Ranked: The Best NBA Players Of All Time

In 1949, the National Basketball Association was formed by a merger of the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America. Since then, the NBA has delivered countless incredible games and introduced us to so many men who are skilled on the court.

As much as they all deserve to have their talents acknowledged, there have been thousands of people who have played for the Association over the years. The question is: are these the best NBA players of all time? They just might be.

Jaylen Brown has been fairly consistent for the Celtics since he joined

• Position: Shooting guard / small forward 
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Boston Celtics
• Career Length: 2016 - present
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA All-Star, All-NBA second team, Freshman of the Year

The 2021-22 season was a good time for the Boston Celtics, with the team reaching the NBA finals. Would they have made it there without the help of Jaylen Brown? We can’t say anything for certain, but there’s no denying that the two-time NBA All-Star has certainly been a huge asset to the team at times.

The man has been playing for them since 2016 when he was the 3rd overall pick in the first round of the NBA draft. He came out of college as the Freshman of the Year in the Pac-12 Conference, so it’s no wonder he was considered quite a hot commodity. Now, almost 500 games into his career, that hasn’t changed.

Ja Morant’s continued improvement on the court is being noticed

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Memphis Grizzlies
• Career Length: 2019 - present
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year 2020, NBA Most Improved Player 2022

It’s a good sign when you get named NBA Rookie of the Year, as Ja Morant was in 2020. Just one year into his professional basketball career and already people could tell that he was one to watch. Things have only gotten better since then, too, with Morant being named NBA Most Improved Player in 2022, demonstrating his growth.

In the last few years, he’s been selected to play in the NBA All-Star game, something that we could see continuing to happen as he sharpens his skills on the court. The Memphis Grizzlies are lucky to have him, and it’s no wonder he was selected as the 2nd overall pick during the 1st round of the NBA draft.

Jamal Murray was integral to the Denver Nuggets achieving their championship win

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 7th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Denver Nuggets
• Career Length: 2016 - present
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, averaged over 20 points and ten assists per game in an NBA Finals series

After just one season of college basketball, the NBA had their sights set on Jamal Murray. He ended up being the 7th overall pick in 2016, with the Denver Nuggets becoming his new home. That’s a decision we doubt they regret, given the part he played in getting the team to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023.

Becoming the NBA champion was likely a dream come true for Murray, whose passion for basketball reportedly began when he was a few years old. His achievements don’t stop there either, with Murray one of the few to average over 20 points and ten assists per game in an NBA Finals series. Only three other men have reportedly managed that.

Donovan Mitchell had the highest-scoring game for a player in over 15 years

• Position: Shooting guard / point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 13th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Career Length: 2017 - present
• NBA Achievements: 4x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Rookie First Team 2018, Slam Dunk Contest winner 2018, highest-scoring game for a player since 2006

The 13th overall pick during the 2017 NBA draft, Donovan Mitchell has wasted no time proving himself. He’s featured in the NBA All-Star game every year since 2020, coming off the back of the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018. That was the same year that he impressed with his dunking skills, winning the beloved Slam Dunk Contest.

Mitchell has had some remarkable achievements throughout his career, including setting an NBA season-high in January 2023 when he managed 71 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists. He helped the Cleveland Cavaliers to an overtime win against the Chicago Bulls, finishing with the highest-scoring game for any player since 2006. The man is a certified star, alright.

Damian Lillard knows how to make the big shots when it counts

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 6th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks
• Career Length: 2012 - present
• NBA Achievements: 7x NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year, 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic gold medalist

When you’re unanimously voted for something, it’s usually a good sign. That was certainly the case for Damian Lillard when it came to the NBA Rookie of the Year award, which he won after his first season with the Trail Blazers. People were impressed with the man, and his performance since then proves they were right to be.

Now a seven-time NBA All-Star, he’s repeatedly demonstrated his skills by coming in clutch with his game-changing shots. That talent helped to earn him a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and scored him a place on the NBA 75th Anniversary team. More than a decade into his career now, he’s definitely earned icon status.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has fought back from injury to show why he’s a star

• Position: Point guard / shooting guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 11th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Los Angeles Clippers / Oklahoma City Thunder
• Career Length: 2018 - present
• NBA Achievements: NBA-All Star, All-NBA First Team 2023, 31.4 points per game average 2023

Despite being selected as the 11th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander never actually played for the team. He was transferred to the Los Angeles Clippers that same day. It’s with the Oklahoma City Thunder that he’s really made a name for himself, though, becoming their leading scorer in his first year, scoring 10.8 points per game.

Although injuries held him back a little after that, he’s come back fighting recently, leading to him landing his first NBA All-Star game in 2023. He was also selected for the All-NBA First Team when his point average of 31.4 per game meant he came fourth in the league. The future definitely looks even brighter for this star.

