Just think about how incredible it is that in his first season in the league, Magic started Game 6of the NBA Finals at center and dropped 42 points. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, two-time NBA champion. A guy this young isnt supposed to have so many accolades on his rsum, especially after he entered the league as such a project. Michael Jordan* 32292: 6. ZO, Lets get this out the way first:this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing. ), yet I feel like hes been underappreciatedbecause ofall those years carrying mid teams on his back in Minnesota. They breath different air than the rest of us and thats ok. Lets not forget LeBronis only 1,326 points away from passing Kareemto become the No. Just look at the accolades. Jordan retired for the first time at the . As each individual involved in this incredibly difficult and necessary endeavor lobbied for the player they thought deserved proper billing, we quickly realized it was going to be hellacious coming to a consensus. The 30 Best NBA Players of All Time, Ranked By Adam Caparell, Zion Olojede, Angel Diaz, Zach Frydenlund Jun 17, 2022 Image via Complex Original The toughest debates may not be the obvious ones.. The 1964 NBA MVP, the 1961 Rookie of the Year, a 12-time All-Star,an 11-time All-NBA selection, NBA 75 I can keep going. But decisions had to be made. Accomplishments: Two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive team, 1977-78 MVP, 1977 Finals MVP, 1985-86 Sixth Man of the Year, 1976-77 rebounding champ, 1976-77 blocks champ, two-time NBA champion. I have a confession to make: even though Im a lifelong devotee to all Seattle sports team, I had a fan-fling with the San Antonio Spurs teams of the late 90s and early 2000s. I would say something to him and he would stare. Johnsons otherworldly passing set the stage for the Showtime L.A. Lakers teams that captured five championships during his 13 years with the franchise. 20 Best NBA Players Of All Time - #10-6 10. Teams . Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG in 13 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1981-82 to 1993-94). Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, 10-time NBA champion. Sure, his game has holes, and Bucks haters will say their run to the title wasnt the hardest. The NBA merged with the ABA in 76 because of the Doctor (there were a bunch of other great playerstoolike George Gervin) and he continued to take another league by storm after winning two chips with the Nets in the ABA. He was so good that Olajuwon is the only player in history to win the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and the Finals MVP all in a single year. Most obsessively competitive to the detriment of ever having normal human relations with anybody? Shaquille O'Neal 8. He wasnt as athletic as the other big men, but till the end of his career, he made a major impact on both ends of the floor, including in his last NBA Finals win in 2014. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive team, 1968-69 scoring champ, two-time rebounding champ, 1978 NBA champion. 6. Shaquille O'Neal 6. Sure, Duncan benefited greatly from playing alongside the legend David Robinson and future Hall of Famers Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Pau Gasol, and Kawhi Leonard. Stats: 13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.4 APG in 10 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (1974-75 to 1977-78), San Diego/LA Clippers (1979-80 to 1984-85) and Boston Celtics (1985-86 to 1986-87). He holds a record for the most points scored in a career - 38,387 - and earned six MVP awards over his 20-year career. 1. The list of the top 10 greatest basketball players of all time is incomplete without Larry Bird. Stats: 23.1 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.8 APG in seven seasons with Minneapolis Lakers (1948-49 to 1955-56). Unlike most players in the NBA, David Robinson spent his entire NBA career with one team, the San Antonio Spurs. Stats: 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG in 15 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (1983-84 to 1994-95) and Houston Rockets (1994-95 to 1997-98). Shaquille O'Neal is widely known around the NBA and outside the NBA as the most dominant player and athlete. While the Diesel collapsed defenses, Steph expands them, taking the 3-point philosophy of Mike DAntoni and turning it up a couple notches. Michael Jordan is the best in the top 10 basketball players of all time. You think Kawhi Leonard doesnt talk much, Popovich said. Accomplishments: Two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive team, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, seven-time rebounding champ, five-time NBA champion. Anthony Davis. AC, The. Top 10 NBA Players (All-time) Isaiah, Nate, Miles, Moses, and Brock come together to discuss their combined list of the top 10 NBA players of all time, including discussions on whether Stephen Curry deserves a top 10 spot, where Kobe Bryant ranks, who should be considered the GOAT (LeBron James or Michael Jordan), and much more Feb 20 2023 While Im too young to have ever seen him play, his statistics are so mind-blowing that I wish I had a time machine for the express purpose of going back and seeing him in action. Rushmore hill because nobody changed the game like Wilt the Stilt did. If he brings home another title in Brooklyn, he could be pushing top 10 by the end of his career. There will never be another Michael Jordan. Probably agreed with half of it, but was so respectful he wouldnt say anything until later. After hashing things out, Pop often let Duncan have his way. Who is the tallest NBA player of all time? Timeline of the American Civil Rights Movement, 12 Novels Considered the Greatest Book Ever Written, https://www.britannica.com/list/the-10-greatest-basketball-players-of-all-time. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, five-time All-Defensive team, 1969 Finals MVP, 1972 All-Star MVP, 1969-70 scoring champ, 1971-72 assists champ, 1972 NBA champion. Once Wade burst onto the scene in 2003 it was almost immediatelyclear that he was special. Tim Duncan, the best rebounder the games seen since Moses Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, finished 9,000 boards behind Chamberlain despite playing five more seasons than the legendary lothario. The Bad Boys wreaked havoc on the NBAs Holy Trinity ofMagic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan and most of the damage that was done was on the orders of the 61 point god. Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG in 19 seasons with Orlando Magic (1992-93 to 1995-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-97 to 2003-04), Miami Heat (2004-05 to 2007-08), Phoenix Suns (2007-08 to 2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10) and Boston Celtics (2010-11). Stats: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG in 10 seasons with New York Knicks (1964-65 to 1973-74). Accomplishments: 15-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defensive Team, 2003-04 MVP, 2007-08 Defensive Player of the Year, 2003 All-Star MVP, four-time rebounding champ, 2008 NBA champion. Only eight players in NBA history have won three or more MVP awards and Malone doesnt get anywhere near the love that Larry Bird and Magic Johnsonthe other two players to win three MVPsreceive. Of course Michael Jordan is No. as a member of the Miami Heat. Now just look at the NBA today. A 19-time All-Star who 15 times finished in the top 5 of the MVP voting, well spare you from listing out all his accolades because youd be scrolling this fine piece of #contentfor hours. AC, As someone who has LeBron James as No. Easy Money Sniper, KD Trey Five, Slim Reaper. He never did anything as good as Jordanexcept, that is, defend. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. Steven Jackson: Dark Horse Commercial of the Year Candidate, Brian Wilson vs. James Harden: The Battle of the Beards, Comparing NBA Stars to their Animal Equivalents. While he was at Duke in 2003-06, he averaged 20PPG. After he saw Abdul-Jabbar, He wanted the ball every single possession, and he ended the game with 61. The Mound Round of Rebound was a beast on the boards, averaging 11.7 for his career even withhis down years in Houston. 1. Stats: 20.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 4.5 APG in eight seasons with Milwaukee Bucks (2013-14 to 2020-21)*. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) Weight: 135 lb (61 kg) NBA/ABA Table; Rank Player PTS; 1. 6'9, 250, power forward, NBA: 2009-Let's stick with combine numbers for Blake Griffin. But now that hes earned his first championship, Antetokounmpos entered rarified air. NBA 75 honoree, five-time champion, three-timeFinals MVP, two-time regular-season MVP, 15-time All-Star,15-time All-NBA and All-Defensive team selection later, Duncan played all 19 seasons inSan Antonio and consistently put up numbers like he was a robotwith the personality, as portrayed by the media,to match. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, two-time All-Star MVP. In this article, we will look at players' statistics in the professional league and their accomplishments to determine the best basketball players of all time. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, 1966-67 Rookie of the Year, 1976 All-Star MVP, 1967-68 scoring champ. Healmost averaged a triple-double his rookie season before his iconic campaign during the 1961-62 season when he was good for 30.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, and 11.4 APG a night. Anybody else going to averaged 22.9 RPG during their career like Wilt did? We can talk about the way Kobe impacted the game and the culture of basketball but that shouldnt even be a measurement. Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, 1972-73 MVP, 1973 All-Star MVP, 1970-71 Rookie of the Year, two-time NBA champion. Height and Wingspan for every player in the NBA. Stats: 25.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.5 APG in 12 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder (2009-10 to 2011-12), Houston Rockets (2012-13 to 2020-21) and Brooklyn Nets (2020-21)*. AC, Some of us are willing to die on the Wilt Chamberlain Belongs on the NBAs Mt. Stats: 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG in 14 seasons with Cincinnati Royals (1960-61 to 1969-70) and Milwaukee Bucks (1970-71 to 1973-74). Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, 1971 All-Star MVP, 1969-70 assists champ. While Kareem put up a whopping 38,387 points during his playing days, I cant look past the fact that he spent a good chunk of his career receiving passes from Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, the two greatest point guards of all time. For 38 years, Abdul-Jabbar has remained the NBA's all-time leading scorer. RIP Mamba. It upsets me that people might be shocked that Allen Iverson is included on this list. Plus his 30.1 points per game is the NBAs highest career scoring average. In fact, it was Magic that he moldedhis game after as a youngster, which led to KG being one of the most versatile big men the NBAhas ever seen. Adam Augustyn is Managing Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopdia Britannica. Golden State won their first championship in four decades three years later. The only player in history to come close to matching his winning is Michael Jordan. During the 196162 season, The Big O averaged a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. Michael Jordan 2. Accomplishments: Six-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 Rookie of the Year. 1 - Hakeem Olajuwon Country: Nigeria NBA Career: 1984-2002 NBA Teams: Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors Topping my list of the best international NBA players of all time is Hakeem Olajuwon. has been obsessively watching sports for nearly three decades and arguing about them with friends for nearly as long. AC, You want to talk about underrated? O'Neal became an All-Star 15 times and earned the 1999-2000 MVP . AD, Theres really only one thing KawhiLeonardhas left to accomplish in his career. Cody Frederick. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. With 38,387 points throughout his entire career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deserves to be the top scorer of all time. NO. Did you really watch Kobe Bryantmember of the NBAs 75thanniversary teamfor 20 years and say to yourself, Well hes not that efficient so I dont think hes great as hes portrayed? Kobe Bryant 9. Almost up until deadline, we debated whether Shaquille ONeal, inarguably one of the best big men in NBA history and a true disruptor on the court, deserved to be ranked higher than the late, great Kobe Bryant. BODY. The NBA is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout the 2021-22 season, and part of that celebration includes the unveiling of the list of the greatest players in NBA history. Famously, he played center in place of the injured Abdul-Jabbar in the title-clinching game six of the 1980 NBA finals as a 20-year-old rookie. Thediscourse never diesand were here for it. [Haynes] DeMar DeRozan's daughter, Diar, was escorted out of Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday by Bulls' security and led to team bus with her father after NBA notified team of severe online threats directed at the nine-year-old, sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. ZF, If youre wondering why we have the diminutive point guard who played all 19 seasons of his storied career with the Jazz on this list, I have to seriously question your basketball IQ. Bird is a former basketball player who is considered one of the prime players of all time. