32. Chris Paul – Houston Rockets/Los Angeles Clippers/New Orleans Hornets – Point Guard
Career averages: 18.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.9 APG, 2.3 SPG
Individual Accolades: 9-time All-Star selection, 8-time All-NBA selection, 9-time All-Defensive selection, 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year, 4-time Assists leader (2008, 2009, 2014, 2015), 6-time Steals leader (2008, 2009, 2011-2014)
When ranking point guards based upon their play on both sides of the court, Chris Paul stands out as a true force. Paul is highly efficient on the offensive end. He’s averaged 18.7 PPG and 9.9 APG over the course of his career — including shooting at a 47.3-percent clip from the field. Defensively, he’s been a 7-time All-Defensive First Team selection. While no one questions Paul’s leadership or competitiveness on the floor, his lack of postseason success limits his relative ranking when compared to his peers.
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31. Scottie Pippen – Chicago Bulls/Portland Trail Blazers – Small Forward
Career averages: 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.8 BPG, 2.0 SPG
Individual Accolades: 6-time NBA Champion, 7-time All-Star selection, 7-time All-NBA selection, 10-time All-Defensive selection, 1995 Steals leader
Every great player needs the “Robin” to his “Batman.” Fortunately for Michael Jordan, his “Robin” also happens to be one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Pippen was a monster on the defensive end. He possessed ability to guard multiple positions effectively. His unselfishness on offense also complemented Jordan well. Pippen mostly played within the flow of the offense. Rarely did you see him force anything on that side of the court. With that said, Pippen could score the basketball when called upon to do so.
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30. Rick Barry – Golden State Warriors – Small Forward
Career averages: 24.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.1 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion, 1-time NBA Finals MVP (1975), 8-time NBA All-Star, 6-time All-NBA selection, 1966 Rookie of the Year, 1-time Scoring Champion (1967), 1-time Steals leader (1975)
Rick Barry played during an era in which three-pointers weren’t recorded. Had he played with a three-point line, Barry likely would be the owner of many records from behind the arc. The former University of Miami star was a highly complete offensive player. While Barry’s prowess from the perimeter is universally lauded, he also was excellent as a playmaker. To this day, Barry holds NBA Finals records for the highest scoring average in a Finals series (36.3 PPG) and field goals made in a single Finals game (22).
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29. Jason Kidd – New Jersey Nets/Phoenix Suns/Dallas Mavericks – Point Guard
Career averages: 12.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.9 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (2011), 10-time All-Star selection, 6-time All-NBA selection, 9-time All-Defensive selection, 1995 co-Rookie of the Year, 5-time Assists leader (1999-2001, 2003, 2004)
He wasn’t the star he once was when he finally captured the ever-elusive NBA championship in 2011, but Kidd still found ways to contribute. Kidd’s longevity and ability to stay relevant despite his waning athleticism is a key reason he will be remembered as an all-time great. Few who played the game evolved as well as Kidd did throughout his career. In his heyday, Kidd could run and gun with the best of them. He was an all-time great passer, as well as an elite defender and rebounder at the point guard position.
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28. Bob Pettit – St. Louis Hawks – Power Forward
Career averages: 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3.0 APG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (1958), 2-time MVP (1956, 1959), 11-time All-Star selection, 11-time All-NBA selection, 1955 Rookie of the Year, 2-time Scoring Champion (1956, 1959)
The original “Stretch-4,” Pettit transformed the way teams scout big men. Had he been born a couple of decades later, Pettit could have been one of the most productive three-point shooting big men of all-time. He wasn’t just a shooter, though. Standing at 6-foot-9, Pettit averaged more than 16 rebounds a game in his career. His career accolades also included being an 11-time All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA First Team member, a 4-time All-Star Game MVP, and a two-time league MVP. Simply put, Pettit was ahead of his time.
