executive for several NBA teams. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, including a foundation that provides assistance to children in need. Bird’s incredible shooting ability and leadership on the court have made him a legend in the game of basketball, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
Number 7 – Wilt Chamberlain
At number 7 on our list is Wilt Chamberlain, the towering center who dominated the league in the 1960s. Chamberlain was a physical specimen, standing at 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, and his size allowed him to score at will around the basket. He won two championships and four regular-season MVP awards in his career, and his 100-point game in 1962 remains one of the most iconic moments in basketball history. But perhaps Chamberlain’s greatest legacy is his statistical dominance – he holds numerous records, including the most points scored in a single season (4,029) and the most rebounds in a game (55).
Number 6 – Magic Johnson
Coming in at number 6 on our list is Magic Johnson, the versatile point guard who won five championships in his career. Johnson was known for his incredible passing ability and his ability to play multiple positions on the court. He won three Finals MVP awards and three regular-season MVP awards, and his career averages of 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game are some of the best in NBA history. But perhaps Johnson’s greatest legacy is his impact on the game – his style of play helped to revolutionize the point guard position and paved the way for players like LeBron James to dominate the league today.
Number 5 – Bill Russell
At number 5 on our list is Bill Russell, the legendary Celtics center who won an incredible 11 championships in his career. Russell was known for his incredible defensive ability, anchoring the Celtics’ vaunted defense and earning five MVP awards in the process. He also averaged over 22 rebounds per game in his career, a mark that still stands as the best in NBA history. But perhaps Russell’s greatest legacy is his leadership – he was the ultimate team player, always putting his teammates first and doing whatever it took to win.
Number 4 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Coming in at number 4 on our list is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. Abdul-Jabbar won six championships and six regular-season MVP awards in his career, and his patented skyhook shot is one of the most iconic moves in basketball history. But Abdul-Jabbar was more than just a scorer – he was also an excellent defender and a great teammate, earning 10 All-Defensive Team selections and always putting his team’s success ahead of his own individual accomplishments.
Number 3 – LeBron James
At number 3 on our list is LeBron James, the four-time champion and four-time regular-season MVP who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. James has put up incredible numbers throughout his career, averaging over 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game.
LeBron James is a current basketball player who has played for several teams during his career, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time and is known for his incredible athleticism, versatility, and leadership on the court. James has won four NBA championships during his career, two with the Miami Heat and two with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has also been named the NBA Finals MVP four times and has been named the NBA MVP four times.
Off the court, James has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including a foundation that provides assistance to underprivileged children. He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and has been involved in various social and political causes throughout his career. James’ incredible athleticism, versatility, and leadership on the court have made him a legend in the game of basketball, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
Number 2 – Kobe Bryant
Coming in at number 2 on our list is Kobe Bryant, the late Lakers legend who passed away in 2020.
Kobe Bryant was a basketball player who played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest shooting guards of all time and was known for his incredible scoring ability and competitive spirit. Bryant won five NBA championships during his career, all with the Lakers, and was named the NBA Finals MVP twice. He was also an 18-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA MVP once.
Off the court, Bryant was involved in various philanthropic efforts, including a foundation that provides assistance to underprivileged children. He was also an accomplished writer and filmmaker and was in the process of creating a new children’s book series at the time of his death in 2020. Bryant’s incredible scoring ability and competitive spirit have made him a legend in the game of basketball, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
Number 1 – Michael Jordan
And finally, at the top of our list is Michael Jordan, the six-time champion and five-time regular-season MVP who is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. Michael Jordan is a retired basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. He is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time and was known for his incredible scoring ability, competitive spirit, and clutch performances in big games. Jordan won six NBA championships during his career, all with the Chicago Bulls, and was named the NBA Finals MVP six times. He was also a 14-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA MVP five times.
Off the court, Jordan has been involved in various business ventures and has served as an executive for several NBA teams. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, including a foundation that provides assistance to underprivileged children. Jordan’s incredible scoring ability, competitive spirit, and clutch performances in big games have made him a legend in the game of basketball, and he will always be remembered as the greatest player of all time.
Conclusion
So there you have it – our ranking of the top 10 best basketball players of all time. While there will always be debate about who should be included and who should be left out, one thing is clear: these players represent the pinnacle of basketball achievement. Whether you’re a fan of scoring, defense, passing, or all-around excellence, there is something to admire in each of these players. So the next time you watch a basketball game, take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent and dedication that goes into playing at the highest level. And remember, these players didn’t become legends overnight – they worked tirelessly every day to perfect their craft and achieve greatness on the court.