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It’s time for an editor at Britannica to chime in on the ongoing debate about the “greatest ever in [insert sport here].” While we’re not a sports website, this editor (hello!) has been watching sports for almost 30 years and engaging in debates about them with friends for just as long. Of course, this list is highly subjective, so don’t take it too seriously. Unless, of course, you agree with me— in that case, this is undoubtedly the most important thing I’ve ever written.
10. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Wait, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history is only ranked 10th? Yep, you read that right. While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar racked up an incredible 38,387 points over his career, it’s hard to ignore that he played alongside two of the greatest point guards ever—Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson. Plus, his remarkable longevity boosted his career stats—about 20 years, not 10,000! That said, he was undeniably an extraordinary player who dominated for two decades and perfected the sky hook, one of the most graceful shots in basketball. On top of that, he brought humour to Airplane! and fought Bruce Lee in Game of Death, making him the coolest player on this list.
9. Tim Duncan
I have a confession: even though I’ve been a lifelong fan of Seattle’s sports teams, I couldn’t help but admire the San Antonio Spurs teams of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Their slow-paced style might’ve put you to sleep by the third quarter, but there was always something hypnotic about Tim Duncan’s bank shot. At his peak, Duncan—nicknamed “The Big Fundamental” by none other than Shaquille O’Neal—was one of the most dependable players ever. While his quiet demeanour and no-nonsense playing style may not have earned him the same cultural impact as other legends, his four championships, 14 All-Star selections, and two NBA MVP awards speak volumes about his extraordinary skill.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan had vastly different playing styles. While Duncan relied on skilful footwork to outmaneuver defenders in the post, Shaq used his immense size (7’1” and 315 pounds) to dominate the paint. Once near the basket, he’d often power through with a thunderous dunk, a strategy that helped him lead the NBA in field-goal percentage 10 times. But O’Neal wasn’t just about brute force—he was remarkably agile for his size and had a soft touch on close-range shots. His free-throw shooting, though? Not so much.
7. Larry Bird
Despite his small-town roots and the nickname “Hick from French Lick,” Larry Bird was one of the NBA’s fiercest competitors and most legendary trash talkers. Known for his unshakable confidence, he had one of the quickest shot releases in history—often telling defenders his shot was going in the moment it left his hands. Throughout his 13-year career, cut short by injuries, Bird secured three championships and earned 12 All-Star selections. His iconic rivalry with Magic Johnson in the 1980s played a crucial role in elevating basketball to the national stage, a legacy the sport continues to enjoy today.
6. Bill Russell
Bill Russell is widely regarded as the greatest winner in NBA history. During his 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, he won a championship in all but two of them. While the NBA had fewer teams back then, which made winning easier for some franchises, Russell’s dominance remains unmatched. Before his arrival, the Celtics had never reached the championship series in their first 10 years—but Russell transformed the franchise, turning it into the most successful in NBA history. His legacy isn’t just about winning; he was one of the toughest defenders ever, redefined shot-blocking, and averaged an astonishing 22.5 rebounds per game throughout his career.
5. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, famously known as “The Big O,” had a career so legendary that it makes me wish I could travel back in time just to watch him play. In the 1961–62 season, he made history by averaging a triple-double, putting up 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. Beyond his incredible stats, Robertson was a 12-time All-Star and played a pivotal role in securing true free agency for NBA players through a landmark antitrust lawsuit. His impact on and off the court is just as remarkable as his extraordinary performances.
4. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain played in an era with smaller competition, but his unmatched dominance on the court cements his place in the top five. He holds the top four all-time single-season scoring averages and achieved one of the greatest feats in NBA history—a 100-point game on March 2, 1962, a record that may never be broken. Chamberlain also outperformed Bill Russell in rebounds, averaging an astonishing 22.9 per game, and played more minutes per game (45.8) than any player in NBA history. Even in 1970, when injuries limited him to just 12 games, he still led his team to the NBA Finals, proving his exceptional impact on the game.
3. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson wasn’t just one of the most charismatic figures in NBA history—his charm played a major role in the league’s surge in popularity during the 1980s. But his brilliance went far beyond his smile. Johnson’s unparalleled passing ability defined the “Showtime” L.A. Lakers, leading them to five championships during his 13-year career. At 6’9”, he was the tallest point guard in NBA history and still holds the record for most assists per game (11.2).
2. Michael Jordan
I know this might upset some Chicago fans, but I don’t believe Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever. He’s undoubtedly the most famous, possibly the most important, and his competitive drive was second to none. His relentless determination led to six championships, five MVP awards, and All-Star selections in every full season he played. With a career scoring average of 30.1 points per game—the highest in NBA history—he’s also regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever. However, Jordan didn’t do it alone. He had Scottie Pippen, another elite player, and was coached by the brilliant Phil Jackson during his prime.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is often unfairly criticized as overrated, but he’s arguably the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. His combination of size and athleticism is unmatched—bigger than many NFL players, yet he moves with the grace of a skilled guard.
LeBron didn’t just live up to the “Chosen One” label given to him as a teenager—he surpassed all expectations. Unlike past legends, he has navigated the intense pressures of modern media effortlessly, something earlier players never faced. Over his career, he has averaged 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game—all against teams full of elite athletes, not lesser competition.
His journey includes leading a struggling Cleveland Cavaliers team to the NBA Finals at just 22, and later winning multiple championships with the Miami Heat. LeBron has continuously improved, addressing his early weaknesses and adapting his game over time. He embodies what it means to evolve, dominate, and redefine greatness.
Conclusion
The debate over the greatest basketball players of all time will always be subjective, as each player brings unique skills and accomplishments to the game. From the dominance of Michael Jordan and LeBron James to the unmatched skill of Magic Johnson and the sheer physicality of Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA has been shaped by legendary talents.
Whether through championships, individual awards, or overall impact, these players have cemented their legacy in basketball history. While opinions may differ on who deserves the top spot, one thing is certain—these 10 athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport, continuing to inspire future generations of players.
