The Greatest Players in NBA History, Ranked

Dwyane Wade’s story is amazing. He came from a broken home on the wrong side of Chicago. Turning to basketball to avoid illicit substances and gangs, he grew up idolizing and modeling his game after Michael Jordan. His diligence and desire saw him drafted by the Heat.

In his 15-year Miami career, he became one of the NBA’s best shooting guards and won three NBA titles. He’s Miami’s all-time leader in points, games, assists, steals, shots made, and shots taken.

George Gervin was scarily good back in the 1970s and ’80s. For more than a decade at the San Antonio Spurs, Gervin’s grace, efficiency, and ruthlessness ripped apart defenders with an insane array of jumpers, runners, and dunks — not to mention his famed finger-roll layup.

On April 9th, 1978, “The Iceman” lit the NBA on fire. Gervin scored 63 points against the Jazz… and he actually sat out during the fourth quarter, as well as some of the third. That’s just how good he was!

One of the NBA’s all-time great long-range shooters, Reggie Miller, ranks third in league history for three-pointers (2,560). This non-stop energizer bunny with a flair for the dramatic was best known for his gunslinging three-pointers, especially in pressure situations at the death known as Miller Time.

Against the New York Knicks, his perimeter shots earned him the nickname “Knick Killer.” He finished his 18-year Indiana Pacers career (1987-2005) on 25,279 points — 12th place on the league’s all-time scoring list.

Boston Celtics legend Kevin McHale spent his first six seasons as a valuable bench player, backing up forwards Cedric Maxwell and Larry Bird. But when he did get game time, McHale, Bird, and Robert Parish formed the best front-court trio in NBA history.

The power forward always had a happy-go-lucky attitude, but beneath the smile, he was basketball’s biggest contender. His long arms and legs, sharp elbows, and a dazzling array of post-up moves — including up-and-unders, step-throughs, and drop-steps — would quite literally destroy opponents.

Love him for his energy, athleticism, and jaw-dropping dunks — or hate him for his many turnovers, inefficient shooting stats, and questionable decision-making. Either way, there’s no denying Russell Westbrook is an absolute beast on the court.

Spending 11 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder, he became the NBA scoring champion in 2014-15 and 2016-17, being named NBA MVP in the latter. In 2020–21, with the Lakers, “Beastbrook” averaged a triple-double for the fourth time in five years, picking up the most career triple-doubles in the history of the NBA.

Okay, time for a quick history lesson. George Mikan was one of basketball’s early pioneers. The first genuinely dominant NBA big man, George was 6’10” and used his silky skills to maximum effect for the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1940s and ’50s — winning five NBA and two NBL championships.

He retired in 1956 as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 10,156 points. George was named the best basketball player of the first half of the 20th century by the Associated Press.

South African-born Canadian Steve Nash’s ability to shoot off the dribble and pick-and-roll wizardry was exemplary. While some balked at his two MVP awards, he led the NBA in assists and free throw percentage several times in his career. He’s also there or thereabouts when it comes to three-point shooting, total assists, and assists per game.

Yes, the world-class passer and dribbler should have taken on more shots for the Mavericks, Suns, and Lakers. But, one vital thing he did that often went unnoticed was improving every player around him.

Like Larry Bird, John Havlicek was a giant in Boston sports and overall NBA history. He joined the Celtics as a rookie from a highly successful Ohio State University collegiate program, won four titles in his first four seasons in Boston, and became one of the NBA’s all-time great sixth men.

In his 16 seasons in Massachusetts, “Hondo” became the Celtic’s all-time leading scorer. He’s one of only four players to have won eight NBA titles in their playing careers. Can you name the other three?

As a proper old-fashioned power forward, Elvin Hayes dominated in offense and defense. When faced with taller defenders, he’d rely on his trademark turnaround jump. He helped the Bullets to the 1978 title, and in his 16 seasons with the Rockets and Bullets, he missed only nine games (playing 50,000 minutes!)

