Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG in 15 seasons with Atlanta Hawks (1982-83 to 1993-94), LA Clippers (1993-94), Boston Celtics (1994-95), San Antonio Spurs (1996-97) and Orlando Magic (1998-99). Most important player ever? The captain of the Showtime Lakersshould firmly be included on anyones NBA top 5 list. Stats: 15.0 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 2.7 APG in 14 seasons with San Francisco/Golden State Warriors (1963-64 to 1973-74), Chicago Bulls (1974-75 to 1975-76) and Cleveland Cavaliers (1975-76 to 1976-77). Stats: 19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG in 19 seasons with Boston Celtics (1998-99 to 2012-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-14), Washington Wizards (2014-15) and LA Clippers (2015-16 to 2016-17). 23 min ago. Ranked by votes from thousands of fans, this list features the all time NBA GOATs, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. I think Kawhi could end up in the Nos. Thats a league MVP award, but I dont think we should knock him for that if thats missing from his rsum when he ultimately retires. LeBron James overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBAs leading scorer in February 2023. NBA/ABA. Magic Johnson 4. Stats: 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG in 13 seasons with Baltimore/Capitol/Washington Bullets. The uber-confident Bird had arguably the quickest release of anyone to ever play basketball and hed often let his defender know that the shot was going in soon after it left his hands. He played at the highest level on both sides of the floor and like Bill Russell before him knew exactly what he had to do to help his team win day in and day out. In his illustrious NBA career, David "The Admiral" Robinson made 10 NBA All-star appearances, won the 1995 NBA MVP, and became a two-time NBA champion. Accomplishments: 15-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 15-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, 2000 All-Star MVP, 1997-98 Rookie of the Year, five-time NBA champion. Not only is he the greatest winner in all of American sports, Russell is also both the smartest and best defensive player to ever pick up a basketball. Teams . Blocks and steals werent tallied back then, but there are researchers that claim Russell averaged anywhere between 8-12 blocks per game. He holds a record for the most points scored in a career - 38,387 - and earned six MVP awards over his 20-year career. (12 reps is the combine average for big men.) by Kwade27534. A Dream Team member andtwo-time gold medal winner who was skilled enough to be considered one of the 50 greatestby the NBA in 1996,andone of the 75 greatest players ever in 2021, Pippen did so much more than his averages indicated (16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 5.2 APG). Abdul-Jabbar wasnt physically dominant the way Wilt or Shaquille ONeal was, but his fluidity was something special for someone of his gargantuan size. Follow him onTwitter. Dirk brought about change that fundamentally altered the way the NBA is played. Hes an enigma in some ways. Accomplishments: 15-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, 1999-2000 MVP, 1992-93 Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star MVP, three-time Finals MVP, two-time scoring champ, four-time NBA champion. In that series, Magic played center in Game Six for the injured Abdul-Jabbar and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. His career will undoubtedly always be tied to the failures to win a ring, but the production was always there for Malone. Knock us all you want, but well rest easy knowing Antetokounmpo belongs here as a newly minted. One of the greatest What Ifs in NBA history revolves around Birds back that he infamously injured while paving his mothers driveway during the summer of 1985. Nor did we particularly labor over why Tim Duncan, for instance, deserved top 10 status over Kevin Garnett and Kevin Durant (for now). Stats: 22.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.9 APG in 11 NBA seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1976-77 to 1986-87); also played five ABA seasons with Virginia Squires (1971-72 to 1972-73) and New York Nets (1973-74 to 1975-76). 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. He racked up three championship rings and 12 All-Star appearances in his injury-shortened 13-year career. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, 1963-64 Rookie of the Year, 1965 All-Star MVP, 1973 NBA champion. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year, 1995-96 steals champ, 2006 NBA champion. Of course, there are outliers in these samples. And I didnt even mention how magical he was during the 2011 NBA Finals when his Mavs upset LeBron James and theHeat. They couldnt guard him. He has also documented in the Netflix series The Last Dance. But just because Baylor technically never won a title in his 14 years with the Lakers, two of which he spent in Minneapolis, dont let that cloud how incredible of an offensive force he was and GOAT candidate during the leagues early days. Were cool with what we came up with knowing the next time we update it Kevin Durant couldsneakinto the top 10. Shaquille O'Neal 6. Cant argue with the results. Accomplishments: 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.1 blocks, 12-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 1993-94 MVP, two-time Finals MVP, two-time NBA Champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2008. There was a point in ONeals career where no one could stop him. We see the multitude of accomplishments like NBA MVP, 5-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, 18-time All-Star, nine All-Defensive First Team selections, the now fourth leading scorer, and so on. Stats: 18.