Allen Iverson racked up achievement after achievement during his NBA career

• Position: Shooting guard / point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, Beşiktaş J.K.
• Career Length: 1996 - 2011
• NBA Achievements: 11x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Rookie of the Year 1997, NBA Most Valuable Player 2001, 7th highest career scoring average

People generally hope to have a long career when they’re drafted in the NBA, and that’s certainly something Allen Iverson achieved. He played 14 seasons for various teams in the Association, being an NBA All-Star for 11 of them between 2000 and 2010. On two of those occasions, he was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP.

Iverson’s career started off in excellent fashion, with him being named the NBA Rookie of the Year. Four years later, he was deemed the NBA Most Valuable Player, which is understandable given he also won the NBA scoring title that year. He ultimately managed a career average of 26.7 points per game, putting him seventh on the all-time leaderboard.

Scottie Pippen turned the Chicago Bulls into superstars with his exceptional skills

• Position: Small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 5th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Torpan Pojat, Sundsvall Dragons
• Career Length: 1987 - 2004, 2008
• NBA Achievements: 6x NBA champion, 7x NBA All-Star, NBA steals leader 1995, 75th Anniversary Team, 2x Olympic gold medalist

Before Scottie Pippen came along, the Chicago Bulls weren’t much of a championship team. However, the small forward - with the aid of Michael Jordan - managed to turn that around and help the NBA become as beloved as it is today. With the team, Pippen ended up winning the NBA championship six times, and that wasn’t the result of luck.

During his time with the Bulls, he was also a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA steals leader in 1995, managing 2.9 steals per game that season. As if all that wasn’t enough, he won consecutive gold medals at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games and was included in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

Anthony Davis is considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history

• Position: Center / power forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 2012 - present
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, 8x NBA All-Star, 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic gold medalist

For the last few years, Anthony Davis has been showcasing his skills with the LA Lakers, something that many dream of when it comes to the NBA. With them, he became the NBA champion in 2020, and the following year was selected for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. However, the Lakers haven’t always been his team.

Back in 2012, he was the 1st overall pick for the New Orleans Hornets, where he later made it onto the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Davis actually scored plenty of achievements during his time with the Hornets, from earning an Olympic gold medal in 2012 to becoming the youngest player to score 59 or more points in an NBA game.

Isaiah Thomas’ coaching work makes sense when you see his NBA achievements

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Detroit Pistons
• Career Length: 1981 - 1994
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA champion, 12x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA assists leader 1985

Isaiah Thomas is probably better known to some for his coaching, given he spent more than a decade helping teams like the Indiana Pacers. However, this came off the back of a successful NBA career where he twice helped the Detroit Pistons to become NBA champions. It’s no wonder he was the second overall pick during the 1981 NBA draft.

Along with being a two-time champion, Isaiah also featured in the NBA All-Star game 12 consecutive times, being named the MVP in 1984 and 1986. In 1985, he was also highlighted as the NBA assists leader, managing 13.9 per game. It’s no wonder Thomas ended up becoming a coach because he clearly has so much to share with others.

Chris Paul has repeatedly led on assists and steals in his NBA career

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 4th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors
• Career Length: 2005 - present
• NBA Achievements: 12x NBA All-Star, 5x NBA assists leader, 6x NBA steals leader, 75th Anniversary Team, 2x Olympic gold medalist

Chris Paul has been in the NBA for a long time now. He was first drafted as the 4th overall pick in 2005, and since then, he’s switched teams almost half a dozen times. That’s not a sign of Paul being a weak link, though, with Chris actually considered one of the greatest point guards in history.

His achievements range from being a 12x NBA All-Star to winning two Olympic gold medals to leading on assists and steals in five and six different seasons, respectively. We’re not surprised that he was included on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, especially as he helped the Rockets manage a franchise-record 65 games won in 2017.

Devin Booker keeps racking up impressive achievements for his age

• Position: Shooting guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 13th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Phoenix Suns
• Career Length: 2015 - present
• NBA Achievements: 3x NBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, youngest player to score over 60 points in a game, youngest player to manage consecutive 50-point games

As the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, Devin Booker wasn’t someone that teams were immediately going for. However, he soon proved his worth, with Booker becoming the youngest player to score more than 60 points in a single game in 2017. He followed that up in 2019 by being the youngest player to manage consecutive 50-point games.

It’s achievements like this that have helped Devin to become a three-time NBA All-Star and get the Suns a franchise record of 64 wins. They also likely influenced his selection for the US men’s basketball Olympic team, with Booker being in Tokyo when the States won the gold. Yet another achievement he’ll be able to look back on with pride.

Gary Payton is definitely a worthy candidate for the NBA’s best point guard

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat
• Career Length: 1990 - 2007
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, 9x NBA All-Star, NBA steals leader 1996, NBA Defensive Player of the Year 1996, 75th Anniversary Team

With the NBA being host to so many players, it’s usually impossible to single out one person as being the best player in that position. When it comes to point guards, though, one name that’s definitely up there is Gary Payton. A former NBA champion, he was consistently the NBA leader in games played and started throughout his career.

In 1996, he was the NBA steals leader with 2.9 per game; the same year he was selected as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Throw in the nine times he featured in the NBA All-Star Game and his place in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, and it’s no wonder he’s so highly regarded.

