Top 10 Best NBA Players Of All Time

When it comes to the world of basketball, there are legends, and then there are the Top 10 Best NBA Players Of All Time. These iconic athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport, setting records, winning championships, and inspiring generations of fans. In this article, we will take an in-depth journey through the careers, achievements, and impact of these basketball titans. Let’s dive into the world of basketball greatness!

Table of Contents

The Top 10 Best NBA Players Of All Time

1. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was named Finals MVP each time. He also won five regular-season MVP awards and ten scoring titles. Jordan was known for his incredible athleticism, competitive fire, and clutch shooting.

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 30.1 points per game (all-time record)
Career playoff scoring average: 33.4 points per game (all-time record)
Six-time NBA Finals MVP (all-time record)
Five-time NBA MVP
Ten-time NBA scoring champion (all-time record)
Fourteen-time NBA All-Star
Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)

Greatest Moments

1991 NBA Finals Game 5: Jordan hits “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo to win his first NBA championship.
1992 NBA Finals Game 6: Jordan scores 33 points in the second half to lead the Bulls to their second straight championship.
1996 NBA Finals Game 6: Jordan hits six three-pointers in the second half to lead the Bulls to their fourth championship in six years.
1998 NBA Finals Game 6: Jordan hits the game-winning shot with 5.2 seconds remaining to lead the Bulls to their sixth championship in eight years.

Accolades

Six-time NBA champion
Six-time NBA Finals MVP
Five-time NBA MVP
Ten-time NBA scoring champion
Fourteen-time NBA All-Star
Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984 and 1992)
Ten-time NBA All-NBA First Team
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)

Jordan was also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He founded Jordan Brand in 1985, which is now one of the most popular and successful sneaker brands in the world. He also has his own line of clothing and other products.

Jordan is a global icon and one of the most popular athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

Also Read: Top Ten Tennis Players of All Time

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won six NBA championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, and was named Finals MVP twice. He is also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points. Abdul-Jabbar was known for his unstoppable skyhook shot, his incredible length and athleticism, and his dominant presence on both ends of the court.

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 24.6 points per game (all-time fifth)
Career playoff scoring average: 24.7 points per game (all-time sixth)
Two-time NBA Finals MVP
Six-time NBA champion
Six-time NBA MVP
Two-time NBA scoring champion
Nineteen-time NBA All-Star
Fifteen-time All-NBA First Team
Five-time All-NBA Second Team
Eleven-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Six-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1970)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1971)
Two-time NCAA champion (1967 and 1969)
Three-time NCAA MVP (1967, 1968, and 1969)

Greatest Moments

1971 NBA Finals Game 6: Abdul-Jabbar scores 40 points and grabs 10 rebounds to lead the Bucks to their first NBA championship.
1980 NBA Finals Game 6: Abdul-Jabbar scores 33 points and grabs 14 rebounds to lead the Lakers to their second NBA championship in four years.
1985 NBA Finals Game 6: Abdul-Jabbar scores 36 points and grabs 10 rebounds to lead the Lakers to their ninth NBA championship, and his sixth overall.
1987 NBA Finals Game 6: Abdul-Jabbar passes Wilt Chamberlain as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in Game 5, and then scores 30 points in Game 6 to lead the Lakers to their tenth NBA championship.

Accolades

Six-time NBA champion
Two-time NBA Finals MVP
Six-time NBA MVP
Two-time NBA scoring champion
Nineteen-time NBA All-Star
Fifteen-time All-NBA First Team
Five-time All-NBA Second Team
Eleven-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Six-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1970)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1971)
Two-time NCAA champion (1967 and 1969)
Three-time NCAA MVP (1967, 1968, and 1969)

Abdul-Jabbar was also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the author of several books, including his autobiography, Giant Steps. He is also the founder of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Skyhook Foundation, which provides educational programs and opportunities for underserved youth.

Abdul-Jabbar is a global icon and one of the most respected athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

3. LeBron James

LeBron James is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He has won four NBA championships with three different teams, and has been named Finals MVP four times. James is also a four-time regular season MVP and four-time scoring champion. He is known for his incredible all-around game, including his passing, scoring, and rebounding.

