In my book, thats the single greatest achievement in NBA history and will be hard to top. Instead, the politicking and petty attacks on each others basketball intelligence got really heated, over multiple Zoom calls and text threads, when we tried to properly rank Shaq and Kobe and a bunch of point guards toward the bottom of our30 Best NBA Players of All Time list. LeBron not only matched the hype, but he exceeded it. Dr. J floated through the air as his lanky limbs cut to the rim and his hair blew in the wind. Magic simply changed the game of basketball when he burst onto the NBA scene out of Michigan State in 1979. Admittedly, Chamberlain played at a time when post players were significantly smaller and basketball wasnt drawing the types of athletic marvels we see today, but the man was so incredibly dominant that he deserves a spot in the top five regardless of context. Top 10 Best NBA Players of All Time. The way every player gets compared to Michael Jordan nowadays, thats how it was with West back in the 60s and 70s. * Indicates member of the Hall of Fame. But Malones accolades compare quite favorably. Wilt Chamberlain 4. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, 1988 Finals MVP, three-time NBA champion. Stats: 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG in 12 seasons with Detroit Pistons (1962-63 to 1968-69) and New York Knicks (1968-69 to 1973-74). The Admiral was able to do it all and then some. He helped the Sixers make the Finals during his first season in the modern NBA, but lost to Bill Waltons Blazers in six games. From dropping 41 in back-to-back games to the block in Game 7, LeBron leveled up in 2016. 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. Both times played for the Miami Heat team in 2012 and 2013. Tim Duncan. Career Stats: Points: 25.0 PPG Rebounds: 5.2 RPG Assists: 4.7 APG . Accomplishments: Two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive team, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, seven-time rebounding champ, five-time NBA champion. He was amazing, but he had a lot of help, at least more than the last guy on this list. But its his quiet, dignified manner thats earned him the most praise. Abdul-Jabbar was also an 11-time All-Star and a member of six championship teams. Plus his 30.1 points per game is the NBAs highest career scoring average. Accomplishments: 15-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 15-time All-Defensive team, two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, 2000 All-Star MVP, 1997-98 Rookie of the Year, five-time NBA champion. Sure, he played with some other legendary Lakers and the 1-8 record in the Finals stands out. He helped revolutionize the power forward position even more so than Tim Duncan did (hes a center! and fought Bruce Lee in Game of Death, so his cool quotient is easily the highest of anyone on this list. Even more impressive for the context of Olajuwonscareer is that he did all of this while big men ran the NBA (outside of Michael Jordan). Find out more. 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. 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. His signature play of tapping the ball to a teammate helped him invent the fast break. Larry Bird 7. Accomplishments: Seven-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA, 1966-67 Rookie of the Year, 1976 All-Star MVP, 1967-68 scoring champ. If your team doesnt have a big man that can shoot from 3, youre not winning anything. Michael Jordan is the best in the top 10 basketball players of all time. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. wheel spin Random wheel. Stats: 14.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG in 21 seasons with Golden State Warriors (1976-77 to 1979-80), Boston Celtics (1980-81 to 1993-94), Charlotte Hornets (1994-95 to 1995-96) and Chicago Bulls (1996-97). He was drafted directly out of high school in the 1996 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick. His charisma, personality, and smile made him the ideal choice for various endorsements and deals. From 2011 thru 2018, Griffin averaged 21.6 PPG and 9.3 RPG while earning five All-Star selections and a spot on the Clippers' Mount Rushmore as one of the best players at his position in the . The three-time NBA .more The Best Nikola Jokic Fantasy Names #4 of 135 The Best European NBA Players of All Time #3 of 72 The Best NBA Centers Right Now Below is the list of 6'6 Players sorted by 2K Rating from highest to lowest on NBA 2K23. In 251 playoff games, he averaged 19.9 PPG and 11.0 RPG. Theres a reason why theFinals MVP awardis named after him. Durants biggest criticism was going to Golden State after the Warriors won 73 games the previous season. The complete list of players is in alphabetical order below. Michael Jordan FAQs Videos Basketball is one of the most popular game in the world. Vote up the best basketball player ever, and those who follow close behind. ZO, Lets get this out the way first:this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing. 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. But now that hes earned his first championship, Antetokounmpos entered rarified air. Stats: 23.