Playing until he was 38, he earned the nickname “The Bionic Man.” He ranks third all-time in total points scored, trailing only Kareem and Wilt Chamberlain. When it comes to total rebounds collected, he sits behind only Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

What made Jason Kidd so good? Well, first, he could read the game like a Chess Grandmaster. His genius-level basketball IQ meant he always knew the right moment to pick a flashy pass and when to keep it simple.

He’s second on the NBA all-time lists in career assists and steals, and his rebounds made him a regular triple-double threat. As he got older, he got better, adapting his game to become an outside shooter. This added to his longevity and helped him win his only NBA championship… when he was 38!

Did you know that Kawhi Leonard has the highest winning percentage in NBA regular-season history, with a whopping 74.48%? Magic Johnson and Larry Bird occupy the second and third spots. Okay, his injury-plagued seasons with the Spurs, Raptors, and Clippers make that win percentage easier to come by.

However, he still averages 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Despite his most recent injuries, the Clippers re-signed the two-time NBA title winner and two-time Defensive Player of the Year to a four-year, $176 million contract.

“The Point God” spent his best years at the Los Angeles Clippers. Before his arrival, they hadn’t made the playoffs in 13 of their last 14 seasons. But, after Chris Paul and his vocal leadership style arrived, he turned the floundering franchise into a playoff regular. Thanks to him, they became known for their fast-paced offense, lob passes, and impressive alley-oop dunks.

“CP3” led the newly-titled Lob City Clippers to the playoffs in all six seasons with them. Sadly, he never won that team the NBA title.

Half man, half werewolf, Bob Pettit was born in 1932 and played for the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks between 1954 and 1965. In that time, he was an NBA All-Star in all 11 seasons and was named the NBA’s MVP twice. He was also the first-ever NBA player to reach 20,000 career points.

He only won one NBA championship (1958), also picking up Finals MVP after making 50 points and grabbing 25 rebounds. However, he’s rightly regarded as one of the game’s most lethal power forwards.

Bob Cousy was the first modern point guard. The original floor general could dribble, give quality passes, shoot jumpers, and corral his teammates like General Patton. But, that wasn’t the only trick he had up his shorts.

Known as the “Houdini of the Hardwood,” his mind-blowing array of never-before-seen ballhandling skills, creativity, and magic tricks like behind-the-back dribbles and shots from either hand hypnotized his opponents. A 13-time NBA All-Star and 1957’s NBA MVP, Bob Cousy helped the Boston Celtics to a staggering six NBA titles during his 13-year tenure.

Elgin Baylor changed basketball forever. In his 14 seasons with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers, the powerful forward was a gifted shooter (23,149 points), a strong rebounder (11,463), and a great passer. But “Rabbit” is best remembered for his trademark hanging jump shot.

In the decades to come, he would influence players from every generation. At the unveiling of Baylor’s statue at Los Angeles’ Staples Center in 2018, the late great Kobe Bryant told him, “I’ve stolen so many of your moves, it’s not even funny.” Elgin passed in 2021, aged 86.

Jamaican-American Patrick Aloysius Ewing was one of the legendary big men of the 1990s. In his 15 years with the New York Knicks, he helped lead them to 13 playoff appearances, including a trip to the 1994 NBA finals.

Sadly, he never won them a title but only because the Bulls and the Rockets dominated the decade. In addition to his Gandalf-like “Thou shalt not pass” reputation for shot-blocking (2,894), he scored 24,815 career points and caught 11,617 rebounds.

Karl Malone has to be one of the most indefatigable NBA players ever. His 36,928 career points place him third in NBA history behind only Kareem and LeBron.

He achieved this because, in 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz, he averaged 20+ points per game and played in all 82 regular-season games 10 times… never missing more than two games a season. The epitome of perseverance and consistency, Malone was a 14-time NBA All-Star and an 11-time member of the All-NBA first team.

“The Germanator” Dirk Nowitzki is one of the game’s most incredible power forwards and perhaps Europe’s best basketball player. With 31,560 points in the NBA, he ranks sixth on the all-time scoring list while his career averages are 20.7 points (38% 3PT), 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals.