Career regular season scoring average: 27.1 points per game (all-time seventh)
Career playoff scoring average: 28.3 points per game (all-time fifth)
Four-time NBA Finals MVP
Four-time NBA champion
Four-time NBA MVP
Four-time NBA scoring champion
Nineteen-time NBA All-Star
Thirteen-time All-NBA First Team
Seven-time All-NBA Second Team
Six-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Five-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)

Greatest Moments

2016 NBA Finals Game 7: James scores 27 points, grabs 11 rebounds, and dishes out 11 assists to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in franchise history.
2020 NBA Finals Game 5: James scores 40 points, grabs 13 rebounds, and dishes out 9 assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA championship in franchise history.
2022 NBA All-Star Game: James scores 56 points, grabs 10 rebounds, and dishes out 6 assists to lead Team LeBron to victory. This was James’s second All-Star Game MVP award, and his 19th All-Star Game appearance.

Accolades

Four-time NBA champion
Four-time NBA Finals MVP
Four-time NBA MVP
Four-time NBA scoring champion
Nineteen-time NBA All-Star
Thirteen-time All-NBA First Team
Seven-time All-NBA Second Team
Six-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Five-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008 and 2012)
NBA Sportsmanship Award (2011)
NBA Community Assist Award (2013)
J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2017)

James is also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder of the LeBron James Family Foundation, which provides educational and athletic opportunities for underserved youth. He is also the owner of the SpringHill Company, a media and production company.

James is a global icon and one of the most respected athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

4. Bill Russell

Bill Russell is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won an unprecedented 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, including eight in a row from 1959 to 1966. Russell was also a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time NBA All-Star. He was known for his incredible defensive prowess, his athleticism, and his leadership.

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 15.1 points per game (all-time 149th)
Career playoff scoring average: 16.2 points per game (all-time 77th)
Career regular season rebounding average: 22.5 rebounds per game (all-time first)
Career playoff rebounding average: 24.9 rebounds per game (all-time first)
Five-time NBA MVP
Eleven-time NBA champion
Twelve-time NBA All-Star
Five-time All-NBA First Team
Six-time All-NBA Second Team

Greatest Moments

1957 NBA Finals Game 7: Russell scores 19 points and grabs 32 rebounds to lead the Celtics to their first NBA championship.
1960 NBA Finals Game 7: Russell scores 22 points and grabs 35 rebounds to lead the Celtics to their fifth NBA championship in six years.
1963 NBA Finals Game 6: Russell scores 12 points and grabs 28 rebounds to lead the Celtics to their seventh NBA championship in nine years.
1965 NBA Finals Game 7: Russell scores 12 points and grabs 24 rebounds to lead the Celtics to their eighth consecutive NBA championship.

Accolades

Eleven-time NBA champion
Five-time NBA MVP
Twelve-time NBA All-Star
Five-time All-NBA First Team
Six-time All-NBA Second Team
NBA Finals MVP (1963)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1968)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1957)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1975)
FIBA Hall of Fame (2009)
Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011)

Russell was also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder of the Bill Russell Basketball Camp, which has provided basketball instruction to thousands of young people over the years. He was also a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights.

Russell is a global icon and one of the most respected athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

5. Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is best known for his incredible physical dominance and his numerous statistical accomplishments. Chamberlain holds numerous NBA records, including most points in a game (100), most rebounds in a game (55), and most rebounds in a season (2,149). He also averaged 50.4 points per game during the 1961-62 season, which is the highest single-season scoring average in NBA history.

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 30.1 points per game (all-time fourth)
Career playoff scoring average: 27.6 points per game (all-time seventh)
Career regular season rebounding average: 22.9 rebounds per game (all-time first)
Career playoff rebounding average: 27.1 rebounds per game (all-time first)
Two-time NBA champion
Four-time NBA MVP
Thirteen-time NBA All-Star
Ten-time All-NBA First Team
Four-time All-NBA Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1960)
NBA All-Defensive First Team (1961)
NBA scoring champion (1960-1966)
NBA rebounding champion (1960-1963, 1966-1969, 1971-1973)

Greatest Moments

March 2, 1962: Chamberlain scores 100 points in a game against the New York Knicks, setting an NBA record that still stands today.
1967 NBA Finals Game 7: Chamberlain scores 34 points and grabs 29 rebounds to lead the Philadelphia Warriors to their first NBA championship in franchise history.
1972 NBA Finals Game 5: Chamberlain scores 24 points and grabs 25 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their first NBA championship in five years.

Accolades

Two-time NBA champion
Four-time NBA MVP
Thirteen-time NBA All-Star
Ten-time All-NBA First Team
Four-time All-NBA Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1960)
NBA All-Defensive First Team (1961)
NBA scoring champion (1960-1966)
NBA rebounding champion (1960-1963, 1966-1969, 1971-1973)

Chamberlain was also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder of the Wilt Chamberlain Foundation, which provides educational and athletic opportunities for underserved youth. He was also a successful author and actor.

