The NBA’s history is filled with amazing players, yet only a tiny fraction, less than 1%, are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. This selective process sparks endless debates, particularly when attempting to rank the greatest NBA players by position. These arguments occur everywhere. I will admit, rankings are subjective, yet that is what makes them interesting. Our team spent many hours watching games, studying statistics and debating player abilities to arrive at what we believe is a definitive ranking of the greatest NBA players by position. We evaluated individual accomplishments, team championships, lasting impact and general influence. Even if you disagree with our selections, I hope this generates discussion and provides a new perspective on these basketball legends.
Point Guards: Ranking the Greatest NBA Players by Position
The point guard role has changed greatly. Point guards have gone from primarily facilitators to dynamic scorers. The main job remains: top point guards control the tempo and lead their teams to wins.
1. Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is considered the best point guard ever. Many place him among the top five players in history. His impact is clear. Five NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, three regular season MVP awards and 12 All-Star selections highlight his greatness. His influence goes beyond awards. It encompasses his exciting style and amazing court vision. His legendary battles with Larry Bird defined an era and pushed the NBA to greater popularity. Magic also achieved success in business and championed HIV/AIDS awareness, further cementing his legacy. He transformed the point guard position.
2. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry transformed basketball with his incredible shooting ability. He is more than just a great shooter; he is arguably the greatest shooter in history. Four NBA championships, two MVP awards, including the first unanimous MVP and one Finals MVP award cement his place among the all-time greats. Curry’s influence is more than statistics. He inspired many young players to improve their shooting skills and forced defenses to rethink their strategies. His off-ball movement is captivating and his ability to create space is unmatched. He redefined basketball.
I remember watching Curry at Davidson. I immediately thought, “This kid is special.” I do not think anyone could have foreseen how successful he would become. He is a true game changer.
3. Oscar Robertson
“The Big O” was a statistical wonder. He averaged a triple-double for a whole season. Only Russell Westbrook has matched that since. One NBA championship, one MVP award and 12 All-Star appearances emphasize his remarkable career. Robertson dominated on both sides of the court. He excelled in every part of the game: scoring, rebounding and passing. He was a visionary, a point guard who could do everything. He was a fierce competitor and a true legend.
4. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Lord Thomas III, a two-time NBA champion and the 1990 Finals MVP, led the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys.” His toughness, leadership and performances in important situations defined his career. A twelve-time All-Star, he also led the league in assists one year, showing his exceptional skill. Thomas’s determination was contagious. It inspired his teammates to play with unmatched intensity. He was a master of the pick-and-roll, a brilliant passer and a fearless scorer.
5. Chris Paul
“The Point God” has directed offenses with great precision for years. He has not won a championship yet, but his influence is clear. A twelve-time All-Star, he has consistently led the league in assists and is widely considered one of the most intelligent players in the game, securing his legacy. Paul’s awareness on the court is outstanding and his ability to control the tempo is unmatched. He is great at hitting mid-range shots, is a tough defender and a respected leader.
Shooting Guards: The Purest Scorers
The shooting guard position is known for scoring. From high-flying dunkers to pure shooters, the best shooting guards have a natural ability to score.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is the standard for basketball players. His resume speaks volumes: six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, five regular season MVP awards, ten scoring titles and nine All-Defensive First Team selections. Jordan’s athleticism, skill and competitive spirit were unmatched. He was an unstoppable scorer, a tough defender and a fearless leader. He constantly sought perfection and became a global icon. The debate is over: he is the best.
2. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, one-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP and 18-time All-Star, was famous for his incredible work ethic. Bryant modeled his game after Jordan. He carefully improved his skills and demanded the same dedication from his teammates. His “Mamba Mentality” became a guiding principle. Bryant’s footwork was excellent, his shot-making was uncanny and his competitive drive was unmatched. Comparisons to Jordan were common and he came close to reaching that level.
I remember watching Kobe when he was a rookie. I was struck by his confidence. He never hesitated to take the big shot. He always believed in his ability to succeed.
3. Dwyane Wade
“Flash” brought great athleticism and skill to the shooting guard position. Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion and the 2006 Finals MVP, was a dominant force. Wade was an explosive scorer, a gifted passer and a tough defender. His ability to drive to the basket was unmatched. He performed well under pressure and was a respected leader. He joined LeBron James and Chris Bosh to form the “Heatles” and won two championships.
4. James Harden
James Harden, a scoring expert, transformed the game with his signature step-back three-pointer and ability to draw fouls. He is a one-time MVP and has won multiple scoring titles, showing his exceptional offensive skill. Harden’s offensive brilliance is clear. He manipulates defenses and creates scoring opportunities with ease. He draws fouls consistently and capitalizes at the free-throw line. His playoff success has been limited, but his impact on the game is undeniable.