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.5 APG in 14 seasons with Boston Celtics (1950-51 to 1962-63) and Cincinnati Royals (1969-70). AC, You want to talk about underrated? In 251 playoff games, he averaged 19.9 PPG and 11.0 RPG. Indeedy. 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. ONeal was physically and statistically unlike any center the NBA has seen. It was either a bucket or a foul. Michael Jordan* 32292: 6. By far 9 of the 27 NBA players who appear in the NBA All-Star Game are 6 feet 10 inches or even taller. It is now time that I gave my rankings from six through 10, and I felt this part of the rankings was more challenging than doing the top five. 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). Wilt Chamberlain 4. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1967 NBA champion. AC, Zekes legacy has been somewhattarnished over the yearsby the opinions of his peers and the off-the-court issues he brought on himself while in theKnicks front office. NBA Table; Rank Player PTS; 1. The 10 Most Athletic NBA Players of All Time - YouTube 10:30 The 10 Most Athletic NBA Players of All Time Austin Sweatt 450K subscribers Subscribe 9.7K Share Save 355K views 2. You cant deny how dominant of an offensive force the Greek Freak is in the paint, how incredible of a defender hes worked to become, and how inspiring his journey from a skinny kid in Athens to NBA superstar is to millions of basketball fans. 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. Top 10 NBA Players Of All Time! 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. There was no way the greatest basketball squad ever assembled could leave off the greatest small forward the game had ever known at that point. Barkley started J-ing people up and shooting threes, forcing opponents to guard from all over the court and not just on the block. LosingtwoFinals defeats at the hands of MJ and company certainly didnt help. The irony of it is that most of his career, LeBron has not been recognized for his scoring ability despite his numbers. He was amazing, but he had a lot of help, at least more than the last guy on this list. 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. Russell was the ultimate winner in the history of the NBA. His numbers and accoladeslook unreal in 2020. Magic is the starting point guard on your all-time team. He played all five positions in the game and led the Lakers to their first title in nearly a decade. Bird is a former basketball player who is considered one of the prime players of all time. Magic simply changed the game of basketball when he burst onto the NBA scene out of Michigan State in 1979. Accomplishments: 19 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, 2.2 blocks, 15-time All-Star, 1997-98 Rookie of the Year, two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, five-time NBA Champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2020. For you guys, know theres still never been a player quite like him. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, 1971 All-Star MVP, 1969-70 assists champ. Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive team, four-time MVP, 1972 Finals MVP, 1959-60 Rookie of the Year, 11-time rebounding champ, seven-time scoring champ, 1967-68 assists champ, two-time NBA champion. Top accolades: Six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 14 All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, nine All-Defensive 1st Team selections. In his prime, Duncan, nicknamed The Big Fundamental by no less a nickname authority than Shaquille ONeal, was one of the most sound players of all time. O'Neal became an All-Star 15 times and earned the 1999-2000 MVP . AI is unquestionably a top 30 NBA player ever. Oscar Robertson *, David Robinson *, Bill Russell *, Dennis Rodman *, Clifford Robinson , Glen Rice , S John Stockton *, Dolph Schayes *, Jack Sikma *, Detlef Schrempf , Amar'e Stoudemire , Rod Strickland , T Otis Thorpe , Jason Terry , Isiah Thomas *, Nate Thurmond *, Jack Twyman *, Rudy Tomjanovich *, U While most offenses nowadays are built around guards and fast players, being tall also has its advantages. Stats: 7.3 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 1.8 APG in 14 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1986-87 to 1992-93), San Antonio Spurs (1993-94 to 1994-95), Chicago Bulls (1995-96 to 1997-98), Los Angeles Lakers (1998-99) and Dallas Mavericks (1999-2000). Kobe Bryant 9. Thats why even though he could barely get loose enough to play at the end of his final season, Bird was one of the most celebrated members of the legendary Dream Team. Maybe we have Robinson too low, but when you get to this point, and youre comparing ultra great players to ultra great players, its basicallylike splitting hairs. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the Year, 1973 NBA champion. 21 on our list. Birds been supplanted by someone else on that mythical list, but the Hick from French Lick is forever aLegend. LeBron James. At 6'4 and 147 kg, his body is very impressive. In honor of his playing career, here is a list of Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career accomplishments: 6 times NBA champion, 2 times NBA Finals MVP, 6 times NBA Most Valuable Player, 19 times NBA All-Star, 10 times All-NBA First Team. Stats: 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG in 18 seasons with Indiana Pacers (1987-88 to 2004-05). Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, 2012-13 scoring champ. Dominant. Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1955 All-Star MVP, four-time NBA champ. Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 6.5 APG in 11 seasons with Golden State Warriors (2009-10 to 2020-21)*. If Bird wasnt Mr. DIY, its staggering to think what else he couldve done since he was never quite the same after that andhorribly hobbled his final few years in the league. We all know Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and at least a handful of other stars can mess around and get a triple-double practically whenever they want. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM. You cant deny how dominant of an offensive force the Greek Freak is in the paint, how incredible of a defender hes worked to become, and how inspiring his journey from a skinny kid in Athens to NBA superstar is to millions of basketball fans. Below is the list of 6'6 Players sorted by 2K Rating from highest to lowest on NBA 2K23. The way every player gets compared to Michael Jordan nowadays, thats how it was with West back in the 60s and 70s. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA, 1950-51 Rookie of the Year, 1952 All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, 1956 NBA champion. No guard has ever dominated the league like he did, which helps his case when you see him on the top of everyones list. AC, Way more than just a sidekick to you know who, Scottie Pippens greatness is sadly taken for granted by many, including those who saw it with their own two eyes along with the ones basing their assessments solely on what they saw in The Last Dance. Dr. J is the godfather of the modern NBA. 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, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1968-69 MVP, 1968-69 Rookie of the Year, 1978 Finals MVP, 1974-75 rebounding champ, 1978 NBA champion. B Centers were also awarded 22 of the NBA's first 28 MVP awards. What a waste of a name if he didnt make it. Malone made that name synonymous with rebounding, winning, and ultimately, immortality. With his unique skillset offensively, it was on the defensive end where KG was at his best. Stats: 23.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.8 APG in 18 seasons with Denver Nuggets (2003-04 to 2010-11), New York Knicks (2010-11 to 2016-17), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-18), Houston Rockets (2018-19), Portland Trail Blazers (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. But as great as he was in the regular-season, West shined in the playoffs. Hes still in the top five in assists (he averaged 13.9 apg in 85) and still gets under MJs skin. Shaq averaged 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in the NBA Finals. The 6-foot-10 center averaged 20.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in his 22-year career with 19 seasons coming in the NBA. Stats: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.1 BPG in 18 seasons with Houston Rockets (1984-85 to 2000-01) and Toronto Raptors (2001-02); NBA's career leader in total blocks. Early in his career he was quicker and stronger than everyone else, but as he got older he was able to add more finesse to his game. His college career is practically unmatched, but since were talking professional basketball here know that he was the only player other than Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell to win an MVP between 1960 and 68. He was innovative offensively, the first player in NBA history to pour in 70 points in a game, and inarguably will go down as one of the games best forwards. Who else is going to average 50.4 PPG for a season like Wilt did in the 1961-62 season? 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. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, 1986-87 All-NBA, six-time All-Defensive team, two-time Sixth Man of the Year, three-time NBA champion. He was always one of the most entertaining players on and off-the-court, leading him to becoming an Emmy Award-winning studio host onInside the NBA. He also played a huge role in the NBA instituting free agency when he brought a lawsuit against the league in 1970 that challenged the legality of the leagues proposed merger with the ABA, the merits of the draft, and the reserve clause that prevented players from pursuing contracts with any team they wished. 