Jimmy Butler’s come a long way since being the 30th overall pick

• Position: Small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 30th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat
• Career Length: 2011 - present
• NBA Achievements: 6x NBA All-Star, All-NBA Second Team 2023, NBA Most Improved Player 2015, NBA steals leader 2021, Olympic gold medal

Jimmy Butler definitely wasn’t the highest pick during the 2011 NBA draft, with the Chicago Bulls selecting him as the 30th pick. However, that’s hard to imagine now, considering what Butler’s achieved. For one, he boasts an Olympic gold medal, helping the men’s US team to victory in Rio a year after being named the NBA Most Improved Player.

On top of that, he’s a six-time NBA All-Star and featured on the All-NBA Second Team in 2023. Meanwhile, in 2021, his 2.1 steals per game average made him the NBA leader. Butler’s played for several teams in his career, but he’s currently with the Miami Heat, who he’s helped to reach the NBA finals twice now.

Kawhi Leonard keeps being named the MVP, so he’s doing something right

• Position: Small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 15th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers
• Career Length: 2011 - present
• NBA Achievements: 5x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Someone who was a higher pick during the 2011 NBA draft was Kawhi Leonard, who was selected 15th by the Indiana Pacers. They traded him to the San Antonio Spurs that same day, though, with whom Leonard became NBA champion in 2014. He repeated that success five years later during his one season with the Toronto Raptors.

In both NBA finals, he was named the MVP, something that only two other players have managed with multiple teams. Leonard was also named the MVP for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, one of the five he’s appeared in so far during his career. As if that wasn’t enough, Kawhi’s also a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Vince Carter played more seasons in the NBA than any other person

• Position: Shooting guard / small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 5th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, New Jersey Nets, Sacramento Kings
• Career Length: 1998 - 2020
• NBA Achievements: 8x NBA All-Star, NBA Teammate of the Year 2016, Slam Dunk Contest champion 2000, 7th most three-point field goals in NBA history, Olympic gold medalist

A decade in the NBA is impressive. So, for Vince Carter to make it to 22 seasons before retiring is truly incredible. While that alone makes him legendary, though, he achieved so much during his career that also justifies his icon status. That includes being an eight-time NBA All-Star and the 2016 NBA Teammate of the Year.

When he competed in the 2000 Olympics, he was the nation’s scoring leader and helped the team to win gold. Notable for his dunks, he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2000 and is heralded today as one of the sport’s greatest dunkers. However, his three-point skills were also exceptional, hence why he’s seventh for the most field goals. 

Steve Nash took time to warm up but then made a huge splash

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 15th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 1996 - 2015
• NBA Achievements: 8x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Most Valuable Player, 5x NBA assists leader, NBA 75th Anniversary team

Someone else who enjoyed a long career in the NBA is Steve Nash, with the man playing 18 seasons for teams like the Suns and the Lakers. He didn’t necessarily make the biggest impact after being the 15th overall pick in 1996, but after a few seasons with the Mavericks, he really began to show what he could offer.

He was selected for eight NBA All-Star Games, and upon his return to the Suns in 2004, he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player for two consecutive years. In those years, he was the NBA assists leader, an accomplishment he managed five times in his career. It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the NBA’s best point guards.

Ray Allen’s three-pointer skills have rarely been rivaled in the NBA

• Position: Shooting guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 5th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat
• Career Length: 1996 - 2014
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA champion, 10x NBA All-Star, NBA Three-Point Contest champion 2001, former NBA three-point field goal leader, 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic gold medalist

Three-pointers are not that easy to pull off, especially consistently. That’s why Ray Allen’s record for having made the most career three-pointers is impressive. While someone else might hold the record now, that doesn’t take away from what Allen achieved during his 18 seasons on the court. After all, he won two NBA championships during his time.

His second championship win in 2013 is particularly notable, as it was his three-pointer that tied Game 6 when there were just 5.2 seconds left. It wasn’t quite enough to earn him an MVP award. However, as a ten-time NBA All-Star who earned a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, his efforts were still rewarded.

Reggie Miller’s ability to perform under pressure was a huge asset on the court

• Position: Shooting guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 11th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Indiana Pacers
• Career Length: 1987 - 2005
• NBA Achievements: 5x time NBA All-Star, former NBA three-point field goal leader, 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic gold medalist

Being good under pressure is an essential skill in the NBA. In the final moments of a game, you need to be able to keep calm and stay focused if you want to win. Fortunately, Reggie Miller was great at that, with the man able to make precise three-point shots in times of great pressure.

That’s why he was a five-time NBA All-Star and was selected for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. It also proved useful in helping him to secure a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games. Like Ray Allen, he once held the record for making the most career three-point field goals, but he’s now dropped down to fourth.

Patrick Ewing was central to the success of the Knicks in the ‘90s

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, Orlando Magic
• Career Length: 1985 - 2002
• NBA Achievements: 11x NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year 1986, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, 2x Olympic gold medalist, US Olympic Hall of Fame entrant

The New York Knicks had a decent amount of success in the 1990s, making it to two NBA Finals in that time. That’s partly down to the exceptional skills of Patrick Ewing, who was a dominant center for the team throughout this decade. Evidently, they were right to select him as the first overall pick during the 1985 NBA draft.