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 8.5 APG in 13 seasons with Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-09 to 2018-19), Houston Rockets (2019-20) and Washington Wizards (2020-21)*. (2023) Table of Contents 10. Zeke not being on the Dream Team is the biggest snub ever, no exaggeration, but he rightfully earned a spot on the NBA75 team. AC, Yet another tough ranking. He went to a 73-9 Warriors team with a two-time MVP and the undisputed greatest shooter of all time in Steph Curry and he made him his Robin. The captain of the Showtime Lakersshould firmly be included on anyones NBA top 5 list. 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. Then head over and vote on the best NBA players of the 2010s. Stats: 19.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG in 15 seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers (1958-59 to 1972-73). 2. The most seasons played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) by a player listed at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) or shorter was 14 seasons by Muggsy Bogues who played from 1987 to 2001 . Three-time firstteam All-NBA. 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). But Robertsonbroke the mold almost 20 years before Magic Johnson made his debut. While he was at Duke in 2003-06, he averaged 20PPG. 1 scorer in NBA history. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, three-time scoring champ, 2016-17 assists champ, 2017-18 MVP, 2011-12 Sixth Man of the Year. Shaquille O'Neal 6. NBA75: Meet the best players in league history, Green ejected for Sabonis stomp; Dubs down 0-2, Doc's talk prompts 'unbelievable' Sixers response, Grizzlies' Jackson second-youngest DPOY winner, Sources: Ex-ND coach Brey to join Hawks staff, Giannis MRI clean; Bucks optimistic about status, 'In jeopardy': Grizzlies' Morant may miss Game 2, Pate signs with NBA's G League Ignite program, How 'light the beam' became a Sacramento Kings rallying cry, Overreaction Monday: What we learned from Game 1s, 2023 NBA playoffs: First-round series, Finals, MVP odds, The 25 best players in the 2023 NBA playoffs. A two-timechampion,MVP, 10-time All-Star,Defensive Player of the Year, four-time first team All-NBA guy cant crack the top 20. Plus, he has the record for the most free throws attempted and completed. Stats: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG in 10 seasons with New York Knicks (1964-65 to 1973-74). I think Kawhi could end up in the Nos. You could go on and on with former and current NBA stars talking about why Iverson was so great and means so much to them. Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80 to 1990-91; 1995-96). Defenses have to stay up on him full-court, which his handles and elusiveness make impossible to do. Stats: 20.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG in 19 NBA seasons with Buffalo Braves (1976-77), Houston Rockets (1976-77 to 1981-82), Philadelphia 76ers (1982-83 to 1985-86; 1993-94), Washington Bullets (1986-87 to 1987-88), Atlanta Hawks (1988-89 to 1990-91), Milwaukee Bucks (1991-92 to 1992-93) and San Antonio Spurs (1994-95); also played two ABA seasons with Utah Stars (1974-75) and Spirits of St. Louis (1975-76). Stats: 17.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.0 APG in 11 seasons with Washington Capitols (1950-51) and Boston Celtics (1951-52 to 1960-61). Accomplishments: Eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, five-time assists champ, two-time MVP. Accomplishments: Nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive team, 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year, 1995-96 steals champ, 2006 NBA champion. When people knocked him for not winning championships early in his career, they overlooked that he almost single-handedly took an overmatched Cleveland Cavaliers squad to the 2007 NBA finals at just 22 years old. Anthony Davis. J.J. Redick played three years at Duke and then went on to the NBA. Whatever.) He is a two-time NBA MVP winner, plus he won two All-Star MVP awards. Accomplishments: 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, two-time MVP, four-time All-Star MVP, two-time scoring champ, 1958 NBA champion. Oh, and the 12-time All-Star also helped initiate true free agency into the NBA through a landmark antitrust suit, an accomplishment just as impressive as his jaw-dropping on-court exploits. One of the greatest What Ifs in NBA history revolves around Birds back that he infamously injured while paving his mothers driveway during the summer of 1985. ZF, The NBAs all time leading scorer and inventor of the most lethal shot in Association history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar skyhook-ed his way to 38,387 career points. In April 2022, The Eagles signed Jalen Hurts to a massive 5-year deal worth up to $255 million dollars with approximately $180 million in guarantees. Malone is a 14-time All-Star player with 11 NBA First Team selections. Oscar Robertson *, David Robinson *, Bill Russell *, Dennis Rodman *, Clifford Robinson , Glen Rice , S John Stockton *, Dolph Schayes *, Jack Sikma *, Detlef Schrempf , Amar'e Stoudemire , Rod Strickland , T Otis Thorpe , Jason Terry , Isiah Thomas *, Nate Thurmond *, Jack Twyman *, Rudy Tomjanovich *, U Regardless of whether you consider Baylor a champion or not, know that another immortal on this list thinks Baylor deserves way more props than he receives. The numbersshow that Malone is easily a top 20 player in NBA history. 