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27. Kevin Garnett – Minnesota Timberwolves – Power Forward
Career averages: 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.3 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (2008), 1-time MVP (2004), 15-time All-Star selection, 9-time All-NBA selection, 1-time Defensive Player of the Year (2008), 12-time All-Defensive selection, 4-time Rebounds leader (2004-2007)
Pure, raw intensity is the only way to accurately describe Kevin Garnett. He made a career off of playing with a fiery passion. Of course at 6’11”, it also helped that Garnett moved like a guard on the floor. Garnett had a smooth stroke from mid-range, and was the key component of the great Boston defenses of the late 2000’s. Had he been able to escape Minnesota a few years earlier, there’s no telling how much damage KG could have done. He’ll go down as one of the best two-way players — regardless of position — in NBA history.
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26. Kevin McHale – Boston Celtics – Power Forward
Career averages: 17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.7 BPG
Individual Accolades: 3-time NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986), 7-time All-Star selection, 6-time All-Defensive selection, 2-time Sixth Man of the Year (1984, 1985)
A major piece to the great Boston teams of the 80’s, Kevin McHale made his name through his excellent post game. McHale could score in an unlimited amount of ways on the block, and was near impossible to stop with his back to the basket. Though not overly explosive, McHale epitomized the prototypical ‘crafty’ basketball player. The 3-time NBA Champion was also a 7-time All Star, and a 6-time All-Defensive team selection. When Charles Barkley says that you are the toughest player he’s ever guarded, you’re doing something right.
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25. David Robinson – San Antonio Spurs – Center
Career averages: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 3.0 BPG, 1.4 SPG
Individual Accolades: 2-time NBA Champion (1999, 2003), 1-time MVP (1995(, 10-time All-Star selection, 10-time All-NBA selection, 1-time Defensive Player of the Year (1992(, 8-time All-Defensive selection, 19990 Rookie of the Year, 1-time Scoring Champion (1994), 1-time Rebounds leader (1991), 1-time Blocks leader (1992)
Due to obligations to the Naval Academy, it took Robinson a few years after he was drafted to make his much-awaited debut with the Spurs. The wait was well worth it, as Robinson helped the Spurs to two titles during his 14 years with the team. ‘The Admiral’ played a traditional style, but his enormous upper body helped him dominate other centers around the league. Robinson attacked the basket with real aggression, and protected the paint on defense as well as anybody that has played the position.
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24. John Stockton – Utah Jazz – Point Guard
Career averages: 13.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG
Individual Accolades: 10-time All-Star selection, 11-time All-NBA selection, 9-time Assists leader (1988-1996), 2-time Steals leader (1989, 1992)
As tenacious as they come, John Stockton made a career off of intelligent and unselfish play. An all-time great distributor and defender, Stockton did whatever his team needed of him. Sure, playing with Karl Malone makes life a lot easier, but the Mailman can greatly attribute his spot on the all-time scoring list to Stockton. The pick-and-roll connection between the two iconic players is widely regarded as one of the most lethal pairings in league history. Stockton also was a player that truly extracted out every ounce of ability he had.
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23. Elgin Baylor – Los Angeles Lakers – Small Forward
Career averages: 27.4 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
Individual Accolades: 11-time All-Star selection, 10-time All-NBA selection, 1959 Rookie of the Year
Baylor was the original slashing forward — frequently playing above the rim and finishing with both finesse and power. An equally prolific scorer and rebounder, Baylor is in strong consideration as the best player in NBA history to never win an MVP award. Many actually feel that Baylor is one of — if not the most underrated player of all-time.
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22. Jerry West – Los Angeles Lakers – Point Guard
Career averages: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG, 2.6 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (1972), 1-time NBA Finals MVP (1969), 14-time All-Star selection, 12-time All-NBA selection, 5-time All-Defensive selection, 1-time Scoring Champion (1970), 1-time Assists leader (1972)
‘Mr. Clutch’ earned his nickname through magical postseason performances. From his 60-foot buzzer beater in the Finals, to his 40-point per game average in the 1965 playoffs, West always saved his best performances for the bright lights. West was a graceful player on the court. Possessing an abnormally long wingspan, he terrorized the opposition on both ends of the floor. West was both a lethal scorer and a tremendous facilitator of the basketball. There’s a reason why West’s silhouette plays host as the logo of the league.
