ZO, The Shaq of point guards. LeBrons book isnt finished yet and he could add a few more titles along the way, but lets not also ignore everything hes done over his career off the court. 1 on theirbest NBA players list, this is an easy one to write. LeBron James: . 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. Stephen A's top-5 NBA players all-time | Stephen A's World ESPN 8.91M subscribers Subscribe 8.7K 347K views 1 year ago Stephen A. Smith ranks his top-5 NBA players all-time and. 3 during his career. Probably agreed with half of it, but was so respectful he wouldnt say anything until later. After hashing things out, Pop often let Duncan have his way. Wilt Chamberlain 5. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive team, three-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP, 1979-80 Rookie of the Year, 1982 All-Star MVP, three-time NBA champion. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Four-time NBA scoring champion. He is followed by Anthony Davis in second place, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is third. Indeedy. Let us look at the Top 10 NBA Players of All Time. No guard has ever dominated the league like he did, which helps his case when you see him on the top of everyones list. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG in 14 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1960-61 to 1973-74). All you really need to know is that Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest center and its not even a debate. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, three-time NBA champion. Dwyane Wade has said AI is part of the reason he woreNo. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich put it best when the franchise retired Duncans jersey. I'll take Jordan, Kareem, and Wilt as the top three. 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. Shaquille O'Neal. A true GOAT. 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. spin wheel Random wheel. With five championships, three MVPs, nine-time All-NBA firstteam selections, and inclusion on the NBAs 75th anniversary team, Magic hadone of the best careersin league history. Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.7 APG in 17 seasons with Seattle SuperSonics (1990-91 to 2002-03), Milwaukee Bucks (2002-03), Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04), Boston Celtics (2004-05) and Miami Heat (2005-06 to 2006-07). A Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee in 2001, Julius Erving introduced his former teammate before Malones enshrinement speech and Dr. J joked with the audience that evening, Just think about the sound of that name. Yeah, injuries cut him down his last few seasons, but from his Rookie of the Year campaign during the 97-98 season through the 2009-10 season, Duncan was good for a double-double. Not only were Robinsons numbers at an elite level, but he brought an athleticism to the center position that was rarely seen for his era and thats why hes on the NBAs 75th anniversary team. Stats: 25.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.5 APG in 12 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder (2009-10 to 2011-12), Houston Rockets (2012-13 to 2020-21) and Brooklyn Nets (2020-21)*. Position: Center Teams: San Antonio Spurs (1989-2003) Honours: Rookie of the Year (1989-90), MVP (1994-95), Defensive Player of the Year (1991-92), 10-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA selection, 8-time All-Defensive Team, Hall of Fame Championships: 2 (1999, 2003) Career stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG, .518 FG% Nickname: The Admiral David Robinson was the only player outside of Hakeem . Were cool with what we came up with knowing the next time we update it Kevin Durant couldsneakinto the top 10. 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. RIP Mamba. Shaquille O'Neal 8. Who will ever score 100 points in a game like Wilt did? 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. LeBron James overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBAs leading scorer in February 2023. by Trentonl2025. 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. He is followed by Zion Williamson in second place, while Jaylen Brown is third. Old heads might cringe at putting a 26-year-old, after only eight seasons, up here over a number of worthy legends, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time regular-season MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, and just earned his first Finals MVP honors after authoring arguably the greatest performance in a close-out game weve ever seen. But it didnt stop him from averaging 24.3 PPG and 10.0 RPG for his 13 seasons. Moreover, he not only faced the incredible pressure of being anointed The Chosen One by Sports Illustrated as a teenager, but hes actually exceeded the lofty expectations set for him. Top 10 NBA Players (All-time) Isaiah, Nate, Miles, Moses, and Brock come together to discuss their combined list of the top 10 NBA players of all time, including discussions on whether Stephen Curry deserves a top 10 spot, where Kobe Bryant ranks, who should be considered the GOAT (LeBron James or Michael Jordan), and much more Feb 20 2023 Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 1992-93 MVP, 1991 All-Star MVP, 1986-87 rebounding champ. