Everywhere in the NBA community, the question of the greatest basketball players of all time is always a hotly debated topic. With a history spanning over many decades, the league has witnessed the emergence of outstanding talents who not only possess excellent techniques but also leave their mark with titles, records and timeless influence. These legends have shaped the NBA in their own way, from classy plays to historic moments that captivate fans. In this article, Bestsoccertips.com will compile a list of top NBA players, helping you have a comprehensive view of the greatest stars in the history of this sport.
10 top NBA players ever
Top 10: Larry Bird
Larry Bird is one of the top NBA players ever, associated with the dominance of the Boston Celtics in the 1980s. Selected with the 6th overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, Bird quickly became the leader of the Celtics and led the team to three NBA championships in 1981, 1984 and 1986. In addition to being an excellent scorer, Bird was also known for his passing, defense and tenacity. He won two NBA Finals MVP titles and was named MVP three times in a row from 1984 to 1986, a rare achievement in NBA history.
Bird was also one of the best three-point shooters of his era. He successfully defended his three-point shooting title at the 1986 All-Star Game, even daring his opponents to claim victory without taking off his jacket to warm up. Bird’s confidence and talent were further demonstrated when he teamed up with Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson as part of the “Dream Team” at the 1992 Olympics, helping the U.S. win the gold medal. With a glittering career and far-reaching influence, Larry Bird is not only an icon for the Boston Celtics but also one of the greatest legends of the NBA.
Top 9: Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the top ranked NBA players with a huge physique and outstanding strength. Standing at 7 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 350 pounds, Shaq is almost unstoppable in the paint. His overwhelming ability to score close to the basket, along with his physical style of play, has made him one of the most influential players in the modern era of the NBA. With his quick running pace compared to his size, Shaq is not only strong but also possesses flexible turning skills that make every defense afraid.
O’Neal was selected first overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and immediately asserted his talent. In his rookie season, he averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, winning the 1993 Rookie of the Year award. Notably, he became the first rookie to appear in the All-Star Game since Michael Jordan in 1985. However, the peak of Shaq’s career was associated with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he teamed up with Kobe Bryant to form one of the best duos in NBA history. O’Neal played an important role in helping the Lakers win 3 consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Not only that, he also won the Finals MVP award all 3 times, proving absolute dominance during his peak period. With a strong personality, humor and rare talent, Shaq is not only a legend on the court but also a cultural icon of the NBA.
Top 8: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in NBA history, spending all 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is a symbol of hard work, desire to win and a relentless competitive spirit. With his superb scoring skills, Kobe helped the Lakers win 5 NBA championships, including two Finals MVP titles in 2009 and 2010. He was also named MVP in the 2008 season and played in 18 All-Star games. Kobe led the NBA in scoring 5 times in a season, scoring a total of 5,640 points in 220 playoff games.
Kobe always shined in important moments. In 2009, he scored 695 points in the playoff series, leading the league in scoring. During his career, Kobe averaged 25.6 points per game and had an explosive performance on May 4, 2006, when he scored 50 points in 52 minutes in Game 6 of the playoffs. Not only was Kobe excellent on the court, he also left his mark with the philosophy of “Mamba Mentality” – the fighting spirit of never giving up, inspiring the next generation. His sudden departure in 2020 was a great loss to the basketball world, but Kobe’s legacy will live on forever.
Top 7: Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan is one of the greatest forwards in NBA history, spending 19 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. He was a symbol of stability, discipline and efficiency, helping the Spurs win five NBA championships and establish one of the league’s most enduring dynasties. With a simple but effective playing style, Duncan was selected to the NBA Defensive All-Star Team multiple times and became one of only five players in history to reach over 25,000 points and 15,000 rebounds.
Duncan was not only an outstanding player, but also one of the highest paid players in NBA history, but his contributions were completely deserved. Under his leadership, the Spurs were a top force for two decades. His smart play, team spirit and tenacity made Duncan a role model for the next generation. He won three Finals MVP awards, two regular season MVP awards, and was a 15-time All-Star. Duncan’s influence extended beyond the NBA and beyond, elevating the game and inspiring countless young players. With a legacy that is as glorious as his, Tim Duncan will forever be a legend of the NBA and the San Antonio Spurs.
Top 6: Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is one of the all time top NBA players, playing a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” dynasty of the 1980s. With his ability to control the game and his masterful tactical vision, he redefined the point guard position, bringing a fast-paced and creative style of play. As early as his rookie season in 1980, Magic shone, leading the Lakers to a championship and becoming the only player in history to win the Finals MVP award in his first season.
In a 13-season career, Magic Johnson won 5 NBA championships, 3 regular season MVP awards, and 3 Finals MVP awards. He was one of the most complete players the NBA has ever seen, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in 906 games. More than just a great player, Magic is an icon of competitive spirit and passion for the game. Although his career was cut short by an HIV diagnosis in 1991, he left behind a legacy of making the Lakers a force to be reckoned with and changing the way modern basketball is viewed. With a huge impact on and off the court, Magic Johnson will forever be one of the greatest legends in NBA history.