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21. Charles Barkley – Philadelphia 76ers/Phoenix Suns/Houston Rockets – Power Forward
Career averages: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.5 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time MVP (1993), 11-time All-Star selection, 11-time All-NBA selection, 1-time Rebounds leader (1987)
Standing at only 6-foot-6, Barkley used his incredible lower body strength to become one of the best rebounders in league history. Don’t let the weight and the Krispy Kreme doughnuts fool you though, Charles was a force in the open court in his prime. He could finish with authority or use his impressive vision to find his teammates. Call him ‘Sir Charles,’ ‘The Round Mound of Rebound’ or any other name you like, but one thing remains unchanged: Charles Barkley could flat-out play.
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20. Isiah Thomas – Detroit Pistons – Point Guard
Career averages: 19.2 PPG, 9.3 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG
Individual Accolades: 2-time NBA Champion (1989, 1990), 1-time NBA Finals MVP (1990), 12-time All-Star selection, 5-time All-NBA selection, 1-time Assists leader (1985)
The leader of the Bad Boys, Isiah Thomas constantly played with a chip on his shoulder. Thomas was lightning quick with the ball and was a very good shooter from the outside. However, what he will be most remembered for is his tremendous ability as a leader. One of the original floor generals, Thomas had an innate ability of knowing when to get the ball to his teammates versus getting himself going offensively.
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19. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors – Point Guard
Career averages: 23.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.8 SPG
Individual Accolades: 2-time NBA Champion (2015, 2017), 2-time MVP (2015, 2016), 5-time All-Star selection, 4-time All-NBA selection, 1-time Scoring Champion (2016), 1-time Steals leader (2016)
Much like his teammate Kevin Durant, Curry is an absolute anomaly of a player. With a thin frame and rather average athleticism, he isn’t supposed to be this good. As he approaches his 30th birthday, Curry already has two MVP trophies and two NBA Titles under his proverbial belt. Never has the game seen such a lethal perimeter shooter — whether it’s spotting up or shooting off the dribble. Curry’s uncanny ability to get separation from defenders is truly impressive. Though he’s still got plenty of time left in his career, Curry’s already established himself as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen.
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18. Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder/Golden State Warriors – Small/Power Forward
Career averages: 27.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.2 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (2017), 1-time NBA Finals MVP (2017), 1-time MVP (2014), 9-time All-Star selection, 7-time All-NBA selection, 4-time Scoring Champion (2010-2012, 2014), 2008 Rookie of the Year
Never has the NBA seen a player like Kevin Durant. He’s uniquely phenomenal in a multitude of ways. Nearing the 7-foot mark, Durant has ball-handling capabilities and the shooting prowess of a guard. He can score from anywhere on the court — demonstrating skill only seen among the elite players in the league’s history. Additionally, Durant’s spider-like wingspan and rare athletic ability have helped him become an outstanding defensive player. This past year, Durant captured his first NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors. Assuming he wins a few more, there’s a real chance he could finish as one of the 10 best players of all-time.
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17. Dirk Nowitzki – Dallas Mavericks – Power Forward
Career averages: 21.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.8 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (2011), 1-time NBA Finals MVP (2011), 1-time MVP (2007), 13-time All-Star selection, 12-time All-NBA selection
The German sharpshooter solidified his place among the all-time greats with his epic stretch during the Mavs’ 2011 playoff run. Securing his first championship and bringing home a unanimous Finals MVP trophy, Nowitzki shook off all “soft” labels. Possessing a high-arching shot, Nowitzki made the famed one-footed fadeaway a staple for all young players to try and emulate. With his uncanny ability to make difficult shots, Dirk could probably play spot minutes well into his 40’s. He is without question the best European player in league history.
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16. Karl Malone – Utah Jazz – Power Forward
Career averages: 25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.4 SPG
Individual Accolades: 2-time MVP (1997, 1999), 14-time All-Star selection, 14-time All-NBA selection, 4-time All-Defensive selection
‘The Mailman’ recorded 36,928 points and 14,968 rebounds over his illustrious 20-year career. Malone was a match-up nightmare for any player that had the displeasure of having to defend him. He was one of the strongest players of all-time, but could run in transition with the very best. His money mid-range game set him over the top as an unstoppable offensive force. Though Malone doesn’t represent the current NBA power forward, he was the archetype during his era.