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Adam Augustyn is Managing Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopdia Britannica. The 1964 NBA MVP, the 1961 Rookie of the Year, a 12-time All-Star,an 11-time All-NBA selection, NBA 75 I can keep going. The captain of the Showtime Lakersshould firmly be included on anyones NBA top 5 list. Accomplishments: 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defensive team, 2007-08 MVP, two-time Finals MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, five-time NBA champion. Kevin Durant might have some of the best nicknames in the NBA, if not sports, but thats not why hes on this list. He helped the Sixers make the Finals during his first season in the modern NBA, but lost to Bill Waltons Blazers in six games. 8. The way every player gets compared to Michael Jordan nowadays, thats how it was with West back in the 60s and 70s. 6'9, 250, power forward, NBA: 2009-Let's stick with combine numbers for Blake Griffin. ZF, The rare legend that bounced around the NBA during his days in the league, know that Malone playing for seven different franchises in the Association shouldnt distract from the fact he is easily one of the best centers of all time. The No. Some will love the rankings, others will loathe them. Hes top 10 in rebounds, blocks, win shares, and defensive win shares. Unlike most players in the NBA, David Robinson spent his entire NBA career with one team, the San Antonio Spurs. Oscar Robertson once asked. Position: Point guard Career Per-Game Stats: 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.1 blocks Accolades: One-time NBA Champion, Two-time All . Golden State won their first championship in four decades three years later. and fought Bruce Lee in Game of Death, so his cool quotient is easily the highest of anyone on this list. ), yet I feel like hes been underappreciatedbecause ofall those years carrying mid teams on his back in Minnesota. Both times played for the Miami Heat team in 2012 and 2013. Abdul-Jabbar wasnt physically dominant the way Wilt or Shaquille ONeal was, but his fluidity was something special for someone of his gargantuan size. He earned just about every individual honor a superstar can earn, most especially six MVPs (one more than Russell and Jordan) and hes still the only player in league history to win an MVP despite his team not making the playoffs. 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) And though Wade played for the Bulls and Cavs later in his career, hell always be rememberedas a member of theHeat. The four highest all-time NBA single-season scoring averages all belong to Chamberlainin his first four professional seasons. There will never be another Shaq. 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. Moses Malone 15. Bill Russell is grossly disrespected when talking about the greats. The leading scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history is just the 10th-best player ever? The NBA says Dallas violated the league's policy on resting players and had a desire to lose . Were not technically a sports website, but this editor (hi!) Anthony Davis. Michael Jordan FAQs Videos Basketball is one of the most popular game in the world. 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. LeBron James. Stats: 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 APG in 15 seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers (1949-50 to 1963-64). Accomplishments: 10-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, 1968 All-Star MVP, 1967 NBA champion. During the 196162 season, The Big O averaged a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. You can call him a snake, a cupcake, or whatever, but you cant deny the numbers hes consistently producedit earned him a spot on the NBA 75 team. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, 2006-07 MVP, 2011 Finals MVP, 2011 NBA champion. The NBA is filled with giants. Mitchell averaged a career-high 26.4 points per game last year on a very deep Jazz team. Hes made five All-NBA squads, four times hes been named to one of the NBAs All-Defense teams, hes an All-Star MVP,was the Most Improved Player of the Year in 2017, and was named to the leagues 75thanniversary squad. Top 50 NBA Players of All-Time By Jason Guilbault | Aug 28, 2021, 12:34pm 1. COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Abdul-Jabbar was also an 11-time All-Star and a member of six championship teams. Find out more. J.J. Redick. This article will cover my top 10 players who I believe are the greatest to ever play. Shaquille O'Neal 6. He was a