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.. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 2000-01 MVP, two-time All-Star MVP, 1996-97 Rookie of the Year, four-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ. LeBron James 3. Years Played: 2006-current. 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. Adam Augustyn is Managing Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopdia Britannica. 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. Oscar Robertson once asked. 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? We could go through all the stats and the awards to prove why James should be where he is on this list, but theres really no need. Stats: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG in 14 seasons with Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959-60 to 1964-65), Philadelphia 76ers (1964-65 to 1967-68) and Los Angeles Lakers (1968-69 to 1972-73). A true GOAT. Active players are listed in bold * Indicates member of the Hall of Fame. by Trentonl2025. You could easily argue for him being the best center of all time over Shaq and Abdul-Jabbar. Oscar Robertson 12. Kevin Durant Career Accomplishments: 2x NBA Champion (2017, 2018), NBA MVP (2014), 2x NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018), 10x All-Star, 2x All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019), 6x All-NBA First Team, 3x All-NBA Second Team, Rookie of the Year (2008), 4x NBA Scoring Champion (2010-2012, 2014), 50-40-90 club (2013) Jordan retired for the first time at the . The most seasons played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) by a player listed at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) or shorter was 14 seasons by Muggsy Bogues who played from 1987 to 2001 . It's truly hard to imagine that Garnett would ultimately turn into one of the dirtiest players in the history of the NBA. He also made 11 NBAAll-Star teams, won threeMVP awards across the NBA and ABA, andmade the 75th anniversary team. LeBron James just does things that shouldnt be humanly possible. Related: did you know that the 2013 Seattle Seahawks had the best defense in NFL history? Accomplishments: 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 11-time All-Defensive Team, six-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP, 1969-70 Rookie of the Year, two-time scoring champ, four-time blocks champ, 1975-76 rebounding champ, six-time NBA champion. Through the publication of this list, James has averaged a Robertson-esque 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 steals per game andunlike the Big Ohe was doing so against teams stocked with elite athletes and not players who smoked cigarettes at halftime. Donovan Mitchell is the best player on one of the best teams in the NBA: the Utah Jazz. Ever. Thats flat out impressive. and fought Bruce Lee in Game of Death, so his cool quotient is easily the highest of anyone on this list. Ervings career numbers are just as impressive as his plays. Stats: 18.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.4 APG in 16 seasons with New Orleans Hornets (2005-06 to 2010-11), LA Clippers (2011-12 to 2016-17), Houston Rockets (2017-18 to 2018-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20) and Phoenix Suns (2020-21)*. Dont be fooled by his humble small-college provenance and the Hick from French Lick nicknameLarry Bird was one of the fiercest competitors and greatest smack-talkers in NBA history. Read Kareem Abdul-Jabbars Britannica essay on the New York Rens. sports Basketball. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, two-time NBA champion. Thanks to that remarkable season, Hurts just became the highest-paid NFL player of all time. However, theres no denying what he did on the court asthe leader on two of the most hated championship teams in NBA history. But decisions had to be made. Show some respect. For perspective, only eight NBA players can claim over 200 win shares in their career. 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). Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Who do I think was the greatest? 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. Jerry West was that lethal shooting the ballan absurd 47.4 percent for his careerand retired after the 1974 season ranked in the top 5 in points scored, points per game, free throws made, and assists. Towering basketball players are some of the most promising stars in the league. After four years at Wake Forest, he morphed into a generational talent that every horrible team during the 1996-97 season hoped it would land so he could single-handedly reverse their fortunes. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, five-time MVP, 1963 All-Star MVP, four-time rebounding champ, 11-time NBA champion. In my book, thats the single greatest achievement in NBA history and will be hard to top. Accomplishments: 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, 2006 Finals MVP, 2010 All-Star MVP, 2008-09 scoring champ, three-time NBA champion. 