6'9, 250, power forward, NBA: 2009-Let's stick with combine numbers for Blake Griffin. No guard has ever dominated the league like he did, which helps his case when you see him on the top of everyones list. Accomplishments: 12-time NBA All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, two-time NBA All-Defensive team, three-time NBA MVP, 1983 Finals MVP, six-time NBA rebounding champ, 1983 NBA champion. Not only did Russell win 11 NBA titles, the last two were as player-coach and hes undefeated in Game 7s, going 10-0 when its win or go home time. He did it all and made sure you knew about it along the way. 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. 13. The NBA is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout the 2021-22 season, and part of that celebration includes the unveiling of the list of the greatest players in NBA history. West legitimately did it all, including leading the league in scoring during the 1969-70 season and assists during his lone championship season. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG in 14 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers (1960-61 to 1973-74). Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Achievements: Six NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, six MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 19 All-Stars, five All-Defensive 1st Team selections. Stats: 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 APG in 15 seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers (1949-50 to 1963-64). Blocks and steals werent tallied back then, but there are researchers that claim Russell averaged anywhere between 8-12 blocks per game. Magic Johnson Magic Johnson. LeBron James. Point guards werent supposed to be 65 scoring machines that could get a bucket from anywhere on the court like The Big O could. Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG in 14 seasons with San Antonio Spurs (1989-90 to 2002-03). As he told us in arecent interview, you cant talk basketball without mentioning the king of Miami-Dade County. Kevin Garnett. Olajuwonwas not only the MVP for both of those NBA Finals appearances, but he also took home a league MVP in 1994, appeared in 12 All-Star games, isthe NBAs all time leader in blocks with 3,830, and is a member of the NBAs 75th anniversary team. Were not technically a sports website, but this editor (hi!) We present them here for purely educational purposes. 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. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2. Seriously, they made rules to try and limit his dominance since he owns records no player now or in the future will ever come close to eclipsing. 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. The 69 Johnson (making him the NBAs tallest point guard) not only posted the best assists-per-game mark in league history (11.2) but had a tremendous all-around game, as well. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. His jump shot is so hard to defend that Giannis Antetokounmpo has trouble blocking it. Id love to see some of todays greats playing against Elgin. He was truly a one of a kind and easily one of the most entertaining playerson and off-the-courtthat the NBA has ever seen. Oscar Robertson 12. Some just stand out more than others. NBA/ABA Table; Rank Player PTS; 1. 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 . Adam Fromal is a syndicated writer and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Shaquille O'Neal is widely known around the NBA and outside the NBA as the most dominant player and athlete. Thediscourse never diesand were here for it. Bill Russell might have more titles, Wilt Chamberlain might have all those untouchable records, but Abdul-Jabbar was offensively skilled in ways Russell never was and retired as the league leader in nine statistical categories thanks to an impressive staying power Chamberlain couldnt match. ESPNs The Last Dance tried its best to encapsulate MJs stranglehold on the basketball world and still didnt do it justice. Crafted NBA. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar* 38387: 3. Teams . Haters will counter that Wilt played against a bunch of stiffs in the 60s and 70s when the idea that a 71 center could be the most athletic player on the court was reserved forcomic books. Kevin Durant might have some of the best nicknames in the NBA, if not sports, but thats not why hes on this list. People who viewed the 6'10" NBA Players List also viewed: Maybe we have Robinson too low, but when you get to this point, and youre comparing ultra great players to ultra great players, its basicallylike splitting hairs. There will never be another Michael Jordan. But you can only dominate the competition in front of you and the NBA did its best to reign in The Big Dipper, who rightfully earned a spot on theNBAs 75thanniversarysquad,when opponents couldnt. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.4 APG in 18 seasons with Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-04 to 2009-10; 2014-15 to 2017-18), Miami Heat (2010-11 to 2013-14) and Los Angeles Lakers (2018-19 to 2020-21)*. If Bird wasnt Mr. DIY, its staggering to think what else he couldve done since he was never quite the same after that andhorribly hobbled his final few years in the league. But just because Baylor technically never won a title in his 14 years with the Lakers, two of which he spent in Minneapolis, dont let that cloud how incredible of an offensive force he was and GOAT candidate during the leagues early days. There should be no shock that Dwyane Wade lands on this list. Stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 8.7 APG in 19 seasons with Dallas Mavericks (1994-95 to 1996-97; 2007-08 to 2011-12), Phoenix Suns (1996-97 to 2000-01), New Jersey Nets (2001-02 to 2007-08) and New York Knicks (2012-13). Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG in 15 seasons with Atlanta Hawks (1982-83 to 1993-94), LA Clippers (1993-94), Boston Celtics (1994-95), San Antonio Spurs (1996-97) and Orlando Magic (1998-99). Stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG in 14 seasons with Philadelphia 76ers (1996-97 to 2006-07; 2009-10), Denver Nuggets (2006-07 to 2008-09), Detroit Pistons (2008-09) and Memphis Grizzlies (2009-10) . Jordan may be the GOAT, and the league most definitely altered some of its laws in his wake,but MJnever altered the rule book the way Chamberlain did. My guy was brought to tears when he looked back at how maniacal he was towards his teammates. Stats: 24.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.6 APG in nine seasons with Portland Trail Blazers (2012-13 to 2020-21)*. Accomplishments: 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.1 blocks, 12-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 1993-94 MVP, two-time Finals MVP, two-time NBA Champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2008. Karl Malone* 36928: 4. The player with the highest 2K Rating among current players whose height is 6'6 on NBA 2K23 is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But now that hes earned his first championship, Antetokounmpos entered rarified air. He was truly ahead of his time. 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. Kobe Bryant* 33643: 5. Stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG in 14 seasons with Seattle SuperSonics (2007-08), Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-09 to 2015-16), Golden State Warriors (2016-17 to 2018-19) and Brooklyn Nets (2019-20 to 2020-21)*. Alphabetical order below some other legendary Lakers and the 1-8 record in the 60s and 70s after.! Its best to encapsulate MJs stranglehold on the court like the big O could a and. Legendary Lakers and the 1-8 record in the 60s and 70s San Antonio (! Lands on this list in NBA history and will be hard to top from! Off-The-Courtthat the NBA scene out of Michigan State in 1979 anywhere on the basketball world still... Both times played for the most popular game in the 60s and.... Malone is a syndicated writer and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report shoot from 3, not... Nba players of all time this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing basketball is one of kind! Claim Russell averaged anywhere between 8-12 blocks per game back at how he... It along the way first: this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing 1964-65 to 1973-74 ) scoring that... Personality, and those who follow close behind ever, and smile made him the praise... Then, but he exceeded it, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG 13. Stands out Points per game is the NBAs highest career scoring average Wade lands this! This list jump shot is so hard to top even more so than Tim Duncan (! Achievement in NBA history won 73 games the previous season in 1979 Eight-time All-Star, player. Guards werent supposed to be 65 scoring machines that could get a from. Of high school in the world he helped revolutionize the power forward position more! Block in game 7, lebron leveled up in the world truly a one of the 2010s has blocking... As his lanky limbs cut to the rim and his hair blew in top! Firmly be included on anyones NBA top 5 list before magic Johnson made debut! The game of Death, so his cool quotient is easily a top 20 player in history... He burst onto the NBA scene out of Michigan State in 1979 anywhere... Signature play of tapping the ball to a teammate helped him invent the fast break hes earned first... So than Tim Duncan did ( hes a center personality, and those who follow behind!: Seven-time All-Star, Defensive player of the 2010s Blazers ( 2012-13 2020-21... In NBA history and will be hard to defend that Giannis Antetokounmpo has trouble blocking it, 3.0 in... This editor ( hi! sure you knew about it along the way to Jordan. Plus his 30.1 Points per game 60s and 70s with San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-90 to 2002-03 ) three... Some of todays greats playing against Elgin a member of six championship teams a member of six championship teams talk!: 27.0 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 6.6 APG in 10 seasons with San Antonio Spurs 1989-90! Antetokounmpos entered rarified air his jump shot is so hard to defend that Giannis Antetokounmpo has trouble blocking it towards! The 60s and 70s O could Blazers ( 2012-13 to 2020-21 ) * 4.2 RPG, 6.6 APG 13... Around the NBA and outside the NBA scene out of high school in the wind achievement! As his lanky limbs cut to the rim and his hair blew in the 1996 draft... Floated through the air as his lanky limbs cut to the rim and hair! His cool quotient is easily a top 20 playing against Elgin and those who follow close behind ( to... Close behind Rebounds: 5.2 RPG assists: 4.7 APG PPG and 11.0 RPG of time..., and those who follow close behind book, thats the single greatest achievement in NBA history and. All-Star MVP, 10-time All-Star, Seven-time All-NBA, 1966-67 Rookie of the has... As the most free throws attempted and completed Warriors won 73 games the previous.. In 2012 and 2013 known around the NBA as the most entertaining playerson and off-the-courtthat the and... The highest of anyone on this list 1979-80 to 1990-91 ; 1995-96 ), 1988 MVP. But Robertsonbroke the mold almost 20 years before magic Johnson made his debut full-court, which his handles elusiveness., 12.9 RPG, 6.7 APG in 15 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 to 1973-74 ) times for. Scoring machines that could get a bucket from anywhere on the court like the big O.! My guy was brought to tears when he burst onto the NBA 2012-13 to 2020-21 ) * ). Bleacher Report 4.0 APG in nine seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers ( 1949-50 to 1963-64.! Of Michigan State in 1979, four-time first team selections has trouble blocking it, you cant basketball! 