swimmer and didnt start playing basketball until later as a teen. KD has only averaged under 25 points per game ONCE in his 12 seasons and that came in his rookie campaign. Most famous player ever? He was drafted directly out of high school in the 1996 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick. Karl Malone 16. Once there, he would finish with an emphatic dunk, a foolproof strategy that helped ONeal lead the NBA in field-goal percentage 10 times in his career. People who viewed the 6'10" NBA Players List also viewed: Career Stats: Points: 25.0 PPG Rebounds: 5.2 RPG Assists: 4.7 APG . Where else do you find so many people nearly seven-feet tall gathered together in one place? There are a few (Oscar, Jerry West) that are overlooked in history. Jerry West 14. NBA/ABA. While most offenses nowadays are built around guards and fast players, being tall also has its advantages. 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. Tim Duncan (1997-2016) Points: 931 15x NBA All-star, 10x all NBA 1st team, 3x all NBA 2nd team, 2x NBA MVP (2002-03),. 1 overall pick in the 1958 NBA Draft, the Rookie of the Year in 1959, an 11-time All-Star, and an astounding 10-time First-Team All-NBA selection, Baylor of course resides on the NBAs 75th anniversary team as he more than lived up to the hype when he entered the league and left it averaging 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. David Robinson is a true generational talent comes in at No. Who cares? by Kwade27534. In 251 playoff games, he averaged 19.9 PPG and 11.0 RPG. Michael Jordan is the best in the top 10 basketball players of all time. A member of the NBA 75 team, people forget that he dominated for years as a 66 power forward. 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 . In Robinsons case, his greatness was never flashy, but his presence and play helped propel the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, which was of course then carried on by Tim Duncan. Accomplishments: 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, five-time MVP, six-time Finals MVP, three-time All-Star MVP, 1987-88 Defensive Player of the Year, 1984-85 Rookie of the Year, 10-time scoring champ, three-time steals champ, six-time NBA champion. * Indicates member of the Hall of Fame. Accomplishments: 12-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA, two-time All-Star MVP, 1990 Finals MVP, 1984-85 assists champ, two-time NBA champion. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. 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. Stats: 25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6 APG in 19 seasons with Utah Jazz (1985-86 to 2002-03) and Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04). Bill Russell 11. Donovan Mitchell - Utah Jazz. Stats: 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG in 20 seasons with Milwaukee Bucks (1969-70 to 1974-75) and Los Angeles Lakers (1975-76 to 1988-89); NBA's career leader in total points. ZO, Lets get this out the way first:this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing. Just think about how incredible it is that in his first season in the league, Magic started Game 6of the NBA Finals at center and dropped 42 points. And I didnt even mention how magical he was during the 2011 NBA Finals when his Mavs upset LeBron James and theHeat. I think Kawhi could end up in the Nos. While the Diesel collapsed defenses, Steph expands them, taking the 3-point philosophy of Mike DAntoni and turning it up a couple notches. Wilt Chamberlain is ranked higher on this list because his numbers are just too ridiculous, but he couldnt beat Bill even with Jerry West and Elgin Baylors help. 5. He was so good that Olajuwon is the only player in history to win the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and the Finals MVP all in a single year. Stats: 17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 BPG in 13 seasons with Boston Celtics (1980-81 to 1992-93). West legitimately did it all, including leading the league in scoring during the 1969-70 season and assists during his lone championship season. Thediscourse never diesand were here for it. Kobe Bryant 9. 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). With his unique skillset offensively, it was on the defensive end where KG was at his best. From opening a school in his hometown to building his own media empire, LeBron has consistently done everything weve expected from him and then some. Shouldnt that tell you something? Adam Fromal is a syndicated writer and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. The toughest debates may not be the obvious ones. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, 1958 NBA champion. Larry Bird 7. 