Top 10 Greatest NBA Players of All Time

Being great at what you do is one thing, but there’s a whole different set of criteria for those who earn their place in history books. The Association has had no shortage of outstanding talents throughout the years, but those few who have managed to show durability, game intelligence, strategic skills and pure talent are sure to stand out.

The issue of selecting the crème de la crème among NBA ranks has sparked arguments among many fans, and even left their mark on many online betting pursuits nowadays. In this regard, based on criteria similar to those above, following is an objective ranking of the all-time greatest.

10. Hakeem Olajuwon

The outstanding dominance on the court has led Olajuwon to being the only player who managed to win the MVP title for regular season and Finals, as well as Defensive Player of the Year, all in the same season of ’94. This alone is reason enough to include him among the greats, along with the immense contribution he has made to the game overall.

9. Tim Duncan

The most impressionable thing about Duncan is his ability to glide smoothly and without too much flare. Although it seems contradictory, it’s precisely the pureness of his gameplay that made Tim Duncan an NBA legend.

8. Shaquille O’Neal

Contrary to Duncan, O’Neal made his mark through dominance, force and noise. Known for his fiery temperament, Shaquille O’Neal is a synonym for an NBA force to be reckoned with.

7. Larry Bird

Larry has been gifted with shooter skills and competitive spirits that are still hard to match. While Bird has seen higher ranks, when it comes to the best, there are only slight differences along the countdown.

6. Wilt Chamberlain

The game rarely sees such affirmed averages as it did in Chamberlain’s time. His undeniable presence and unreal craftsmanship have proven his ascent among the greats back in the olden years of the NBA.

5. LeBron James

Now crowned as “King” James, this player is definitely paving his way to the top of the world rank lists. Although still largely involved in the championships, LeBron has already earned this position as he shoots for higher ranks.

4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem became the league-record holder with 38,387 points all thanks to his signature move – the sky hook, which practically projected his critical center role to mythical lands.

3. Magic Johnson

Kareem’s replacement back in the 1980 Finals overtook his predecessor and achieved even greater results, as is evident. Magic Johnson has proven himself through a prolific career filled with titles and signature-precision shots.

2. Bill Russell

The proof for the importance of powerful defense lies in Bill Russell’s NBA career. Although he didn’t reach first position on the countdown, the record 11-championship count is definitely secured for years to come.

1. Michael Jordan

Stats and numeric evidence only begin to support what is already universally acknowledged – Michael Jordan is NBA’s all-time best. With every possible accomplishment in the book safely behind him, MJ seems eternally carved on NBA front pages to eternity.