Ewing became an eleven-time NBA All-Star during his time with the Knicks, along with being named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1986. He also managed two Olympic gold medals at the 1984 and 1992 games, later making it into the US Olympic Hall of Fame. When he retired, he did so with a 21 points per game average.

John Stockton reached the playoffs in every season he played

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 16th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Utah Jazz
• Career Length: 1984 - 2003
• NBA Achievements: 10x NBA All-Star, 9x NBA assists leader, 2x NBA steals leader, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, 2x Olympic gold medal

Every single year that John Stockton was with the Utah Jazz, they made it to the playoffs. That’s a remarkable achievement, considering he was with them for 19 seasons, and it suggests that Stockton was instrumental in helping them get there. Well, the man does hold the record for most career assists and steals, and by some distance, too.

It’s thanks to John that the Utah Jazz made it to the NBA Finals - twice - during his career, something they’ve never managed without him. Although they lost to the Bulls both times, Stockton has fared much better. He achieved ten NBA All-Star appearances, two Olympic gold medals, and he featured in both the 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary Teams.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has truly been an MVP in recent years

• Position: Power forward / small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 15th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Filathlitikos, Milwaukee Bucks
• Career Length: 2011 - present
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 7x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2x NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2020, 75th Anniversary Team

Giannis Antetokounmpo is an NBA star who didn’t actually begin his professional playing career in the US. He spent a few years with Filathlitikos in Athens before being the 15th overall pick for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013. Since then, he’s been an incredible asset, helping the team become the NBA champions in 2021 for the first time since 1971. 

He was named the NBA Finals MVP for his performance, adding to the two NBA Most Valuable Player awards he received in the previous two seasons. Combined with his seven NBA All-Star Games - which includes an NBA All-Star Game MVP award in 2021 - and his NBA Defensive Player of the Year accolade, it’s easy to see why he’s a star.

Dwyane Wade became an NBA champion three times during his career

• Position: Shooting guard / point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 5th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers
• Career Length: 2003 - 2019
• NBA Achievements: 3x NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 13x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA scoring champion 2009, 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic gold medalist, Olympic bronze medalist

Dwyane Wade is now a co-owner of the Utah Jazz, but he never played for them during his career on the court. Most of his time was spent with the Miami Heat, who he helped become NBA champions three times before he moved to the Chicago Bulls. On one of those occasions, Wade was named the NBA Finals MVP.

Other achievements he managed with the Heat included being the NBA scoring champion in 2009 and making it to 12 of his 13 NBA All-Star Game appearances. He also represented the US men’s team at the Olympics twice during this part of his career, winning bronze in 2004 and gold in 2008. It’s no wonder he’s considered a legend.

Moses Malone is somewhat underrated despite his incredible achievements on the court

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 3rd round (ABA draft)
• Affiliated Team(s): Utah Stars, Atlanta Hawks, Spirits of St. Louis, Houston Rockets, Washington Bullets, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Buffalo Braves, San Antonio Spurs 
• Career Length: 1974 - 1995
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 3x NBA Most Valuable Player, 12x NBA All-Star, 6x NBA rebounding leader

Moses Malone played for no shortage of teams during his NBA career. Fortunately, he seemed to make an excellent impression on most of them, even winning the NBA championship while with the 76ers. Two of his three NBA Most Valuable Player awards also came while he was in Philadelphia, as did five of his 12 NBA All-Star Game appearances.

An effective rebounder - he was the leader for six years - he was a tireless player whose time on the court was legendary. Despite being considered one of the NBA’s greatest players, though, he sometimes gets lost amidst many of the other big names. It’s unfortunate that the man - who passed away in 2015 - has such an underrated legacy.

Luka Dončić is showcasing what European basketball players have to offer

• Position: Point guard / shooting guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Real Madrid, Dallas Mavericks
• Career Length: 2015 - present
• NBA Achievements: 4x NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year 2019, 27.6 points per game career average

The US is home to some sensational players, but we can’t overlook the talent that Europe has to offer, either. Ever since Luka Dončić was selected as the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, he’s proven himself to be a true talent on the court. After all, he already has four NBA All-Star Game appearances.

Upon his debut, he was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year award, and he’s averaged over 27 points per game each season since. Having been the youngest star to play for Real Madrid and helping them win the EuroLeague before joining the NBA, it was clear to Europe he possessed great skill. Now, he’s letting us appreciate it.

Elgin Baylor was one of the earliest stars to shine in the NBA

• Position: Small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 1958 - 1971
• NBA Achievements: 11x NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of the Year 1959, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams

When we think of NBA legends, we tend to focus on those who have played in more recent decades. However, people have been making waves on the court ever since the NBA began in 1949. One of the earliest to impress was Elgin Baylor, who debuted in the late ‘50s and went on to become an eleven-time All-Star.

