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!
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.
Stats
- Career regular season scoring average: 27.2 points per game (all-time eighth)
- Career playoff scoring average: 28.2 points per game (all-time fourth)
- Career regular season rebounding average: 12.5 rebounds per game (all-time 27th)
- Career playoff rebounding average: 11.4 rebounds per game (all-time 11th)
- Four-time NBA champion
- Three-time NBA Finals MVP
- One-time NBA MVP
- Fifteen-time NBA All-Star
- Eight-time All-NBA First Team
- Five-time All-NBA Second Team
- Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
Greatest Moments
- 2000 NBA Finals Game 6: O’Neal scores 46 points and grabs 21 rebounds to lead the Lakers to their second consecutive NBA championship.
- 2002 NBA Finals Game 4: O’Neal scores 36 points and grabs 12 rebounds to lead the Lakers to their third NBA championship in four years.
- 2006 NBA Finals Game 6: O’Neal scores 16 points and grabs 14 rebounds to lead the Heat to their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Accolades
- Four-time NBA champion
- Three-time NBA Finals MVP
- One-time NBA MVP
- Fifteen-time NBA All-Star
- Eight-time All-NBA First Team
- Five-time All-NBA Second Team
- Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1996 and 2000)
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)
- FIBA Hall of Fame (2017)
O’Neal was also a successful businessman and entertainer. He is the owner of several businesses, including Shaq Restaurants and Shaquille O’Neal’s Fun House. He is also a successful actor and rapper.
O’Neal 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.
In addition to his on-court accomplishments, O’Neal is also known for his sense of humor and his willingness to give back to the community. He is a role model for young people everywhere and a true ambassador for the game of basketball.
10. Kobe Bryant
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