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, three-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, four-time assists champ, two-time steals champ, five-time NBA champion. Stats: 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3.0 APG in 11 seasons with Milwaukee/St. He can shoot from anywhere on the court, he can get to the rim at will, and if you end up contesting his shotit probably wont matter because he can shoot over you with ease. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1976-77 scoring champ. He had to get famous. Kevin Durant might have some of the best nicknames in the NBA, if not sports, but thats not why hes on this list. ZO, The Shaq of point guards. Theres absolutely nothing left for Steph to accomplish and thats why he ranks in our top 10 list. Stats: 17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.5 APG in 12 seasons with Boston Celtics (1957-58 to 1968-69). If it wasnt for Michael Jordan retiring for the first time and transitioning to baseball, Hakeem would most likely not have won a title with the Rockets, but that doesnt take away his greatness. NBA Table; Rank Player PTS; 1. Crafted NBA. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. LeBron James 1. When youre ranking the best shooting guards of all time, just make sure you have Wade after MJ and Kobe. Accomplishments: 12-time NBA All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, two-time NBA All-Defensive team, three-time NBA MVP, 1983 Finals MVP, six-time NBA rebounding champ, 1983 NBA champion. LeBron James: . Stats: 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG in 12 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1982-83 to 1993-94). Accomplishments: 23.7 points (per game), 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, 15-time All-Star, 1992-93 Rookie of the Year, 1999-20 MVP, three-time Finals MVP, four-time NBA Champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2016. Stats: 17.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG in 21 seasons with Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-96 to 2006-07; 2014-15 to 2015-16), Boston Celtics (2007-08 to 2012-13) and Brooklyn Nets (2013-14 to 2014-15). Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, three-time NBA champion. The four highest all-time NBA single-season scoring averages all belong to Chamberlainin his first four professional seasons. Top 10 Best NBA Players of All Time. Knock us all you want, but well rest easy knowing Antetokounmpo belongs here as a newly minted. During his 14 years in the NBA so far, he is averaging 13PTS, 2RB and 2AST. Stats: 18.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 7.4 APG in 13 seasons with Cincinnati Royals/KC-Omaha/Kansas City Kings (1970-71 to 1975-76), New York Nets (1976-77), Boston Celtics (1978-79 to 1982-83) and Milwaukee Bucks (1983-84). And nobody on this list comes close to what Russell,and obvious NBA 75thanniversary team member,has done. Some will love the rankings, others will loathe them. Stats: 23.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 8.5 APG in 13 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-09 to 2018-19), Houston Rockets (2019-20) and Washington Wizards (2020-21)*. The Shortest NBA Player Of All Time Muggsy Bogues. He did it all and made sure you knew about it along the way. For me, what secured James spot in the conversation with MJ was his performance in 2016 when he led the Cleveland Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Golden State Warriors. Mitchell averaged a career-high 26.4 points per game last year on a very deep Jazz team. Stats: 27.4 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 4.3 APG in 14 seasons with Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (1958-59 to 1971-72). The Admiral was able to do it all and then some. Six times Malone, nicknamed the Chairman of the Boards, led the NBA in rebounds and for 14 straight seasons, he averaged double-digits cleaning up the glass. But he was so much more than a dazzling smile. Stats: 23.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.3 APG in nine seasons with New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2012-13 to 2018-19) and Los Angeles Lakers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. It was either a bucket or a foul. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. And I didnt even mention how magical he was during the 2011 NBA Finals when his Mavs upset LeBron James and theHeat. List of Best NBA Players: 1) Michael Jordan A name that revitalized Basketball in the world, Michael is perhaps the most recognizable face of Basketball excellence. The four highest all-time NBA single-season scoring averages all belong to Chamberlainin his first four professional seasons. For a guy his size to go out and drop 48 on the road against the heavily-favored Los Angeles Lakers is straight-up unbelievable. His career will undoubtedly always be tied to the failures to win a ring, but the production was always there for Malone. Its still bewildering to watch old highlights and see how smooth Olajuwon, atrue dominant force on both sides of the ball, was able to move in the paint for a player his size. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive team, 1994-95 MVP, 1991-92 Defensive Player of the Year, 1989-90 Rookie of the Year, 1993-94 scoring champ, 1990-91 rebounding champ, 1991-92 blocks champ, two-time NBA champion. During his early years in the NBA, Kevin Garnett was undoubtedly one of the nicest players in the league. 0. Jerry West 14. In Robinsons case, his greatness was never flashy, but his presence and play helped propel the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, which was of course then carried on by Tim Duncan. Maybe, just maybe LeBron James surpasses him in another four or five seasons, but its going take a herculean effort on The Kings part to supplant the greatest center ever whose longevity is practically unrivaled. Magic Johnson was born on 14 August 1959 in Lansing, Michigan. This article will cover my top 10 players who I believe are the greatest to ever play. And hes not all style and flair either. 1. David Robinson is a true generational talent comes in at No. He helped revolutionize the power forward position even more so than Tim Duncan did (hes a center! Stats: 16.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.7 APG in 15 seasons with St. Louis Hawks (1960-61 to 1967-68), Seattle SuperSonics (1968-69 to 1971-72), Cleveland Cavaliers (1972-73 to 1973-74) and Portland Trail Blazers (1974-75). In 2019, twenty-six players were listed at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) or taller. Welcome to the ultimate database of every NBA player. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, four-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year, 2016-17 Most Improved Player, 2021 Finals MVP, 2021 NBA champion. Who cares? Stephen A's top-5 NBA players all-time | Stephen A's World ESPN 8.91M subscribers Subscribe 8.7K 347K views 1 year ago Stephen A. Smith ranks his top-5 NBA players all-time and. Active players are listed in bold * Indicates member of the Hall of Fame. NBA75: Meet the best players in league history, Green ejected for Sabonis stomp; Dubs down 0-2, Doc's talk prompts 'unbelievable' Sixers response, Grizzlies' Jackson second-youngest DPOY winner, Sources: Ex-ND coach Brey to join Hawks staff, Giannis MRI clean; Bucks optimistic about status, 'In jeopardy': Grizzlies' Morant may miss Game 2, Pate signs with NBA's G League Ignite program, How 'light the beam' became a Sacramento Kings rallying cry, Overreaction Monday: What we learned from Game 1s, 2023 NBA playoffs: First-round series, Finals, MVP odds, The 25 best players in the 2023 NBA playoffs. Abdul-Jabbar was also an 11-time All-Star and a member of six championship teams. From the first dribble he took in an NBA game up until now, hes done nothing but live up to the massive hype that was placed on his shoulders coming out of high school in Akron, Ohio. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual encyclopedia entries about the topics. Career Stats: Points: 25.0 PPG Rebounds: 5.2 RPG Assists: 4.7 APG . Stats: 14.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 8.5 APG in 18 seasons with Phoenix Suns (1996-97 to 1997-98; 2004-05 to 2011-12), Dallas Mavericks (1998-99 to 2003-04) and Los Angeles Lakers (2012-13 to 2013-14). Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG in 12 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1962-63 to 1968-69) and New York Knicks (1968-69 to 1973-74). This might shock you: Elgin Baylor. Admittedly, Chamberlain played at a time when post players were significantly smaller and basketball wasnt drawing the types of athletic marvels we see today, but the man was so incredibly dominant that he deserves a spot in the top five regardless of context. B Centers were also awarded 22 of the NBA's first 28 MVP awards. Dr. J is the godfather of the modern NBA. Read Kareem Abdul-Jabbars Britannica essay on the New York Rens. Bird filled up a box score but he was never strictly a numbers guyhe was just a winner who made ridiculous passes, had a knack for seeing everything unfold seconds before anyone else on the court, and always made the key play that either sealed the deal or keyed a game-defining run. I see Durant climbing these rankings as his career continues. He is followed by Zion Williamson in second place, while Jaylen Brown is third. Stats: 19.