“The Dunking Deutschman” played his entire 21-year for the Dallas Mavericks — leading them to 15 NBA playoff appearances, lifting the trophy in 2011, and winning Finals MVP.

Nicknamed “The Miami Greyhound” for his slender physical build, whippet-like speed, and instincts, Rick Barry was one of the most unstoppable scorers in basketball history. Fondly remembered for his unorthodox underhand “granny-style” free throw technique, he was among the best all-around players in three different leagues.

Barry is the only player to ever lead the NBA, NCAA, and ABA in points scored. His career .880 free throw percentage is the best in ABA history — while his .900 percentage was the best of any NBA player.

On the court, 11-time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson was one of his generation’s most free-flowing, bombastic scorers, and explosive lead guards. In the last 50 years, only Jordan, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James have outranked his average of 26.7 points per game.

But, that wasn’t his only impact. Off the court, he was not only a cultural icon but also a pioneer — from his cornrows to his sleeve of tattoos and even the jewelry that he donned. Despite the dress code that the NBA introduced thanks to Iverson himself, the icon continued to push the envelope and “took a beating for it” just so players can portray themselves exactly as they wish.

At 6’1”, most NBA players could fit “Zeke” in their pocket. Yet as soon as this soft-spoken gentleman stepped on the court, his lethal combo of natural talent and fierce competitiveness destroyed all-comers.

He was the face of the Bad Boys Pistons, who famously dumped Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls out of three consecutive playoffs in the late ’80s. Fellow Bad Boy John Salley recently said, “The greatest player I’ve ever played with is Isiah Thomas, and I have played with Michael. I have played with Kobe and Shaq.”

James Harden’s unmatched scoring ability and playmaking see him dominate teams every week. Described by some as the best scorer ever, this aging, controversial, and often hilarious left-hander currently sits on 23,675 points.

Known as “The Beard,” he’s one of only five players to lead the league in scoring and assists. His 23 50-point games and four 60-point games place him in the same breath as Jordan, Bryant, and Chamberlain. Only Harden, Jordan, and Chamberlain have averaged more than 34 points in multiple seasons.

Scottie started out as Robin to Michael Jordan’s Batman. Okay, this Boy Wonder might have been a less prodigious scorer, but he grew up to be one of the game’s best-ever defenders. Jordan didn’t win a championship until Pippen became a star.

Then, the Dynamic Duo won three straight titles (twice!), dominating the 1990s. In 1995, Pippen became the only second player in NBA history to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Best. Robin. Ever.

In the late 1980s, the San Antonio Spurs was the worst team in the universe. Then, they signed former college starlet David Robinson straight from the U.S. Navy. Nicknamed “The Admiral,” he led the Spurs to the most significant single-season turnaround in NBA history.

He ended his career as a two-time NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, and two-time Olympic Dream Team gold medalist. Luckily, Robinson also became a minority owner of the Texan franchise because the Spurs might not exist without him.

John Stockton is undoubtedly one of the top five point guards to ever grace NBA basketball. He ranks number one for assists and steals, as he retired with 15,806 assists (3,715 more than his closest rival) and 3,265 steals (581 more than the second-highest player) — two records that’ll likely never be beaten.

He spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz and helped the team from Salt Lake City make the playoffs in every one of his 19 seasons between 1984 and 2003.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the ultimate rags-to-riches story. Born in Greece to Nigerian parents, he grew up playing youth basketball for Filathlitikos in Athens. In 2011, he graduated to the club’s senior team. In 2013, he was included in the NBA draft, where he was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.

But, before the “Greek Freak” was 27, his seven-foot frame, speed, strength, and ball-handling skills had won him multiple league MVP awards and a championship ring. Some might say he’s the new face of the NBA.

Just like Tim Duncan, Moses Malone was one of the NBA’s and ABA’s most underappreciated players of all time. For 20 years between the mid-’70s and mid-’90s, he’d quietly but confidently go about his game, using his brute strength to batter the opposition down low and collecting more rebounds than Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Playing for 10 teams, Moses was a 12-time NBA All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA Team selection. He was nicknamed “The Chairman of the Boards” — thanks to his rebounding prowess.