Named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959, he impressed with his hanging jump shot, strong rebounds, and efficient passes. That’s why he had the honor of appearing in three anniversary teams - the 35th, 50th, and 75th. Unfortunately, Baylor passed away in 2021, but his many years as a basketball star and NBA executive aren’t anything we’ll ever forget.

Jayson Tatum keeps scoring more points season after season

• Position: Small forward / power forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Boston Celtics
• Career Length: 2017 - present
• NBA Achievements: 4x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, most points scored in an NBA All-Star game, Olympic gold medal

Jayson Tatum already holds several impressive NBA records after six years on the court. This includes scoring the most points - 55 - in an NBA All-Star game, an achievement that earned him the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2023. It was his fourth consecutive appearance in an NBA All-Star Game, and we doubt it will be his last.

While Tatum has yet to win an NBA championship title, he did help the team reach the NBA Finals in 2022. What’s more, he represented the US a year earlier at the Tokyo Olympic Games, walking away with a gold medal. With excellent skills on the court and a points-per-game average that’s increased every season, he’s definitely one to watch.

David Robinson’s military years didn’t hurt his basketball prowess

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): San Antonio Spurs
• Career Length: 1989 - 2003
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA champion,10x NBA All-Star, NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA rebounding leader 1991, NBA blocks leader 1992, NBA Defensive Player of the Year 1992, NB scoring champion 1994, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams

Many NBA stars go from high school to college to playing basketball professionally. Not David Robinson, though. Before he was the 1st overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft, he spent several years in the US Navy. That military service earned him the nickname the Admiral, and it did little to hurt his skills on the court.

Through his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, he became an NBA champion twice and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1995. In ten of his seasons, he made it into the NBA All-Star Game, and he was the NBA scoring champion, rebounding leader, and blocks leader at different points in his career. The Admiral was a legend.

Joel Embiid has been achieving incredible things after several years of injuries

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Philadelphia 76ers
• Career Length: 2014 - present
• NBA Achievements: 6x NBA All-Star, NBA Most Valuable Player, 2x NBA scoring champion

Joel Embiid only spent a year playing college basketball with the Kansas Jayhawks before he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 3rd overall pick of 2014. They chose well with Embiid, seeing as he’s been the NBA scoring champion for the last two years, averaging 30.6 and 33.1 points per game, respectively.

It’s no wonder he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2023, especially as no center has achieved this feat in over two decades. It’s incredible he’s reached this point, given he was plagued by injuries during his first few years with the 76ers. Luckily, he’s proven the team was right to stand by him during those difficult years.

Julius Erving lit up the ABA before doing the same in the NBA

• Position: Small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 12th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Virginia Squires, New York Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
• Career Length: 1971 - 1987
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, 11x NBA All-Star, NBA Most Valuable Player, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Team, 2x ABA champion, 3x ABA Most Valuable Player

Julius Erving’s professional career didn’t actually start in the NBA, with Erving initially playing for the American Basketball Association. However, when the two merged in 1976, he became another NBA star. Already a three-time ABA Most Valuable Player, he was named NBA Most Valuable Player during the 1981 season. Two years later, he became the NBA champion with the 76ers.

Celebrated for his dunking skills, he was instrumental in proving that this move can be about more than just showing power and intimidating the other team. He was consequently selected for the NBA All-Star game 11 times, having already featured in five ABA All-Star games at the start of his career. He deserved his spot on the various anniversary teams.

Karl Malone frequently delivered for the teams he played for

• Position: Power forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 13th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 1985 - 2004
• NBA Achievements: 14x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2x NBA Most Valuable Player, most free throws made, most regular season games started, 3rd most career points, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, 2x Olympic gold medalist

The Mailman might seem an unusual nickname to have. However, it's one that was bestowed upon Karl Malone because of how often he delivered on the court. He was a true MVP during his NBA career, receiving said award twice, as well as another two times in the NBA All-Star Game. He appeared in 14 of these during his career.

He currently sits in third place for career points scored at 36,928, with Malone also holding the record for most free throws and most regular season games started. It’s no wonder that he was selected for the US men’s basketball teams at two Olympics, helping the nation to take home gold in 1992 and 1996.

Jerry West was one of the early stars to shine in the Lakers

• Position: Point guard / shooting guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 1960 - 1974
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, 14x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA scoring champion 1970, NBA assists leader 1972, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams, NBA Finals MVP, Olympic gold medalist

It’s easy to forget that Jerry West used to play basketball, given how many years he’s spent as general manager and NBA executive. However, for 14 seasons, he was a Lakers player and an excellent one at that. After all, this is the man who managed to tie Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals by scoring a 60-foot shot.

A 14-time NBA All-Star Game player, he was also an NBA champion in 1972 during one of his last seasons with the Lakers. That same year, he was chosen as the NBA All-Star Game MVP and was also the NBA assists leader with 9.7 per game. This was several years after being the NBA scoring champion.