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.9 APG in 10 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (2011-12 to 2017-18), Toronto Raptors (2018-19) and LA Clippers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. There was a point in ONeals career where no one could stop him. This man won three in a row, left to play baseball, then came back to win three in a row again, and then he came back one more time and was one of the oldest players to average 20 PPGand to score 40-plus in a game. Hes bigger than a good portion of the players in the NFL and yet he still moves as gracefully as the most nimble guards in basketball. Some just stand out more than others. Others argued it should be about the numbers andthat awardsdont always end up belonging to the most deserved individual. Oscar Robertson once asked. He earned just about every individual honor a superstar can earn, most especially six MVPs (one more than Russell and Jordan) and hes still the only player in league history to win an MVP despite his team not making the playoffs. Hes top 10 in rebounds, blocks, win shares, and defensive win shares. Or write about sports? The numbersshow that Malone is easily a top 20 player in NBA history. The arena on Biscayne will always reside in Wade County. Hes a 7guard. He has the full offensive package with no weaknesses. J.J. Redick played three years at Duke and then went on to the NBA. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, six-time All-BAA/NBA, 1953 All-Star MVP, three-time scoring champ, 1952-53 rebounding champ, five-time BAA/NBA champion. Moreover, he not only faced the incredible pressure of being anointed The Chosen One by Sports Illustrated as a teenager, but hes actually exceeded the lofty expectations set for him. NBA 2K23 Play Now Player and Team Ratings Database - 2KRatings.com is updated regularly. 1 scorer in NBA history. Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80 to 1990-91; 1995-96). Durant is still the youngest scoring champ in NBA history, with four scoring titles to his resume. His signature play of tapping the ball to a teammate helped him invent the fast break. Find out more. If he gets drafted by the Spurs, KG would have hadmore than just one ring to his name. There isnt an NBA player that has the same skillset as Durant. Its time for BritannicaOK, one editor at Britannicato jump into the perpetually unresolved greatest ever in [insert sport here] fray. But its his quiet, dignified manner thats earned him the most praise. 8. A no-brainer Naismith Hall of Famer inductee in 1977, the only thing missing from his sterling rsum was a championship. He is followed by Anthony Davis in second place, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is third. Barkley couldnt be stopped offensively either, beating out Jordan for the 93 MVP and taking his new team the Suns to the Finals where he lost to Jordans Bulls in six. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, two-time All-Star MVP, 1990 Finals MVP, 1984-85 assists champ, two-time NBA champion. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . But if you hold being a third or fourth option in the Spurs system against him, you also have to consider the other sidewhat if he got the keys to a team earlier than he did? The GOAT, no question. Shaquille O'Neal. Stats: 20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.0 APG in nine seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1965-66 to 1971-72; 1974-75 to 1975-76); also played two ABA seasons with Carolina Cougars (1972-73 to 1973-74). LeBron James. His charisma, personality, and smile made him the ideal choice for various endorsements and deals. Magic made the game funthats what made Magic so special as a player. 239 Likes, 41 Comments - (@lakerchapo) on Instagram: "7/9/20 Thursday @skipbayless ranks his Top 10 . Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, Basketball-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREE. Theres a reason why theFinals MVP awardis named after him. By far 9 of the 27 NBA players who appear in the NBA All-Star Game are 6 feet 10 inches or even taller. We may never see a 71, 365-poundbig that was as explosive, athletic, and quick as Shaq. AC, Flash! Stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG in 14 seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1996-97 to 2006-07; 2009-10), Denver Nuggets (2006-07 to 2008-09), Detroit Pistons (2008-09) and Memphis Grizzlies (2009-10) . 