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The Definitive Guide to the Greatest NBA Players Ever

Who tops the list of the greatest NBA players ever? It is a question that sparks heated debates among basketball fanatics across the globe. The discussion is as old as the league. It considers statistics, championships, iconic moments and subjective opinions. As passionate fans and data nerds, we have scrutinized countless hours of game film. We have also participated in lively discussions and analyzed comprehensive data. I will now present what I believe is a definitive ranking of the greatest NBA players ever. Disagreements are expected, even welcomed. They are part of the fun. My goal is to offer a balanced perspective. I want to weigh both the undeniable statistical data and the unquantifiable elements that elevate players to legendary status. This list seeks to definitively answer who are the greatest NBA players ever.

Defining an NBA Legend: What Makes Them Great?

Before jumping into the rankings of the greatest NBA players ever, I want to establish the criteria. What separates a good player from a great one, and a great player from the absolute best? We considered these key factors:

  • Statistical Dominance: Points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Raw numbers are essential. Accumulation is not enough. These numbers must have context. We need to compare them to their contemporaries and the era in which they played.
  • Championships and Playoff Success: Winning counts. Multiple championships are important, especially when a player is the clear leader. Deep playoff runs and clutch performances are also vital.
  • Impact and Influence: Did the player transform the game? Did they inspire a generation? Did they make a particular style popular? Their influence, on and off the court, is essential.
  • Longevity and Peak Performance: Sustained excellence over a long career is valuable. A player who dominated for 15 years often ranks higher than someone whose prime was shorter.
  • The Eye Test and Intangibles: Subjective judgment matters here. The ability to take over a game, the unwavering desire to win and exceptional leadership are hard to measure but undeniably significant.

Honorable Mentions: NBA Greats Just Outside the Top Tier

Before revealing the top contenders for the title of greatest NBA players ever, I want to acknowledge some exceptional players who just missed my list. These basketball icons deserve recognition for their remarkable careers:

  • Oscar Robertson: A triple double machine, “The Big O” changed the point guard position.
  • Jerry West: “Mr. Clutch” was known for his prolific scoring and clutch playoff performances.
  • Bill Walton: An exceptional passer and defender whose career was cut short by injuries.
  • Elgin Baylor: An acrobatic scorer and rebounder, Baylor was among the league’s first true superstars.
  • Isiah Thomas: A fierce competitor and brilliant playmaker, Thomas led the Detroit Pistons to back to back championships.

Each of these players had remarkable careers and are rightfully considered legends. They show the incredible talent that has graced the NBA throughout its history.

Ranking the Greatest NBA Players Ever: The Top 10

The moment you have been waiting for is here. Prepare for debate! This is my ranking of the best to ever play the game, along with explanations for each selection.

10. Hakeem Olajuwon

“The Dream” was a defensive wall and an offensive innovator. His signature “Dream Shake” was nearly unstoppable and his shot blocking ability was unmatched. He carried the Houston Rockets to two championships in the mid 1990s. He silenced those who believed the Michael Jordan era was unbreakable. In 1994, he won the MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. I remember watching Hakeem in those finals. His grace and footwork were amazing for someone of his size. He had skill that set him apart.

  • 21.8 Points Per Game, 11.1 Rebounds Per Game, 2.5 Assists Per Game, 1.7 Steals Per Game, 3.1 Blocks Per Game
  • 12 time All Star, MVP, 2 time Finals MVP, 2 time Defensive Player of the Year, 6 time All NBA First Team, 9 time All Defensive Team and 2 time NBA Champion
  • Olajuwon’s unique skills, defensive dominance and championship pedigree secure his spot among the greatest NBA players ever.

9. Tim Duncan

“The Big Fundamental” was the definition of consistency and efficiency. Duncan was a dominant force on both ends of the court. He led the San Antonio Spurs to five championships. He mastered the fundamentals. He displayed exceptional post moves and defensive positioning. He was not flashy, but he was always effective. He was quiet, but his leadership was undeniable. He consistently elevated his teammates and cultivated a winning culture in San Antonio. I have always admired his selflessness and focus on his team. He never cared about personal awards. He remained focused on winning championships.

  • 19.0 Points Per Game, 10.8 Rebounds Per Game, 3.0 Assists Per Game, 0.7 Steals Per Game, 2.2 Blocks Per Game
  • 15 time All Star, 2 time MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year, 15 time All NBA Team, 15 time All Defensive Team and 5 time NBA Champion
  • Duncan’s long career, consistency and championship success secure his status as one of the best power forwards ever.

8. Larry Bird

Larry “Legend” Bird had exceptional all around skills, court vision and an unmatched competitive spirit. Bird led the Boston Celtics to three championships during the 1980s. He ignited a legendary rivalry with Magic Johnson that revitalized the NBA. He was famous for trash talking, but he always backed it up. He elevated his teammates and his passing was extraordinary. I remember watching his no look passes and wondering how he saw his teammate. He seemed to know what would happen and find open teammates. He may not have been the most athletic, but his basketball IQ was off the charts.

  • 24.3 Points Per Game, 10.0 Rebounds Per Game, 6.3 Assists Per Game, 1.7 Steals Per Game, 0.8 Blocks Per Game
  • 12 time All Star, 3 time MVP, 2 time Finals MVP, 3 time NBA Champion, 9 time All NBA First Team and 3 time All Defensive Second Team
  • Bird’s all around greatness, leadership and championship success make him one of the most influential players in NBA history.

7. Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain was a statistical freak. He still holds numerous NBA records. Some of those records will probably never be broken. He once scored 100 points in a single game. He averaged over 50 points per game for an entire season. He averaged over 27 rebounds per game for a year. He was physically unlike anyone the league had ever seen. The criticism against him is that he only won two championships, but his individual dominance is undeniable. His battles with Bill Russell are legendary. He changed what people thought was possible on the court. I have read many stories about his athleticism and strength. It is hard to really understand how dominant he was.

  • 30.1 Points Per Game, 22.9 Rebounds Per Game and 4.4 Assists Per Game
  • 13 time All Star, 4 time MVP, 2 time NBA Champion, Finals MVP, 7 time All NBA First Team, 2 time All Defensive First Team and Rookie of the Year
  • Chamberlain’s statistical greatness and physical gifts make him a unique and important player when considering the greatest NBA players ever.

6. Bill Russell

Bill Russell was the ultimate winner. He led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 years. It is an achievement that will almost certainly never be replicated. Russell was a defensive genius, a selfless teammate and a great leader. Personal statistics were not important to him. His only objective was winning. His battles with Wilt Chamberlain are iconic. He always performed at his best in the most critical moments. His influence extends far beyond the basketball court. He was a dedicated civil rights advocate who stood up for his beliefs. I really admire his dedication to social justice and his willingness to fight inequality.

  • 15.1 Points Per Game, 22.5 Rebounds Per Game and 4.3 Assists Per Game
  • 12 time All Star, 5 time MVP, 11 time NBA Champion, 4 time Rebounding Champion and All NBA Second Team
  • Russell’s unmatched championship record and defensive brilliance make him one of the sport’s greatest winners.

5. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal was a force of nature. His size and power were overwhelming. He controlled the paint like almost no one else. He won four championships. Three were with the Los Angeles Lakers and one was with the Miami Heat. He had a huge personality, on and off the court. His combination of size, skill and personality made him one of the most popular players.

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