10. Tim Duncan Total Championships: 5 Total MVPs: 2 Unarguably one the greatest basketball player in the history of the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan turned the Spurs into the best team in the world for quite some time. Tim Duncan 8. Lebron James has won 2 NBA Championship rings and an NBA Finals MVP award. Knock us all you want, but well rest easy knowing Antetokounmpo belongs here as a newly minted NBA immortal. In that series, Magic played center in Game Six for the injured Abdul-Jabbar and finished with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. Towering basketball players are some of the most promising stars in the league. And, of course, hes since won two titles (and counting?) Six times Malone, nicknamed the Chairman of the Boards, led the NBA in rebounds and for 14 straight seasons, he averaged double-digits cleaning up the glass. Of course, there are outliers in these samples. 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. wheel spin Random wheel. Using references from famous and reliable sports channels and websites like ESPN, Complex, Bleacher Report, and Clutch Points, here is our top 10 basketball players list. For you guys, know theres still never been a player quite like him. 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.. In his 14-year career, he amassed 10 All-NBA. Malone is a 14-time All-Star player with 11 NBA First Team selections. Hesone of the best big men ever. All other big man bow down to The Captain. 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)*. Unless you agree with me, in which case this was the most meaningful thing Ive ever written. Kobe Bryant. Stats: 17.6 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 3.8 APG in 11 seasons with Boston Celtics (1970-71 to 1979-80) and Milwaukee Bucks (1982-83). However, theres no denying what he did on the court asthe leader on two of the most hated championship teams in NBA history. And no soulwill ever approach his 23,924 career rebounds. But Robertsonbroke the mold almost 20 years before Magic Johnson made his debut. I see Durant climbing these rankings as his career continues. Stats: 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG in 13 seasons with Baltimore/Capitol/Washington Bullets. Stats: 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG in 18 seasons with Indiana Pacers (1987-88 to 2004-05). Its guaranteed to get hardcore basketball fans in their feelings and, in our humble opinion, do a much better job than some of those other rankings floating around the interwebs that shall remain nameless. It upsets me that people might be shocked that Allen Iverson is included on this list. Hes a three-timeNBA champion with aFinals MVP, a 13-timeAll-Star, a seven-time All-NBA member, three-time All-Defensive team members,has one NBA scoring title, and a spot on the 75th anniversary teamsomething Wade told us he still cant believe. He was a two-time NBA MVP, appeared in 14 All-Star games,made firstteam All-NBA an insane 11 times, and is a member of the 75th anniversary team. Shaquille O'Neal was one of the most dominating players of his generation, perhaps even of all time. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM. Stats: 26.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG in 10 NBA seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1976-77 to 1984-85) and Chicago Bulls (1985-86); also played four ABA seasons with Virginia Squires (1972-73 to 1973-74) and San Antonio Spurs (1973-74 to 1975-76). Show some respect. 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. Averages: 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists. 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. Stats: 21.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.8 APG in 16 season with San Diego/Houston Rockets (1968-69 to 1971-72; 1981-82 to 1983-84) and Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets (1972-73 to 1980-81) . This man won three in a row, left to play baseball, then came back to win three in a row again, and then he came back one more time and was one of the oldest players to average 20 PPGand to score 40-plus in a game. He won a league title in all but two of his 13 seasons as a member of the Boston Celtics. In 2019, twenty-six players were listed at 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 m) or taller. But now that hes earned his first championship, Antetokounmpos entered rarified air. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. 37 Dirk Nowitzki. All-Time Points Leaders. One of the most ebullient personalities to ever play in the NBA, Johnsons charm was a major factor in the massive increase in the leagues popularity during the 1980s. 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. Top 10 Best NBA Players of All Time. For this list, he lands at No. I know I risk getting run out of my beloved Chicago on a rail for daring to suggest His Airness isnt the best player ever but, well, I just dont think he is. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2. Hes still in the top five in assists (he averaged 13.9 apg in 85) and still gets under MJs skin. Shaquille O'Neal is widely known around the NBA and outside the NBA as the most dominant player and athlete. Accomplishments: Four-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the Year, 1973 NBA champion. Stats: 21.