The elders swear by the greats of their time, insisting that their heights can never be reached again; younger generations praise today’s stars for advancing basketball.
Subjective criteria often dominate. Some favor the highest heights that players can reach, even if only for a short time, while others prefer longevity and consistency.
The all-time greats tend to check both boxes, but their precise order can vary widely depending on how one weighs particular variables.
RadioTimes.com ranks the 10 best NBA players of all time.
10. Shaquille O’Neal
One of the greatest figures in the game, both physically and otherwise, Shaq is a perfect embodiment of the “peak versus longevity” debate. At his best in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and especially in the playoffs, O’Neal played at a level that perhaps only two or three other players in history have ever reached; he was also known for “playing in shape” and for not exactly taking every regular season game with the utmost seriousness. But with four NBA titles, three Finals MVP awards, 15 All-Star appearances and 14 All-NBA selections, he is one of the most decorated players of all time – and might rank even higher for enthusiasts Summit “.
9. Wilt Chamberlain
Based on raw statistics alone, Chamberlain’s ninth place among the greatest of all time might seem like an affront. The man still owns many NBA records that may never fall, with absurd stats like his 1961-62 season where he posted over 50 points and 25 rebounds per game. Chamberlain’s teams, however, routinely failed in the biggest moments: he won only two championships in 15 seasons despite playing in a much smaller league than we see today, and was regularly beaten by another center who we will see later in this list. And because the ultimate goal of NBA basketball is to win a title at the end of the season, Chamberlain arrives here.
8. Kobe Bryant
Second only perhaps to MJ himself as a modern cultural icon, Bryant was also one of the greatest players in the NBA. Five titles, 18 All-Star appearances and a stunning 12 All-Defensive team nominations are just a brief glimpse of Bryant’s remarkable resume, which also includes a reputation as one of basketball’s true clutch greats. -ball – his list of game-winners and buzzer-beaters is hilarious and long. Bryant’s tragic death in 2020 shocked the basketball world, but his immense contributions to the game and to an entire era of fans will never be forgotten.
7. Magic Johnson
Like O’Neal, Johnson is another Lakers legend whose peak is undeniable. Although his career was unfortunately cut short by an AIDS diagnosis, he made the most of every second he spent in the NBA: five titles in 13 seasons, 12 All-Star appearances, three MVPs and four assist crowns. He has remained one of basketball’s great ambassadors and voices in the decades since his retirement, and will forever be one of the game’s most recognizable legends.
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6. Tim Duncan
Duncan embodies both the pinnacle and longevity in a truly remarkable way. Over the course of 19 seasons, all with the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan was both consistent and elite throughout – from the Rookie of the Year award in 1998 to five championships, two MVPs and 15 All-Star appearances. He is considered one of basketball’s true statesmen, with a calm and dedicated approach that has made him a legend in San Antonio.
5. Bill Russell
Russell is the opposite of Chamberlain, his only true peer of his time, in several respects. Although his stats were nowhere near Wilt’s, his impact on winning was unquestionably higher, as evidenced by the 11 titles the Celtics accumulated in just 13 seasons, often beating Chamberlain’s team in the process. Widely considered the greatest defensive player of all time and one of the game’s true winners, Russell was honored with his name on the 2005 NBA Finals MVP trophy.
4. Larry Bird
One of basketball’s great sharpshooters before long-range shooting was popular, Larry Legend was also one of the fiercest competitors in the NBA. Most players would be happy to average 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists per game for a single season; Bird posted those numbers for his career, which also included three rings, three MVPs and 12 All-Star games. He is one of the best all-around players in basketball and has regularly excelled in the biggest moments.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Six titles. Six MVPs, the most in NBA history. Nineteen All-Star appearances. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has the most unassailable and consistent resume of any player, and a legitimate argument for the top spot on this list. From his sky hook to his defensive prowess (he made 11 All-Defensive teams), Kareem absolutely defined the NBA in the 70s and 80s. He only added to his legacy as the one of the great ambassadors of basketball since his retirement.
2. Michael Jordan
This placement will be an insult to those who will never be able to accept MJ anywhere other than first place. He is synonymous with winning, perhaps more than any other athlete in history: a perfect 6-0 mark in Finals appearances, all six coming with a Finals MVP nod; five MVPs, 14 All-Star appearances and a Defensive Player of the Year award; he even won the All-Star Game MVP title three times. He’s a close second on this list, but will always be the GOAT for many basketball fans.
1. LeBron James
Even if you dispute James’ place at the top of this list, there is no doubting his remarkable greatness. It combines the peak of Jordan with the longevity of Abdul-Jabbar, still going strong in the 21st year of his illustrious career. His finals record doesn’t match Jordan’s, of course, but he’s been there more often (and sometimes with lesser supporting casts). He’s racked up four MVPs and the same number of Finals MVPs, plus 19 All-Star games and the most points in NBA history – and he’s still playing!
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