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Top 5: Bill Russell
Bill Russell is a great icon of the Boston Celtics and the player who laid the foundation for the team’s dominance in the 1960s. He was not only an excellent defensive center but also revolutionized the way the NBA played defense. In his 13-season career, Russell won 11 NBA championships – a record that no one has ever broken. He also owned 5 MVP titles, was selected to the All-Star team 12 times and is one of the most influential players in basketball history.
Russell was famous for his extraordinary jumping and blocking ability. He accumulated 21,620 rebounds, an incredible average of 22.5 per game. Russell’s presence on the court made it difficult for opponents to attack, as he could neutralize their shots. Thanks to his excellent defensive ability and sharp tactical thinking, Russell not only protected the area under the basket but also helped the Boston Celtics develop a fast counter-attacking style of play, leading the team to overwhelming victories. His number 6 jersey became a nightmare for all opponents, because any shot in front of Russell had a high risk of being blocked. With great achievements, Bill Russell is not only a Celtics legend but also one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Top 4: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the top NBA players, especially known for his incredible scoring skills and consistency. He once held the NBA’s all-time scoring record with 38,387 points, a mark that stood for nearly 40 years before being surpassed by LeBron James in 2023. During his 20-season career, Kareem played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, winning 6 NBA championships and 2 Finals MVP titles. In addition, he also won the regular season MVP award 6 times, a record in NBA history. With 10 All-NBA First Team selections, Kareem has always been the center of every team he has played for.
Not only is Kareem a scoring machine with a legendary “skyhook” shot, but he is also an excellent defensive player. He led the NBA playoffs in blocks and rebounds multiple times. He scored a career-high 5,762 points in the NBA Playoffs, a testament to his tenacity and class in the big games. The 1974 season was one of his peaks, when he scored 515 points in just 16 games for the Milwaukee Bucks. Off the court, Kareem was a cultural icon, active in social and educational causes. With a legacy that is as great as his, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not only an NBA legend but also one of the most influential figures in sports history.
Top 3: Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the greatest legends in NBA history, who paved the way for the development of future basketball stars. Before entering the NBA, he played for the Harlem Globetrotters, where he honed his skills and developed a unique playing style. Standing 7 feet 11 inches tall, with outstanding physicality and incredible strength, Wilt quickly dominated the NBA since joining the league in 1959. He possessed a well-rounded style of play, not only excelling in offense but also excelling in defense, making him one of the greatest players of all time.
Chamberlain is famous for his incredible records that still stand. He is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a game in 1962, a legendary milestone for the league. In addition, Wilt was also the first person to reach the 30,000 point mark in the NBA, proving his absolute dominance. Throughout his career, he won 2 NBA championships, 4 regular season MVP titles and led the NBA in scoring 7 times in a season. In particular, he once had a season with an average of 50.4 points/game – an incredible number. In addition to his outstanding talent, Chamberlain also contributed to changing the way basketball is played, forcing the NBA to adjust the rules to balance his strength. With a great legacy and unprecedented records, Wilt Chamberlain is not only an NBA legend but also a symbol of greatness in the basketball world.
Top 2: LeBron James
LeBron James has won a total of 4 NBA championships, including 2 consecutive titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. In addition, he also won championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. With 4 Finals MVP titles and 4 regular season MVP awards, LeBron has affirmed himself as one of the best players in NBA history. He possesses a comprehensive skill set, from scoring, assisting to defending, making him always the center of attention for every team he plays for.
From the moment he entered the NBA, LeBron made a strong impression with his explosive playing style and leadership ability. He is an inspiration to many generations of young players, always playing with a resilient spirit and a will to constantly improve. LeBron is often compared to Michael Jordan, because of his influence and dominance on the court. In addition to basketball, he is also actively involved in charity work, building schools and supporting the community. LeBron James’ contributions have helped him become one of the greatest legends in NBA history, not only on the court but also in life.
Top 1: Michael Jordan
LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history, with 4 championships, 4 Finals MVP titles and 4 regular season MVP awards. He possesses a comprehensive skill set, can play in many positions with excellent scoring, playmaking and defense. With impressive strength, speed and tactical thinking, LeBron has maintained his peak level for more than two decades. In 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the player with the most points in NBA history, a milestone that proves his durability and greatness.
Not only shining on the court, LeBron is also a leader and icon in real life. He always leads his teammates with a resilient fighting spirit and the ability to inspire. Outside of basketball, LeBron is also active in charity projects, building schools and supporting the community. Despite being 39 years old, he still maintains his peak performance, continues to conquer records and affirms his legendary status. With a great career and relentless competitive spirit, LeBron James is an ideal role model in NBA history.
To Wrap It Up
Here is a list of top NBA players who have contributed to shaping NBA history and left a deep legacy in the hearts of fans. Although the new generation is constantly rising, setting new records and affirming their talent through each match, the legends who have gone before are always irreplaceable icons. They not only conquered the court with excellent skills but also strongly inspired, contributing to the development of basketball worldwide. Although time passes, their contributions will always be remembered, becoming the standard for all generations of players to come.
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