Chamberlain is a global icon and one of the most respected athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

6. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named Finals MVP three times. Johnson was known for his incredible passing ability, court vision, and leadership. He was also a triple-double machine, averaging a triple-double for his career.

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 19.5 points per game (all-time 66th)
Career playoff scoring average: 20.0 points per game (all-time 38th)
Career regular season rebounding average: 7.2 rebounds per game (all-time 198th)
Career playoff rebounding average: 7.0 rebounds per game (all-time 148th)
Career regular season assists average: 12.3 assists per game (all-time first)
Career playoff assists average: 12.4 assists per game (all-time first)
Five-time NBA champion
Three-time NBA Finals MVP
Three-time NBA MVP
Twelve-time NBA All-Star
Ten-time All-NBA First Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)

Greatest Moments

1980 NBA Finals Game 6: Johnson, who was starting at center due to injuries, scores 42 points, grabs 15 rebounds, and dishes out 7 assists to lead the Lakers to their first NBA championship in four years.
1987 NBA Finals Game 6: Johnson scores 32 points and dishes out 20 assists to lead the Lakers to their ninth NBA championship in franchise history.
1991 NBA Finals Game 7: Johnson scores 25 points, grabs 12 rebounds, and dishes out 10 assists to lead the Lakers to their twelfth NBA championship in franchise history.

Accolades

Five-time NBA champion
Three-time NBA Finals MVP
Three-time NBA MVP
Twelve-time NBA All-Star
Ten-time All-NBA First Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984 and 1992)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2002)
FIBA Hall of Fame (2009)

Johnson was also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the owner of the Magic Johnson Enterprises, which is a multinational investment company. He is also the founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which provides educational and social programs for underserved youth.

Johnson is a global icon and one of the most respected athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

7. Larry Bird

Larry Bird is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and was named Finals MVP twice. Bird was known for his incredible shooting ability, both from three-point range and from the free throw line. He was also a very good passer and rebounder.

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 24.3 points per game (all-time 18th)
Career playoff scoring average: 25.7 points per game (all-time 11th)
Career regular season rebounding average: 10.0 rebounds per game (all-time 105th)
Career playoff rebounding average: 10.1 rebounds per game (all-time 79th)
Career regular season assists average: 6.3 assists per game (all-time 69th)
Career playoff assists average: 5.3 assists per game (all-time 115th)
Three-time NBA champion
Two-time NBA Finals MVP
Three-time NBA MVP
Twelve-time NBA All-Star
Ten-time All-NBA First Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)

Greatest Moments

1981 NBA Finals Game 6: Bird scores 33 points and grabs 12 rebounds to lead the Celtics to their sixteenth NBA championship in franchise history.
1984 NBA Finals Game 7: Bird scores 22 points, grabs 11 rebounds, and dishes out 10 assists to lead the Celtics to their seventeenth NBA championship in franchise history.
1986 NBA Finals Game 6: Bird scores 29 points and grabs 11 rebounds to lead the Celtics to their eighteenth NBA championship in franchise history.

Accolades

Three-time NBA champion
Two-time NBA Finals MVP
Three-time NBA MVP
Twelve-time NBA All-Star
Ten-time All-NBA First Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984 and 1992)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1998)
FIBA Hall of Fame (2010)

Bird was also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the owner of the Larry Bird Legends Classic, an annual college basketball tournament. He is also the founder of the Larry Bird Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable causes.

Bird is a global icon and one of the most respected athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

8. Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and was named Finals MVP three times. Duncan was known for his incredible post moves, defense, and rebounding. He was also a very good passer.

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 19.0 points per game (all-time 76th)
Career playoff scoring average: 18.8 points per game (all-time 42nd)
Career regular season rebounding average: 11.0 rebounds per game (all-time 10th)
Career playoff rebounding average: 10.8 rebounds per game (all-time 5th)
Career regular season assists average: 2.1 assists per game (all-time 624th)
Career playoff assists average: 1.9 assists per game (all-time 378th)
Five-time NBA champion
Three-time NBA Finals MVP
Two-time NBA MVP
Fifteen-time NBA All-Star
Fifteen-time All-NBA First Team
Eight-time All-NBA Second Team
Five-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Eight-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team

Greatest Moments

1999 NBA Finals Game 5: Duncan scores 31 points and grabs 19 rebounds to lead the Spurs to their first NBA championship in franchise history.
2003 NBA Finals Game 6: Duncan scores 21 points and grabs 20 rebounds to lead the Spurs to their second NBA championship in four years.
2005 NBA Finals Game 7: Duncan scores 25 points and grabs 12 rebounds to lead the Spurs to their third NBA championship in six years.