“The Round Mound of Rebound” was as outspoken on the court as he is today as a TNT analyst. In his prime, his strength and explosiveness made him a prodigious scorer — ending his 16-year NBA career as only the fourth player to achieve 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.

That said, he was also a great playmaker and aggressive defender. Yet, despite being one of the all-time great power forwards for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, he never won a championship ring.

The Boston Celtics get a lot of hate, but no man hates them more than Jerry West. In all six championship finals he played against the Celtics, he lost them all.

Luckily, “Mr. L.A. Laker” is remembered more for his many wins against every other NBA team and his buzzer-beating 60-foot shot to tie Game 3 of the NBA Finals in 1970. You know the silhouette in the NBA logo? It was inspired and designed after this very picture of Jerry West. That’s how important he was back in the day.

With the size of a center and all-around skills of a guard, Kevin Garnett was a unicorn who helped revolutionize basketball. His intensity, defensive ability, and versatility allowed him to emphatically dunk, pass, defend and somehow lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals!

He finally found a team worthy of his talents when he switched to Boston in 2007. But, KG was also his own worst enemy. He took pride in elbowing, shoving, illegally screening, and smack-talking. Talk about an Uncut Gem!

Oscar Robertson was one of the most well-rounded offensive guards the game has ever seen. He saw little success with the Cincinnati Royals between 1960 and 1970 but all that changed the minute he teamed up with Lew Alcindor in Milwaukee.

His silky skills, tenacious attitude, and leadership helped the Bucks to their first NBA championship in his first season in Wisconsin. An absolute maestro of a playmaker, scorer, and rebound catcher, “The Big O” became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season.

Hailing from Lagos, Hakeem Olajuwon is the first overseas player on our list. This big man had it all. Drafted the same year as Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton, the seven-foot Nigerian ranks in or hovers around the all-time top 10 for points (26,946), rebounds (13,747), and steals (2,162).

Hakeem also ended his career as the league’s all-time leader in blocks (3,830). Twice named Defensive Player of the Year, it’s no wonder he was nicknamed “The Dream.”

Can you name a more modest, low-maintenance, and underrated star than Tim Duncan? “The Big Fundamental” was one of the best power forwards in the game, but he was so low-key, you could forget he was playing! That said, his win share speaks volumes.

Only Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have amassed more. His on and off-court humility belies the fact Timmy D won five championship rings. If he made a bit more noise, folk would have noticed he’s one of the best of his generation.

Before Michael Jordan, there was Julius Erving. A true superstar for the Virginia Squires and New York Nets, he made the ABA legit before joining the Philadelphia 76ers as part of 1976’s NBA-ABA merger.

His unbelievable athleticism, unrivaled ability to read the game, and cross the floor in a flash to hammer in dunks made him an All-Star every single season he played across both leagues. If “Dr. J” had joined the NBA before he was 26, his stats would surely land him in the top 10 of this list.

If Steph Curry hadn’t been a basketball player, he would have made a great sniper. NBA’s best-ever long-range marksman revolutionized basketball by moving the game back 25 feet from the rim, inspiring every team to attempt more three-pointers.

He regularly scores 50 points a game, single-handedly winning games for the Warriors. With 3,189 at the time of writing, Steph has scored the most three-pointers ever — and he’s got a few more years left in him yet. That’s why the Warriors handed him a $215 million four-year extension in 2022!

Kevin Durant is known for his prodigious scoring ability. He scores more easily than Brad Pitt at a bachelorette party. When attacking, KD’s surprising speed and agility (for a seven-footer), ball-handling, and jumping can hit opponents from any part of the court. When defending, he’ll block more shots than a prophylactic.

Yet, after 11 seasons writing himself into Seattle Sonics/Oklahoma City Thunder folklore, he’ll always be remembered for his Judas move to the sunnier climate and bigger paycheck of North California’s Golden State Warriors.