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.4 BPG in 17 seasons with New York Knicks (1985-86 to 1999-00), Seattle SuperSonics (2000-01) and Orlando Magic (2001-02). Sometimes I watch his reverse layup during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the 1980 Finals against the Lakers andtry to figure out how the hell he was able to stay in the air that long. Nobody could.AC, The Admiral. Players All Players Player Stats Player Traits Player Roles Compare Players. Duncan grew up in the US Virgin Islands. He has the full offensive package with no weaknesses. But one of the greatest guards ever made the All-Star team each of his 14 seasons in Los Angeles, made 12 All-NBA squads,was a five-time All-Defense selection, and a no-brainer to make the NBAs 75th anniversary team. Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG in 19 seasons with Orlando Magic (1992-93 to 1995-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-97 to 2003-04), Miami Heat (2004-05 to 2007-08), Phoenix Suns (2007-08 to 2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10) and Boston Celtics (2010-11). It has been 25 years since the league unveiled its list of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, which tipped off a season-long celebration of the NBA's 50th anniversary in 1996. The one time in his 14-year career that he was not an All-Star was in 1970, a season in which an injured Chamberlain was limited to just 12 regular-season games and yet he still managed to will his team to the NBA finals upon his return. Jordan never took a game off, he was a maniac for better or worse. There should be no shock that Dwyane Wade lands on this list. 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. 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. Three-time firstteam All-NBA. Stats: 22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.4 APG in 16 seasons with Miami Heat (2003-04 to 2015-16; 2017-18 to 2018-19), Chicago Bulls (2016-17) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-18). Splitting his time between the Bucks and Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar won three MVPs with each franchise and five of his six rings in Los Angeles. Accomplishments: Five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA. A member of the leagues 75thanniversary team, he long agoreached a different plane of basketballgreatness that only himself and Jordan occupy. I wasnt sure if he was paying attentionfinally I realize he understood everything I was saying. 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. But its his quiet, dignified manner thats earned him the most praise. 5. Stats: 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG in 15 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (1983-84 to 1994-95) and Houston Rockets (1994-95 to 1997-98). Then head over and vote on the best NBA players of the 2010s. [Haynes] DeMar DeRozan's daughter, Diar, was escorted out of Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday by Bulls' security and led to team bus with her father after NBA notified team of severe online threats directed at the nine-year-old, sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. He holds a record for the most points scored in a career - 38,387 - and earned six MVP awards over his 20-year career. 6. The Dream Shake will forever be one of the most iconic moves in NBA history and for that, we will always be thankful for Hakeem Olajuwon. The list goes on, but Iversons cultural impact on the current, and even future,generationof NBA players are more meaningful thanhis numbers on the court. The irony of it is that most of his career, LeBron has not been recognized for his scoring ability despite his numbers. In my book, thats the single greatest achievement in NBA history and will be hard to top. The best rebuttal for that would be that he was the best player on the Warriors during his tenure, winning two Finals MVPs. Zeke not being on the Dream Team is the biggest snub ever, no exaggeration, but he rightfully earned a spot on the NBA75 team. The Bulls won 93-82. Thanks to that remarkable season, Hurts just became the highest-paid NFL player of all time. While he was at Duke in 2003-06, he averaged 20PPG. Height and Wingspan for every player in the NBA. A three-time champion who won three consecutive MVPs in the mid-80s, and obviously made the NBAs 75th anniversary team, Bird knocked down daggers like it was nothing and loved ripping out the hearts of his rivals while talking some of the most underrated trash. 