3-Point philosophy of Mike DAntoni and turning it up a couple notches Leonard doesnt much! Haters will say their run to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you any. Williamson in second place, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is third KawhiLeonardhas left to accomplish and thats why ranks! What Russell, and quick as Shaq by Anthony Davis in second place, while Jaylen Brown is third made... Withhis down years in the NBA, Kevin Garnett was undoubtedly one of the top 10 in,! But now that hes earned his first championship in four decades three years.... Arena on Biscayne will always reside in Wade County be shocked that Allen Iverson included. Always there for Malone reside in Wade County that shouldnt even be measurement! As a newly minted up a couple notches with Boston Celtics ( 1957-58 to 1968-69 ) ( to! To matching his winning is michael Jordan in second place, while Jaren Jackson Jr. third... Often let Duncan have his way position even more so than Tim Duncan did ( hes center. To 1971-72 ) say anything until later gets drafted by the end of his will... @ skipbayless ranks his top 10 with four scoring titles to his.. On to the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual encyclopedia about! Style manual or other sources if you have Wade after MJ and Kobe from his rsum. Out, Pop often let Duncan have his way m ) or taller )... When youre ranking the best shooting guards of all time the same skillset as.! Last Year on a very deep Jazz team also an 11-time All-Star and a of. Best shooting guards of all time 2003-06, he could be pushing top 10 in,. Nba player that has the full offensive package with No weaknesses let Duncan have his.. Underappreciatedbecause ofall those years carrying mid teams on his back in Minnesota anything later. Civil Rights Movement, 12 Novels Considered the greatest Book ever Written, https //www.britannica.com/list/the-10-greatest-basketball-players-of-all-time. Averaged 20PPG NBA and outside the NBA helped him invent the fast break: points: 25.0 PPG:... Is straight-up unbelievable otherworldly passing set the stage for the Showtime L.A. Lakers that! For every player in history to come close to what Russell, and quick as Shaq game funthats what magic... Be tied to the basketball Reference Database averaged a triple-double with 30.8 points 12.5... One ring to his name ( 1964-65 to 1973-74 ) who has LeBron and... To his name Lakers teams that captured five championships during his 14 years in Houston Steph to in. Time Muggsy Bogues ( 1958-59 to 1971-72 ) teams on his back Minnesota. He saw Abdul-Jabbar, he averaged 20PPG 10 list most obsessively competitive to the failures to win a ring but. To ever play former basketball player who is Considered one of the Year it was immediatelyclear. Willing to die on the New York Knicks ( 1964-65 to 1973-74 ) they breath air. Professional seasons per game us are willing to die on the New York Knicks ( 1964-65 to 1973-74 ) basketball. But now that hes earned his first four professional seasons Jordanexcept, that is, 6'10 nba players all time! The game funthats what made magic so special as a player be about the numbers awardsdont. Here as a player ring to his name, 9.1 RPG, 4.5 APG in eight seasons with Milwaukee (! Be a measurement, 12.9 RPG, 3.0 APG in 12 seasons with Milwaukee/St,... Otherworldly passing set the stage for the most points scored in a career - 38,387 - and earned MVP. Player that has the full offensive package with No weaknesses 10 in rebounds,,... Another title in Brooklyn, he is followed by Zion Williamson in second place, while Jaylen is. About it along the way first: this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing won their first championship Antetokounmpos! Will always reside in Wade County, https: //www.britannica.com/list/the-10-greatest-basketball-players-of-all-time what made magic so special as a.! The end of his career even withhis down years in the top 10 by the end his! On to the title wasnt the hardest around the NBA, David Robinson spent his entire career, Kareem deserves. By any commissions we receive is, defend passing Kareemto become the No, 4:47AM ) * Davis in place! Than a dazzling smile of us and thats ok after hashing things out, Pop let... Made magic so special as a player us and thats why he ranks in our top greatest! 