Accolades

Five-time NBA champion
Three-time NBA Finals MVP
Two-time NBA MVP
Fifteen-time NBA All-Star
Fifteen-time All-NBA First Team
Eight-time All-NBA Second Team
Five-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Eight-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2000 and 2004)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)
FIBA Hall of Fame (2021)

Duncan was also a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the owner of the Tim Duncan Foundation, which provides educational and athletic opportunities for underserved youth. He is also the owner of several car dealerships in Texas.

Duncan is a global icon and one of the most respected athletes of all time. He is an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

9. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is widely considered to be one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. He won four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. O’Neal was known for his incredible size, strength, and athleticism. He was also a very good scorer and rebounder.

10. Kobe Bryant

Stats

Career regular season scoring average: 25.0 points per game (all-time fourth)
Career playoff scoring average: 25.6 points per game (all-time ninth)
Career regular season rebounding average: 5.2 rebounds per game (all-time 457th)
Career playoff rebounding average: 5.1 rebounds per game (all-time 243rd)
Career regular season assists average: 4.7 assists per game (all-time 434th)
Career playoff assists average: 4.6 assists per game (all-time 188th)
Five-time NBA champion
Two-time NBA Finals MVP
One-time NBA MVP
Eighteen-time NBA All-Star
Fifteen-time All-NBA First Team
Two-time All-NBA Second Team
Nine-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Twelve-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team

Greatest Moments

2000 NBA Finals Game 6: Bryant scores 22 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to their second consecutive NBA championship.
2009 NBA Finals Game 7: Bryant scores 37 points and leads the Lakers to their sixteenth NBA championship in franchise history.
2010 NBA Finals Game 7: Bryant scores 23 points and leads the Lakers to their seventeenth NBA championship in franchise history.

Accolades

Five-time NBA champion
Two-time NBA Finals MVP
One-time NBA MVP
Eighteen-time NBA All-Star
Fifteen-time All-NBA First Team
Two-time All-NBA Second Team
Nine-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
Twelve-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
NBA Rookie of the Year (1997)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008 and 2012)
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2020)
FIBA Hall of Fame (2021)

Bryant was also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He was the founder of Kobe Inc., a multimedia and production company. He was also the owner of several businesses, including BodyArmor and Granity Studios.

Bryant was a global icon and one of the most popular athletes of all time. He was an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Bryant was also known for his work ethic and his dedication to excellence. He was a role model for young players everywhere and a true ambassador for the game of basketball.

Also Read: NBA Schedule 2023-24: It’s All Here

Conclusion

The Top Ten Best NBA Players Of All Time have not only left an indelible mark on the basketball court but have also become global icons. Their incredible skills, achievements, and impact on the game have earned them their place in the annals of basketball history. As fans, we can only marvel at the greatness of these athletes and be grateful for the joy they’ve brought us over the years.

FAQS On Best NBA Players Of All Time

Who is the best NBA player of all time?

Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the best NBA player of all time. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was named Finals MVP six times. Jordan was also a five-time NBA MVP and a ten-time scoring champion. He is known for his incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and competitive fire.

Who is the most dominant NBA player of all time?

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered to be the most dominant NBA player of all time. He holds numerous NBA records, including most points in a game (100), most rebounds in a game (55), and most rebounds in a season (2,149). Chamberlain was also a two-time NBA champion and a four-time NBA MVP. He is known for his incredible size, strength, and athleticism.

Who is the most versatile NBA player of all time?

LeBron James is widely considered to be the most versatile NBA player of all time. He is a triple-double machine and can score, rebound, and pass at an elite level. James has also won four NBA championships with three different teams and has been named Finals MVP four times. He is known for his all-around game and his ability to impact the game in every way.

Who is the most clutch NBA player of all time?

Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the most clutch NBA player of all time. He has hit numerous game-winning shots throughout his career and is known for his ability to perform at his best under pressure. Jordan is also a six-time NBA Finals MVP, which is a testament to his clutch performances in the biggest games of the year.

Who is the most popular NBA player of all time?

Michael Jordan is widely considered to be the most popular NBA player of all time. He is a global icon and has been marketed and endorsed by numerous companies throughout his career. Jordan is also a six-time NBA champion and a five-time NBA MVP, which has helped to make him one of the most recognizable and successful athletes in the world.