Dirk Nowitzki spent two-and-a-half decades showcasing his incredible basketball skills

• Position: Power forward / center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 9th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): DJK Würzburg, Dallas Mavericks
• Career Length: 1994 - 2019
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 14x NBA All-Star, NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Three-Point Contest champion 2006, NBA Teammate of the Year 2017, NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Dirk Nowitzki can never say he didn’t have a long career as a basketball player. He spent 25 years on the court, over two decades of which were with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. A few years before he was the 9th overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft, he established himself with the German team DJK Würzburg.

It was with the Mavericks that he really shone, though, becoming NBA champion in 2011 - and winning the NBA Finals MVP award, too - and making it to 14 NBA All-Star games. He was named the NBA Teammate of the Year in 2017 and won the NBA Three-Point Contest in 2006, with the latter highlighting his exemplary scoring skills.

Charles Barkley is one of few people to join the 20K/10K/4K Club

• Position: Power forward / small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 5th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets
• Career Length: 1984 - 2000
• NBA Achievements: 11x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA rebounding leader 1987, 20K/10K/4K Club member, 2x Olympic gold medalist

Height means a lot in basketball. However, some stars have proven that it’s not everything. Just look at Charles Barkley, who was shorter than the usual power forward yet managed to become one of the best rebounders in the NBA. He was an expert at scoring, defending, and creating plays, leading him to become a legend in the sport.

Named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1993, he made it to the NBA All-Star Game 11 times, starting with the same year he was crowned NBA rebounding leader. By the time he retired, he’d managed over 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists, something only seven people have reportedly accomplished in the NBA’s history.

Kevin Garnett is one of the few defensive stars to ever be an MVP

• Position: Power forward / center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 5th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets
• Career Length: 1995 - 2016
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, 15x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic gold medalist

Only a handful of people have ever won both the NBA Most Valuable Player award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. However, Kevin Garnett is one of those select few, achieving these accomplishments in 2004 and 2008, respectively. They’re a testament to the incredible defensive plays he made as one of the most versatile power forwards around.

The same year Garnett won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, he was also the NBA champion, helping the Celtics to victory during his first season with them. He’d previously been named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2003, several years after helping the US to win gold at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

Hakeem Olajuwon was a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the mid-’90s

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors 
• Career Length: 1984 - 2002
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA Finals MVP, 12x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA champion, NBA Most Valuable Player, 2 NBA Defensive Player of the year, 2x NBA rebounding leader, 3x NBA blocks leader, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Olympic gold medalist

Hakeem Olajuwon, or the Dream as he’s sometimes known, was a huge pick for the Houston Rockets back in the day. He was the 1st overall pick of the 1984 draft, a notable achievement given it also featured people like Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Michael Jordan. The Rockets chose well, though, as Olajuwon twice helped them become NBA champions.

This happened in 1994 and 1995, with Hakeem being named the NBA Finals MVP on both occasions. 1994 was also the year he was selected as the NBA Most Valuable Player and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the latter being his second consecutive win. A two-time NBA rebounding leader and three-time NBA blocks leader, he truly was sensational.

Oscar Robertson was definitely someone to watch in the 1960s

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: Territorial pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks
• Career Length: 1960 - 1974
• NBA Achievements: NBA champion, 12x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, 6x NBA assists leader, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams, NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, Olympic gold medalist

Having faced hardship on the court during his early life, it was a dream come true for Oscar Robertson to make it as big as he did in the NBA. It’s thanks to him that the Milwaukee Bucks won their first-ever NBA title, with the point guard proving instrumental during the 1971 season and final.

A 12-time NBA All-Star, he was the NBA assists leader six times in the 1960s, with Robertson also becoming the first man to average a triple-double for a season in ‘62. Given he started off the decade strong by helping the US team to win gold at the 1960 Olympics, it’s no wonder he received an NBA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bill Russell won more NBA championships than any other player in history

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Boston Celtics
• Career Length: 1956 - 1969
• NBA Achievements: 11x NBA champion, 12x NBA All-Star, 5x NBA Most Valuable Player, 4x NBA rebounding champion, 25th, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams, NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, Olympic gold medalist

Winning an NBA championship is a team effort. That’s why many of the greatest players in the sport only tend to have a couple of wins under their belt at most. Not Bill Russell, though, who became NBA champion 11 times during his career. Eight of those were consecutive wins, with the Celtics emerging victorious between 1959 and 1966.

By the end of that streak, Russell was a four-time NBA rebounding champion and a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player. It’s no wonder he was selected to be a player-coach during his last few years, with the man helping the team achieve victory twice more in ‘68 and ‘69. He’s another legend who absolutely deserves his NBA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kevin Durant was really living the dream in the late 2010s

• Position: Power forward / small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns
• Career Length: 2007 - present
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, 13x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, 4x NBA scoring champion, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, 3x Olympic gold medalist

The late 2010s were a wonderful time for Kevin Durant. After a decade in the NBA, he walked away with his first NBA championship, along with the NBA Finals MVP award. Then, the following year, he did it all again. It was a huge achievement for the man who’d already been named the NBA scoring champion four times previously.