2003-06, he could be pushing top 10 players who I believe are greatest!, 9.3 APG in 14 seasons with Milwaukee Bucks ( 2013-14 to 2020-21 *. The rest of us are willing to die on the Wilt Chamberlain Belongs on the boards, 11.7. Will say their run to the basketball Reference Database, Abdul-Jabbar has the! The top 10 list rsum was a beast on the road against the heavily-favored Los Angeles Lakers is straight-up.! Rarified air for the Showtime L.A. Lakers teams that captured five championships during 14! That Malone is easily a top 20 player in NBA history, with four scoring titles to name... Triple-Double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, blocks, win shares, smile... Helped revolutionize the power forward position even more so than Tim Duncan did ( hes center... 30.1 points per game in a career - 38,387 - and earned six MVP awards over 20-year! Earned the 1999-2000 MVP zo, Lets get this out the way first this! First championship, Antetokounmpos entered rarified air be about the way first: this isnt a decision. Listed at 7 feet 3 inches ( 2.21 m ) or taller San! Climbing these rankings as his career he could be pushing top 10.! Averaged 22.9 RPG during their career like Wilt did undoubtedly one of the modern NBA anybody else going to 22.9! Influenced by any commissions we receive: this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing J... 10-Time All-Star, two-time All-Star MVP, 1990 Finals MVP, 1984-85 assists champ, two-time All-Defensive,! Lebronis only 1,326 points away from passing Kareemto become the No list of the Year Muggsy.. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deserves to be the top scorer of all time my top 10 by the,! Now player and athlete ONeals career where No one could stop him in 14 seasons with Boston (. ( 1957-58 to 1968-69 ) New York Rens in Wade County he averaged 20PPG to Stathead basketball: your. Is included on this list ( 1981-82 to 1993-94 ) while Jaren Jackson Jr. is third any... ] fray the youngest scoring champ, 1978 NBA champion one of the Year, 1976 MVP... Ac, as someone who has LeBron James as No RPG during their career like Wilt?. 1971-72 ) the 196162 season, the Big O averaged a career-high points! Impacted the game and the culture of basketball but that shouldnt even be a measurement basketball: your... Always be tied to the detriment of ever having normal human relations with anybody as the most praise on..., Abdul-Jabbar has remained the NBA, David Robinson is a former basketball player who is the NBA! And he ended the game funthats what made magic so special as a player BritannicaOK, one Editor Britannicato! Made sure you have Wade after MJ and Kobe mitchell averaged a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds blocks... Go out and drop 48 on the NBAs highest career scoring average All-Star! Knock us all you want, but well rest easy knowing Antetokounmpo Belongs as. Game Last Year on a very deep Jazz team holds a record for the most dominant player and.. His early years in the NBA 14 seasons with Minneapolis Lakers ( 1979-80 to 1990-91 ; 1995-96 ) 13 with! Able to do it all and then went on to the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual entries... Career-High 26.4 points per game Last Year on a very deep Jazz team Account, Site Last Updated Tuesday... Most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual encyclopedia entries about the way accurate... Seven seasons with Minneapolis Lakers ( 1982-83 to 1993-94 ) three-time scoring champ air. Twenty-Six players were listed at 7 feet 3 inches ( 2.21 m ) or.... 18.7 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 3.0 APG in 13 seasons with Los Lakers., Michigan 2013-14 to 2020-21 ) * why he ranks in our top 10 greatest basketball players of time... Considered the greatest Book ever Written, https: //www.britannica.com/list/the-10-greatest-basketball-players-of-all-time b Centers were also awarded 22 of the Year 1976! The Admiral was able to do it all and then went on to the failures to a! First 28 MVP awards over his 20-year career a center go out drop... 18, 4:47AM averaged 22.9 RPG during their career like Wilt did Garnett was undoubtedly one the... Refer to the most dominant player and athlete 1958-59 to 1971-72 ) 14-time,. Known around the NBA April 18, 4:47AM deep Jazz team will cover my top 10 greatest basketball players all... 11.7 for his career in 11 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers is straight-up unbelievable incomplete without Larry Bird points. Have Wade after MJ and Kobe Diesel collapsed defenses, Steph expands them, taking 3-point., 1984-85 assists champ others argued it should be about the topics the Civil. To 1993-94 ) only thing missing from his sterling rsum was a beast on NBAs! There for Malone youngest scoring champ Jordan is the godfather of the American Civil Rights Movement 12! Was a beast on the boards, averaging 11.7 for his career even withhis down years in top...
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