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15. Dwyane Wade – Miami Heat – Shooting Guard
Career averages: 22.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.6 APG, 0.9 BPG, 1.6 SPG
Individual Accolades: 3-time NBA Champion (2006, 2012, 2013), 1-time NBA Finals MVP (2006), 12-time All-Star selection, 8-time All-NBA selection, 3-time All-Defensive selection, 1-time Scoring Champion (2009)
It’s difficult to overlook the impressive resume Wade has accrued over his 15 years in the league. With three championships and the title of the best player in Miami Heat history, Wade has proven that he can perform and win in a multitude of situations. In his athletic prime, his slashing ability beared a strong resemblance to a 6-foot-4 version of Michael Jordan. As he has grown older, he’s adjusted his game to stay relevant — a prominent trait for an all-time great player.
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14. Moses Malone – Philadelphia 76ers – Center
Career averages: 20.3 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.8 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (1983), 1-time NBA Finals MVP (1983), 3-time MVP (1979, 1982, 1983), 12-time All-Star selection, 8-time All-NBA selection, 2-time All-Defensive selection, 6-time Rebounds leader (1979, 1981-1985)
Malone played for nine teams in his career in both the ABA and NBA, but found the most success when he teamed up with Dr. J on the Philadelphia 76ers. Ruthless on the boards and a terrific finisher around the rim, Moses was one of the very best players in the league during the early 80’s. Malone averaged a double-double for his career (20.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG) in addition to being an 8-time All-NBA selection, a 12-time All-Star, and a 3-time league MVP. There are few players possessing a resume as collectively impressive as Malone’s.
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13. Julius Erving – Philadelphia 76ers – Small Forward
Career averages: 24.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.7 BPG, 2.0 SPG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (1983), 1-time MVP (1981), 11-time All-Star selection, 7-time All-NBA selection
Dr. J might be remembered more for his nickname and beautiful head of hair, but the 16-time ABA/NBA All-Star was also one of the best ball players in league history. He stuffed the stat sheet in all aspects. For his career, Erving averaged 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 4.2 assists per game. Dr. J also shot a fantastic 50.6-percent from the floor. A true entertainer, Erving accomplished everything with a flair the league had never seen before.
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12. Hakeem Olajuwon – Houston Rockets – Center
Career averages: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 3.1 BPG, 1.7 SPG
Individual Accolades: 2-time NBA Champion (1994, 1995), 2-time NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995), 1-time MVP (1994), 12-time All-Star selection, 12-time All-NBA selection, 2-time Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994), 9-time All-Defensive selection, 2-time Rebounds leader (1989, 1990), 3-time Blocks leader (1990, 1991, 1993)
A common similarity with the players near the top of this list is their individual uniqueness. Hakeem Olajuwon was the “unicorn” of centers in the 80’s and 90’s. He could dribble the ball and move his feet like a guard, but coupled this gracefulness with the overwhelming size of a legitimate big man. Hakeem captured glory with back-to-back championships in Houston, blocked the most shots in NBA history (3,830), and his patented “Dream Shake” move is still used by players today.
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11. Oscar Robertson – Cincinnati Royals – Point Guard
Career averages: 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG
Individual Accolades: 1-time NBA Champion (1971), 1-time MVP (1964), 12-time All-Star selection, 11-time All-NBA selection, 1961 Rookie of the Year, 6-time Assists leader (1961, 1962, 1964-1966, 1969)
Prior to Russell Westbrook accomplishing the feat last year, Robertson had been the only player in NBA history to have averaged a triple-double through an entire season. This was a mark that lasted nearly 60 years before being broken by Westbrook in 2017. The 6’5″ guard was supremely gifted as a passer. In many ways, Robertson was transcendent based upon his height for the position. Duly, he was a highly efficient player — shooting 83.8-percent from the free-throw line and 48.5-percent from the field for his career. Robertson made the All-Star team in all but two years of his impressive 14-year career.