Unfortunately, an injury in the 2019 NBA Finals threw things off for him somewhat, but that hasn’t changed his legendary status on the court. Along with everything else, he has three Olympic gold medals to his name and has made it to 13 NBA All-Star Games. He might not necessarily be the GOAT, but he’s definitely in contention.

Stephen Curry is potentially the greatest shooter the NBA has ever seen

• Position: Point guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 7th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Golden State Warriors
• Career Length: 2009 - present
• NBA Achievements: 4x NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 9x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2x NBA Most Valuable Player, 2x NBA scoring champion, 2x NBA Three-Point Contest champion, NBA steals leader 2016, 75th Anniversary Team, Golden State Warrior franchise leader in multiple categories

Stephen Curry is a name you simply have to know if you’ve been a fan of the NBA for the last 15 years. It’s impossible not to know about this guy who’s believed by many to be the greatest shooter the Association has ever seen. He currently has the record for most three-point field goals made with 3,390.

A franchise leader in points, assists, steals, field goals, and more for the Golden State Warriors, he was previously named the NBA scoring champion in 2016 and 2021. Neither of those years was when he became NBA champion, though, with Curry helping his team to victory four times so far. Could there be a fifth soon?

Nikola Jokíc is easily one of the greatest NBA draft steals in history

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 2nd round, 41st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Mega Basket, Denver Nuggets
• Career Length: 2012 - present
• NBA Achievements: 5x NBA All-Star, NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 2x NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Western Conference Finals MVP, 3x Serbian Player of the Year, Olympic silver medalist

Unlike a lot of NBA stars, Nikola Jokíc didn’t start his professional playing career in the US. He spent several years with the Serbian team Mega Basket before being the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft. A low pick for someone considered to be one of the greatest players the NBA’s ever seen.

Since joining the Nuggets, Nikola has been twice named the NBA Most Valuable Player and featured in the NBA All-Star game five times. In 2023, he became the NBA champion and was awarded the NBA Finals MVP, as well as earning the NBA Western Conference Finals MVP. It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the NBA’s biggest draft steals.

Tim Duncan wouldn’t have become a basketball legend if not for a hurricane

• Position: Power forward / center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): San Antonio Spurs
• Career Length: 1997 - 2016
• NBA Achievements: 5x NBA champion, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 15x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Teammate of the Year 2015, Olympic bronze medalist

We’ve seen so many great power forwards over the years. However, one that really stands out as potentially the best is Tim Duncan, who helped the San Antonio Spurs achieve victory in five NBA championships. These wins were pretty spread out, too, stretching from the early days of Duncan’s career to his final years on the court.

His first three NBA championship victories also earned him the NBA Finals MVP award, with Tim winning the NBA Most Valuable Player award in the latter year as well. Considering what he achieved on the court, it’s incredible to think that Duncan nearly became a competitive swimmer. The only reason he didn’t was that a hurricane destroyed his local pool.

Wilt Chamberlain still has the record for the most points in one game

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: Territorial pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Harlem Globetrotters, Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 1958 - 1973
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, 13x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 4x NBA Most Valuable Player, 11x NBA rebounding champion, 7x NBA scoring champion, NBA assist leader 1968, most points in one game, most rebounds in one game, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Game

Sports was a huge passion for Wilt Chamberlain. That’s why he spent time playing in the International Volleyball Association after he finished with basketball. However, it was through the NBA that he found his greatest success, with the seven-foot center racking up some incredible records during his career. For instance, being the NBA scoring champion for seven consecutive years.

He was also an 11-time NBA rebounding champion, a two-time NBA champion, and won the NBA Most Valuable Player award four times. As if that wasn’t enough, he still holds the records for the most points and rebounds in a single game, with 100 and 55, respectively. Is it any surprise some people consider this man to be the GOAT?

Larry Bird has had immense success on and off the basketball court

• Position: Small forward / power forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 6th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Boston Celtics
• Career Length: 1979 - 1992
• NBA Achievements: 3x NBA champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, 12x NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 3x NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Rookie of the Year 1980, 3x NBA Three-Point Contest champion, 50th and 75th Anniversary Team, Olympic gold medal

There are plenty of awards NBA stars can win throughout the course of their career. However, no one else has won the array of accolades that Larry Bird has. Not only was he named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, and All-Star MVP, but he also picked up Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year.

The latter two came in later years after Bird walked away from playing professionally with three NBA championships and 12 NBA All-Star Games under his belt. He also managed an Olympic gold medal the year that he retired from the court, so it’s no surprise he went on to have success as a coach and NBA executive afterward.

Shaquille O’Neal was a force to be reckoned with in the early 2000s

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics
• Career Length: 1992 - 2011
• NBA Achievements: 4x NBA champion, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 15x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Rookie of the Year, 2x NBA scoring champion, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Olympic gold

Shaquille O’Neal is one of those names that always comes to mind when people think of basketball icons. The almost-two decades he spent as a center were some of the best in NBA history, with Shaquille repeatedly demonstrating his skill as a scoring champion. This really helped him to secure his first of four NBA championship titles in 2000.

