The 10 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time

It’s time for Britannica—well, one editor at Britannica—to join the ongoing debate about the “greatest ever in [insert sport here].” We’re not a sports website, but this editor (hello!) has been watching sports for almost 30 years and debating them with friends for just as long. This list is, of course, very subjective, so don’t take it too seriously. Unless you agree with me, in which case, this is the most important thing I’ve ever written.

10. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

What? Is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history only ranked 10th? Yes, that’s right. While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored an incredible 38,387 points over his career, it’s hard to ignore that he spent much of his time playing alongside two of the greatest point guards ever, Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson. Plus, his career stats were boosted by his long playing career—about 20 years, not 10,000! Even so, he was an incredible player who dominated for two decades and perfected the sky hook, one of the most beautiful shots in basketball. He was hilarious in 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 always been a loyal fan of Seattle’s sports teams, I had a brief admiration for the San Antonio Spurs teams of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Sure, their slow-paced style of play could put you to sleep by the third quarter, but there was always something beautiful to watch—Tim Duncan’s bank shot. In his prime, Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental” (a nickname given by Shaquille O’Neal), was one of the most solid players ever. While his straightforward playing style and quiet personality may not have given him the same cultural impact as other legends, his four championships, 14 All-Star selections, and two NBA MVP awards prove his incredible skill.

8. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal played a very different style from Tim Duncan. While Duncan relied on skillful footwork to outmaneuver opponents in the post, Shaq used his immense size (7’1” and 315 pounds) to power his way to the basket. Once there, he’d often finish with a strong dunk, a tactic that helped him lead the NBA in field-goal percentage 10 times throughout his career. But O’Neal wasn’t just about strength—he was surprisingly agile for his size and had a soft touch with close-range jump shots. However, his free-throw shooting? Not so much.

7. Larry Bird

Despite his small-town background and the nickname “Hick from French Lick,” Larry Bird was one of the fiercest competitors and trash talkers in NBA history. Known for his incredible confidence, Bird had one of the quickest shot releases ever and often let defenders know his shot was going in as soon as it left his hands. Over his 13-year career, which was shortened by injuries, he won three championships and made 12 All-Star appearances. His rivalry with Magic Johnson in the 1980s helped elevate basketball to the national popularity that the sport still enjoys today.

6. Bill Russell

Bill Russell is widely considered the greatest winner in NBA history. In 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 achievements still stand out. Before he joined the Celtics, the team had never reached the championship series in its 10 years of existence. However, Russell quickly turned the team’s fortunes around, making the Celtics the most successful franchise in NBA history. Russell didn’t earn his place on this list just because of his winning record—he was also one of the toughest defenders ever, redefined shot-blocking, and averaged an impressive 22.5 rebounds per game throughout his career.

5. Oscar Robertson

Oscar Robertson, also known as “The Big O,” had a remarkable career that makes me wish to travel back in time to see him play. In the 1961–62 season, he made history by averaging a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. On top of his incredible stats, Robertson was also a 12-time All-Star and played a major role in bringing true free agency to the NBA through a landmark antitrust lawsuit. His impact on and off the court is just as impressive as his outstanding performances.

4. Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain played in an era when the competition was smaller, but his dominance on the court was so extraordinary that he deserves a spot in the top five. He holds the top four all-time NBA single-season scoring averages, and his incredible scoring achievements include a historic 100-point game on March 2, 1962—an NBA record that may never be broken. Chamberlain also grabbed more rebounds per game than Bill Russell, with an impressive 22.9, and he averaged more minutes played per game (45.8) than any player in NBA history. Even in 1970, when injuries limited him to just 12 games, Chamberlain still managed to lead his team to the NBA finals, proving his exceptional impact on the game.

3. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is not only one of the most charismatic personalities to ever play in the NBA, but his charm played a big role in the league’s surge in popularity during the 1980s. However, his talent went beyond his smile. Johnson’s incredible passing ability helped define the “Showtime” L.A. Lakers, who won five championships during his 13 years with the team. At 6’9”, he was the tallest point guard in NBA history and set the record for the most assists per game (11.2). Johnson’s versatility was also showcased when, as a 20-year-old rookie, he stepped in as a center in the 1980 NBA Finals and helped clinch the title. Aside from his basketball legacy, Johnson has made a significant impact off the court, living with HIV for over two decades, raising awareness about AIDS, and building businesses in underserved communities to promote urban revitalization. Magic Johnson is truly an inspiring figure both on and off the court.

2. Michael Jordan

I know this might upset some Chicago fans, but I don’t think Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever. He’s the most famous player, possibly the most important player, and his competitive drive is unmatched. Jordan’s determination helped him win six championships and five MVP awards and earn All-Star appearances in every full season he played. His career scoring average of 30.1 points per game is the highest in NBA history, and he’s often considered one of the best defenders ever. However, Jordan didn’t achieve all this alone—he had another top player in Scottie Pippen and was coached by the brilliant Phil Jackson during his prime years. While Jordan was incredible, he had a strong supporting cast, which sets him apart from others on this list. And, for fun, did you know the 2013 Seattle Seahawks had the best defense in NFL history?

1. LeBron James

LeBron James is often unfairly criticized as an overrated player, but he’s arguably the greatest basketball player ever to play the game. LeBron’s combination of size and athleticism is unmatched—he’s larger than many NFL players yet moves with the grace of a skilled guard. He has not only lived up to the “Chosen One” label given to him as a teenager but has exceeded all expectations. Unlike past legends, LeBron has had to navigate the intense pressures of modern media, something earlier players never experienced, and he does it easily. Throughout his career, LeBron has averaged 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Moreover, he’s done this against teams full of elite athletes, not players with less dedication. LeBron’s journey included taking a struggling Cleveland Cavaliers team to the NBA Finals at just 22 years old, and he has since won multiple championships with the Miami Heat. Over time, he has continuously improved his game, addressing earlier weaknesses. LeBron has shown us what it means to evolve and adapt, which is exactly what you want from the greatest player.

Conclusion

the debate over the greatest basketball players of all time will always be subjective, with each player bringing unique skills and accomplishments. From the dominance of Michael Jordan and LeBron James to the unparalleled skill of Magic Johnson and the sheer physicality of Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA has witnessed legendary talents who have shaped the sport. Whether it’s championships, individual awards, or their impact on the game, these players have earned their place in history. While opinions may differ on who holds the top spot, there’s no denying that these 10 athletes have left an indelible mark on basketball and continue to inspire future generations of players.

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