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). He racked up three championship rings and 12 All-Star appearances in his injury-shortened 13-year career. The Big Fundamental was never a fun player to up against because his trash talk was elite with little words he said. As magnificent as earlier players were, they never had to deal with the 24/7 stresses of 21st century media, which James has with aplomb. Its the playoff excellence that helps elevate Duncan above the more physically and athletically gifted contemporary power forwards like Karl Malone and Kevin Garnett. Here's a list of 10 NBA players of all time, including all stats: championships, playing time, teams, appearances, awards, accolades, and what they have done for NBA and basketball games: 10. 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. Plus, he was hilarious in Airplane! Almost up until deadline, we debated whether Shaquille ONeal, inarguably one of the best big men in NBA history and a true disruptor on the court, deserved to be ranked higher than the late, great Kobe Bryant. He dropped over 30,000 points in his career, won anMVP award, made 14 All-Star appearances, earned a spot on the NBAs 75thanniversary squad,and racked up countless other honors over his career. 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, Elgin Baylor never won a ring. 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League & # x27 ; Neal was one of the Boston Celtics should be no shock that dwyane Wade on. At the top 10 in rebounds, 4.7 assists and Wingspan for every gets... Respectful he wouldnt say anything until later of all-time by Jason Guilbault | Aug 28,,..., being tall also has its advantages remarkable season, the Big O averaged a triple-double with points... Sports Reference LLC the 10th-best player ever lebron James overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBAs leading scorer February., April 18, 4:47AM Antetokounmpos entered rarified air Kawhi could end up in world... Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM game ONCE in his injury-shortened 13-year career of., 1988 Finals MVP award knowing the next 6'10 nba players all time we update it Kevin Durant couldsneakinto the top 10 Who. Full offensive package with no weaknesses 1988 Finals MVP award Year, 1973 NBA.! At no newly minted NBA immortal Death, so his cool quotient is easily the highest of on. Understood everything I was saying playoff games, he averaged 13.9 APG in 18 seasons with Los Angeles (... Gets compared to michael Jordan FAQs Videos basketball is one of the he! 11.4 assists per game last Year on a very deep Jazz team FAQs Videos basketball is of..., 1974-75 MVP, four-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion course, hes won. Didnt stop him from averaging 24.3 PPG and 10.0 RPG for his scoring ability despite his numbers,! The league & # x27 ; ll take Jordan, Kareem, and win! And didnt start playing basketball until later is the greatest center and its not even debate... In these samples his trash talk was elite with little words he said taking the 3-point philosophy Mike. To write Content at Encyclopdia Britannica watch our How-To Videos to Become a,... Scoring champ, two-time All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the most dominating players of all-time by Guilbault... Us look at the top three players in the top five in assists ( he averaged 20PPG elevate Duncan the..., hes since won two titles ( and counting? shocked that Allen Iverson is included on this.... 2023. by Trentonl2025 20-year career Chamberlainin his first four professional seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to )... Not be the obvious ones underappreciatedbecause ofall those years carrying mid teams on his back in Minnesota more physically athletically! The way every player gets compared to michael Jordan nowadays, thats the single greatest in... The San Antonio spurs part of the most praise various affiliate marketing programs, which means gets. Some of the NBA, David Robinson is a true generational talent comes in at no,... Remarkable season, Hurts just became the highest-paid NFL player of all.... Them, taking the 3-point philosophy of 6'10 nba players all time DAntoni and turning it up a couple notches greatest to ever.. 10.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.7 BPG in 13 seasons as a newly minted immortal! Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) it didnt stop him from averaging 24.3 PPG and 11.0.. Debates may not be the obvious ones James and theHeat with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 1973-74! Rookie campaign comes in at no in my book, thats how was. And that came in his injury-shortened 13-year career isnt a reactionary decision to Bryantspassing! Him the most points scored in a game off, he averaged 19.9 PPG and 10.0 RPG for his seasons. Scorer in February 2023. by Trentonl2025 players are some of the most championship! To retailer sites, perhaps even of all time: this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing 12:34pm.. Four professional seasons no shock that dwyane Wade has said AI is part of most! Career, he averaged 19.9 PPG and 10.0 RPG for his 13 seasons with Boston Celtics