Achieving three consecutive wins - along with three consecutive NBA Finals MVP awards - O’Neal definitely wasn’t someone to mess with in the early 2000s. However, he was sensational throughout his career, finishing in the top ten for career points, field goals, and blocks. His remarkable field goal percentage of 58.2% also puts him third in NBA history.

Kobe Bryant’s legendary career will be remembered long after his untimely passing

• Position: Shooting guard / small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 13th overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 1996 - 2016
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA Finals MVP, 18x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA scoring champion, 4x NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion 1997, 75th Anniversary Team, 2x Olympic gold medalist, 5x NBA champion

Over the years, we’ve lost some of the NBA’s legendary stars. However, none of their lives came to as devastating an end as Kobe Bryant’s, with the shooting guard passing away in a helicopter crash in 2020. It was a tragic end after what had been an exceptional 20-year career encompassing five NBA championship titles and 18 NBA All-Star Games.

Basketball was seemingly in Kobe’s genes, thanks to his dad, with Bryant becoming the NBA scoring champion two years in a row after previously winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. He ultimately finished his career with 33,643 points - a 25-per-game average - and came the closest that anyone ever has to beating Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game record with 81.

Magic Johnson’s exceptional career is sometimes overlooked because of his diagnosis

• Position: Point guard / shooting guard
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Los Angeles Lakers, Magic M7 Borås, Magic Great Danes
• Career Length: 1979 - 1991, 1992, 1996, 1999 - 2000
• NBA Achievements: 5x NBA champion, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 12x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP, 3x NBA Most Valuable Player, 4x NBA assists leader, 2x NBA steals leader, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, Olympic gold medalist

It’s not often that you see someone come out of retirement with sports like basketball. However, Magic Johnson did it several times during his career, having initially stepped away from the court after contracting the human immunodeficiency virus. The disease interfered with what was an exceptional sporting career, with Magic becoming NBA champion five times during his initial run.

He proved he still had the skills after his initial retirement, coming back to help the US men’s basketball team win gold at the 1992 Olympics. However, uncertainty about the condition at the time somewhat damaged his reputation, even though he’d repeatedly been an NBA MVP. Thankfully, in 2019, his talent was acknowledged with an NBA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named the MVP more times than anyone else

• Position: Center
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 1969 - 1989
• NBA Achievements: 2x NBA Finals MVP, 6x NBA champion, 6x NBA Most Valuable Player, 2x NBA scoring champion, 4x NBA blocks leader, NBA rebounding leader 1976, 19x NBA All-Star, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams

Considering how many exceptional players there are in the NBA at any one time, it can be hard for someone to win the MVP accolade multiple times. It wasn’t quite so difficult for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though, who took the award home six times during his career. That’s the same amount of times he won the NBA championship.

Previously the Association’s greatest scorer with 38,387 points across 1,560 games, he was named the NBA scoring champion twice in the early 1970s. He also managed to achieve more blocks than anyone else in four seasons and appeared in 19 NBA All-Star Games. So, Kareem’s repeated success with the MVP award is no real surprise. 

LeBron James recently became the biggest scorer in NBA history

• Position: Small forward / power forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers
• Career Length: 2003 - present
• NBA Achievements: 4x NBA champion, 4x NBA Finals MVP, 19x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA All-Star Game MVP, 4x NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA scoring champion 2008, NBA assists leader 2020, 75th Anniversary Team, 2x Olympic gold medalist, Olympic bronze medalist

Remember how we said that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar used to be the NBA’s greatest scorer? Well, that was the case until 2023, when Lebron James overtook him. Is it any surprise that James is the one who managed it, though, given all that he’s accomplished in the NBA? From four NBA championship titles to 19 All-Star games, he’s a true legend.

He was named the NBA scoring champion in 2008, and the NBA assists leader in 2020, demonstrating just how long he’s managed to be at the top of his game. Many would consider LeBron the true GOAT of the NBA, especially as he’s made ten NBA Finals and won the MVP award four times, on top of three Olympic medals.

Michael Jordan finished his NBA career as a ten-time scoring champion

• Position: Shooting guard / small forward
• NBA Draft: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
• Affiliated Team(s): Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards
• Career Length: 1984 - 1993, 1995 - 1998, 2001 - 2003
• NBA Achievements: 14x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA All-Star Game MVP, 6x NBA Finals MVP, 2x NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, 5x NBA Most Valuable Player, 10x NBA scoring champion, 3x NBA steals leader, 6x NBA champion, NBA Defensive Player of the Year 1988, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, 2x Olympic gold medalist

If someone doesn’t name anyone else on this list as the Greatest Of All Time in the NBA, that’s probably because they believe this man deserves the top spot. An incredibly accomplished star on the court, Michael Jordan's leaps and slam dunks really helped him to stand out. Of course, his achievements in the NBA speak for themselves.

He was named the NBA Finals MVP in all six of the NBA championships he won. He was also selected as the NBA Most Valuable Player five times outside of this, as well as three times in his 14 NBA All-Star Games. As a ten-time NBA scoring champion and three-time steals leader, is it any wonder he’s considered GOAT material?