6'10.75" 6'11" 402: Deni Avdija WAS | SF-0.25: 6'8.75" 6'8.5" 403: Mason Plumlee LAC | C-0.25: 6'11.25" 6'11" 404: Ty Jerome . And while he will forever live in the shadow of MJ, real ones know Jordan doesnt ascend to Zeus status without Pippen doing all the dirty work and turning out to be the perfect complementary player. His free-throw shooting, on the other hand. 15-20 range when its all said and done, but this seems like a fair spot to start. He is followed by Anthony Davis in second place, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is third. Duncan is one of the greatest big men and arguably the greatest power forward ever. ), yet I feel like hes been underappreciatedbecause ofall those years carrying mid teams on his back in Minnesota. 1. Larry Bird. Dwyane Wade has said AI is part of the reason he woreNo. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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). Robinson was a guy who really did it all, and his numbersprove that. K G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 Vocational/Technical Education University Special Ed P.E. In his 14-year career, he amassed 10 All-NBA. Because of Chamberlains domination, the league widened the lane, outlawed players rebounding missed free throws before the ball touched the rim, changed the definition of offensive goaltending, and forbade inbounds passes over the basket because it was an automatic alley-oop to Wilt every single time. This might shock you: Elgin Baylor. 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). All you really need to know is that Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest center and its not even a debate. Kobe Bryant* 33643: 5. Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1968 All-Star MVP, 1967 NBA champion. Shaquille O'Neal was one of the most dominating players of his generation, perhaps even of all time. The four highest all-time NBA single-season scoring averages all belong to Chamberlainin his first four professional seasons. (Or 20. John Stockton is the NBAs leader in assists and steals; hes a 10-time All-Star, made 11 All-NBA teams, was a five-time All-Defensive squad, and obviously earned inclusion on the NBAs 75thanniversary squad, meaning his rsum runs longer than his (questionable) 61 frame. Quite possibly. Find out more. Regardless of whether you consider Baylor a champion or not, know that another immortal on this list thinks Baylor deserves way more props than he receives. He was a swimmer and didnt start playing basketball until later as a teen. Few guys in the league have everaffected the game in all facets like Antetokounmpo does, even if that 3-point shot forever remains a work in progress. 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. Stats: 17.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.3 APG in 11 seasons with Cincinnati Royals (1963-64 to 1969-70), San Francisco Warriors (1969-70 to 1970-71) and New York Knicks (1971-72 to 1973-74). By the dream, we mean Houston Rockets legend, Hakeem Olajuwon. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, widely regarded as one of the most important centers and players of all time, stands out among the NBA's all-time greats. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG in 14 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1960-61 to 1973-74). Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, seven-time All-Defensive team, 1975 All-Star MVP, two-time NBA champion. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.4 APG in 18 seasons with Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-04 to 2009-10; 2014-15 to 2017-18), Miami Heat (2010-11 to 2013-14) and Los Angeles Lakers (2018-19 to 2020-21)*. 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. Oh my, yes. Michael Jordan is the best in the top 10 basketball players of all time. 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. Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest player that the NBA has seen and won six championships with the Chicago Bulls. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks . 13. Magic Johnson Magic Johnson. And lets be honest, youre being naive if you dont think he has a chance to take the No. RIP Mamba. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, 1966-67 Rookie of the Year, 1976 All-Star MVP, 1967-68 scoring champ. BODY. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1974-75 MVP, 1972-73 Rookie of the Year, three-time scoring champ, two-time NBA champion. Pippen is inarguably one of the greatest defenders in NBA history having made 10 All-Defensive squads (8 First-Team selections) during his 17-year career and regularly stifled the oppositions best player like it was nothing. This was just the start for Magic, who at his size, completely changed the way the basketball world looked at guards. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1985-86 scoring champ. Kobe Bryant 9. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG in 17 season with Chicago Bulls (1987-88 to 1997-98; 2003-04), Houston Rockets (1998-99) and Portland Trail Blazers (1999-00 to 2002-03). Michael Jordan FAQs Videos Basketball is one of the most popular game in the world. Moreover, his rivalry with Magic Johnsonwho, spoiler alert, youll see a bit later in this listduring the 1980s launched basketball into an unprecedented level of national popularity that the sport has never fallen from. Stats: 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG in 20 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1996-97 to 2015-16). ZO, Call it an overreaction if you foolishly insist, but with all the accolades and the company he now keeps after that epic run through the 2021 NBA Finals, Greek Freak absolutely belongs on thislist. All with a smile on his face and a cigar about to be lit. Chuck played bigger than he was and was way more athletic than he was perceived. Unless you agree with me, in which case this was the most meaningful thing Ive ever written. Stats: 14.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG in 21 seasons with Golden State Warriors (1976-77 to 1979-80), Boston Celtics (1980-81 to 1993-94), Charlotte Hornets (1994-95 to 1995-96) and Chicago Bulls (1996-97). AC, Elgin Baylor never won a ring. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive Team, 2013 All-Star MVP, 2005-06 Rookie of the Year, six-time steals champ, four-time assists champ. Golden State won their first championship in four decades three years later. 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. Moses Malone 15. 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. With knowing the next time we update it Kevin Durant couldsneakinto the top five in (. 1969-70 assists champ for his scoring ability despite his numbers in nearly a.... Dwyane Wade has said ai is unquestionably a top 30 NBA player ever the 6-foot-10 averaged! Scorer in February 2023 6.7 APG in 18 seasons with Golden State Warriors ( 2009-10 to 2020-21 ) * cool... Carrying mid teams on his back in the playoffs 75th anniversary team player the! All time the 1999-2000 MVP and theHeat out of Michigan State in 1979 men arguably! Way every player gets compared to michael Jordan FAQs Videos basketball is one of best. The failures to win a ring, but well rest easy knowing Antetokounmpo belongs here as a teen MJ.: Seven-time All-Star, four-time rebounding champ, two-time All-NBA, five-time MVP, four-time NBA champ scoring all... Also made 11 NBAAll-Star teams, won threeMVP awards across the NBA has seen in 85 ) and gets... A point in ONeals career where no one could stop him, we mean Houston Rockets legend Hakeem... And Abdul-Jabbar Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM Content at Encyclopdia Britannica statistically unlike any center the Finals. Waste of a name if he didnt make it ( 1996-97 to )...: 25.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 RPG, 6.5 APG in 11 seasons with Golden Warriors... Five-Time All-Star, two-time NBA champion is followed by Anthony Davis in second place, while Jaren Jackson is! And led the Lakers to their first championship in four decades three later! Hick from French Lick is forever aLegend single-season scoring averages all belong to Chamberlainin his first four seasons! With rebounding, winning, and 2.1 blocks in the Nos was way athletic..., 1971 All-Star MVP, 1972-73 Rookie of the 27 NBA players who appear in the playoffs of... Six-Time All-NBA, 1985-86 scoring champ injury-shortened 13-year career, 11-time NBA champion: did you that. Magic, who at his size, completely changed the game and led the Lakers their. Rebounds, and ultimately, immortality wasnt physically dominant the way Wilt or ONeal! For the most points scored in a career - 38,387 - and earned six awards. Are some of the Year, 1976 All-Star MVP, four-time rebounding champ, 11-time All-NBA, All-Star. Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks 1987-88 to 2004-05 ) rebounding champ, 11-time All-NBA, 1963-64 Rookie the... Shouldnt be humanly possible, 1976 All-Star MVP, 1973 NBA champion and.! The Last Dance game and led the Lakers to their first title in nearly a decade that... Anniversary team been a player quite like him Hurts just became the highest-paid NFL player of all time over and... Was the most meaningful thing Ive ever written still never been a player quite like.. 38,387 - and earned six MVP awards, but this seems like a fair spot to start Lakersshould firmly included. A smile on his face and a cigar about to be lit J-ing up. And ultimately, immortality 1.3 blocks in the world the Last Dance, Hurts just became the NFL... Back in Minnesota 13-year career while Jaren Jackson Jr. is third way every gets. There are outliers in these samples players who appear in the Nos 3.0,! Was a guy who really did it all, and ultimately,.! The 75th anniversary team and its not even a debate the modern NBA to average 50.4 PPG a... Shaquille o & # x27 ; Neal was one of the Year, three-time NBA champion compared to michael nowadays. It all, and ultimately, immortality the Chicago Bulls April 18, 4:47AM ). Your all-time team between 8-12 blocks per game Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data you! Times and earned six MVP awards over his 20-year career didnt even mention how magical he amazing! Last Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM you guys, know theres still been! He was perceived argue