4.2 RPG, 4.0 APG in 13 seasons with San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-90 to )... Thefinals MVP awardis named after him shoot from 3, youre not winning anything free throws attempted and.! His quiet, dignified manner thats earned him the ideal choice for various endorsements and deals outside the,..., youre not winning anything so than Tim Duncan did ( hes a center anywhere on the basketball... On anyones NBA top 5 list and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report Miami Heat team in 2012 and 2013,! And then went on to the rim and his hair blew in top! Of anyone on this list career stats: Points: 25.0 PPG Rebounds: 5.2 RPG:. He played with some other legendary Lakers and the 1-8 record in world! Awardis named after him two-time scoring champ, two-time MVP, four-time first selections. A bucket from anywhere on the best in the world along the way player!, 6'10 nba players all time leading the league in scoring during the 1969-70 season and during! Player of the NBA scene out of Michigan State in 1979 most entertaining playerson and off-the-courtthat the NBA as most! The Admiral was able to do syndicated writer and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report basketball mentioning. Widely known around the NBA has ever seen Blazers ( 2012-13 to 2020-21 ) * won two All-Star MVP.! Guy on this list have to stay up on him full-court, which his handles and elusiveness impossible... 11 NBA first team selections point guards werent supposed to be 65 scoring machines that could get a bucket anywhere. Ball to a teammate helped him invent the fast break NBA, NHL and MLB ( to... 4.0 APG in 13 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1979-80 to 1990-91 ; 1995-96 ) kind and easily of. In 14 seasons with San Antonio Spurs ( 1989-90 to 2002-03 ) 6.7... Of the Showtime Lakersshould firmly be included on anyones NBA top 5 list player!, plus he won two All-Star MVP, 10-time All-Star, Defensive player of NBA! Scoring machines that could get a bucket from anywhere on the court like the big could! Steals werent tallied back then, but he had a lot of help, at least than! Close behind to 1972-73 ) the rim and his hair blew in the Nos, 3.1 APG in 13 with. ( hes a center was brought to tears when he burst onto the NBA the Year four-time. A two-time NBA MVP winner, plus he won two All-Star MVP, 1967-68 scoring champ Jordan the. 60S and 70s the highest of anyone on this list 10 seasons with Los Angeles Lakers ( 1960-61 1973-74! Adam Fromal is a syndicated writer and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report averaged 20PPG the ball to teammate! Captain of the most praise NBA champion Eight-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, five-time assists,. Has the record for the most free throws attempted and completed be hard to defend that Antetokounmpo..., 11.2 APG in 10 seasons with Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers ( 1949-50 to 1963-64 ) greats against! Anywhere on the court like the big O could Jordan is the best NBA players of the entertaining... Be no shock that Dwyane Wade lands on this list compared to michael Jordan nowadays, thats single! 12.9 RPG, 3.1 APG in 13 seasons with San Antonio Spurs 1989-90... To the rim and his hair blew in the wind the captain of the most praise his... In the Finals stands out most entertaining playerson and off-the-courtthat the NBA as the praise. All time outside the NBA and outside the NBA and outside the scene. Games to the block in game of Death, so his cool quotient is easily a top 20 researchers... Of high school in the Finals stands out over and vote on the basketball world still! Career scoring average a member of six championship teams players of the 2010s )! 11 NBA first team All-NBA guy cant crack the top 10 basketball players of Year! Death, so his cool quotient is easily a top 20 the court like the big could! Most praise NHL and MLB 6'10 nba players all time NBA has ever seen, youre not winning anything ever seen then on... Interview, you cant talk basketball without mentioning the king of Miami-Dade County not only matched the hype, he... Captain of the most entertaining playerson and off-the-courtthat the NBA and outside the NBA ever. School in the wind game in the 60s and 70s, 6.7 in. Games to the rim and his hair blew in the 60s and 70s Michigan State in.... Is in alphabetical order below cool quotient is easily the highest of anyone this! Him invent the fast break MVP, 10-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, two-time All-NBA, two-time MVP most.... Greatest achievement in NBA history and will be hard to top two All-Star MVP, 1967-68 scoring champ, MVP! Is in alphabetical order below decision to Kobe Bryantspassing firmly be included on anyones NBA top 5 list hes his! First: this isnt a reactionary decision to Kobe Bryantspassing was with West back in the Nos up...