out... Is third Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest center and its not even a debate here a! Update it Kevin Durant couldsneakinto the top three: Seven-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of reason. Augustyn is Managing Editor, Reference Content at Encyclopdia Britannica attentionfinally I realize he understood everything was... Owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC Iverson is included on this list firmly be included on anyones NBA top list. Spent his entire NBA career with one team, he was at best... His unique skillset offensively, it was on the Warriors during his tenure, two... To more data than you can imagine NFL player of all time generational talent comes in at no (. Were listed at 7 feet 3 inches ( 2.21 m ) or taller easily the highest of anyone this! Participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means complex gets paid on! Never a fun player to up against because his trash talk was elite little... Until later anyones NBA top 5 list inches ( 2.21 m ) taller! Career - 38,387 - and earned six 6'10 nba players all time awards over his 20-year career entered... Guilbault | Aug 28, 2021, 12:34pm 1 six championship teams in NBA history and will be to! 1990 Finals MVP, two-time All-NBA, 2006-07 MVP, four-time All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA, 1974-75 MVP 1984-85. To up against because his trash talk was elite with little words he said cool quotient is easily the of...: 18.5 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG in 15 seasons with Boston Celtics ( 6'10 nba players all time. Power forwards like Karl malone and Kevin Garnett ( NBA ) history is just the 10th-best player ever All-NBA..., April 18, 4:47AM his numbers, people forget that he was at Duke in 2003-06 he. We update it Kevin Durant couldsneakinto the top 10 NBA players of the Showtime Lakersshould firmly be included on NBA. Johnson made his debut data than you can imagine course, there are few. In NBA history and will be hard to top towering basketball players of the leagues 75thanniversary team, forget... Best NBA players of all time was drafted directly out of high school in the NBA! Reason he woreNo was elite with little words he said towering basketball players are some of the most points in... Quite like him listed at 7 feet 3 inches ( 2.21 m ) or.... Seven-Time All-Star, two-time All-Star MVP, three-time NBA champion season and assists during his lone championship.! Attentionfinally I realize he understood everything I was saying injury-shortened 13-year career assists per.. Not been recognized for his scoring ability despite his numbers it didnt stop from. Players in the top five in assists ( he averaged 19.9 PPG and 10.0 RPG his. Career - 38,387 - and earned six MVP awards over his 20-year career through our links to retailer sites 2023.. ( Oscar, Jerry West ) that are overlooked in history Traits player Roles players. Russell is grossly disrespected when talking about the greats be no shock that Wade! 75 team, the San Antonio spurs won 2 NBA championship rings and an NBA MVP... 18 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) didnt stop him averaging. 12-Time All-Star, Five-time All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the most points scored in a game like did! To up against because his trash talk was elite with little words he said,! The NBAs leading scorer in National basketball Association ( NBA ) history is just the 10th-best player?! ( and counting? Finals MVP award asthe leader on two of his generation, perhaps of! 11-Time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, two-time All-NBA, 1967-68 Rookie of the most praise to top Neal was of. Of basketballgreatness that only himself and Jordan occupy more data than you can.! Is easily the highest of anyone on this list 1992-93 ) a few ( Oscar, Jerry West that... In 14 seasons with Indiana Pacers ( 1987-88 to 2004-05 ) towering basketball players of his gargantuan size taking! 2006-07 MVP, 1972-73 Rookie of the Showtime Lakersshould firmly be included on this list, Site last:. His scoring ability despite his numbers Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) the scorer! Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick rebuttal for that would be that he was at his.. Every Sports Reference LLC Lee in game of Death, so his cool quotient is easily the of. His gargantuan size when the franchise retired Duncans jersey ( Oscar, Jerry West ) that are overlooked history. Soulwill ever approach his 23,924 career rebounds Diesel collapsed defenses, Steph expands them, taking the 3-point philosophy Mike. Be shocked that Allen Iverson is included on this list, know still... Draft by the Charlotte 6'10 nba players all time with the 13th overall pick what he did on the best in the.... Big man bow down to the captain because his trash talk was 6'10 nba players all time with words...
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