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10. Larry Bird – Boston Celtics – Small Forward
Career averages: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.7 SPG
Individual Accolades: 3-time NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986), 2-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986), 3-time MVP (1984-1986), 12-time All-Star selection, 10-time All-NBA selection, 3-time All-Defensive selection, 1980 Rookie of the Year
Larry Bird — with the help of Magic Johnson — helped resurrect the game of basketball in the ’80s. As a player, Bird was an assassin. He was a terrific shooter, passer, and rebounder, and played his best in the biggest games. Bird led the Celtics to three titles. He also made 12 All-Star Game appearances, and was a 3-time league MVP. Bird’s overall level of competitiveness alone makes him an all-time great. Had it not been for chronic back issues later in his career, Bird could certainly have a case for a top-5 spot.
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9. Bill Russell – Boston Celtics – Center
Career averages: 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
Individual Accolades: 11-time NBA Champion (1957, 1959-1966, 1968, 1969), 5-time MVP (1958, 1961-1963, 1965), 12-time All-Star selection, 11-time All-NBA selection, 1-time All-Defensive selection, 4-time Rebounds leader (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)
As the defensive stalwart for the early Celtics teams, nobody experienced more success winning basketball games than Bill Russell. An 11-time champion and 5-time regular season MVP, Russell spent the majority of his career filling in his expansive trophy case. At the time, the league had never seen someone possessing Russell’s skill-set as a defensive player. The former University of San Francisco star had unbelievable timing when it came to blocking shots. Additionally, Russell used his long arms and elite athleticism to mop up misses at a high clip. These attributes led to Russell averaging 22.5 RPG for his career.
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8. Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs – Power Forward
Career averages: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.2 BPG, 0.7 SPG
Individual Accolades: 5-time NBA Champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), 3-time NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005), 2-time MVP (2002, 2003), 15-time All-Star selection, 15-time All-NBA selection, 15-time All-Defensive selection, 1998 Rookie of the Year
The recently retired Duncan has solidified his spot as the best power forward the game has seen. As such, he is easily deserving of a Top-10 spot. “The Big Fundamental” impacted the game on both ends of the floor from the moment he joined the Spurs. Duncan was excellent at utilizing his body to carve out space on the offensive end. He also brilliantly positioned himself to always act as a deterrent defensively. More than anything, Duncan will be remembered for his calm demeanor, silky bank shot, and a pedigree rooted in winning at the highest level.
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7. Shaquille O’Neal – Los Angeles Lakers – Center
Career averages: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 BPG, 0.6 SPG
Individual Accolades: 4-time NBA Champion (2000-2002, 2006), 3-time NBA Finals MVP (2000-2002), 1-time MVP (2000), 15-time All-Star selection, 14-time All-NBA selection, 3-time All-Defensive selection, 1993 Rookie of the Year, 2-time Scoring Champion (1995, 2000)
When there’s a legitimate strategy teams implement to their game plan that is named after you, your spot on this list is certain. The “Hack-A-Shaq” was truly the only way you could slow down this monster. O’Neal was a powerhouse from the get-go, and it’s almost criminal that the most dominant big man of recent memory ended his career with only one MVP trophy. With three Finals MVP trophies though, I’m sure he sleeps just fine.
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6. Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers – Shooting Guard
Career averages: 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.5 BPG, 1.4 SPG
Individual Accolades: 5-time NBA Champion (2000-2002, 2009), 2010), 2-time NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010). 1-time MVP (2008), 18-time All-Star selection, 15-time All-NBA selection, 12-time All-Defensive selection, 2-time Scoring Champion (2006, 2007)
He wasn’t quite as athletically gifted as the other greats. He didn’t have the speed of Jordan, the size of Magic, or the strength of LeBron, but he made up for it by being the most skilled player in history. From immaculate footwork to impossible fadeaway jumpers, Kobe Bryant truly had every basketball skill you would want in a player. With the unlimited skill-set, hyper competitiveness, and a resume that includes five championship rings, it’s safe to say we will never see another player quite like Kobe.