5. George Gervin
“The Iceman” was celebrated for his smooth style and easy scoring. George Gervin, a four-time scoring champion and nine-time All-Star, was a dominant force in both the ABA and NBA. Gervin’s finger-roll layup was his signature move and a mesmerizing sight. He was a gifted scorer, a graceful athlete and an innovator. He was among the first high-scoring guards to consistently play above the rim.
Small Forwards: The Most Versatile Stars in the NBA
The small forward position requires versatility. Players must excel at scoring, rebounding, defending and creating opportunities for their teammates. The best small forwards are skilled in all areas of the game.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James has four NBA championships and has been named MVP four times. He is a four-time Finals MVP and a 19-time All-Star. James blends size, strength, athleticism and skill. He is a prolific scorer, a gifted passer and a tough defender. He is a leader on and off the court, using his platform to advocate for social change. His longevity is remarkable. He will retire as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
2. Larry Bird
Larry Bird, a three-time NBA champion, three-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP, was known for his exceptional basketball IQ, clutch shooting and competitive spirit. Bird’s passing skills were exceptional. His court vision was unmatched and his trash-talking was legendary. His rivalry with Magic Johnson revitalized the NBA during the 1980s. Bird anticipated plays with great accuracy and consistently made smart decisions. He understood the game.
3. Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen, a key player in the Chicago Bulls dynasty, was a defensive star and a versatile offensive weapon. Pippen has six NBA championships and was a seven-time All-Star. He was the best perimeter defender of his time. Pippen’s athleticism made him a tough opponent. He was a gifted passer and a selfless teammate. He complemented Michael Jordan.
4. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has two NBA championships. He is a one-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP and 13-time All-Star. Durant is one of the most skilled scorers in NBA history. He has a smooth jump shot and a great ability to create space. Durant is unstoppable when he is at his best. His unique combination of size and skill makes him a challenging matchup.
5. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor was an 11-time All-Star. He was a high-scoring forward known for his acrobatic moves. He never won a championship, but his impact on the game is clear. Baylor was an explosive scorer and a dynamic athlete. He transformed the small forward position.
Power Forwards: The Enforcers of the NBA
The power forward position requires toughness and skill in rebounding. Players must defend the paint and protect the rim. The best power forwards can also score.
1. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan has five NBA championships. He is a two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP and 15-time All-Star. Duncan’s fundamental skills and quiet leadership made him the foundation of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. Duncan was a dominant defender and a reliable scorer. He always put the team’s success first. His quiet manner made him a good role model.
2. Karl Malone
Karl Malone, a two-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, was known for his strength. He never won a championship, but his impact on the game is clear. Malone’s pick-and-roll partnership with John Stockton is iconic. He was a relentless competitor.
3. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki is an NBA champion, one-time MVP and 14-time All-Star. Nowitzki transformed the power forward position with his jump shot. Nowitzki’s fadeaway jumper was impossible to defend. He led the Dallas Mavericks to their only championship in 2011.
4. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley was an 11-time All-Star and one-time MVP. He was known for his entertaining and outspoken personality. He never won a championship, but his influence on the game is clear. Barkley’s combination of strength and skill made him a challenging matchup. He was fearless.
5. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett is an NBA champion, one-time MVP and 15-time All-Star. Garnett was known for his intensity. Garnett could defend multiple positions. He was a vocal leader and brought a winning attitude to every team.
Centers: The Anchors of the NBA
The center position is defined by size and strength. The best centers dominate the paint and control the boards.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has six NBA championships. He is a six-time MVP and 19-time All-Star. Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook was impossible to block. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Abdul-Jabbar’s combination of size and skill made him dominant. He was a true legend.
2. Bill Russell
Bill Russell has 11 NBA championships and has been named MVP five times. Russell’s defense led the Boston Celtics to an unprecedented run. Russell always put the team’s success first. He was the ultimate champion. He valued winning.
3. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was a statistical phenomenon. He holds numerous NBA records, including scoring 100 points in a single game. Chamberlain has two NBA championships and was named MVP four times. Chamberlain was a dominant force. Chamberlain was gifted. He changed the game.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal has four NBA championships. He is a one-time MVP and three-time Finals MVP. O’Neal’s size made him almost impossible to stop. O’Neal dominated the paint. He was charismatic.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon has two NBA championships. He is a one-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP. Olajuwon’s signature “Dream Shake” move was unstoppable. Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to consecutive championships.
The debate about the greatest NBA players by position will continue. These rankings reflect our view. We encourage you to form your own. The NBA has been blessed with talent. These players represent basketball excellence.
Vince Douglas Gregory is the ‘petulant puppet master’ of a sports media landscape addicted to scripted rage and performance art. As the architect of VDG Sports, he bypasses the corporate talking heads to expose the unfiltered truth behind the narratives.
An unstable thinker and astute scholar, Vince thrives on dismantling the mediocre click-bait addicts who trade reality for engagement. If you want boring stats, go elsewhere. If you want the raw reality of the game, you’re in the right place. Consider yourself warned.