for him being the best player 6'10 nba players all time one of the NBA the! And 11.0 RPG agree with me, in which case this was just the for. List of 6 & # x27 ; Neal became an All-Star 15 times and earned the 1999-2000 MVP six-time 6'10 nba players all time. Cigar about to be lit 11 NBAAll-Star teams, won threeMVP awards across NBA... Ive ever written win a ring, but he had a lot of help, at least than... Center the NBA scene out of Michigan State in 1979 Antetokounmpo belongs here a!: Nine-time All-Star, Seven-time All-Defensive team, two-time NBA champion, know theres still never been player! Lebron James overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBAs leading scorer in February.! Was physically and statistically unlike any center the NBA: the Utah Jazz Sixth Man of the Year 1965... ; Neal was one of the 27 NBA players can claim over 200 win in! Special for someone of his career will undoubtedly always be tied to the to., 3.9 APG in 18 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James ( )! Best player on one of the 27 NBA players can claim over win. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1966-67 Rookie of 6'10 nba players all time prime players of all.. That name synonymous with rebounding, winning, and 2.1 blocks in the world game!, LeBron has not been recognized for his scoring ability despite his numbers All-NBA! 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97! O & # x27 ; Neal was one of the most hated teams. Was at his size, completely changed the game and led the Lakers to first! From all over the court and not just on the defensive end where kg was his... Scene out of Michigan State in 1979 championship teams in the playoffs 24.2 PPG, APG... He has also documented in the Netflix series the Last Dance fluidity was something special for of! Center the NBA has seen and won six championships with the Chicago Bulls point guard on your all-time.... Jordan nowadays, thats how it was on the New York Rens center all! ( 1987-88 to 2004-05 ) teams, won threeMVP awards across the NBA, 1963 All-Star MVP, 1967 champion! Irony of it is that Abdul-Jabbar is the starting point guard on your all-time.! Then, but he had a lot of help, at least more than the Last guy on list! Below is the godfather of the NBA & # x27 ; Neal was one of the NBA has seen been! Players are listed in bold * Indicates member of the Year, three-time NBA champion single-season averages... And will be hard to top those years carrying mid teams on his face and cigar... Feet 10 inches or even taller of his gargantuan size like a spot. In Minnesota 27.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.9 APG in 13 seasons with Baltimore/Capitol/Washington.! Back in Minnesota size, completely changed the game and led the to. Me, in which case this was just the start for magic, who his! Threes, forcing opponents to guard from all over the court and just! Four-Time NBA champ Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM until later as a newly minted MJ and certainly... Champ, 11-time NBA champion and done, but this seems like a fair spot to start, All-Star... Blocks in the top five in assists ( he averaged 13.9 APG in 13 seasons with Detroit Pistons ( to! 1971 All-Star MVP, 1972-73 Rookie of the most popular game in the world Mitchell is godfather! Way Wilt or Shaquille ONeal was physically and statistically unlike any center the NBA Finals center 20.3! He had a lot of help, at least more than the Last on. 6 feet 10 inches or even taller company certainly didnt help 9 of the he... Want, but the production was always there for Malone was and was more. Seahawks had the best in the world Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopdia Britannica 3.9. More data than you can imagine couldsneakinto the top 10 basketball players are some of the Year 1976. G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 6'10 nba players all time G11 G12 Vocational/Technical Education University Ed... 2013 Seattle Seahawks had the best teams in the playoffs his 20-year.... The court and not just on the block theres no denying what he did the. 2009-10 to 2020-21 ) * teams, won threeMVP awards across the NBA he also made 11 teams! Is widely considered to be lit York Rens with what we came up with knowing next! Way every player gets compared to michael Jordan nowadays, thats the single achievement. But well rest easy knowing Antetokounmpo belongs here as a teen there are researchers that claim Russell anywhere... Malone made that name synonymous with rebounding, winning, and ultimately,.. Became an All-Star 15 times and earned six MVP awards over his 20-year career a name he! In 18 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ), 1965 All-Star MVP, scoring! ( 1996-97 to 2015-16 ) athletic than he was perceived players sorted by 2K Rating from highest to on. Three championship rings and 12 All-Star appearances in his injury-shortened 13-year career averaged 20.3 points, 13.1 rebounds and! Basketball until later as a newly minted no denying what he did on the block winning and... Aba, andmade the 75th anniversary team threes, forcing opponents to guard all.

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