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5. Wilt Chamberlain – Los Angeles Lakers – Center
Career averages: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG
Individual Accolades: 2-time NBA Champion (1967, 1972), 1-time NBA Finals MVP (1972), 4-time MVP (1960, 1966-1968), 13-time All-Star selection, 10-time All-NBA selection, 2-time All-Defensive selection, 1960 Rookie of the Year, 7-time Scoring Champion (1960-1966), 11-time Rebounds leader (1960-1963, 1966-1969, 1971-1973), 1-time Assists leader (1968)
With a 100-point game on his resume, Wilt Chamberlain just barely edges out Shaq and Russell on the all-time list. Chamberlain was truly unstoppable on offense, scoring around the basket at will. He holds the record for most points (the aforementioned 100) and most rebounds (55) in a game, and has a season under his belt in which he averaged 50 points and 25 rebounds a night. Stat lines like these are truly “video game numbers.”
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4. Magic Johnson – Los Angeles Lakers – Point Guard
Career averages: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG, 0.4 BPG, 1.9 SPG
Individual Accolades: 5-time NBA Champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), 3-time NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987), 3-time MVP (1987, 1989, 1990), 12-time All-Star selection, 10-time All-NBA selection, 4-time Assists leader (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987), 2-time Steals leader (1981, 1982)
The most revolutionary player in the history of the sport, Magic Johnson’s uniqueness will have him at or near the top of these lists for decades to come. With size and vision that the game had never seen before, Johnson took the league by storm, heading the attack for the electric “Showtime” Lakers. Players like LeBron, Tracy McGrady, Penny Hardaway and most recently Giannis Antetokounmpo all resemble bits and pieces of Magic’s style, but the league may never see a floor general with Magic’s size and leadership again.
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3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Los Angeles Lakers – Center
Career averages: 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.6 BPG, 0.9 SPG
Individual Accolades: 6-time NBA Champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), 2-time NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985), 6-time MVP (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980), 19-time All-Star selection, 15-time All-NBA selection, 11-time All-Defensive selection, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 2-time Scoring Champion (1971, 1972), 1-time Rebounds leader (1976), 4-time Blocks leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980)
Never has a player had a single move in their arsenal more dominant than Kareem’s patented sky-hook. The unorthodox shot helped “KAJ” win six NBA championships and a record six NBA regular season MVPs. Abdul-Jabbar transitioned effortlessly from an awe-inspiring athlete into a highly effective player reliant upon immense skill. One also has to praise Abdul-Jabbar for his overall level of durability. In 20 seasons, the former UCLA star failed to make the All-Star team only once. In a sport filled with giants, Kareem was the best big man of all-time.
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2. LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers – Small Forward
Career averages: 27.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 7.1 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.6 SPG
Individual Accolades: 3-time NBA Champion (2012, 2013, 2016), 3-time NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016), 4-time MVP (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), 14-time All-Star selection, 13-time All-NBA selection, 6-time All-Defensive selection, 2004 Rookie of the Year, 1-time Scoring Champion (2008)
Facing higher expectations than anybody that has played the game, LeBron James has delivered as well as anybody could have hoped. The versatile forward has done everything for the teams he has played for, and then some. His spotty record in the Finals will ultimately be his “downfall” in any sort of debate concerning his place among the all-time greats, but his impact on the court speaks for itself.
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1. Michael Jordan – Chicago Bulls – Shooting Guard
Career averages: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 BPG, 2.3 SPG
Individual Accolades: 6-time NBA Champion (1991-1993, 1996-1998), 6-time NBA Finals MVP (1991-1993, 1996-1998), 5-time MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998), 14-time All-Star selection, 11-time All-NBA selection, 1-time Defensive Player of the Year (1988), 9-time All-Defensive selection, 1985 Rookie of the Year, 10-time Scoring Champion (1987-1993, 1996-1998), 3-time Steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
Were you expecting anything different? His Airness reigns supreme over the basketball world, and is in contention for the greatest athlete (across all sports) of all-time. Equally impressive on the offensive and defensive sides of the floor, Jordan’s sheer dominance throughout the 90’s may never be seen again. With an unblemished 6-0 record in the Finals, it will take a Herculean effort to unseat the true King of the hardwood.
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