Shaq isn’t a man — he’s a bear crossed with a mountain. But it wasn’t just his size, strength, and larger-than-life personality that made him one of the greatest NBA centers. He was basketball’s most powerful, explosive, and potent force.

One of the game’s true entertainers, his on-court intelligence made him a once-in-a-generation talent. The best passing big man of his generation had it all in his toolbox. He scored 28,596 points (fifth all-time), blocked 2,732 shots (seventh all-time), and pulled down 13,099 rebounds (12th all-time).

Starting out as Shaq’s sidekick, Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers. There, he made the forward/shooting guard position his own. He won five NBA championships, was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA Team member, a 12-time All-Defensive Team member, the 2008 NBA MVP, and a two-time NBA Finals MVP.

Then, in 2020, disaster sadly struck. Kobe and his beloved 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, passed in a helicopter crash — along with six family friends, as well as the pilot.

Larry Bird’s statistics aren’t as impressive as others on this list, but that’s because his career was cut short by a back injury. Boston Celtics’ famed number 33 only played 897 games and played through the pain barrier in his last season.

Yet, the legendary swingman cemented himself as an all-time great, winning three NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, three NBA MVPs, and 12 NBA All-Star picks. The “Hick from French Lick” was one of the greatest playmakers, rebounders, pure shooters, and overall scorers in basketball history.

“The Secretary of Defense” played between 1956 and 1969. In that time, his shot-blocking, man-to-man defense, and average 22.5 rebounds per game won the Boston Celtics a record 11 championships. He was named the NBA’s MVP five times and made the All-Star Game 12 times. The only reason it wasn’t 13 times was that he was busy…

Busy leading the USA 1956 Olympic basketball team to the gold medal. Then, he guided the Celtics to their first NBA title in his rookie year before becoming a civil rights activist.

For more than a decade, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. was the face of one of the NBA’s greatest teams — the Los Angeles Lakers. As perhaps the most outstanding point guard of all time, Magic’s leadership and undying charisma guided the Lakers to five NBA championships during their 1980s Showtime era. But then, everything changed…

In 1991, Magic was forced to retire from basketball after receiving a serious diagnosis. Still, he did briefly return to play in the 1992 Olympic Dream Team.

Some might say Wilt Chamberlain is the best NBA player of all time. He holds a crazy number of NBA regular season records for scoring and rebounds. He remains the only player to score 100 points in a game and the only man to average more than 40 and 50 points in a season.

Wilt’s 23,924 rebounds are the most in NBA history. In one 1960 game against the Boston Celtics, he caught 55 rebounds. Oh, and during his 1,205-game career, he never fouled out of a game!

With a monumental 38,387 points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has topped the NBA’s all-time leaderboard for the last four decades. The 7’2” giant’s unrivaled record still stands today, thanks to his famous skyhook shots and rebounds dominating the game for 20 seasons.

In his 1,560 games, he was a record 19-time NBA All-Star and six-time NBA MVP. While Michael Jordan and LeBron James were appearing alongside Bugs Bunny in Space Jam, Kareem was kicking Bruce Lee’s butt in Game of Death!

LeBron’s still got game. He can still pass the ball like Magic, destroy opponents like Jordan, and has the highest basketball IQ of any player. “King James” has collected four NBA titles, four Finals MVPs, and four MVPs during his time with the Cavaliers, the Heat, and the Lakers.

In the 2021/22 season, he surpassed 37,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. But, can he surpass Kareem’s all-time points tally before he retires? If he does, he may well replace MJ as the GOAT.

NBA’s GOAT has to be Michael Jordan. His six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, and 14 All-Star don’t even come close to defining his legendary status. He was the sport’s fifth-highest scorer with 32,292 points, a top-tier defender, and — more often than not — unbeatable.

Seeing MJ destroy opponents for Chicago for more than a decade was like watching Russell Crowe disembowel gladiators in the Coliseum. He was also the global face of basketball and brought us Nike Air Jordan sneakers.