Top 10 Best NBA Best Players Of All Time 2023
It should come as no surprise that ranking the greatest NBA players ever does not come without its own set of controversy. In today's world of basketball, where there are too many stats to take into account, qualitative factors cannot be overlooked when ranking the greatest NBA players of all time.
It goes without saying that these legendary players competed in a variety of generations using a variety of technologies and different rules. Therefore, it is not an easy task to compile a list that includes all of them.
It is important to note that in order to be considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, you need to have some accomplishments to back up your claim, and the NBA championship is the most prestigious honor. Therefore, only NBA players with a ring have been considered, just as winning trophies is important in Football, see our list of top 10 footballers with the most trophies too.
Top 10 Best/Outstanding NBA Players of All Time 2023
- Kobe Bryant (1996–2016)
- Shaquille O'Neal (1992–2011)
- Larry Bird (1979–1992)
- Tim Duncan (from 1997 to 2016)
- Wilt Chamberlain (1959–1973)
- Bill Russell (1956–1969)
- Magic Johnson (1979-1996)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969–89)
- Michael Jordan (1985–2003)
10. Kobe Bryant (1996–2016)
As an icon and representative of the 2000s, Kobe Bryant was an essential component not only in basketball but also in all sports. He became known as the sport's MJ replacement due to his aggressive style of play and popularity. He has helped the Lakers win five championships, making him a legend.
Additionally, he is the only player to have two retired jersey numbers from the same organization. However, despite his less-than-stellar final years, he ranks no higher than number 10 on our list of the greatest NBA players of all time, which is a significant accomplishment in and of itself.
9. Shaquille O'Neal (1992–2011)
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Another Laker who is considered to be one of the most dominant players of all time, he bullied opponents because of his size and bulk, and no generation of NBA basketball would be one that this 4-time NBA Champion and 3-time All-Star Game MVP would not dominate.
If not for his erratic nature and lack of interest in fitness, among other things, he might have ranked higher on this list.
8. Larry Bird (1979–1992)
Larry Bird was another undisputed and highly regarded legend of the game. He was a three-time NBA champion and league MVP. Larry lacked the athleticism or high-flying nature of the typical NBA player. He made up for it with his excellent basketball intelligence and shooting skills.
In the 1980s, he was a part of a two-way rivalry that helped shape the NBA into what it is today. At his height, few have ever been able to match his shooting and skill levels. He had it all, from winning three-point contests to trash-talking his heart out. Due to injury, his career was cut short, which is why he occupies this position in this ranking. If he hadn't, who knows what records he might have set!
7. Tim Duncan (from 1997 to 2016)
He lacked the charisma and flair of many of the players on this list. However, he possessed something even more exceptional, which led to his incredible success, which included five championships and five MVP awards, including three from the NBA Finals and two from the regular season.
He was an excellent team player for the San Antonio Spurs, the greatest basketball team ever. In Spurs history, his infamous "bank shot" and astronomical stats during his prime are legendary.
An example for all of us to follow is his method of silently leading his team and destroying the opponent while maintaining his integrity and dignity. He is one of the few players whose final game was in the playoffs. He is a straightforward individual. Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward and Spur of all time.
6. Wilt Chamberlain (1959–1973)
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With one of the most eye-catching albums of all time, Wilt belongs on this list by default. Some of his mind-boggling stats include scoring 50 points per season and grabbing over 22 rebounds per game over his entire career.
His staggering stats, including a 100-point performance and two NBA championships and four league MVP awards, place him at number six in our ranking. He had the highest statistical output of any NBA player. In the present day, the numbers of seven scoring titles and eleven rebounding titles seem unbelievable.
5. Bill Russell (1956–1969)
He is one of our top five NBA players because he won 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons and is unquestionably the greatest player ever. He came up with defensive sequences and ensured that defense was viewed as an equal force in a league that was centered on attack.
His 11 NBA championships are probably the safest record of all time, and he is widely regarded as the greatest defensive player ever. In addition, he has won five MVP awards at a time when it was difficult to be an African-American in Boston. Not only did Bill Russel win in basketball, but he also won in life.
4. Magic Johnson (1979-1996)
He was probably the most flashiest player of all time. He was the other half of the famous 80s rivalry. With the Showtime Lakers, the greatest point guard of all time wowed the world with his flamboyant play.
Magic Johnson, the Dream Team's leader, has been a significant player in the NBA's history, winning championships and MVP awards and revitalizing the league. His passing skills remain unrivaled. He was an excellent point guard with a record number of assists per game, but he had the frame of a center. firmly regarded as one of history's greatest players.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969–89)
He was a basketball player who won six NBA championships. He came up with the well-known and deadly skyhook shot. He has the NBA record for most points scored. He has won a record six MVP awards during the regular season.
These are just a few of his inhuman traits, but his impact and dedication to the game still outweigh them. In the 1970s, he was the league's best player. His career is one of history and distinction, and the current league does not even come close to matching his longevity.
2. LeBron James (2004-present)
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LeBron James has worked hard to establish his claim to the title of "Greatest of all Time." He has quickly established himself among the top three NBA players on any list. The fact that he had one of his best statistical seasons in his 15th season and averaged 27.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 8.5 rebounds despite injuries in his 16th season in the league is alarming. His four MVP awards during the regular season and three MVP awards during the NBA Finals speak volumes about the value he brings to each team he plays for. LeBron James is without a doubt the world's best basketball player at the moment.
He is the best player in terms of pure raw skill sets and overall completeness. He should not be ranked lower on this list simply because he hasn't won as many championships. He has faced two outstanding dynasties on his way to the NBA Finals: The Spurs under Popovich and the Golden State Warriors During the regular season, he also had to deal with the dominant Celtics and Kobe's Lakers in the East. Nobody else can say that he has competed with so many dynasties.
1. Michael Jordan (1985–2003)
There was no doubt that the Air Jordan 1 would top any list of all-time greats. A legend in basketball is his aggressive nature, high-flying dunks, wagging tongue, and winning mentality.
He won the NBA MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year award, and the scoring title in his 1988 campaign. Do I need to go on? He is regarded as an icon of all sporting history, not just of basketball. He is the best player of all time. There is ample evidence, including winning two three-peats with the Chicago Bulls and going 6 of 6 at the NBA Finals.
His championships have been won by teams with a lot of Hall of Famers. He has done more for the sport than anyone else. Without him, basketball would not be the same. Michael Jordan is unquestionably the greatest basketball player of all time.
